English I International Scholars Summer Reading Dear incoming freshmen, As you end the final days of your 8th grade year, we at Lubbock High would like to usher you into the next part of your academic journey: high school. You will face monsters and obstacles of many kinds tests, quizzes, due dates, late study nights, copious amounts of stress, and the newness that often accompanies unfamiliar territory. You will come across many situations that challenge you and force you to adapt or restructure your understanding of the world. It s a dangerous road, but you won t be alone. First off, we want begin with this mentality in mind: English I International Scholars is designed with the goal to prepare you for the higher academic route, to prepare you for the high standards set by College Board, and, most importantly, to help you grow into a lifelong learner and reader. If you work hard on improving your critical reading, thinking, and writing skills, success on STAAR is easily attainable. The first step in this particular direction takes you through the ancient world of Mythology. Secondly, we also want you to be aware that this is a writing and reading extensive course. You can expect homework at least three days a week on top of reading the assigned novel outside of class. Be aware of the expectations of the course so that you can make the best choice for your academic pursuits. Before you start, please follow this link and complete a self-report: https://goo.gl/l370xc. The self-report does not take long and can be done at any point until August 1st, 2017. Second thing we d like you to do is to text @WAM2017 to 81010. That way, if you have any questions about the summer reading, you can contact us through the app. Lastly, a digital copy of this paper can be found at https://goo.gl/jske7q. We look forward to meeting you next year! Ron VanDon Barbara Henson What am I reading? This summer you will need to obtain a copy Edith Hamilton s Mythology (Mass Market Paperback is the cheapest edition on Amazon). It is important to be well versed with mythology because many works of literature both inside and outside of this class allude (reference) to mythology. Why is Mythology important? By establishing some basic understanding of Mythology, we can enrich our understanding of the world, literature, human nature, perhaps even ourselves, and our own motivations in life. Plus, it s just really fun to read *pushes up nerd glasses*. How do I get it? You are not required to buy your own physical copy; however, it is always helpful to have one for annotation and notes. Nevertheless, you are still expected to read the book and it can be obtained through a number of different ways: Purchase your own copy via Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, or online shopping site. Purchase it on an electronic device Check the local libraries. During the summer, check in and visit the LHS Counselor s Suite to retrieve a copy. Working hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30-11 AM. Use the internet: Step 1: Type in this link http://bentonenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/mythology.pdf Step 2: Download the file Step 3: Rejoice at the wonders of the internet! Ask us to email the PDF to you.
What do I need to read? These are the required sections that you need to read. You will have two tests over this information in the first six weeks. Introduction to Classical Mythology Part One: The Gods, the Creation, and the Earliest Heroes The Gods The Two Great Gods of Earth: Demeter and Dionysus How the World and Mankind were Created (Creation, Prometheus, and Pandora) Narcissus Part Two: Stories of Love and Adventure Cupid and Psyche Orpheus and Eurydice Pygmalion and Galatea The Quest for the Golden Fleece Daedalus Part Three: The Great Heroes before the Trojan War Perseus Theseus Hercules Atalanta Part Four: The Trojan War The Trojan War and The Fall of Troy (both pt. I and II) The Adventures of Odysseus The Adventures of Aeneas What is my task? Step 1: Choose one of the following stories below. The Quest for the Golden Fleece Perseus Theseus Hercules Atalanta The Trojan War and the Fall of Troy The Adventures of Odysseus The Adventures of Aeneas Step 2: You have three tasks to do. Within each task, you have two options. Select one option per task. While you re not required to annotate your book, you are strongly encouraged to make notes in your copy as you go. Tasks Option A Option B Task A: Graphic Organizers Story Arc Venn Diagram Task B: Dialectical Journal Character and Plot Analysis Archetype Analysis Task C: One-Pagers Theme Analysis Character Analysis
STORY ARC: Plot and Conflict Analysis A Story Arc is basically a plot diagram, which helps you identify key points of a passage. After you complete the plot diagram, you may construct a well developed summary using the template below. Text Selection: Any story from the required reading. Choose wisely. Guidelines: Use standard (8.5 by 11 ) unlined paper. Do not use lined paper for this. Sketch / draw the story arc template. Be sure to include all of the following information: The title of the story Provide a brief explanation for each of the questions on the story arc Give yourself room to write your details Use the summary template to create a concise and focused summary of your story. Should be on the same page as your story arc. Write on the back if needed. Should be arranged into one complete paragraph. Can be typed or handwritten 4. What escalates the problem? Story Arc Template 3. What is the problem (conflict)? 5. How is the problem resolved? 2. What important details do we learn about the people or place? 1. How does the story begin? Story Arc Summary Template **IMPORTANT HINT**: You do not have to follow this word for word, but we should be able to easily identify the different [parts] of the summary The story, opens with. [title] [describe opening -- setting, characters, details integral to the plot] The main character,,. [name] [describe the problem / conflict] The problem escalates when and that. [describe what happens] [effect of the escalation] The problem is resolved when and. [resolution] [character does what?] The theme of this story is. [describe the theme -- the message of the story] Template adapted from AVID -- Advancement Via Individual Determination
