English 12AP Summer Reading
Assignment 2009
Mrs. Lindbloom: sdlindbloom@henrico.k12.va.us
Overview:
English 12AP is a college-level class focusing on literature
and composition. You will have the opportunity to earn college credit for the
course when you take the AP Literature and Composition exam on Thursday, May
6. As one would expect of a college-level class with “literature” in the
title, English 12AP will require a commitment to careful reading throughout
the year. The summer reading assignment is your first opportunity to
demonstrate this commitment; as there are only two books to read, I expect
each of you to arrive in September with a thorough familiarity with and
understanding of each.
Directions:
In order to prepare for English 12AP, you are required to read the following books over the summer and complete the notes assignment for each. Obtain copies (I recommend purchasing a copy so that you may “make it your own”) and read your books in a casual way at the beginning of the summer—bring them to the pool, sit on your back porch, or find a comfortable room without any distractions. Instead of worrying about your notes assignments at this time, you should simply try to read the books for understanding and, ideally, enjoyment.
Towards the end of the summer, read them again. This time, take careful notes—underline, highlight, keep a notebook, etc. Then complete the formal notes assignments; these notes will consist of Major Works Data Sheets and a dialectical journal for each work (see attached). Be prepared to take a short essay test, write an essay, and/or participate in a Socratic Seminar on both books at the beginning of the school year.
You must email me the novel you have chosen for your optional reading no later than August 1. If you are new to Hermitage and enroll after this date, email me as soon as possible. Be sure to identify yourself clearly in the email. All assignments are due the first day of class.
All students must read the following:
Additionally, all students must read one of the following:
Additional Assignments (Type or write neatly in pen on lined paper):
*Do not confuse our novel, Invisible Man by Ralph
Ellison, with the science-fiction novel of a similar title by H. G. Wells.
**If you need a copy of the Bloom article, you may pick one up in the main office and/or the school counseling department. Alternately, you may check out a copy of How to Read and Why by Harold Bloom from your public library. Our article appears on pages 263 to 269.