If you successfully completed World Literature and Introduction to Literature, you will be taking College Composition in the Fall of 2017. This is a semester-long, dual-credit class followed by British Literature in the Spring semester. Please note - this class can also be taken without the dual-credit option, which will have different assessments.
A word about dual-credit...A dual-credit class has all the rigor and demands of an introductory college course. What does this mean? You need to take the course work seriously - do all the reading and assignments and come to class prepared to participate. The class is run as a Socratic seminar where students actively share their ideas and help one another understand/form opinions about different issues, values, and themes reflected in the various readings. In addition, this class does have a demanding writing schedule - not impossible, but you need to be prepared to write two research-oriented papers, among others. All that said, it is a great class that will be a huge asset to you for college. And, yes, you will write your college essay.
Please note: There are two parts to your Summer Reading Assignment. See details below! And, no late work will be accepted. Failure to complete an assignment may preclude you from taking the dual credit option.
Part 1 -Your "Notebook" - is due the first day of class, Monday, August 28th.
Part 2 is due Friday, August 18th. Either submit through your google folder or email to me at [email protected]
Part 1!
Your Summer Reading assignment is to read and take notes on How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster. I have included a link hereso you can access the work online.
The Assignment
You need a spiral or composition notebook (no looseleaf paper!) to take notes and write your commentary about the text
Thoroughly read How to Read Literature Like a Professor and take notes using one of several different forms: Double Entry Journal, Cornell Two-Column Notes, Visual Notetaking, Outlining, or using a Mind Map/Spider diagram. I've included pictures below!
Can you mix it up and try different forms of note taking? Why, yes, of course! However, you must use one of the forms shown below. Google to get more information if you do not fully understand any of the forms.
You will record one entry for each chapter (or, a total of 25 - no need to address Chapters 16 & 17 : ). Label each entry with the chapter title and number. Choose at least two significant quotes from each chapter, PLUS include your own ideas about the chapter. You may agree, disagree, ask relevant questions, or draw pictures to help you remember and process the information from the chapter. This journal is ultimately a source for you - that I hope you will be able to use throughout the year and beyond.
How long should each entry be? Just answer the questions as noted above. I do not want you to simply rewrite the book! You can keep a copy of that. Capture something from the chapter that is meaningful to you - something that you can use!
Due date? The first day of school, Monday, August 28th.
So, here is Part 2!
Now that you have read and digested HTRLLP, you will complete a Literary Response for "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allen Poe. Here is alink to the story.
Your journal response should be written in complete sentences, paragraph format - one paragraph for each question. Use literary present tense when discussing the text in supporting your position! And, because some questions are asking for your opinion, you may also use first person (I). Your grade for this portion is based primarily on demonstrating depth of thought. P.S. I do not want to hear what SparkNotes or any of his friends have to say!
1. Weather (Ch 10): Foster says that symbols in literature have a range of associations, often based on the reader's interpretation. Select something from the story that you suspect has symbolic (beyond the literal) importance and explain why you feel that way. What is the symbol and how is it important to the story, both as a concrete object and as a representation of something else (idea, something abstract, etc.)?
2. Geography (Ch 19): Foster explains that authors often situate their stories in a certain location for a specific reason - that, geography somehow enhances the story and its meaning. Explain how the location, landscape function in this story and why it might be important. Would the story make as much of an impact if it were set elsewhere? Explain.
3. Season (Ch 20): It is discussed in HTRLLP how season is an integral part of the story's setting. Seasons each have different meanings, different associations, and authors make use of these in their writings. Explain the associations and impact/effect of the seasonal setting in the story.
Part 2 is due Friday, August 18th. Either submit through your google folder or email to me at [email protected]