| Summer Reading Information AP English Literature - Mrs. Illian, Dr. Thorpe, & Mr. Yastremski Ridge High School |
Four Required Works
1. Bible Selections – Old and New Testament - KJV
2. Awakening – Kate Chopin
3. A Prayer for Owen Meany – John Irving
4. The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
REQUIRED STUDENT RESPONSES:
Students are encouraged to annotate their texts or keep an appropriate
literature log of their notes and analysis. These notes will prove beneficial for
reference and review in September when students will complete in-class, AP-
style “timed writing” assignments on the texts. Upon arrival on the first day
of class, students will submit the following two essays:
1. A ‘process’ essay on one of the six AP prompts listed below. The
essay should not exceed 750 words (about two typed, double-spaced pages).
The year notation before each topic indicates the year in which the question
appeared as an open-ended question (#3) on the AP English Literature
examination. Students should utilize MLA format, and indicate the “year” of
the topic in their title.
2. A college application essay for at least one school you are considering
or for the Common Application. Please submit a copy of the application with
topic and length requirements with the essay.
Process essay prompts (choose one of the six):
1966: An individual's struggle toward understanding and awareness is the traditional subject for the
novelist. In an essay, apply this statement to one novel of literary merit. Organize your essay according
to the following plan: 1) Compare the hero as we see him in an early scene with the hero as we see him
in a scene near the end of the novel. 2) Describe the techniques that the author uses to reveal the new
understanding and awareness that the hero has achieved.
1967: Frequently in novels, an important character violates the laws, the conventions, the rules of
conduct of a society. In presenting such characters and actions, the author's purpose may be (1) to
arouse our sympathy for the character who is violating the rules of society; (2) to divide our interest
sharply between sympathy for the character and desire to support the principles of society; (3) to arouse
our "satiric mirth" at the character who is violating the principles of society; and (4) to laugh with the
character at the conventions that are being violated. Write a well-organized essay, illustrating in some
detail two or more of these purposes.
1971: In retrospect, the reader often discovers that the first chapter of a novel introduces some of the
major themes of the work. Write an essay about the first chapter of a novel in which you explain how
the chapter functions to set forth major themes.
1973-- An effective literary work does not merely stop or cease; it concludes. In the view of some critics,
a work that does not provide the pleasure of significant closure has terminated with an artistic fault. A
satisfactory ending is not, however, always conclusive in every sense; significant closure may require
the reader to abide with or adjust to ambiguity and uncertainty. In an essay, discuss the ending of a
novel or play of acknowledged literary merit. Explain precisely how and why the ending appropriately
or inappropriately concludes the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.
1984: From a novel or play of literary merit, select an important character who is a villain. Then, in a
well-organized essay, analyze the nature of the character's villainy and show how it enhances the
meaning of the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.
1987: Some novels and plays seem to advocate changes in social or political attitudes or in traditions.
Choose such a novel or play and note briefly the particular attitudes or traditions that the author
apparently wishes to modify. Then analyze the techniques the author uses to influence the reader's or
audience's views. Avoid plot summary.
Bible Selections: King James Version
In light of frequent allusions to biblical texts in English literature, students
will read those selections chosen for their prominence and relevance in many
classical and contemporary texts. Selections are from the King James
version, both Old and New Testaments. While the readings do not provide
an exhaustive list of biblical allusions, many of the familiar stories are
included.
Why the King James Version?
The King James Version as English Literature
The Influence of the King James Version on English Literature
Required Selections:
Old Testament
Genesis 1-3, 4, 6-9, 11 (The Creation, Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, Babel)
Exodus 13-14, 19-20 (Parting of the Red Sea & The Ten Commandments)
Job 1-3, 7, 10-14, 31, 38-40, 42
New Testament
The Gospel of Matthew (The Story of Jesus) (abridged)
The Gospel of John 11 (The Story of Lazarus)
Book of Revelations (abridged - The Four Horseman, The Seven Seals, the fall
of Babylon)
While reading...
Literature logs, annotation and highlighting, or marginal notes are
recommended for the Advanced Placement reader. Note any thematic
and/or symbolic elements, motifs, and elements of style (diction, detail,
syntax, etc.). Notes may be utilized as necessary in reference to allusions in
texts studied during the year.
After Reading...
Students will complete a timed-writing assignment where they will evaluate
specific religious allusions as they relate to a contemporary work of
literature.
The following list offers several biblical allusions commonly found in
literature. Many of these are addressed in the above readings; however, feel
free to research any of the others listed below online or at your school and
public libararies.
