Purpose:
• To give you, when you enter the class in the fall, an immediate basis for discussion of literature‐ elements like theme, narrative, viewpoint, symbolism, plot structure, etc.
• To set up a basis for comparison with other works we will read during the year
• To begin building a repertoire of works you can write about on the AP Lit exam next spring
• To get you thinking about great literature!
If you are able to purchase your own copies of the books, you can annotate as you read and will have the books to refer to later in the year. If not, you can find these works in the local library or in my classroom.
Due: Sunday, August 25, 2024 by 11:59 pm. No work will be accepted after this date.
- Write Your Reader Profile - (50 pts.) Before beginning any of the reading for this summer, craft a well-written profile of yourself as a reader. Evaluate yourself as a reader. What are your strengths and weaknesses in reading, prose and poetry? What purposes does reading serve for you? What are your passions and peeves? Be as honest and forthcoming as you possibly can be. This portion of the assignment should be no more between 350 and 400 words.
- How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster. (125 pts)
Assignment: After EACH chapter summarize 2‐3 main points and analyze those points in relation to works you have read (minimally a high school level work). Do not use the same work for all chapters (27 chapters).
3. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley: (125 pts.) Purpose: In AP Literature and Composition, you are forced to revisit literary and rhetorical devices multiple times. Knowing what these devices are, how to find them, and how to analyze the purpose or added meaning will be the central to the work in this class. Reading: Frankenstein is a gothic novel of literary acclaim; come to class ready to enthusiastically and intelligently discuss it when school resumes. We will begin the school year discussing the novel and you should be prepared to discuss the themes, language, and literary devices in the novel. Annotate the novel by taking notes. Keep the notes in a binder or notebook you can add to throughout the year. There will be an assessment on Frankenstein within the first 2 weeks of class (75 points in class) in addition to class discussions.
4. Additional reading: Read one book from the reading list found at the end of this handout to annotate. These works are of “recognized Literary Merit” and come from the College Board in Princeton, New Jersey, in its guidelines for Advanced Placement English literature courses. The purpose of this assignment is to add to your reading experiences and to develop your critical thinking skills. Therefore, do not choose a book on this list that you have already read (such as the book from your AP Lang project)! In preparation for the AP Literature exam you will need to be familiar with a wide range of literature.
The handout that where these assignments are explained in more detail along with the reading list can be found here.