June 15, 2009 at 5:10 am · Filed under 1
AP Language and Composition
I. Get the textbooks. Search for the cheapest prices online.
Required Texts:
- Cohen, Samuel. Fifty Essays: A Portable Anthology. Boston: Bedord/St.Martin’s, 2004.
- Lunsford, Andrea, Ruskzkiewicz, John. Everything’s An Argument. Boston: Bedord/St.Martin’s, 2007.
The least expensive way to get these books is online. Try the following site:
http://www.alibris.com/
II. Summer Reading:
June/July:
Truth and Beauty
Anne Patchett
July/August:
Friday Night Lights
H G Bissinger
Blogging:
During the summer you are required to respond to the reading on a blog. On this website you will do all of the following. Every so often, 2-3 chapters or so, you will highlight a passage in the book that appeals to you then write about it on the blog. Discuss why you chose the quote, react to the idea, and comment on the writing, anything that occurs to you. The purpose here is to keep you engaged and thinking about the ideas and how they’re being communicated to you.
We’re looking for “quality” and for a place to start our discussions when school starts. If you want to please feel free to email me your questions, comments and ideas
Here are some basic expectations for your responses:
- Respond to your classmates postings. You may agree or disagree and explain.
- Each posting should be at least 5 good, complete sentences.
- Use correct grammar and spelling; do not use slang or abbreviations. (Watch capitalization-this isn’t a text message.)
- It is a good idea to type your response in a word processing program first to eliminate basic errors.
- Then copy and paste it into the discussion board. Proof carefully!
- Any postings that are defamatory or the least bit obscene will be deleted and will receive no credit.
- Be creative, thoughtful, and open, but remember, your comments are now public.
As you read these books you will be required to post your observations on the blog. This isn’t formal but a place to sound off and discuss the ideas that the books bring up.
June 9, 2009 at 5:31 am · Filed under 1
Summer Reading:
The Road Cormac McCarthy
Truth and Beauty Ann Patchett
The Autobiography of a Face Lucy Grealy
Summer Reading:
During the summer you are required to respond to the reading on a blog. On this website you will do all of the following. Every so often, 2-3 chapters or so, you will highlight a passage in the book that appeals to you then write about it on the blog. Discuss why you chose the quote, react to the idea, and comment on the writing, anything that occurs to you. The purpose here is to keep you engaged and thinking about the ideas and how they’re being communicated to you.
We’re looking for “quality” and for a place to start our discussions when school starts. If you want to please feel free to email me your questions, comments and ideas
Here are some basic expectations for your responses:
- Respond to your classmates postings. You may agree or disagree and explain.
- Each posting should be at least 5 good, complete sentences.
- Use correct grammar and spelling; do not use slang or abbreviations. (Watch capitalization-this isn’t a text message.)
- It is a good idea to type your response in a word processing program first to eliminate basic errors.
- Then copy and paste it into the discussion board. Proof carefully!
- Any postings that are defamatory or the least bit obscene will be deleted and will receive no credit.
- Be creative, thoughtful, and open, but remember, your comments are now public.
Summer Reading Schedule:
June
Read: The Road Cormac McCarthy
Write:
Respond on the Blog. You’ll also be using a feature of Google Earth called Lit Trips.
July/August
Read:
Truth and Beauty Ann Patchett
The Autobiography of a Face Lucy Grealy
Write:
3-5 blog entries. Focus on the style of writing. This is nonfiction so you’re looking for the way that Patchett and Grealy deliver their messages. Also respond to the controversy Pachett’s book created when it was required reading at Clemson.
Extras:
Check out these links. They may help your understanding of the works.
August/September
Read:
Bible King James Version
In light of frequent allusions to biblical texts in English literature, students will read those selections chosen for their prominence and relevance in many classical and contemporary texts. Selections are from the King James version, both Old and New Testaments. While the readings do not provide an exhaustive list of biblical allusions, many of the familiar stories are included.
Required Selections:
Old Testament
Genesis 1-3, 4, 6-9, 11 (The Creation, Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, Babel)
The Old Testament is the History of a single people offering itself as the authoritative universal history.
Genesis is as much about Power as it is about Spirit. Power grants life and favor, takes it away, grants it again through a special compact that is renewed and repeated by the blessing of sons-some sons-by their fathers. This pattern is taken up by Milton. Examine the relationship between God, Satan, Adam, and Jesus.
At first power asserts itself without reason. It simply exists and then compelled one to obey without explanation. Later Power subsides into law and mercy (We’ll see this again ParadiseLost. Examine the way that God avoids having to damn Man through an act of sacrifice and mercy.)
Exodus 13-14, 19-20 (Parting of the Red Sea & The Ten Commandments)
Job 1-3, 7, 10-14, 31, 38-40, 42
New Testament
The Gospel of Matthew (The Story of Jesus) (abridged)
The Gospel of John 11 (The Story of Lazarus)
Book of Revelations (abridged – The Four Horseman, The Seven Seals, the fall
of Babylon)
While reading…
Literature logs, annotation and highlighting, or marginal notes are recommended for the Advanced Placement reader. Note any thematic and/or symbolic elements, motifs, and elements of style (diction, detail, syntax, etc.). Notes may be utilized as necessary in reference to allusions in texts studied during the year.
Optional Write:
There will also be a place for you to respond and discuss your ideas about the biblical selections on the blog.
mr-kreinbring-ap-lit-and-comp.doc
June 9, 2009 at 5:14 am · Filed under 1
I’m adding a link here to the page where you should post your work on Periodicals.
Since there is bound to be a current events question on the AP test you will be required to read 3 opinion pieces from three different sources and write a short analysis of the writers’ argument and style. These will be due the first day of class and should follow the format posted on the blog.
Look at articles from these sources:
Rolling Stone
The New Republic
The National Review
Think about the audience for each periodical. Read an article from each one. As you read each one, think about and make notes on the following:
- Do you agree with the argument? Make a note on the article at the where the author won you to his side? How does the author establish credibility? Is he an authority on the subject? Has he done research or interviews?
- What types of evidence does the author use to support his claims? Is he appealing to his reader’s feelings, pathos, or his intellect, logos? Do you see any problems in this argument? How does the author address those problems, or not?
- How would you describe the style of writing? Consider the intended audience of the article. How does the author’s style reflect his knowledge of his audience? Does the style of writing affect the effectiveness of the argument?
Pay close attention to the argument, and write a one page response to the goals of the writer. Start your paper with source of your article.
Author’s Name. (year). “Title of the Article.” Name of the Periodical, Pages.
Next summarize the content. What is the author’s main thesis and how does he support it? This will be about ¼ of your response.
Finally, discuss the author’s style. Look at his language and word choices and write about how these choices affect you response to the argument. This will make up the remaining ¾’s of the response.
