2011

Literary Decision Honors and Literary Classics Honors Assignments

Students taking Lit Decisions H and/or Lit Classics H

 

As a student in Lit Decision H and Lit Classics H, you will be reading novels and essays that deal with universal issues that have affected and shaped humanity for centuries. You will also be introduced to the thinking that has emerged in an attempt to understand ourselves and respond to the world.

To prepare for the content presented in these courses, you are required to read a work by an author who has written effectively and engagingly about the common problems and experiences of mankind.

Select one book from the following list:

The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain		 The Age of Innocence
Edith Wharton		 Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger		 Bel Canto
Ann Patchett

Each of these titles is available in the Shenendehowa School Library, your local library and bookstore, and on-line. You are not required to buy the book, but doing so might make it easier on you.

As you are reading, take notes on three of the following conflicts or ideas present in the material (Not all topics are appropriate for every book, so choose wisely):

  1. Selflessness versus selfishness
  2. The rights of the individual versus the rights of society (i.e., non-conformity versus conformity)
  3. Ethical responses to societal threats
  4. Passion versus responsibility
  5. Isolation versus the desire to be a part of society

In your notes, be sure to include specific, detailed information that contributes to the development of each topic. For example, you can take notes on plot events; characters’ thoughts, actions, and conversations; and setting details – among other things! Make sure to include the characters’ names, the specific situations that create the conflict, and a handful of significant quotations (with page numbers). If you have any questions about the book, make sure to write them down, too.

You may want to mark significant passages with post-it notes for easy reference in class as you will explore the topics both in writing and discussion groups; however, post-it notes cannot be used as a substitute for the handwritten or typed notes.

In a day and age when the internet seems to be the source of all knowledge, we know that there is great temptation to read about a book, rather than to read the book itself. While we do not forbid you from reading sources such as Sparknotes, we want to make it clear that your notes must include detailed information not provided in these outside sources and must explore the book on a deeper level. There is no shortcut for reading and thinking!

We are hoping that you have enrolled in honors English because you love to read as much as we do! If you find yourself looking for more to read this summer, feel free to read one or more of the selections that will be taught in Lit Classics H and Lit Decisions H. Please refer to the English Department website for a complete list of the literature in these courses.

Enjoy your summer and the novel(s) you choose. We look forward to seeing you in September.

Ms. Jacques

Ms. Kirkpatrick


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This page is maintained in accordance with Shenendehowa's web publishing guidelines by Steve Davidson (davistev@shenet.org).   Last updated 06/03/2011