VENN DIAGRAM: Comparative Analysis Think of a character from mythology that you really enjoyed reading about. Then, think of a person -- fictional or real -- that embodies similar qualities, traits, and flaws as the mythological character. Fill out the venn diagram below. After you complete your venn diagram, use the guidelines below construct two well developed paragraphs about your comparative analysis. Guidelines: Use standard 8.5x11 unlined paper Sketch/draw the venn diagram below Provide the title and the names of characters Come up with 3 qualities that make them similar Come up with at least 3 qualities that make them different. There should be at least 3 points for each character. Each point should be in complete sentences and should be a short but concise explanation. One word responses will cause you to lose points. Give yourself room to write. Create two well-developed paragraphs that analyzes the similarities and differences between the two characters. Should be on the same page as your venn diagram. You may write on the back if needed. Should be arranged into two paragraphs: The first paragraph should discuss two points of similarities The second paragraph should discuss two points of differences Can be typed or handwritten Venn Diagram Mythological Character Choice Character
DIALECTICAL JOURNAL: Character and Plot Analysis. The dialectical journal is a record or conversation between the ideas of a text and the ideas of the reader. You will record your reactions using the guidelines below. Text Selection: The Quest for the Golden Fleece, The Adventures of Odysseus, or Hercules. Guidelines: Standard (8.5 x 11 ) lined paper OR standard printing paper Can be handwritten or typed Title of the story at the top of your page Create three columns: LEFT column is for quotes, MIDDLE is for the citation, and RIGHT is for your reaction, your questions, observations, and connections What would make an excellent dialectical journal? You should have 10 or more entries Each quote is at least one complete sentence Quotes should be spread throughout the story, not just on a concentrated page Your quotes should contain no spelling or grammar errors because you are literally copying words from the text When filling out the page column, provide the author s last name and the page number All reactions should be at least two sentences, and should demonstrate a developed and thoughtful response Is there a right or wrong answer? Not necessarily. More than anything else, a true dialectical journal entry demonstrates curiosity, thoughtfulness, and critical thinking. Wrong answers are entries that are shallow, obvious, or a complete misreading. FORMAT. Quotes from text Citation (author s last name and page #) See the next page for examples. Reaction to the text -- Formulate open-ended questions, react to and reflect on the text, or make observations or connections about the author s craft.
SAMPLE. Quote from text Citation (author s last name, page #) Reactions His specs -- use them as burning glasses! Piggy was surrounded before he could back away. Golding 50 Asking open-ended questions: Why do the boys exploit Piggy? Why do they think that it is take his glasses without asking first? The flame, nearly invisible at first in that bright sunlight, enveloped a small twig and exploded with a sharp crack. Golding 50 Making observations on author s craft and connections: This whole scene reminds me of Prometheus. It s a throwback to mythology. Prometheus gives fire to man, and the fire is what helps man survive. I think we also talked about how fire symbolized knowledge or enlightenment. I don t think it was coincident, then, that it was Piggy s specs that started the fire. It was intentional on Golding s part. The sun in the west was a drop of burning gold that slid nearer and nearer the sill of the world. All at once they were aware of the evening as the end of light and warmth. Golding 51 Reaction to text: I really like the imagery of the sun being described as burning gold contrasting the dread of night because it indicated the end of light and warmth. I imagine I would probably feel the same way if I were trapped on an island with no light source. Quote from text Citation (author s last name, page #) Reactions His specs -- use them as burning glasses! Piggy was surrounded before he could back away. Wow. I know how that feels. That s messed up. This is a shallow reaction. Further elaboration is needed. Why is it messed up? Why do you know how it feels? The fame, nearly invisible at first in that brigh sunlight, enveloped a smol twig and exploded with a sharp crack The quote is not copied correctly. The imagery here really makes us feel like we re actually there. It s soooooo real. This is also a shallow reaction. Why is this scene important? How did the characters feel about the fire? This response doesn t really elaborate on any of the ideas in the text. Notice that there are no citations here.
