16 Their Eyes Were Watching God // Due the week of Jan. 7, 2014

Hi Everyone!

So we've got double homework for the break, so read the rest of the book and write 8 discussion questions—thanks!

15 Their Eyes Were Watching God // Due the week of Dec. 16, 2014

Hi Everyone!

Read chapters 1-9 this week and write 5 discussion questions!

I suggest reading the dialect parts out loud to help you understand them :)

14 Their Eyes Were Watching God 1 // Due the week of Dec. 8, 2014

Hi Everyone!

Read chapters 1-5 of the book and write 5 discussion questions this week.

Thanks!

13 Of Mice and Men Final Reading // Due the week of Dec. 2, 2014

Hi Everyone!

This week:

1. Finish the book 
2. Write 5 discussion questions
3. Write around 1/2-1 page about whether you think George made the right or wrong decision at the end of the book. By the end, you should know what decision this is (it's pretty major), but if you're still unsure if you have it, email me your guess and I'll let you know if you're right.

12 Of Mice and Men // Due the week of Nov. 17, 2014

Hi Everyone!

This week, read up until the chapter that starts, "One end of the great barn…"

There aren't chapter numbers, so I figured this might be an easier gauge. I suggest finding that chapter and bookmarking it so you don't read over.

Then write 5 discussion questions. Thanks!

11 Of Mice and Men // Due the week of Nov. 12, 2014

Hi Everyone!

This week, read chapters 1-2 of Of Mice and Men and complete the following writing homework:

(The page numbers may change depending on which version of the book you have)

Of Mice and Men

Homework Discussion Questions

Answer each of the questions below in at least 3 sentences each.

Chapter 1

• (Page 1) Why does Steinbeck describe the setting with such detail?
• (Page 5) What observations can you make about Lennie based on his attachment to the dead mouse?
• (Page 7) What do you think could have happened in Weed to make George and Lennie leave?
• (Page 9) Steinbeck compares Lennie to a terrier - What does this comparison say about Lennie?

• What does it say about the view of handicapped people during the 1930s?
• How have views on the handicapped changed/stayed the same today?
• (Page 11) George complains about having to take care of Lennie. Why might George keep Lennie around?

Chapter Two

• (Page 20) What can we assume about the boss from Candy's description of him?
• Candy claims he is a nice man - What evidence do we have for/against this statement?
• Is Candy a reliable source of information? Why/why not?
• (Page 22) Why might the boss jump to the conclusion that George is taking advantage of Lennie?
• Why doesn't George simply tell the boss the truth about Lennie instead of claiming to be his cousin?
• (Page 25) Why is Curly hostile towards Lennie?
• Is Curly's attitude justified? Why/why not?
• (Page 33) Slim is described as a talented, good looking, well respected man on the ranch. Does this give him reason to flirt with Curly's wife? Why does he seem to get away with it?

10 Great Gatsby Essay // Due the week of Nov. 3, 2014

Write a 1-2 page essay that answers one of the following 6 questions.

Organize your ideas around a thesis about the novel. This statement or thesis should be focused, with clear reasons supporting its conclusion. The thesis and supporting reasons should be backed by references to the text.

1. Is Fitzgerald writing a love story that embraces American ideals, or a satire that comments on American ideals? Refer to passages and quotes to build a thesis.
2. In Chapter 6, Nick says, “You can’t repeat the past.” Gatsby replies, “Can’t repeat the past? Why of course you can!” Gatsby then describes a moment when he had kissed Daisy. Nick describes Gatsby’s memory as “appalling sentimentality,” after which Nick himself remembers a “fragment” and an “elusive rhythm.” Are these passages about Nick or Gatsby? What has Nick forgotten that he is trying to retrieve? Finally, does Gatsby misuse the past and his memories in order to enliven the present? Does this make him part of the Lost Generation?
3. Originally titled On the Road to West Egg, then Trimalchio, then Under the Red White and Blue or Gold-Hatted Gatsby, Fitzgerald had difficulty settling on his title. Help F. Scott Fitzgerald rename the novel. Provide an argument to explain why your new title ideally suits the story.
4. At the end of Chapter 3, Nick says: “I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known.” When you consider his role as narrator, do you believe that he is honest? Are his depictions of others honest? If he is not honest, why does he believe he is so honest?
5. Examine the last page of the novel. Fitzgerald writes, "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—to-morrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther.…And one fine morning—” Why does Fitzgerald leave this sentence unfinished? What does Nick think will happen one fine morning? Are hopes and dreams always centered on a future belief? Is this more important than the actual satisfaction of one’s desires? Why or why not?

