AP English Literature 2012 Summer Assignment
Welcome to AP Literature and Composition!  Completion of the summer assignment given below is required for participation in the course during the 2012 - 2013 school year. The novels are widely available and may be checked out from your local library or purchased on your own. Students will choose two of the following novels from the list below to read, and then prepare a short analysis paper for each.  In addition, students should be ready to discuss, write about and/or take an objective exam on each of the two novels during the first week of class.
1. Reading Assignment:  Read two of the novels listed below:
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood 
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
1984 by George Orwell
2. Written Analysis Assignment:  After reading each novel, complete a short analysis paper (instructions below).  Please note that an analysis must be completed for each of the two novels you have chosen. These papers should reflect your own, original thought.  No outside sources should be consulted.  The analysis papers are due on the first day of the fall semester.  Essays should be typed and follow a standard MLA format. Analysis instructions are as follows:
Choose a two to five page excerpt from the novel that illustrates one to two key literary elements that are essential to an understanding of the text as a whole. These “literary elements” might be the speaker or author’s tone, an instance of character development, the novel’s symbolism, dialogue, diction, imagery or some other literary focus that plays a significant role in developing the novel’s theme or “message.”  Do not simply interpret the novel’s plot.  Photocopy or type the excerpt you have chosen and staple it to the back of your essay.
Write a two-page typed, double-spaced essay identifying and analyzing the literary element(s) you have chosen, and how this element(s) supports the novel’s theme or message.  Use short quotations or examples from the excerpt to support your argument.  
NOTE:  Plagiarism is considered a violation of the school’s honor code. All writing in the essays must be your own. Do not cut and paste or use information from any outside source in your work.  Plagiarized work will earn no points, will be reported to the school’s college counselor, and will impact your qualification for scholarships and letters of recommendation. 
If you have any questions regarding the summer assignment, the readings or the instructions, you may contact me at the following email address:  let2186@lausd.net.

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