(source: http://teachers.ausd.net/staral/seniorlist.html)
1. Bible Selections – Old and New Testament - KJV
2. Awakening – Kate Chopin
3. A Prayer for Owen Meany – John Irving
4. The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
REQUIRED STUDENT RESPONSES:
Students are encouraged to annotate their texts or keep an appropriate
literature log of their notes and analysis. These notes will prove beneficial for
reference and review in September when students will complete in-class, AP-
style “timed writing” assignments on the texts. Upon arrival on the first day
of class, students will submit the following two essays:
1. A ‘process’ essay on one of the six AP prompts listed below. The
essay should not exceed 750 words (about two typed, double-spaced pages).
The year notation before each topic indicates the year in which the question
appeared as an open-ended question (#3) on the AP English Literature
examination. Students should utilize MLA format, and indicate the “year” of
the topic in their title.
2. A college application essay for at least one school you are considering
or for the Common Application. Please submit a copy of the application with
topic and length requirements with the essay.
Process essay prompts (choose one of the six):
1966: An individual's struggle toward understanding and awareness is the traditional subject for the
novelist. In an essay, apply this statement to one novel of literary merit. Organize your essay according
to the following plan: 1) Compare the hero as we see him in an early scene with the hero as we see him
in a scene near the end of the novel. 2) Describe the techniques that the author uses to reveal the new
understanding and awareness that the hero has achieved.
1967: Frequently in novels, an important character violates the laws, the conventions, the rules of
conduct of a society. In presenting such characters and actions, the author's purpose may be (1) to
arouse our sympathy for the character who is violating the rules of society; (2) to divide our interest
sharply between sympathy for the character and desire to support the principles of society; (3) to arouse
our "satiric mirth" at the character who is violating the principles of society; and (4) to laugh with the
character at the conventions that are being violated. Write a well-organized essay, illustrating in some
detail two or more of these purposes.
1971: In retrospect, the reader often discovers that the first chapter of a novel introduces some of the
major themes of the work. Write an essay about the first chapter of a novel in which you explain how
the chapter functions to set forth major themes.
1973-- An effective literary work does not merely stop or cease; it concludes. In the view of some critics,
a work that does not provide the pleasure of significant closure has terminated with an artistic fault. A
satisfactory ending is not, however, always conclusive in every sense; significant closure may require
the reader to abide with or adjust to ambiguity and uncertainty. In an essay, discuss the ending of a
novel or play of acknowledged literary merit. Explain precisely how and why the ending appropriately
or inappropriately concludes the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.
1984: From a novel or play of literary merit, select an important character who is a villain. Then, in a
well-organized essay, analyze the nature of the character's villainy and show how it enhances the
meaning of the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.
1987: Some novels and plays seem to advocate changes in social or political attitudes or in traditions.
Choose such a novel or play and note briefly the particular attitudes or traditions that the author
apparently wishes to modify. Then analyze the techniques the author uses to influence the reader's or
audience's views. Avoid plot summary.
Bible Selections: King James Version
In light of frequent allusions to biblical texts in English literature, students
will read those selections chosen for their prominence and relevance in many
classical and contemporary texts. Selections are from the King James
version, both Old and New Testaments. While the readings do not provide
an exhaustive list of biblical allusions, many of the familiar stories are
included.
Why the King James Version?
The King James Version as English Literature
The Influence of the King James Version on English Literature
Required Selections:
Old Testament
Genesis 1-3, 4, 6-9, 11 (The Creation, Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, Babel)
Exodus 13-14, 19-20 (Parting of the Red Sea & The Ten Commandments)
Job 1-3, 7, 10-14, 31, 38-40, 42
New Testament
The Gospel of Matthew (The Story of Jesus) (abridged)
The Gospel of John 11 (The Story of Lazarus)
Book of Revelations (abridged - The Four Horseman, The Seven Seals, the fall
of Babylon)
While reading...
Literature logs, annotation and highlighting, or marginal notes are
recommended for the Advanced Placement reader. Note any thematic
and/or symbolic elements, motifs, and elements of style (diction, detail,
syntax, etc.). Notes may be utilized as necessary in reference to allusions in
texts studied during the year.
After Reading...
Students will complete a timed-writing assignment where they will evaluate
specific religious allusions as they relate to a contemporary work of
literature.
The following list offers several biblical allusions commonly found in
literature. Many of these are addressed in the above readings; however, feel
free to research any of the others listed below online or at your school and
public libararies.
(source: http://teachers.ausd.net/staral/seniorlist.html)
|
| Questions? Mr. Yastremski (dyastremski@bernardsboe.com) or Mrs. Illian (cillian@bernardsboe.com) or Dr. Thorpe (kthorpe@bernardsboe.com) |
| Summer Reading AP English Literature |
| Summer Reading titles can be purchased at The Bookworm 99 Claremont Road Bernardsville (908) 766-4599 |