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As you know your work for this course will begin with the summer reading list, and you are probably wondering what the list requirements will be and how important its completion will be to your success in this course. The summer reading list is comprised of texts, which will enhance your ability to interpret and discuss a variety of literature. You will use the texts at various times during the course; however, all summer reading is to be completed prior to the first day of class. You will be held responsible for all five titles on that day, and failure to complete the reading will seriously hinder your success in this course. The reading list is as follows:
Beowulf, A New Verse Translation, by Seamus Heaney
Macbeth, by William Shakespeare
The Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury (Be sure your edition contains the “Coda.”)
Mythology, by Edith Hamilton
With each of the texts, besides enjoying them, you should be sure to note and remember details, such as characters and settings, along with plot and point of view. As always you are trying to ascertain the importance of those details in relationship to the overall themes of the text.
Along with the requirements for the summer reading, this class will be conducted as a college-level class. Thus you should be aware that no assignments will be accepted late without prior permission, all reading assignments are to be completed on time, class discussions will be based on readings and the knowledge gained in and out of class, and correct grammar, spelling and punctuation are givens for any assignment. You will be graded on the AP Literature and Composition scale from the first essay. Every student will be expected to participate and will be graded accordingly. You will not be allowed to dismiss a question with an “I don’t know,” and it is your responsibility to actively participate in all class tasks.
I am going to spend some of my summer preparing to give you a rigorous senior English course. You should be similarly engaged in preparing yourself for that work. If you have questions about the summer reading, then please email me at gcherry@wcpss.net.