Summer Assignment 2008

Directions: Choose one of the following books for summer reading. when finished, complete the assignment. This assignment is due on the second day of class; if it is not completed you will be dropped. Click on the picture above for a link to a list of books: (www.shoshone.k12.id.us/waltthue/biblio2.doc)

This is a recommended list. Because AP Lit. is a college level course, some of the books on this list have a mature subject matter and/or language. You can research on the internet, ask a librarian or email me (sbosch@patterson.k12.ca.us) if there is a concern; but understand that books that we read in class next year will have similar themes.

These novels, may be bought at any book store or they can be checked out from the library.

Summer Reading Book Analysis:

Select a work from the provided list. Read the words critically and prepare an analytical paper on it. The following are requirements for the paper:

-Five typed pages.
* MLA Format (see MLA OWL Purdue: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/


The paper needs to contain all of the following sections:
-A critical biography of the author, no more than a page long. The biography will consist only of biographical information relevant to the work you've read and the distinguished literary characteristics of the author's work. You may also include a brief discussion of the historical/socio political factors that influenced the author, and the impact of his or her work on history. Be sure to reference your sources using MLA.

-A Brief (about one-half page) synopsis of the plot.

-An analysis of two major themes of the work, supported by evidence from the plot. This analysis must include quotes from the book that emphasize the themes that you have chosen, and an explanation of how those quotes emphasize the themes.

-A discussion of another element of the work (character, setting, point of view, style, imagery, etc. as to how it contributes to the theme.)

-A brief conclusion (about a half page) that explains why you believe the work should be included on a list of works of high literary merit.

*On the second day of class you will be required to turn in this paper. It will be important to you for two reason: 1.) It is worth points and will set the stage for your first grading period, and 2) it is your pass to being in the class-if you don't do this then I will have you dropped from the class. The due date is firm-if you are not present on the first day of school, then make sure your paper is here somehow.

* When you turn in your paper, you will need to email me a copy. I will run the paper through the plagiarism website to make sure the work you did is 100% your own. Any sign of plagiarism will result in severe consequences, such as your removal from the AP Lit. course, parent contact, etc.