Assignment Instructions
Avon Maitland District School Board
Stratford Central Secondary School
ENGLISH 3U Independent Study Project: CLASSIC NOVELS
Stratford Central Secondary School
ENGLISH 3U Independent Study Project: CLASSIC NOVELS
Introduction
The independent study project in English 3U enables students to develop the research, reading, and writing skills necessary for a greater degree of independent learning in ENG 4U and, ultimately, at the post secondary level of study. Students will be responsible for selecting and researching a classic novel of their choosing within the parameters of the guidelines and dependent on the approval of the instructor.
Purpose
To read, think, and write independently in order to communicate a critical understanding of a work of long fiction.
Task
To create a weblog [blog] recording a critical reading and investigation of a classic novel, including personal commentary, biographical review, and resource links.
Process
1. I will supply you with a selected list of classic novels. You must select a novelist to study. Feel free to speak to your English teachers, school librarians, public librarians and local bookstore owners regarding their recommendation. Note that works for children are not acceptable choices for this project.
2. The expectations emphasize the reading of “complex and challenging texts.” You need to push yourself out of your traditional comfort zone. If you are not prepared to do this, or have no interest in reading serious literature, then you are in the wrong course.
3. Read ONE major work by the author you have selected upon approval from your teacher. Try to complete your reading of the novel by the end of March Break.
4. Create your blog: go to www.blogger.com and follow the ultra-simple instructions. Create a Peer Editing and Response Group with 3 other members of the class. You must also provide me with your blog address.
Consider your novel when selecting your blog design, fonts, graphics, links etc.
5. Research the following: (= your links list)
a. biographical information about the author
b. other works by this author
c. book reviews of the selected novel.
d. academic essays about the novel, via Ebscohost on-line or hard print versions from the libraries.
e. cultural, historical, and/or geographical context of the novel
f. characteristics, themes, motifs in the works of this novelist.
6. Welcome Posting and Links List: Create a welcome post in which you explain the purpose of the blog; create a Links list on the blog of at least 10 useful sites and sources you visited.
Completed by Wednesday, February 15
7. Four Reading Response Postings: At four points of significance in your reading of the novel, pause and post a journal-style commentary about the significant point. The content of the posting should address some aspect of character, theme, conflict, or style. Avoid plot summary – it is as tedious to read as it is to write. You and the members of your Peer Editing and Response Group should be reading one another’s blogs and posting comments and suggestions on a weekly basis during October and November.
Completed by Friday, March 23, 2012
On the blog, you should have the following postings well under way by end of February for a teacher - student conference and fully completed by the evaluation viewing date of March 23. Evidence of these items in process is required. Blogs will be checked regularly for progress.
1. Apologia [= a formal written defense of one's opinions]
From your research, prepare a 600 – 750 word Apologia (use this word in your post title) in which you explain the significance of the author and the selected novel. Put more simply, why is this considered a classic novel? Include direct quotations from your research and prepare a Works Cited posting in accordance with the MLA Style Guide.
2. Works Cited posting listing all references and sources used in the Apologia in accordance with the MLA Style Guide..
* http://extend.unb.ca/wss/citation.htm
3. Personal Reflection
In approximately 350 words, explain how the experience of the Classic Novel Study has helped you evolve academically and intellectually. To what extent are you a stronger reader or writer? How much did having a wider audience influence your writing? How has your understanding of literature been altered by your reading? What further insights into human nature or the human condition have you obtained through your reading? What have you come to understand about yourself as a learner?
5. Research the following: (= your links list)
a. biographical information about the author
b. other works by this author
c. book reviews of the selected novel.
d. academic essays about the novel, via Ebscohost on-line or hard print versions from the libraries.
e. cultural, historical, and/or geographical context of the novel
f. characteristics, themes, motifs in the works of this novelist.
6. Welcome Posting and Links List: Create a welcome post in which you explain the purpose of the blog; create a Links list on the blog of at least 10 useful sites and sources you visited.
Completed by Wednesday, February 15
7. Four Reading Response Postings: At four points of significance in your reading of the novel, pause and post a journal-style commentary about the significant point. The content of the posting should address some aspect of character, theme, conflict, or style. Avoid plot summary – it is as tedious to read as it is to write. You and the members of your Peer Editing and Response Group should be reading one another’s blogs and posting comments and suggestions on a weekly basis during October and November.
Completed by Friday, March 23, 2012
FINAL Product Due April 16, 2012
On the blog, you should have the following postings well under way by end of February for a teacher - student conference and fully completed by the evaluation viewing date of March 23. Evidence of these items in process is required. Blogs will be checked regularly for progress.
1. Apologia [= a formal written defense of one's opinions]
From your research, prepare a 600 – 750 word Apologia (use this word in your post title) in which you explain the significance of the author and the selected novel. Put more simply, why is this considered a classic novel? Include direct quotations from your research and prepare a Works Cited posting in accordance with the MLA Style Guide.
2. Works Cited posting listing all references and sources used in the Apologia in accordance with the MLA Style Guide..
* http://extend.unb.ca/wss/citation.htm
3. Personal Reflection
In approximately 350 words, explain how the experience of the Classic Novel Study has helped you evolve academically and intellectually. To what extent are you a stronger reader or writer? How much did having a wider audience influence your writing? How has your understanding of literature been altered by your reading? What further insights into human nature or the human condition have you obtained through your reading? What have you come to understand about yourself as a learner?
