AP Language & Honors American Literature Mrs. Chandler’s Summer Reading Assignments 2014-2015
Dear AP Language and Honors American Literature student:
Welcome to your 11th grade AP Language course. AP Language is a rigorous course designed to prepare students for the nationally administered Advanced Placement exam (Spring 2015). This course is a one-year study in American literature, nonfiction, writing, and research, with our study of American Literature presented chronologically. A major emphasis for this year will be the evaluation of student response to literature and nonfiction texts as demonstrated in classroom discussion, written expression, and oral presentation. It is my hope that these summer reading assignments will begin a rewarding study of language and literature (fiction, nonfiction, biography, and drama) and provide the beginnings of a solid foundation of literature and analysis to prepare you for the AP exam.
The first two assignments will be due during the first week of class.
Please note: While it is not required that you purchase the following texts in hard form, I believe it would make reading and annotating a much easier process. Using an e-book (Kindle, Nook, etc.) is fine, but you must have access to the text when necessary in the classroom; in other words, you must be willing to bring those devices to class at your own risk. Amazon and half.com sell new and used books, as do Goodwill and 2nd & Charles near Town Center Mall.
Part I: Arthur Miller's play The Crucible
1. Before you read this play, write a brief definition or exploration of the following terms: -crucible -witch hunt -Salem Witch Trails -McCarthyism
2. As you read this play, find at least one strong piece of textual evidence which speaks to each of the following themes: -human cruelty in the name of righteousness -the individual and the community -justice v. retribution and revenge -godliness v. worldliness -ignorance v. wisdom -the Puritan myth -order v. individual freedom
You may highlight and annotate the evidence directly in the text if the copy is your own. Otherwise, use post-it notes or paper.
3. When you return to school, you will be completing a character study on the characters of The Crucible. Pay particular attention to each of the following 10 characters: Reverend Samuel Parris, Betty Parris, Abigail Williams, Tituba, Mrs. Ann Putnam, Thomas Putnam, John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Reverend John Hale. A brief description of each of these characters, including significant quotes and/or moments of characterization, will be helpful for you in your future assignments. Part II: Personal Selection
Can you smell the freedom? Select one text from the list below.
A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again by David Foster Wallace Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
1. You will be ceaselessly grateful to yourself for annotating whichever text you pick. Interact with the text as you read: What strikes you? What's the argument? Why did the author do that thing s/he just did?
2. You will have an additional in-class assignment pertaining to this text to complete upon your return. Prepare yourself for a written and/or oral assignment by completing the following items (#3 and #4).
3. Top Five Vocabulary Words Select five examples of interesting diction in the text. For each word: 1. Write the sentence, complete with page number citation in MLA format. 2. Define the word. Some words have multiple definitions. Be sure to write down the definition that applies to the sentence you have selected. 3. Discuss how the use of this word (in the context of the text) impacts the reader in a specific way. Pay particular attention to words with a specific connotation. 4. Use this word in your own sentence.
4. Top Five Passages Select the five most influential passages that illustrate interesting arguments in the text. For each passage: 1. Write the sentence (or sentences), complete with page number citation in MLA format. 2. Discuss the use of this sentence or sentences in the context of the text. Why did you select this passage? How does a thorough understanding of this passage play an important role in understanding the author’s purpose with this text? 3. Label the tone of this passage. How does the author use specific strategies to create this tone?
Part PartIII: Preparing III: Getting Yourself a forHead Future Start Reading
I would highly suggest picking up a copy of the following two texts, which are novels we will study later in the semester. If you would like to get a head start on the reading, I welcome your enthusiasm!
Into the Wild by Jon Krakaeur The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride
A Final Note
Please be aware that you are taking two courses: Honors American Literature and AP Language. These two courses culminate with the American Literature EOCT and the AP Language test. Please take into consideration the vast amount of material you will be reading and assessing during the course of the year, and prepare yourself accordingly. If it is your intention to skirt the work by reading summaries, watching movies, and abusing grade-saver websites rather than experiencing each text fully, for yourself, and from your own perspective, I would reconsider the decision to take an Advanced Placement course.