ENGL 1301 Dual Credit Summer Reading Background
Every year I struggle with finding a great summer reading option for 1301/1302. The class is composition, so we do not read fiction as you have in your previous English classes or as you will in British Literature your senior year. We read nonfiction, but because the curriculum focuses on working through short close readings and different types of writing, everyone reading the same nonfiction book hasn’t always worked that well in the past.
A big part of what we will work on this next year is not just the technical aspects of writing, but also the depth of your ideas. Providing surface-level thought just doesn’t work. The class requires you not just to know what you think, but also why you think it, and to explore the complexities of your own ideas.
Something that will help you more than anything in the class is to simply become aware of the conversations that are part of society today. Once you are aware of these topics, decide what you think. Where do you stand? On how many topics can you contribute intelligent and informed conversation?
Assignment
For your summer reading, you are going to choose one syndicated columnist and study the way they contribute to national conversation (requirements and suggestions are on the back of this page). Once you choose your columnist, you will read and annotate at least 10 of their columns.
You may either print the columns and annotate by hand, or you may copy/paste them into a document. Be sure the title, author, and date are included. Annotate both for writing style as well as arguments/thoughts within the columns. Below are questions to guide you. When you are finished reading all ten columns, write a one-page reflection on the author’s overall work (MLA, Times New Roman). For the reflection, answer this question: How does the author use language to advance a central argument over ten different columns?
Requirements
1. All ten columns should be published within the past two years (May 2015-August 2017) 2. There are so many topics that go beyond politics; do not feel that you have to choose something political. 3. Read through several before just choosing one. If you enjoy the columnist’s work, this assignment will be a lot more enjoyable. Some are harsh and biting, some are more touchy feely. Some will focus primarily on politics, others on other issues. 4. DO NOT choose the exact same columns as one of your friends. 5. Have a physical copy of all annotated columns as well as your reflection printed and ready to turn in on the first day of school.
Guides for Annotations
You could mark: o Vocabulary words that stick out o Use of particularly formal or informal language o Figurative language or imagery o Repetition o Noticeable syntax o Rhetorical questions o Any other devices you notice You could comment on: o Tone o Use of examples o Logos, Pathos, or Ethos o The effectiveness of the argument o Ideas that are new to you o Questions you have o Any other observations you may have
Possible Columnists
. Maureen Dowd-The New York Times . David Brooks-The New York Times . Paul Krugman-The New York Times . Thomas Friedman- The New York Times . Brent Staples- The New York Times . S. Amjad Hussain- The Toledo Blade . Michelle Malkin- San Diego Source . Anna Quindlen- Newsweek . Garrison Keillor- The Baltimore Sun . Charles Krauthammer- The Washington Post . Kathleen Parker- The Washington Post . George Will- The Washington Post . Leonard Pitts, Jr.- The Miami Herald . Patt Morrison- The Los Angeles Times . Meghan Daum- The Los Angeles Times . Bob Sipchen- The Los Angeles Times . Dana Parsons- The Los Angeles Times . Peggy Noonan- The Wall Street Journal
Final Thoughts
On the first day of school bring your annotations and one page reflection, printed and ready to turn in. Our first assignment will be recapping everything you’ve ever learned about writing in any English class—evverrr. So don’t forget things over the summer. You will also be starting the year reading a nonfiction book of your choice (NOT one that has been turned into a movie). You may want to be researching/thinking about your choice! I am excited to start the year! Enjoy your summer