Your major long-term assignment for the first semester is to choose one AP caliber author in whom you are interested--enough to become an "expert" on this person. You are not limited to novelists; essayists, playwrights, and poets are all possibilities.
Heed caution when choosing an author. Name recognition alone may not be the best strategy. Try to visit a library or bookstore to skim books by several authors before making a decision. My advice to you is to choose an author quickly, but not without thoughtful consideration. One student per author, please. Authors will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis, Wed. Oct. 29 - Mon. Nov. 3.
The absolute minimum requirement for this project is reading 2 substantial works by the author, and 1 work about the author. (Biography or autobiography, please--encyclopedia/internet articles alone are NOT sufficient.) With contemporary writers, please see me with your concerns before throwing out a topic simply because there isn't a biographical work. We can make parallel arrangements.
Dates to mark in your planner:
 |
By Monday, November 3, you should have chosen an author for this study. On this date, I will collect a list of works by your author with the works you intend to read denoted. |
|
On Tuesday, November 25, I will collect a paper analyzing one of the works you chose to read. (See separate directions) |
|
On Wednesday, December 17, I will collect a paper analyzing the second work you chose to read. (Same directions as for paper 1) |
|
On Wednesday, January 7, I will collect a synopsis of your third work and a brainstormed list of possible thesis statements for your paper. |
|
On Monday, January 12, I will collect a proposal for what you are planning to include in your presentation. At this time, we will also decide the order of the presentations, which will occur once we return from Midterms Week. |
|
On Wednesday, January 14, I will collect a research paper, complete with proper citations, on your author. This paper will be worth ~250 points. |
|
Presentations will begin on Wednesday, January 28. |
Please see me with any questions. I would be happy to help!
Papers must be turned in to turnitin.com. A hard copy (with all drafts) will also be collected.
Late papers are scored 50% off. Please turn your papers in on time.