DIALECTICAL JOURNAL: Archetype Analysis. One of the ways that will help deepen your understanding of literature is to be familiar with the archetypes. For this task, you re going to create a dialectical journal entry. Follow the guidelines below. Text Selection: Guidelines: Standard (8.5 x 11 ) lined paper OR standard printing paper Can be handwritten or typed Title of the story at the top of your page Create three columns: LEFT column is for quotes, MIDDLE is for the citation, and RIGHT is your explanation of how the quote fits a particular archetype. What would make an excellent dialectical journal? You should have 5 or more entries Each quote is at least one complete sentence Quotes should be spread throughout the story, not just on a concentrated page Your quotes should contain no spelling or grammar errors because you are literally copying words from the text When filling out the page column, provide the author s last name and the page number All reactions should be at least two sentences, and should demonstrate a developed and thoughtful response Is there a right or wrong answer? Not necessarily. More than anything else, a true dialectical journal entry demonstrates curiosity, thoughtfulness, and critical thinking. Wrong answers are entries that are shallow, obvious, or a complete misreading. FORMAT. Quotes from text Citation (author s last name and page #) See the next page for examples. Explanation Format: [What type of archetype: is it situational, character, symbolic, or a part of the Hero s Journey?] [Name of Archetype] Discuss how the character, situation, or symbol fits that archetype. What does it reveal about the character(s)?
SAMPLE. Quote from text Citation (author s last name, page #) Explanation There is a story, too, that Medea restored Jason s father to life and made him young again All that she did of evil and of good was done for him (Jason) alone, and in the end, all the reward she got was that he turned traitor to her. Hamilton 175 [Character Archetype] The Evil Figure with a Good Heart : Medea was a sorceress that fell in love with Jason. She helped Jason through all his trials and gave him advice on how to approach a problem because she loved him. In the end, however, she was ultimately betrayed by Jason because he did not love her back. Quote from text Citation (author s last name, page #) Explanation His answer was that he had been saved not by her, but by Aphrodite, who made her fall in love with him Notice that there are no citations here. Wow. I know how that feels. That s messed up. This is a shallow reaction. There is no archetype presented. Additionally, it does not really explain how this particular quote fits an archetype.
ONE PAGER: Theme Analysis. A One-pager is a written and graphic interpretation on a single sheet of paper on what you have read. It may be a literal or symbolic representation of the piece. Text Selection (Choose one): Any of the required reading from Part 2 or 3. Guidelines: Standard (8.5 x 11 ) unlined paper. Do not use lined paper for this. Must fill the entire page Written in ink or typed (no pencil). However, you may start of with pencil and then finish the lines with pen. Use color as much as possible unless black and white would be more appropriate in keeping with the theme/mood. Include all of the following (arranged in any way you choose): The title of the story (ie. Orpheus and Eurydice, The Fall of Troy ) A thematic idea that encompasses the story as a whole. Choose one from the list on the next page. Two quotes from the passage that strongly connects to the theme you chose. This should be with correct citation: Example: Very brief is your lot. Would that you could be free now from tears and troubles, for you shall not long endure, my child, short-lived beyond all men and to be pitied (Hamilton 263) A personal response to the passage. You can write either a summary OR a personal reflection on the passage. In other words, what do you think is the take-away lesson? A graphic representation (hand-drawn or computer generated illustration, or a collage of magazine pictures are just some suggestions). Student Samples* Adapted from AVID -- Advancement Via Individual Determination *These student samples are NOT in any way an indication of a fulfillment of the instructions above. These are just sample works.
List of Thematic Ideas What is a thematic idea? A thematic idea is one word or a short phrase. Many stories convey a set of thematic ideas to their readers. It is not an end-all-be-all -- identifying the thematic idea is usually never enough. Thematic ideas eventually turn into thematic statements. A thematic statement is a concisely worded sentence that explains the message of a story. It is not cliched or generalized, and it usually takes a thematic idea and examines in the context of a story. For instance, the story of Icarus and Daedalus explores the thematic idea of obedience. But a thematic statement could be something like this, In the story of Icarus, the message to the younger generation is rather clear: listen to your parents and follow their wisdom, experience, and guidance.
ONE PAGER: Character Analysis. A One-pager is a written and graphic interpretation on a single sheet of paper on what you have read. It may be a literal or symbolic representation of the piece. Text Selection (Choose one): Any of the required reading from Part 2 or 3. Guidelines: Standard (8.5 x 11 ) unlined paper. Do not use lined paper for this. Must fill the entire page Written in ink or typed (no pencil). However, you may start of with pencil and then finish the lines with pen. Use color as much as possible unless black and white would be more appropriate in keeping with the theme/mood. Include all of the following (arranged in any way you choose): The title of the story (ie. Orpheus and Eurydice, The Fall of Troy ) The name of the character that you ve chosen Two quotes from the passage that demonstrates a) a major strength and b) a major flaw. This should be properly cited (see below). Example: He had come to her now because he was not a man to fail a friend (Hamilton 176) Two paragraphs of explanation somewhere on the page or on the back side: Paragraph 1 -- Focus on one major strength and explain how that character exhibits that trait throughout the story. Paragraph 2 -- Focus on one major flaw and explain how that character exhibits that trait throughout the story. A graphic representation (hand-drawn or computer generated illustration, or a collage of magazine pictures are just some suggestions). Student Samples* Adapted from AVID -- Advancement Via Individual Determination *These student samples are NOT in any way an indication of a fulfillment of the instructions above. These are just sample works.