“Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.”

--Mortimer J. Adler

This course is centered on the study of various novels.  Students will read a novel, analyze and interpret it, and then respond to the novel and its ideas.  Responses may be written, oral, or in project form.  Students will be expected to read aloud in class, give presentations, and utilize writing skills in response to the novels.  Grammar and vocabulary will be explored in relation to the material.  A PowerPoint Book Report will also be required.

The student will expose him/herself to various novels, writing styles, subject matter and author backgrounds.  The student will learn to analyze and interpret themes and motifs.  The student will recognize the elements of all novels: character, setting, theme, plot, tone and style.  The student will expand his/her vocabulary through the reading of novels as well as through everyday application.  The student will give a PowerPoint presentation on a book of his/her choice.

      1984 by George Orwell

     The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

      The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

      A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

      Native Son by Richard A. Wright  

      A Separate Peace by John Knowles

      Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

      Short stories by various authors

There will be numerous handouts throughout the semester; therefore you will need a folder in which to store your handouts and essays.  YOUR BOOK IS NOT A FOLDER!  You will also need a pen or pencil, and a notebook for notes, warm ups, and journaling.  In this notebook, warm ups should be in a separate section, as they will be collected at the end of each novel.  Also, make sure you have a flash drive or 3-½ inch floppy disk.  Please bring these items with you to class EVERY DAY!  A three-ring binder may be helpful in organization for this class, but is not required.

Assessment