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Advanced Placement Summer Reading for the 2008-2009 academic year
Dr. Joy A. Demarse

Advanced placement English is a college level course, with rigorous course requirements.  Successful participation in AP English entails reading and critical analysis of literature, a research paper or papers, numerous essays and class discussion.
Students enrolled in AP English for the 2008-2009 academic year must complete the following tasks during the summer of 2008 in preparation for advanced placement English:

1. Read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys.  In a three to five page essay, compare and contrast the portrayal of Mrs. Rochester.  Use specific references and direct citations (using MLA format) from the novels to support your thesis.  Submit this essay via e-mail (to jdemarse@plattscsd.org) or U.S. mail (to Dr. J. Demarse, 5 Shamrock Court, Plattsburgh) before or on August 1, 2008.
2. Read One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey.   In a three to five page essay, using specific references and direct quotations (MLA format) from the book, answer one of the following: 
   • 1.  In this novel, dual themes of redemption and condemnation are explored.  Explain and explore these ideas, and determine the ultimate theme of the novel; 
   • 2.  In this novel, symbols and motifs are key elements.  Some critics, however, argue that Kesey's symbols and motifs are too abstract and are lost on the reader.  Discuss Kesey's use of symbols and motifs, and determine the viability of Kesey's use of symbols and motifs;
   • 3.  This novel is set in a mental institution in the early 1960s.  Is this a novel of importance for the 21st century and beyond?  Or is it a superficial treatment of a problem that no longer exists?  Fully explain your answer. This essay is due before or on August 15, 2008.
3. Choose and read a biography or an autobiography.  In an essay, using specific examples from the text, defend, challenge, or qualify the main ideas held by the principal individual. This three to five page essay is due August 29.   
4. Read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hasseini.  The novel is framed between two very similar images; the beginning of the novel and the end of the novel both contain images of running for a kite.  Critically analyze the novel examining multiple instances where an image or an action recurs in the novel.  Explain why these images and instances are significant to the novel as a whole.  Use specific references to the novel (MLA format).  Submit this essay (3 to 5 pages) on the first day of class.
5. For each book, complete a reading journal (to be submitted the first day of class) in which you record the following information: title; author; biographical data of author; protagonist, antagonist and main characters (if the book is a work of fiction); themes; personal reactions to content of book.

Students are responsible for purchasing or borrowing the books used in AP English (students should check used book shops as well as the local bookstores).  If purchasing books should be a financial hardship, students should see Dr. Demarse as soon as possible.  

Also, students should read the rubrics for essays.  Writing conferences may be scheduled at any time over the summer if students have questions regarding essays.  Students may arrange to meet Dr. Demarse at Plattsburgh High School or at the Plattsburgh Public Library at their convenience.

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Grading Rubric for Essays