HONORS AMERICAN LITERATURE
Summer Reading and Assignments
You will have 3 books to read this summer:
All reading and writing assignments are due on the first day of class. This work is your admission ticket. Anyone who has not completed these assignments will be removed from the roster and counseled into another class. Please bring your books and responses to class with you on day one. |
Assignment #1
You should read How to Read Literature like a Professor first. For this book, choose 3 chapters to summarize for notes. A summary for one of these chapters should be 1-3 pages (stay in the page range!) and should be constructed as an informative essay. Part of your admission to the class (it's Honors!) is to demonstrate you can construct a basic essay, so do a good job and bring FINAL COPIES, not drafts. You may do this work electronically and share it with me the first day of class.
After you’ve finished How to Read..., read The Great Gatsby and The Scarlett Letter (I suggest in that order) keeping in mind what you’ve read in How to Read Literature like a Professor and paying attention to how you can apply what you’ve read in the Foster book to heighten your understanding and enrich your reading experience. |
Assignment #2
Answer the study questions for The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald. When school starts, you will have an on-demand essay on the following topic. You will be able to use your original notes. Feel free to do outside research and include it in at the end of your notes for the book if you'd like. Be sure to cite any sources you use, INCLUDING SPARK NOTES!
First Day In Class Assignment
You cannot use a pre-written essay, but you can think about this and be prepared to write it. Essay Question: Compare and contrast life depicted in the novel designated (it will be one of the two you've read, but I won't tell you which one right now) with modern America: how does the American Dream shape the beliefs and values of society? Things to consider:
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Assignment #3
Answer the study questions for The Scarlett Letter by Hawthorne. When school starts, you will have an on-demand essay on the following topic. You will be able to use your original notes. Feel free to do outside research and include it in at the end of your notes for the book if you'd like. Be sure to cite any sources you use, INCLUDING SPARK NOTES!
Contact
I'm available all summer by email if you have questions or problems. I check email every 2-3 days, so don't panic if you don't get a response for a few days. If you don't hear from me withing 5 days, email again.
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Literary Terms
In this course we will be reviewing and applying literary terminology for the analysis of poetry, prose, drama, and fiction. I am assuming that you have a working knowledge of literary terms when you enter Honors American Literature. However, I have supplied you with a resource below. I expect you to know what each of these terms is. There will not be a test, but I will be using these terms and if you are familiar with them before the class starts, it will be much easier for you.