We launch our journey together over the summer by reading and responding to two American novels: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. As you read each novel, post original comments to the discussion blog as directed below.* Then respond thoughtfully to the posts of your classmates to create a conversation. Make sure you add something new to the conversation in your responses. Ask a question, challenge an assumption, offer a different interpretation or a new insight. "I agree" does not qualify as a meaningful response.
* Please avoid fishing for ideas on the Internet. We can all google Sparknotes and Shmoop for ourselves.
Here's how it works:
- Post at least THREE original comments to the blog for each novel. See the posting suggestions below.
- Then post at least THREE responses to other students' comments about each novel.
- Altogether, you should post at least SIX original comments and SIX responses.
* The goal of the response portion of the assignment is to set the tone for the year and develop a thoughtful conversation about our reading. Obviously, the conversation works only if people participate. Adding something at the last minute that no one will see does not equal participating in the conversation. Be aware that failure to complete these assignments before your return to school may result in your removal from the class.
Due dates:
- All posts about The Scarlet Letter should be completed by Friday, July 31st.
- All posts about The Handmaid's Tale should be completed by the first day of school.
. . . but try to post before the deadline!
Posting suggestions:
1. Cite a passage, and explain why it's important to the meaning of the work as a whole.
2. Cite a passage, and explain how it contributes to the development of a dynamic character.
3. Cite a passage that evokes a strong emotional response from you, and explore your reaction.
4. Cite a passage that you find confusing. Pose genuine clarifying questions for yourself and others. Posit answers to your own questions.
5. Cite a passage that strikes you as significant or interesting for another reason. Tell us why.
Assessment:
To earn maximum credit, post thoughtful responses that are at least a few sentences in length—and carefully proofread! Please avoid misspelling characters' or authors’ names. Also, be sure to include specific references to the text (either details or short quotations). Page numbers, too, are always helpful.
Read The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, and share observations, analysis, and/or questions with your classmates in the comments section below. You should post at least three (3) original comments, and then respond to at least three (3) posts made by your classmates before the first day of school.