Honors English Exploration

Etymologies

Book Project Options

List of Approved College-Bound Books

Course Description

HONORS ENGLISH EXPLORATION............................3021 and 3022
Grade 9; one year; prerequisite: 8th grade teacher's recommendation.

This course is a demanding, upper-level language arts course designed to challenge talented and highly motivated students. The quality and quantity of course work exceeds other freshman English courses. The course work includes reading several novels and a Shakespearean play, presenting oral book reviews, memorizing lines from plays, and completing a number of long and short term writing projects. The ability to work in groups is an essential part of this course.

Book Project Options

Papers - Minimum of 3
Presentation - Minimum of 2
Artistic Representations - Minimum of 1

Paper Options

All papers should be double-spaced, typed, one-inch margins, 12 pt. standard font (Times New Roman or comparable), between 2-4 pages. The purpose of papers is to help you engage in the literature in a more unique and specific way and for you to express what you have learned from the experience in writing. You may select from the topics below, or, if you have your own idea, please see me. Please select a different option for each assignment.

1. Follow a minor character throughout the book and explore the decisions that character makes. How do they illuminate something different from the protagonist? What did you learn about this character? How were they important to the book?
   As a variation, you may also use this minor character and write a separate piece about them ­ a short story, perhaps, or the first chapter of a related book.
2. Create a mixed genre paper - you may write original poetry, dialogue, newspaper story w/photos, dream sequence, etc. Include at least four genres in the telling. This paper should deal with a theme or issue from the work, or be reflective pieces inspired by the work. The connection between the works and to the book should be clear. Clearly state the theme of the pieces. (See me for a list of genres)
3. Select a dilemma that one of the characters faces. Write a personal essay about your own experience with that same issue or a similar one. Clearly make the connections to the book.
4. Write an additional scene or chapter, one that is implied in the book, but not shown. Make sure that your scene or chapter is based on what you already know about the characters and the story and that it is reflective of the writing style. It should be able to be inserted into the story seamlessly. This can be presented.
5. Write a monologue in the voice of one of the characters that reveals something about the character and how they see their circumstances and the world. It should be reflective of their personality, speech, and ideas. This option can be presented also.
6. Select a metaphor in the novel and follow it throughout. Explore and explain its significance, including its meaning, its use, and how it enhances the story or characters. How and why did the author use this particular metaphor?
7. Explore the role of magic, mythology or the supernatural in the novel. How does it enhance the story, characters, setting, or meaning? What significance does it have, and why did the author include it? Does it symbolize something other than itself? How does it relate to other aspects of the book?
8. Explore the role of religion in the book. How does it enhance the story, characters, setting, or meaning? What significance does it have, and why did the author include it? Does it symbolize something other than itself? How does it relate to other aspects of the book?
9. Explore the role of music in the book. How does it enhance the story, characters, setting, or meaning? What significance does it have, and why did the author include it? Does it symbolize something other than itself? How does it relate to other aspects of the book?
10. Explore the role of color in the book. How does it enhance the story, characters, setting, or meaning? What significance does it have, and why did the author include it? Does it symbolize something other than itself? How does it relate to other aspects of the book?
11. Write a paper describing how the novel changed or expanded your views. Be specific, including quotes and other references from the book. How did it cause you to change your perspective? Did it cause you to question something?
12. Compare and contrast the book and movie versions of your novel (objectively). Pay particular attention to plot, characters, setting, and dialogue. How closely did the director/producer follow the book? Were their deletions or deviations significant enough to change the story? Then include your subjective opinion about which you preferred. Did the director/producer have a similar vision of the book that you did? Do you think their interpretation was true to the author's message?
13. Compare and contrast your book with another by the same author. In it, describe common themes, writing style, elements, etc. What parallels can you see?
14. Compare this book to another book with a similar theme. This can be adapted for a song, movie, poem, or play. What is the theme, and how do the pieces reflect it? This can also be done with metaphors ­ exploring different uses of the same metaphor. Do they convey the same images and messages? Why do you think each creator chose that metaphor?
15. Write a diary from the perspective of one of the characters. It should reflect a significant moment of action, a climatic event from your literary selection. Through the writing, reflect on the action leading up to this point. Whoever you become, in addition to the plot details relayed, also include some sensual words so we have an indication of what you are seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, or tasting ...whatever is appropriate.
16. Rewrite the ending of the book. It should reflect the author's writing style, and it should be consistent with themes, characters, mood, etc. already present so that it can fit seamlessly at the end, or in place of the existing last chapter. Be sure to answer the readers' questions, and not to leave "loose ends."
    As a variation, you may write the first chapter of the sequel. What characters will be resurrected? What issues have yet to be resolved? This should reflect the dynamics of the book, including characters' personalities and flaws, etc.
17. Relate the book to real-life history and/or present day. How do the characters, issues, themes, and other details still apply? What elements would be different if it were set in present day, or what elements are indeed different from real-life history? What about the book is timeless and ageless, and what elements are dated? What comparisons can you draw between issues and events in the novel and issues and events today? Perhaps the author is hinting at an incident or foreign problem ­ if so, what is it?
    

