Regular American Literature Summer Assignment

 REQUIRED SUMMER READING OVERVIEW

Materials needed for your Summer Assignment:

·         Novel

·         Composition Notebook (no spirals, please);  this will become your Reader’s Log for the course

PART ONE:   CHOOSING A NOVEL

Read one of the selections from the list on the back of this page.   To make an informed choice, it makes sense for you to peruse each novel, and perhaps even conduct a little research into which one you would most enjoy reading.  All of the novels fit somewhere into our American Literature curriculum, so any one of them will work academically;  your job is to pick the one that is right for you!  Feel free to read more than one! JJ

After making your selection, follow the directions as you read.  It is IMPORTANT that you follow the directions carefully to ensure maximum credit for your labors!  J There are three components to the assignment.

PART TWO:  ASSIGNMENT DETAILS (3 sections)

As you read:

1. Vocabulary:  Highlight new words in the text (as you read, highlight any word with which you are unfamiliar).  If you are using a borrowed copy of the novel, then you must use pages of your Reader’s log to complete this task; be sure to list page numbers where unfamiliar words are located, for future reference.

2.  Literary Devices:  In your Reader’s Log, devote a page to each of the terms/concepts listed below.  Label each page with the literary device at the top, then write its definition.  As you read, pay attention to how these devices are used and the degree to which each impacts your novel.  Write your observations on the pages for each literary device.  Be sure to note page numbers for future reference.

o   Setting (when, where, atmosphere, descriptions of specific settings)

o   Characterization (direct, indirect)

o   Dialect

o   Symbolism

o   Theme (American Dream)  

3. Double-Entry Diary:

                     NOTE:  Must be hand-written in ink – use TWO contrasting dark-colored ink pens – i.e. red/black

 Ø  AS YOU READ (not after), use a COMPOSITION NOTEBOOK (no spirals, please) to create a double-entry diary. You should include at least TEN entries which include text from throughout the novel (beginning, middle, and end).

Ø  Each entry should be insightful and thought-provoking, displaying a true reflection of the reading. A complete description of a double-entry diary is included below. You may include more entries than assigned, but no fewer; each acceptable entry will earn two additional points on your grade, up to ten points.

Directions for Double-Entry Diary:

Ø  Divide your paper in half (top and bottom),   Head the TOP section “Text” and the BOTTOM  “Thinking: Responses/Reactions.”  

Ø  TOP - As you read, select passages of one to three paragraphs which make an impression upon you; write the entire passage verbatim, in the section labeled “Text.” Be sure to list the page number(s) in the margin to the left of the passage (even electronic text must have some sort of page marking).

Ø  BOTTOM - Below each entry, in the section labeled, “Thinking: Responses/Reactions,” use a contrasting-colored pen to write your meaningful, insightful response or reaction to the passage, using the RACE format. Choose passages which are impactful and meaningful in some way; it may be that the passage reminds you of something, it strikes a nerve with you, or you agree or disagree with it or its contents/actions; your response/reaction should provide a full and enlightening explanation of why you chose this particular excerpt.

 Reading Choice Selection for AL Summer Assignment 2023:

          Into the Wild (Jack Krakeur)

           The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

           Their Eyes Were Watching God (Zora Hurston)

           Red Badge of Courage (Stephen Crane)

DATE DUE:

Your diary is due on the SECOND DAY OF SCHOOL.

You will have a READING TEST the first week of school, which will include writing a reflective and well-constructed, analytical paper (you will be allowed to use your diary for this activity). 

       The Summer Assignment is an important introduction to American Literature.  Try to balance your summer 

       and summer work!