Mark Twain Pilot Program

MARK TWAIN PILOT PROGRAM

Capital Prep students selected to participate in a pilot program partnering the school with the Mark Twain House will not only read and discuss Huckleberry Finn, but to also investigate the historical context of the book as well as Mark Twain's motivations for writing it. Ultimately, students will evaluate the impact of Finn on readers, and express their argument in a formal essay that addresses the question: "Should Adventures of Huckleberry Finn be required reading in high school American literature classes?"  The students will have the opportunity to work with Craig Hotchkiss, retired AP US History Teacher and current Education Program Manager at the Mark Twain House, Kerry Driscoll PH.D, professor of English at St. Joseph's College, curators from the museum and their US History teacher Ms. Davern.  A synthesis of the essays produced by the students will be published in the local press.