American Literature Assignments for April 13-30
May assignments are at the bottom of this page.
Dear American Literature Students,
I hope you all are safe and as happy as you can be during this unprecedented time in world history. Let me remind you of my message when last I saw you: move your body and your mind every day to maintain your physical and mental health. I am attempting to do the same.
As teachers, we have been told repeatedly to remind our students to "stay engaged" with their classes. We have also been told that students who are "not engaged" will receive an "incomplete" for their class. So, please for your sake, make sure you "engage" with your classes/teachers. You can email me any time you wish (dlipe@ecusd7.org). I almost always respond within an hour or so (unless, of course, you email me at 3:00 a.m.).
I sent out an email on Monday informing you that if you choose not to do the film project that that is fine considering so many of you were collaborating on the project. However, if you do choose to do the project, then that is certainly proof of your engagement, and you will be given credit and an assessment of your effort. However, let me reiterate: you do not have to complete the film project, and if you don't, it won't count against you. If you do complete it, please either send me the link if you post it on youtube or email it to me. Typically, my school email won't handle attachments that large, so try mespdave@gmail.com for that, but please email me at my school email to let me know that you sent it, as I don't check that email that often.
Below, I'm going to list your assignments for the remainder of April beginning after spring break. If we are back in May, then I'll see you then, but if we are not, then I'll continue to list your assignments on this page.
All the best and sincerely,
Dave Lipe, American Literature Teacher
PS. I'm sure a couple of you miss my reading of paint cans, but if you are wondering about Private Detective C. Card and his adventures with the beer-drinking rich dame, click here to read Dreaming of Babylon by Richard Brautigan.
PSS. I miss you, too!
Assignment #1: Click here to find a short story by an American author. Make sure your writer is indeed American as several on this page are not. Then, after you choose a story and read it write a letter to me about the story. You letter should be about one page long, 12 point font, and block style just like we've done all year. Your letter should include the title, writer, date published, setting, a brief plot summary, the theme, and your opinion. Do not write more than two pages. Then, email your letter to me (dlipe@ecusd7.org). Please do this by 5:00 p.m. on April 17. If you want to read something that's not on that site, you need to get it approved beforehand.
Assignment #2: Write another original poem. Like the other poems you've written for this class, you must write 15 lines (so, if you write a 10-line poem, for example, you need to write another poem of at least 5 lines). You must use 5 different devices (type the device next to the line in parenthesis and underline the letter(s); which create the device; if you use allusion or symbolism, you must indicate to what you are alluding or what is being symbolized. You must also do at least three drafts of your poem; please only send me your most-current draft. Lastly, this should be your best poem of the year. Please email your new, original poem by 5:00 p.m. April 23. I will post links to the top 3 best poems here; my fellow English teachers will serve as judges.
Assignment #3: Read "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou. Then, write an approximate one-page essay on the poem. In your essay (double spaced, 12 point font) answer the following questions: how is it organized? which devices does she use (include examples)? what is the tone and theme? which is the most important word? Email your essay to me by 5:00 p.m. on 4/30.
May Assignments
Assignment #4: Write a letter of recommendation for yourself. In your letter include a description of yourself: what are your skills, what are some great things you've accomplished, at what are you talented, describe your work ethic. For what would you recommend yourself? (Michael Jenkins, you only have to do this once since I have you for Grammar also.) Set your letter up block style as usual. This is due Monday, May 11 by 9:00 a.m. You can address it to a prospective college or program or just "To Whom It May Concern." This letter can be as long as it needs to be.
Assignment #5: First, watch this short film, "Sleep Forever." Then, write an approximately one-page letter to me answering the following. How would your rate this film in terms of story, cinematography, or anything else you wish to consider? What is the theme (a theme must be an arguable statement and not a topic. For example, love is not a theme; love is painful is a theme)? We have studied several isms this year; which ism or isms are represented here? How does this film compare to anything we have read this year? Then, include anything else you want to say. This letter is due Monday, May 18 by 9:00 a.m.
Assignment #6: Write a letter to me about the class. I want you to consider the entire year; if I only had you for a semester, then just look back at the semester. I suggest you go back and scroll through the units. In your letter address the following questions: which unit was best? which assignment was best? what did you learn? which guest speaker was best? what did the guest speakers teach you? What would you have done differently? which skill did you most develop? Include anything else you'd like to include. This letter is due May 21 at 9:00 a.m.
Dear Students, I just want to say how sorry I am that the school year ended this way. Since most of you are juniors, I'll see you next year (hopefully) as things begin to get back to normal. I really enjoyed American Lit this year, and I truly hope you learned some things which will help you in the future. If I can help you in any way, don't hesitate to let me know. Have a great summer and stay safe, dl