Mr Kreinbring’s Space

AP Literature and Composition Summer Reading and Syllabus

The Road Cormac McCarthy

Truth and Beauty Ann Patchett

The Autobiography of a Face Lucy Grealy

The Kite Runner Khaled Hosseini

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

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.

August

Read:

Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner

Write:

3-5 blog entries.

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