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Presentation Options

1. Dramatize an incident from the novel. This requires a typed script, memorized and rehearsed by the learner responsible, though it may involve other actors. If you choose to collaborate on this presentation, each learner responsible must present a script and have memorized lines. Presentation should be approx. 5 min. for each learner responsible.
2. Conduct a book talk in interview format, where you play the part of the author or the critic. This also requires a typed script. If collaborating, each learner should share equal "air time" (approx. 5 min.) as author/critic (in the spirit of "Larry King Live" or "Oprah" book talks).
3. Organize a panel to debate an issue related to or within the book. This should be an organized debate, where each side presents opening arguments, one presentation, one rebuttal, and closing arguments. If you choose to collaborate on this project, each side needs to present typed notes (negative and affirmative sides) complete with evidence and references to the book.
4. Role-play one of the characters. You should dress up as this character for the day, and present either a monologue (typed, memorized & rehearsed) as the character or be prepared to be interviewed by the class as that character. If you are interviewed, some class members should have questions ready for you, and you will also need to submit a 1-2 pg. typed analysis of that character.
5. Pick a book you think each of the characters would enjoy reading. Bring the books in and tell why it fits that character. There should be at least 5 characters (the more, the better). This also requires typed, rehearsed speech notes (at minimum, books & characters & rationales).
6. Present a review of the book to a younger class. If you choose this option, you need to arrange it with me far prior to the date for teacher scheduling. Also, this requires a videotape of the review and some sort of visual aid - pictures you've made, mini-books for them, a large picture book representation, book brochures, paper dolls of characters, etc.
7. Find others who are reading the same book, and have a panel discussion. Each member of the panel will need to be responsible for certain aspects of the book (theme, plot, characterization, conflict, tone, mood). Each member will need to provide a 2 pg. typed analysis of the aspects for which he/she is responsible.
8. Rewrite and perform (in 5 min. ±) one scene of the book in a different genre - Western, soap opera, old radio drama, made-for-TV movie, news broadcast, etc. This requires a typed, rehearsed script with stage directions. Dialogue, costuming and other elements of stage production should also reflect the genre.
   May also to KMXT to use their recording studio to record radio drama in one of these dramas. See me if interested for help coordinating. If done at the studio, more attention will be given to voice inflection, expression, etc. rather than costuming and stage directions. Script should also reflect these changes.
   May also make a film of one scene or incident from the book, using your script and costuming and stage directions. Film should be between 5-10 minutes, and it should include, if possible, appropriate music (soundtrack) and visual elements (lighting, fade in/out, etc.)
9. Perform an interpretive dance illustrating elements of the book (perhaps a conflict or climax). Include a typed explanation of or reference to the aspect of the book that your dance portrays.
10. Create a storyboard that tells the story of the book.
11. Create a lesson to teach the class about the book, especially if the book is information or philosophical, or contains a new or difficult idea (such as the Republic, Communist Manifesto, Origin of the Species).
12. Prepare a 5 min. speech on one of the topics listed above under "paper."
    

