Course Description

In this course, we'll dive into the rich tapestry of American Literature, exploring stories, poems, and plays that reflect the diversity and complexity of the American experience. We'll work on improving our reading and comprehension skills by analyzing and interpreting works from various periods and cultural backgrounds. Plus, we'll have the chance to read some awesome classic books or short stories.

Instructions:

Choose FOUR (4) projects from this list to show your learning (if you have other ideas, please reach out to your teacher):

• Analyze the plot

• Draw a map or paint a picture of the setting

• Determine the theme, main idea, and supporting details (write, slideshow, etc.…)

• Analyze the story elements (write, slideshow, etc.…)

• Build a model of the main character’s home

• Create character trading cards

• Draw the main characters

• Describe the plot, characters, and thematic content of the book

• Summarize sections or plotlines of the book

• Connect ideas from the book to current events

• Create an infographic

• Write an essay

• Create a booklet/brochure

• Sculpt the characters out of clay

• Create a PowerPoint or Slideshow

• Construct a diorama based on a favorite scene in the story

• Sketch or paint your favorite scene from the story

• Design a plot diagram or timeline of the story

• Explain how the story connects to modern society

• Describe the symbolism in the book

• Look at inner conflict versus outer conflict

• Look at the verbal dramatic or situational irony

• Describe how the characters change over time - characterization

• Write from the narrator’s point of view - 1st, 2nd, 3rd

• Design a board game based on your book’s plot

• Generate a Book Trailer video (like a movie trailer) for the book

• Research the author and write a biographical sketch about his or her life

• Cook and serve food that is relevant to the story and offer it to guests

• Make a Best Quotes booklet using great quotes from the story (add illustrations)

• Use a diorama to help display the setting, a scene, characters, or animals mentioned

• Research plants or animals included in your book

• Design a scrapbook based on your story

• Write and record a “Ted Talk”

• Write and record an elevator pitch of why others should read the book

• Abstract word art - use magazines to create a poster

• Lead a Book Study with a group of friends and create a deliverable to show learning

• Design a magazine or newspaper cover for the book

• Design a comic strip

• Storytelling - act out a favorite scene (record it)

• Write a parody of the book

• Rewrite the story from the perspective of a different character

• Create a One-Pager about your book

• Analyze a character’s weaknesses, strengths, choices, etc…

• Design a personal crest/coat of arms for a character in the story

• Create a theme collage

• Create illustrations to share about certain characters or events in the book

Suggested book list: 

You may read more than one! You may also choose to read a book that is not on this list; check with your teacher:

• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain

• Catch 22 - Joseph Heller

• The Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger

• The Crucible - Arthur Miller

• Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury

• For Whom the Bell Tolls - Ernest Hemingway

• Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck

• The Great Gatsby - F.Scott Fitzgerald

• Moby Dick - Herman Melville

• My Antonia - Willa Cather

• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass - Frederick Douglass

• Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck

• Our Town - Thornton Wilder

• The Red Badge of Courage - Stephen Crane

• The Scarlet Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne

• The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway

• To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee