If you successfully completed American Literature, you will be taking World Literature in the Fall of 2017! This is a semester course, followed by Introduction to Literature (dual-credit) in the Spring semester.
The required Summer Reading novel for this course is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. As you read this novel, pay close attention to the details and take some notes. What kind of notes? Think about the themes, characters, setting, conflict and overall plot of the novel.
*Two (2) Assignments (non-honors): "Journey" Assignment and "Reflection" Assignment - due the first day of school, Monday, August 28th. No late work will be accepted!
If you would like to be considered for Honors, you must read an additional novel and complete a separate assessment. Choose one of the following novels (to be read in addition to The Alchemist):
1984, George Orwell; The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne; Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte; Into Thin Air, Jon Krakauer; The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck; Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy; The Scarlet Pimpernel, Baroness Orczy; Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte; Les Miserables, Victor Hugo; or The Book Thief, Markus Zusak (you may not choose a novel you have already read). Just a note...some of these novels deal with 'adult' situations so check them out and make sure they are appropriate for you! If there is another novel you would prefer to read, please check with me first.
* Two (2) Assignments (honors): 1) "Reflection" Assignment - due first day of school, Monday, August 28th. 2) Honors Essay for additional novel - due Friday, August 4th. No late work will be accepted.
"Journey" Assignment - to be completed by non-honors
In The Alchemist, we see that people who choose to follow their destinies face many adversities along their journeys. Consider what hardships Santiago faces in order to follow his dreams. Create a symbolic representation (a road, roller coaster, maze, etc.) of Santiago's journey including key plot moments and conflicts. Be creative!
"Reflection" Assignment - to be completed by both non-honors and honors So, what is a Reflection? Like other types of essays, it has an introduction (a thesis statement), body and conclusion. Maintain a formal tone, but you many write in the first person - I want to hear what you think! Your writing is organized into paragraphs, where you present your reflections on the questions proposed to you. Remember, do not simply summarize ~ reflect. Here's a link if you need help!
Reflection #1 - Characterization (to be completed after reading first section (Part 1) of novel) For this Reflection, choose one of the characters that has been introduced so far in the novel. In your analysis - of 200-400 words - discuss specific details of how the author directly and indirectly shows the personality of your chosen character. Also, discuss what role you think this character plays into important themes or ideas that you have noticed so far in the novel. Lastly, make predictions on how you believe the character will continue to influence the rest of the story.
Reflection #2 - Quotations and Central Ideas (focused on the remainder of the novel) For this reflection, choose one or two quotation(s) that you feel explain or demonstrate a central idea in the novel. Use and explain the quotation(s) considering: why are they important in the story; how do they help to develop the theme/central idea. Your analysis should be approximately 400-600 words.
**Details: Both Reflections should be double-spaced; 12 pt type. To "prove" your discussion use direct and indirect quotes. How many do you need? As many as needed to share your insight! If the Reflection is for 200-400 words (or whatever), please do not do an 800-word paper : ) Submit in google folder - if you are a new student, simply print and bring the first day of school.
Honors Essay - for 2nd novel ("choice") - due Friday, August 4th* Essential question/topic of essay: How/what does your novel teach us about rebellion and/or individual responsibility, determination?
Where to start: Using specific references to the text, develop a strong thesis statement (what + verb + idea) and three strong points/claims to support your idea. Your final essay should be five paragraphs (which includes the introduction and conclusion) and MLA formatted . You do not need a Works Cited page. Be unique with your ideas and back them up with quotes from and references to the text. How many quotes per body paragraph? Enough to adequately answer the question. You know the drill for formatting (3rd person, literary present tense...).
You are not being graded on your ability to summarize the novel, but rather to show that you can develop an eloquent and intelligent argument. The ideas should be your own - not what you can find on the internet! * You can submit your essays through your google folders or simply email them to me: [email protected]