Morning Sessions

Just as a reminder, we will be meeting at 7:15 am (sharp) every Wednesday throughout the school year unless otherwise notified. Please mark your calendars and make arrangements for being in my classroom and ready to go at 7:15am. It is recommended to show up a couple of minutes early in case you forgot something and have to go back to your locker etc. We will also set up a breakfast rotation during the first session (August 31, 2011). You must have the two different 5 Step to a 5 AP books by then.

Bonus question

This is not required.
You will receive credit for a full blog answer just for thoughtfully responding to the following questions. There are no absolutely "right" answers.

Why did you decide to take AP Language instead of English Honors III? What do you expect the differences to be between the two courses, especially considering that they meet at the same time? What is your independent study plan for the next year in order to achieve a passing score on the AP exam in May, especially since you did not pass AP Euro and/or AP Bio?

Last Two Required Blogs (8-13 & 8-21)

Weeks 7 & 8

The Grapes of Wrath

Blog Question #7--Trace the development of one minor character and one major character throughout the novel.

Blog Question #8--What are the major differences between the novel and the film? This should help with Caulfield's assignment.

Week 6--July 31, 2011 to August 7, 2011

The Grapes of Wrath

We have finally reached the last novel :) Hopefully the blog questions on The Grapes of Wrath will help you as you write the summer assignments for both AP U.S. History & AP Language & Composition. Understanding the historical background of a piece of literature is key. Hopefully you have already learned that from your previous English courses and the other questions I have been asking of you this summer. Spend some time investigating the historical setting of the novel in combination with the author. Blog question: What role does the historical context of the novel play with regards to the development of the plot and characters? I want some specifics folks!

Week 5--July 24, 2011-July 31, 2011

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Consider in detail the portrayal of black Americans in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Think about the portrayal of Jim. Twain’s characterization of Jim changes throughout the novel. Blog Questions: Is the novel “racist”? If the novel is racist, should it be read in schools? Is Jim at any point used as the butt of other’s jokes? If so, is this racist, simply a legitimate humorous technique, or a revelation of others’ character traits?

A Bit Concerned

I have only received blog question responses from Dianna, Danielle, Vince & Nia. If you know of others who are in AP or perhaps even honors who haven't responded remind them gently to do so soooooooon!

My comments in reponse to your answers...

Be specific, not general. Saying I'll talk about spirituality in my children's book implies that you really haven't read the book. What aspects of spirituality? Some responses are posted on the blog and others were emailed to me. Overall though it is a reasonable start.

Blog Issues

Apparently the Blog has not been publishing live to the public (that's you). I am glad to know though that you have actually been following through and checking the website. please go back and complete all of the blog questions posted for Weeks 1-4. I absolutely understand that you will need extra time to complete them since they were not properly posted until today...my new computer apparently didn't allow Java script to do its job. Week 4 is still due by Sunday, July 24, 2011...but as for the others...let's say Week 1 is due by July 21, 2011, Week 2 is due by July 24, 2011, and Week 3 is due by July 28, 2011. If you need more time for any of these blogs please email me (torourke@stbernardhs.com).

Please remember that answering these blogs should also assist you in creating better summer assignments. Much of what you post as a response can go directly into your essays. Each blog post is also worth 25 points.