Source: http://www.neabigread.org/books/greatgatsby/teachers-guide/essay-topics/

09 Great Gatsby 2 // Due the week of Oct. 28, 2014

Hi Everyone!

This week, just finish the book and write 5 discussions. Also, look for symbols as you're reading—places where the following things come in:

—Green
—Gray
—Yellow
—White
—Eggs
—Eyes in glasses
—People putting on any sort of show to hide something underneath

08 Great Gatsby 1 // Due the week of Oct. 21, 2014

Hi Everyone!

This week, you'll be getting started reading The Great Gatsby! Go ahead and read chapters 1-3 and write 5 discussion questions.

You can find the book free online at:

Reading

Audio

07 Book Review // Due the week of Oct. 14, 2014

Hi Everyone!

This week, you will be writing a book review on The Scarlet Letter!

Your book review should be 1-2 pages and follow the following general outline that we briefly discussed in class:

• Introduction
• Attention Grabber: Question, joke, story, crazy fact, etc
• Statement of your opinion on the book
• Body paragraphs
• Evidence for your opinion on the book
• Include evidence involving both the content and the style of the book
• Be sure that your evidence refers to specific pieces in the book
• For example, don't just say "The characters are not likable," also say, "For example, the main man, Dimmesdale is weak and willing to let Hester take the fall for his actions."
• Conclusions

The book review should be:

• Typed
• Double-spaced
• 12 pt, Times New Roman Font
• Have a title
• Have a header in the top right corner:
• Your name
• Teacher name
• Class name
• Date

Email me if you have questions!

06 The Scarlet Letter 3 // Due the week of October 7, 2014

Hi Everyone!

This week, read the rest of The Scarlet Letter and write 5 discussion questions! Be ready for a brief test also—which you will have had to read the book to pass :D


Remember, you can listen to the book free online at:

Audiobook

or read it free at:

Book

05 The Scarlet Letter 2 // Due the week of Sept. 30, 2014

Hi Everyone!

This week, read chapters 9-16 of The Scarlet Letter and write 5 discussion questions!

04 The Scarlet Letter 1 // Due the week of Sept. 24, 2014

Hi Everyone!

This week you will be reading chapters 1-8 of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and write 5 discussion questions!

You can listen to the audiobook for free at:

Audiobook

And read the text free at:

Book

03 The Crucible

Hi Everyone!

This week for homework, I'd like you to read the entirety of the Crucible play by Arthur Miller. Based on the audio-book, it should take around 2 hours to read—more or less depending on your reading speed.

Then, write at least 5 discussion questions having to do with the play. Remember that discussion questions should be questions that create discussion—that could have multiple different answers to them.

I don't want to see comprehension questions like: What does Johnny talk to Jenny about in the 3rd chapter? or How old is Johnny? or What type of car does Johnny have?

Instead, I want to see deeper questions that question the motivation of the characters or of the author, or questions about the quality of the writing. If you're struggling with ideas, think of asking questions related to your pre-test that we took in class which I'll post at the bottom of this post. For example, Do you think Johnny is a round or flat character? Why do you say so? or What do you think the theme is so far?

You don't have to answer your questions on paper, just ask them :)

Keep in mind, you have to get the book yourself, so check out book-selling websites like Amazon.com (you can find books there for a dollar or two—but you may want to go there for other books, as you'll need this one soon and shipping can take a while), bookstores, or sometimes you can find the book free online.

One last thing: be sure to have the homework done on time; otherwise, you will have nothing to talk about next week and you'll be totally lost, which is no fun for anyone.

Literary Devices Pre-Test Name:

Draw the plot diagram with all 6 elements included.

