This list includes assignments for Seniors, Juniors and A.P. American Studies.
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Summer Reading
for Seniors
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
Welcome to your senior year and a very challenging English class. We hope you will enjoy reading some great literature and writing analytical essays about it. The class involves a great deal of reading on your own time, interspersed with intelligent class discussions and numerous written essays.
Summer reading serves two purposes. First, it gives you some idea of the quality and variety of books you’ll be expected to read. In addition, it will help you decide if you have the time and dedication for such an intensive course of study. If your summer is too full of obligations and activities, you may wish to consider taking a less rigorous course for your English requirement. There are no special exceptions for those who do not—for whatever reasons—complete the summer reading.
There is no written assignment for the summer. You are to read Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Within the first week of class, you can expect a test and/or essay to evaluate your knowledge and comprehension of the novel. Please remember that this reading is required of everyone, regardless of when you sign up for AP English. Only you can decide if your busy senior schedule allows for such a demanding class, but if you like to read (and you better!) the rewards will be great. Good skills and habits are the foundation for success at the Advanced Placement level. We look forward to working with you.
About the book:
I recommend that you read the clips from various reviews that can be found in
the front of the book and on the back cover. You might also want to read the
brief synopsis on the back to whet your appetite and intrigue you a little before
you begin. If you are easily confused, here is a bit of help that you may or
may not need to understand and enjoy the book. At first you will notice some
chapters in italics. These are “flashforwards” that may make more
sense by the end, but you need to read them as they are presented. The author
intersperses them throughout the “flashback” that makes up the amazing
adventure. Generally it is a tale of a sixteen year old boy trapped in a lifeboat
with a man-eating tiger in the middle of the ocean. How that came to be, and
the numerous adventures they encounter in such a seemingly boring setting will
amaze you. In the beginning there is some light discussion of three major religions
that have influenced the young man (Hindu, Christian, and Muslim). You will
learn just enough about each one to enhance the conclusion when you get there
so don’t skim over it; you’ll be glad you didn’t. Finally,
in the back of the book there are topics for reading groups to discuss if you’d
like to challenge yourself before I try to in class next fall. This is a fun
book so don’t think of it as homework; think of it as a great summer read.
Summer Reading
for Juniors
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition
Dear Students,
Welcome to Advanced Placement English Language and Composition. We look forward to working with you and are confident of your success in the program. We hope you embrace the opportunity to explore your analytical strengths as well as limitations by engaging in the reading process to further develop your thinking abilities.
The summer reading assigned should introduce you to the types of reading and discussions required for Advanced Placement. In this course we approach reading as a tool to understand and synthesize a broad spectrum of experiences and ideas, thereby, you will read and write essays examining varying perspectives and arguments with the intent to understand the process of arguments and patterns of development.
Required Summer Reading:
You are to read the novel A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. There is no written assignment for the summer reading; however, in the first week of class, you should be prepared for an enthusiastic and detailed discussion, a multiple-choice test and /or an essay demonstrating your comprehension of the reading. Since first impressions are valuable, please take care to prepare for your evaluation and be ready to initiate a dynamic class atmosphere, lively in the pursuit of ideas.
About the Novel:
Before reading the first chapter, read the book jacket reviews commenting on the significance of both the writer and the novel’s themes. The novel has a table of content and an epigraph. Consider the content of the quotes and chapter titles. Additionally, as you read each chapter attempt to relate the chapter title to the events of the narrative. All an all, this is a coming-of- age story, a story of maturation and loss of innocence for the two main characters John and Owen. The theme of religious faith versus doubt is explored throughout the novel. The characters embark on journey of self discovery and the author presents a series of vignettes, events in which you will contemplate to what extent the events are predestined and to what extent the result of free will. Irving explores the question can religious faith exist alongside doubt, or are the two mutually exclusive? A few notable features about the writing: Irving capitalizes all of Owen’s dialogues; throughout the novel there are recurring and repetitive patterns of thoughts or images, called motifs; moreover, the story is a series of juxtapositions comically exploring the limitations of man and the ability to find truth. Enjoy your summer reading.
Advanced Placement American Studies: Advanced Placement English Language and Composition and Advanced Placement United States History
Welcome to Advanced Placement American Studies. We look forward to working with you and are confident of your success in this program. AP Studies is a challenging and thought provoking course. We read and write essays not only to learn how to read and write but how to think. The summer reading assigned should introduce you to the types of readings and discussions required for this class. We like to begin the year with a compelling discussion of the summer reading. The discussions are lively and energetic; therefore, please take care to prepare for a purposeful and intentional positive contribution to the class. All assignments are due the first week of class where you will demonstrate your comprehension of the novel and your findings in a discussion, a multiple choice test and/or an essay. Have a productive summer.
Interdisciplinary Summer
Reading Assignment # 1
Read the novel The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, a historical fictional novel providing
a glimpse into the corrupt socio-political and economic events during the Progressive
Era as well as representing the Immigrant experience narrated in the style of
the Age of American Realism. Consider the following questions as you read the
novel:
• Considering the author and his philosophy, what are three themes found
in the novel?
• Discuss the differences between men and women and social stratification
inherent in the novel. Does Jurgus fit with the rest of the men in the narrative?
Why or why not?
• What role does circumstance play in the novel? How does this explain
slavery?
• Define oppression and connect to the concept of wage slavery and the
slavish mentality.
You are required to write three page analytical critique of Sinclair’s
The Jungle. (Typed Double-spaced, 12 point font, black ink)
Begin your essay with a paragraph about the author, his credits and accomplishments, providing source information in MLA parenthetical citations. In the following paragraphs, in third person point of view, detail the novel’s and the author’s arguments and explain how the discussions reflect history. Analyze how Sinclair develops his claims by discussing his reasons and objectives. Make an assertion to whether or not Sinclair was successful in presenting an argument revealing his political cause? Use details from the novel to prove how and why. Comment on how the argument could be improved or better. Was there a Bias? Finally, conclude with a Reader Reflection discussing the novel in the context of a universal view- how the novel reveals the bigger meaning of life.
APUSH Assignment #2 – Read and complete chapters 2-7 in The American Pageant text and supplementary Guidebook Work to include Vocabulary and sections A-F.
DO NOT write in the Guidebook since they must be used again with future AP students.
Send an email to siflinger727@aol.com with Your Name and the statement Registering for APUSH Listserv. You will receive an email stating that you have been added.
If you have any questions
or concerns access:
Email: Mrs. Shahandeh ashahandeh@hotmail.com
Mr. Siflinger siflinger727@aol.com
Web Address: http://www.flanaganhighschool.com/%7Esifflinger/
Web Addresshttp://schoolnotes.com/33312/osiflinger.html