Artistic Representation Options

1. Illustrate the story, coordinating music and narration through a multimedia presentation (MS PowerPoint preferred) of your book. This should last 3-5 minutes or be at least 10 panels/frames long. The more effort, the better the grade. (Let me know ahead of time so I can have a projector available).
2. Build a clay or papier-mâché bust of a key character or the author. Include a 1-2 pg. typed explanation of the role/significance of the character or biography of the author. This can be adapted for other art forms.
3. Make a map or 3D diorama of the setting within the book. Include written references to the book, showing where the book indicated that the setting looked this way.
4. Create a shortened cartoon (comic book) version of the book. The cartoon should still be an accurate reflection of the plot, theme, characters, etc.
5. Create a flip book to show one of the action sequences in the novel. Again, it should be an accurate reflection of the plot, sequence, characters, etc. In 1-2 pgs, explain the significance of the action scene in the book.
6. Choose an idea, theme or character from the book, and make it the subject of a large (2' x 2' minimum) collage. Use photos, magazines, original art, 3D objects, and other varieties of media to make it visually appealing. This requires a 1-2 pg. explanation of your collage and its relevance to the book, including specific references. The shape of the collage should be significant to the book.
7. Make a 3D model of something in it - a house, log cabin, ship, rocket, etc. This requires a 1-2 pg. explanation of the significance of the object within the book, including specific references.
8. Create a mobile including objects from the novel, such as characters, themes, metaphors, conflicts, significant scenes, etc. Include a 1-2 pg. explanation of your mobile and its references to the book.
9. Create a children's version of the book, complete with illustrations. This version should be an accurate reflection of the plot, sequence, characters, themes, and mood. Extra points for sharing it with a child or an elementary classroom.
10. Create a picture book representing themes, characters and moods within the book. While the book will not have words, you will need to attach an explanation of the themes, etc. illustrated in the book.
11. Make a bulletin board about the novel, showing the main characters, setting, plot, themes, etc. This will be graded on visual appeal and creativity (3D is always good here) as well as accuracy.
12. Write and perform a song about the book. This should include specific references to the book or elements within it.
13. Compile a soundtrack for the movie version of your book. The music selections should be justified and explained, including how the songs' mood, content, etc. is appropriate for part or the entire book. You should also include a reference to the book where the song would fit the best. If lyrics are available, please attach them along with the tape/CD soundtrack and justifications.
14. Create a book jacket or brochure for the book, including brief biographical information about the author, synopsis, etc. on the inside flaps and representative artwork on the outside.
15. Make puppets or paper dolls of the characters. For puppets, write and perform a brief puppet show adaptation from the book. For the paper dolls, include different outfits for the characters and rationales/references for the outfits.
16. Create a scroll or hand rolled movie to illustrate the book. This should be accurate to the book in plot, setting, characters, etc.
17. Interpretive dance - see #9 under "Presentations."
    

RUBRIC for Papers

Demonstrates higher-level thinking 10
Demonstrates the writing process (rough, final, peer edit, revise...) 5
6 trait scoring with emphasis on conventions (proofread!!) 10
Evidence of time invested 10
Meets length requirements 10
Meets presentation requirements (paragraph under "paper") 5
Meets other requirements set forth 25
Demonstrates thorough understanding of novel 25