Define the following terms in 1-2 sentences. (Not the bold words)

• Literary Elements:

• Setting

• Dialogue

• Conflict

• Mood

• Theme

• Characters:
• Protagonist

• Antagonist

• Types:
• Flat characters

• Round characters

• Static characters

• Dynamic characters

• Narrator’s Point of View:

• First person

• Second person

• Third person

• Alternating person

• Narrator’s Voice:

• Omniscient

• Limited

• Epistolary

• Unreliable

• Literary techniques:
• Juxtaposition

• Allusion

• Personification

• Imagery

• Metaphor

• Simile

02 How to Read Literature 1

Hi Everyone!

Sorry for the delay in posting the first homework for this year—there were a few complications but here goes!


For my Monday American Literature class, read the following chapters and answers the questions in about a paragraph each.

• Read the Introduction 
• Write down a brief explanation of the three things that contribute to literary analysis: Memory, Symbols, Patterns.
• Read Chapter 5
• How might this chapter explain why we read classics?
• Read the chapter called "Interlude: One Story"
• Do you agree that all literature is "one story," the human story? Why or why not? *Keep in mind—there is no right or wrong answer, as long as it's well thought out!

For my Tuesday American Literature class:

• Write a 1-2 page explanation of how reading may be important and useful.
• Consider reading's effect on:
• The world
• The reader's personality
• The reader's view of other people and the world

Email me if you have any questions!

01 Syllabus

Hello! In this Literature class, we will be reading great literary novels and interacting with them in several different ways. We will ask critical questions, discuss major ideas in class, write creatively, and learn relevant literary elements. The class hopes to create a love of reading, a personal connection to texts, and a deeper understanding of the art form.

I am very excited to meet you all, and if you have any questions throughout the year, feel free to come talk to or email me any time!

Three main keys of this class:

• Critical discussion about readings

• Creative connection to readings

• Understanding of literary elements relevant to reading

Grades will be calculated on a ten point scale:

90 - 100 = A

80 - 89 = B

70 -79 = C

60 - 69 = D

00 - 59 = F

If you are struggling with the homework or not understanding anything in class, come talk to me or email me—I'm always happy to help and we can certainly figure something out!

Absences:

• We complete a lot of work in-class, and as I see you only 1 day per week, this time is invaluable. Most days, class will include graded activities. If the class is missed--even for excused absences--that grade will show up as a zero. However, these grades can be made up within 2 weeks of class by completing a writing assignment of my choice that relates to the in-class work. Email me within one week of the missed class to ask what make-up assignment can be completed.

Late Homework:

• Due to the nature of this class, late homework will quite negatively affect you on a practical level. Without the work being done on time each week, there may be little for you to discuss and you will likely miss the discussion grade.
• You can still turn in homework up to one week late for ½ credit or within one day for full credit (you’ll still probably miss the in-class discussion grade).

Homework:

• Homework will be posted each week at amlit-options.blogspot.com.

• If it is not posted, I may have had technical difficulties without realizing it (sometimes I will post but the internet will not actually send it through. It happens occasionally). Feel free to email me and I will repost as soon as possible.
• Every assignment should be typed up and printed out for class in the following format:

Times New Roman; 12 pt. Font; double spaced; 1/2-1” margins

Including a header at the top left that reads:

◦ Student name

◦ Teacher name

◦ Class name

◦ Date

Including a title

• Every assignment should be saved on the computer in a folder specifically for this class. Typing and saving assignments will make revising papers much easier and will help clear up any situations of lost papers.

Bring to class:

• Homework
• Pen/pencil
• Notebook/Paper

Book List:

• We may not get through all of these books, but they are all on the list as options.
• All of these books are frequently read as high school classic literature that is important for college-bound students to know.

How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines	Thomas Foster
The Crucible	Arthur Miller
The Scarlet Letter	Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Great Gatsby	F. Scott Fitzgerald
Of Mice and Men	John Steinbeck
Their Eyes Were Watching God	Zora Neale Hurston
Death of a Salesman	Arthur Miller
Fences	August Wilson
Into the Wild	Jon Krakauer
A Farewell to Arms	Ernest Hemingway