11th Grade American Literature

Welcome to my homework list for your class.  I hope you find it helpful.  It starts at the top with the beginning of the year, so look at the date to find the assignment that you need.

8/27/08

1)  Get a planner.
2)  Following the model form discussed in class, write a paragraph that answers this prompt:  "What makes you an American?"
3)  Try to buy all necessary supplies by next Tuesday.
4)  Parent letters need to be signed and turned in Friday.

8/28/08

1)  Make a thoughtful rewritten paragraph that enhances the quality of the first draft.

2)  Parent letter by tomorrow.

8/29/08

1)  Find a book club book.

2)  Find a picture or art piece that represents more American voices.

9/2/08

Evaluate in a paragraph what the best and worst parts of being an American are.

9/3/08

You can use the same art as before, or get something new.  Then write a poem or narrative descripion that shows the voice in the picture.  Make it interesting and surprising while staying appropriate.

Also, get a book club book by Friday.

9/4/08

Write an origin myth that explains a modern experience or natural phenomena.

9/5/08

Write a K-W-L on your reading where you have ten ideas in the "Learn" section.

9/8/08

Read the packet underlining examples of the way whites viewed the natives.

9/9/08

Analytical writing:  Use specific support form the reading to make a clear analysis.  Quotes should be used at least three times.

1st paragraph:  Describe the native perspective of whites.

2nd paragraph:  Describe the white perspective of natives.

9/10

3rd paragraph:  Interpret how and why modern stereotypes of natives and colonists are such different perspectives that the historical realities.  This should be turned in  w/ K-W-L and the two paragraphs from yesterday.

H.W.  Using art or technology, make a "Stereotype Vs. Reality" picture.  Choose any stereotype that contradicts reality and put both images next to each other.

Bring book club book tomorrow.

9/11

P:  Make a prediction about what is going to happen your book club book.

9/12

No HW

9/15

No HW

9/16

No HW

9/17

Fear Handout.

9/23

Anticipation Guide:  Parts I + II.

9/24

Draw a picture of, or describe in a paragraph, a paradox in your life.

9/25

In this culture of sophistication, when someone is accused of something, do people believe in "innocent until proven guilty" or do they all jump on the bandwagon and assume guilt before innocence?  Use an example.

9/26

Get your progress report signed.

9/29

Make a picture of one of the characters from the play.  Use technology, multi-media, or art.  Have some fun with internal perceptions vs. external perceptions.

9/30

Paragraph:  Politics, land envy, or passion....  explain how one affects characters' motivation and choices.

10/1

Paragraph:  (Text to Self)  Describe a time where you have acted with an "ulterior motive."

Bring your book club book tomorrow.

10/2

Paragraph:  Based upon what has happened in the first two acts, predict what will happen between J.P. and Abigail.

10/3

NO HW-- But you can read your b.c. book.

10/6

P:  In sports, politics, and war, people often demonize their opponents.  Explain a modern example.

10/7

P:  What do the events in "The Crucible" remind you of?  Why?

10/8

Find your anticipation guide, look at the statements and find one you have had to re-think or even change your mind on.  In a paragraph, expain how "The Crucible" pushed your thinking.

10/14

Theme journal:  Choose a theme in "The Crucible" that the author is making a statement about.  Define the theme and interpret Miller's point of view.

10/15

1)  Bring your book club book tomorrow.
2)  Make a brainstorm and write your thesis for you essay.

10/16

Start your outline of the essay.

10/21

Essays:

This is what should be done:
1) Brainstorm.
2) Thesis.
3) Intro outline.
4) Body paragraphs outline.
5) Quote selection.

You should be working on:
1) Conclusion outline.
2) Writing r.d. of intro.

10/22

Write your rough draft.

Also, bring your book club book tomorrow.

10/23

Your rough draft should be at leaast half completed when you enter class tomorrow.

10/24

1)  Signed progress report.
2)  Complete your rough draft.

10/28

Final draft of your essay is due tomorrow.

10/29

Find a modern day allusion (reference to the common body of knowledge) that refers to the topic(s) of Edwards' speech.  Explain what the allusion is, who the audience would be, and if the meaning is the same or different.

10/30

Write the first line to the scariest story your can think of!


10/31

Write a scary story, make a scary poem, or create a scary art piece.

11/3

BOOK CLUB PROJECTS AND WRITTEN ELEMENT ARE DUE THIS FRIDAY!

Also, you need to be like Ben Franklin and make a code for yourself.  What rules do you live by?  List at least seven rules you have for yourself to help you be a better person.  Then, describe the rules and your reason why.

11/4

Set up your virtue chart and fill it out for today.

Complete your written element for your book club project.

11/5

Read Washington Irving's "Rip Van Winkle."

As you read, identify a trait of American Romanticism.  Then, find one event, early in the story, that causes you to predict an outcome.

Finally, write a 1/2 page response that speculates what Blaine, or the US, would look like if you went to sleep and awoke 20 years later.

11/6

Be prepared for your book club presentation tomorrow.

11/12

Book club presentations!

11/13


Book club presentations!

11/14


Book club presentations!

Paragraph:  Describe a significant experience you have had in nature.  (This means outside, that place away from tv's and computers).


11/17

Choose one of Emerson's aphorisms and explian what it means and how it relates to you.

11/18

Read Emerson's "Nature."

Make Cornell notes on the reading.

Paragraph:  Do you agree or disagree w/ Emerson's views?  Why?