AP Literature & Composition, Summer Assignment

AP LITERATURE & COMPOSITION

        Summer Assignment 2024 

        Your assignment is a three-part preview of the course and offers you a chance to interact with a variety of texts, explore ideas, and write in response to what you are reading and thinking.

           Bring your novel and all work to class on MONDAY 8/12.

Part I: Organizing 

Join the class using the REMIND app here.

Assignment -- Get a composition notebook of your choice with the style of paper that you prefer (lined, graph, blank, bullet point, etc.). We will use this notebook to reflect on the major works that we study, so find one that you really like and make it your own. Place all of your summer work inside.

Part II: Reading  

Read text (novel)--All the Light We Cannot See (ISBN:978-1-5011-7321-9)    

Assignment -- Read ATLWCS and then create 2 pages (front/back) of sketch style notes about the novel in your composition book. How you organize those 2 pages is up to you. I know that this is vague and undefined, but I’m asking you to do more than  just list characters and settings, but to show connections within the novel. This is not the place to copy down what you read online, instead use symbols, graphics, etc. When there are little to no rules, the possibilities are endless. It is up to you to make it awesome! This book will be our first novel of study this year, so be prepared for assessment opportunities based on the text (not the television series:).

Read text (blog) -- Leo Babauta's “Why I Read” 

Assignment -- In a similar fashion to Babauta’s reflection, write one page of reflection about your relationship with reading. Share an honest assessment of the role that reading plays in your life.  Think about how you would conceptualize and categorize the impact reading has had on you. I value honesty over flattery. If reading is not your thing, say it. If you love it, then let me know. More important than what you choose is the truth of your reflection. I want to read about why you feel the way that you do and get to know you as a reader.

Part III: Seeing

Edpuzzle: Watch video--Analyzing Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks"  (EDPUZZLE CODE: nececte)

In Evan Puschak’s video essay, he analyzes the iconic 20th century American painting, “Nighthawks.” Pay attention to what he sees, but 

also notice the biographical and historical context he weaves into his analysis. Notice how he uses both images and words to teach you about the painting.

Assignment--In your composition book, I want you to complete one page based on a work of art that has meaning to you. It can be a work of literature, a painting, or a song. Analyze that work of art on a similar level to that of Evan Puschak and “Nighthawks.” He has done a fair amount of research; please do the same. In your notes, find an organized way to explain its artistic merit and value. Don’t just provide a summary of what it is, analyze how it operates and why it is important. Articulate not only what it means to you, but an appreciation for the artist, the cultural and historical context in which it was created, and how the work has transcended time and remains relevant. 

One Final Note: 

As you begin your assignments and think about the course ahead, remember that online summaries are tools, but they serve as poor replacements for actually reading a book. If we were at dinner, you would never ask me to chew up your food for you first and then give it to you. That would be 1) GROSS and

2) you would miss out on experimenting with new flavors and enjoying the taste of your dinner for yourself. If you are going to take AP LIT, be prepared to read and write all year because this course is all about honing your thinking skills.

Cheering you on, 

MRS. POWERS

npowers@fbalions.org or use Remind