Ishmael Detailed Assignments

Ishmael


A Summer Reading Experience


Assignment:
Read Text
Annotate Text (graded)
Create a Dialectical Journal/Vocabulary (graded)
Prepare to write 1st in-class essay second week of school (Graded)
Prepare to have an opinion on the ideas for discussion second week of school (Graded)




Due:
First Week of School


Ishmael
English III Honors—American Literature

Our American history has been marked by important cultural and sociological changes. In Junior American Literature and composition, we will trace American values and changes to those values through the voices and narratives of a variety of significant authors. These authors speak of revolution, love, war, equality, social justice, and personal change. As students explore these author’s voices, they will become skilled readers of texts written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. In addition, they will find their own voice and become skilled writers who can compose for a variety of purposes.
Each semester of English III Honors, we will focus on a key question that is derived from the literature we read. The question for first semester is “What are the core values of American culture and how is American Literature a reflection of core those values?” This is an exploration of American culture, American Letters, and You as an American contributor. The summer read delves into these questions; in fact, Quinn’s novel is an insightful analysis of our current society and culture and a perfect reflection of American consciousness. It encourages readers to evaluate themselves and our role in life. It has some strong opinions; in turn, I want you to have a dialogue with these ideas and reach even stronger conclusions about the author’s points and purpose. This might be good one to read with your parents and have an open discussion at home..
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1) Before you Read: (Be sure you have reviewed the Mini-Lesson on Dialectical Journals)

In your dialectical journal, make a list of 4-5 core values of American culture you deem most important. Provide a brief explanation for each before you begin recording other information.


2) As you Read: Annotate the Text, and complete your Dialectical Journal

Annotation/Vocabulary: You will be turning in your book with its annotations on the first day of class along with your dialectical journal and vocabulary list. I will use the scoring methods in your mini-lessons to assign a grade. While reading, remember you’re preparing to write 1 excellent essay in class in the first couple days of school, so, when you annotate, take notes on information that relates to the essay as well as other observations you make. If you don’t usually take notes while you read, this is a great opportunity to develop a new life skill. Seriously. So, remember when you finish each chapter or two, consider the question below and decide how the text addresses it through the pages you’ve read. Annotate these notes in the margins or at the end of the chapter. For a reminder on annotation see the mini-lesson on annotation. Some of these annotations could be lengthened in a discussion in the dialectical journal Also, while you read, keep track of vocabulary terms you do not know; look them up, write the definitions in your own words. This will be attached to the back of your dialectical journal..

What core values of American culture (that we currently possess) are criticized in the novel Ishmael? Is Quinn’s argument effective?


Dialectical Journal: Keep a journal or log of significant passages as you annotate and read the novel. I would annotate as you read and then complete your dialectical entries (3-4) after every chapter. Copy the quote down using proper MLA format and provide an explanation of what this quote means and why it is important. For more information on how to set up a dialectical journal, what goes in them, etc., refer to mini-lesson on dialectical journaling.

Note: Break the novel into manageable sections before you begin, and portion your progress through July so that you don’t have to read too much of the book in too short a time. Not planning makes the book harder to understand and less meaningful, and your writing about the book will suffer measurably (you’ll lose points).



3) After you Read:

Refer back to your dialectical journal and reflect on the values you listed. You will be writing a literary analysis in class (on the first or second class period) that answers the question

What core values of American culture (that we currently possess) are criticized in the novel Ishmael? Is Quinn’s argument effective?

**Your literary analysis should contain a thesis that answers this question and highlights three values as your three main points. It may help to pre-write after you finish the novel so it is fresh when I ask you to write it in class. While this novel is frequently summarized and annotated on the internet, using the internet (or using printed “Reading Aides” like Cliff’s Notes, etc.) instead of or as a supplement to reading, on this assignment, is willful cheating in addition to laziness and chicanery. Don’t do it. If something you read in the novel doesn’t make sense, email me and ask for help. Remember, this course is about the evolution of you and your ideas; So, I need your ideas. I don’t care about what others on the Internet say.

**You NEED at least two pieces of textual evidence from Ishmael to support each of your main points (six total).

**See rubric for grading criteria

** Do not be afraid; I am interested in your ideas, not failing you. This is an exercise in encouraging you to think freely and write freely without the fear of failure. It also gives me an idea of what you can do as an individual and as a class. If you fall into the in progress stage, no big deal (as long as you did the best you could) As with all honors students, I expect that if you don’t succeed, try, try again! Here’s how I will score your in-class write on the first or second day of class: For your in-class write, you may use your book, but that’s it.


Rubric:
A: The Tutor: Ready to be Challenged
• Extraordinary, original ideas.
• Interesting and thought-provoking
• Provides an unconventional yet supported interpretation
• Organized, thesis, answers prompt, and supports with 6 textual references
• Analytical, not summary
• Does not state the obvious but rather the not so obvious

B: Getting There But I will Get Better
• Original Ideas but may state the obvious
• Organized, thesis, answers prompt, and supports with 4 textual references
• Analytical, not summary

C: In Progress but Willing to Learn
• States the obvious
• Makes an attempt to organize and generate a thesis
• Sporadic support
• Provides more summary than analysis
• Not real interesting