RUBRIC for Presentations

Preparedness (notes clear, have practiced, etc.) 5
Enunciation (speaking clearly and loudly) 5
Eye contact (connect with full audience, appropriate reliance on notes...) 5
Lack of distracting behaviors ("uh," "um," playing with hair, rocking...) 5
Appropriate hand gestures (for emphasis, not clinging to anything) 5
Visual aids/props (book, slides, pictures, overheads, multimedia...) 5
Evidence of time invested (practice, know your topic) 10
Meets length requirements 10
Meets other requirements set forth 25
Demonstrates thorough understanding of novel 25

RUBRIC for Artistic Representations

Originality/Creativity 10
Accuracy/Relevance to novel 10
Overall visual appeal 10
Evidence of time invested 10
Meets requirements set forth 30
Demonstrates thorough understanding of novel 30

Important notes regarding book projects:

• No I.O.Us may be used on these projects.
• You must pick a different option for project you do.
• Let me know at LEAST a week in advance if you need special accommodations to do your project (tables, projectors, etc.)
• These count toward the 40% of your grade assigned to "major assessments."
• Any variations not listed here need to be pre-approved, but you are welcome to customize a project
• Plagiarism: If I find that any part of your project has been plagiarized, including if you have not read the book yourself, your entire project will be given a zero, and you will not have an opportunity to make up this grade. All work must be original, and must be based on your own work (reading, writing, creating included). You are welcome to consult outside resources, but be sure to cite and credit them wherever their ideas influenced your own or are included in your work. No project should ever be based on Cliff Notes or any other summary of the work, including those found on-line or from a friend who has read the same work. Plagiarism in any form is not tolerated on these or any assignments.
  

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100 Most Recommended Books for College-Bound Students

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
2. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
3. Seize the Day by Saul Bellow
4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
5. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
6. The Stranger by Albert Camus
7. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
8. My Antonia by Willa Cather
9. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
10. The Awakening by Kate Chopin
11. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
12. The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
13. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
14. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
15. Crime and Punishment by Feodor Dostoevski
16. The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
17. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
18. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
19. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding
20. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
21. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
22. A Passage to India by E.M. Forster
23. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
24. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
25. Tess of the D'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy
26. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
27. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
28. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
29. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
30. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
31. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
32. The Trial by Franz Kafka
33. Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence
34. Babbitt by Lewis Sinclair
35. The Assistant by Bernard Malamud
36. Death in Venice by Thomas Mann
37. Moby Dick by Herman Melville
38. Sula by Toni Morrison
39. A Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery O'Connor
40. Tell Me a Riddle by Tillie Olsen
41. Animal Farm by George Orwell
42. Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
43. Great Tales and Poems by Edgar Allan Poe
44. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
45. Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
46. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
47. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
48. Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift
49. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
50. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
51. Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev
52. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
53. Rabbit, Run by John Updike
54. Candide by Voltaire
55. Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
56. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
57. Thirteen Stories by Eudora Welty
58. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
59. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
60. Native Son by Richard Wright
61. Orestia by Aeschylus
62. Lysistrata by Aristophanes
63. Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
64. Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht
65. The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov
66. Medea by Euripides
67. Faust, Part I by Johann von Goethe
68. A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen
69. Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
70. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
71. The Misanthrope by Moliere
72. Desire Under the Elms by Eugene O'Neill
73. Hamlet by William Shakespeare
74. Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
75. Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
76. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
77. Our Town by Thornton Wilder
78. The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
79. Norton Anthology of Poetry by Alexander Allison, editor
80. Beowulf by Anonymous
81. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Anonymous
82. Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
83. Inferno by Dante
84. The Odyssey by Homer
85. Paradise Lost by John Milton
86. The Aeneid by Vergil
87. Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
88. Poetics by Aristotle
89. Confessions by Saint Augustine
90. The Bible
91. Origin of the Species by Charles Darwin
92. "The American Scholar" in Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson
93. Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin
94. Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud
95. Mythology by Edith Hamilton
96. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
97. Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx
98. Selected Essays by Michel de Montaigne
99. Republic by Plato
100. Walden by Henry David Thoreau

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last updated April 13, 2005