Juniors ~ Huck Finn

Remember that your eventual goal is the research paper. Keeping this in mind as you read is essential, as you will need to take good notes. I've encouraged you to "write as you read," taking notes in your book and/or in a notebook. This will be invaluable when it comes to writing the paper. Now that we've read and discussed a good bit of the book, you need to start thinking of what you want to write about.

I will soon provide a list of possible topics, and you will write a short letter informing me of your choice. With that topic, you will

skim the book for details (record page numbers)
develop a thesis
create a formal outline of your paper's structure (citations)
write the first draft

To help you study, and to locate information on your topic, check out this Study Guide. The section headings and questions will help you locate specific scenes and details for reference in your papers. In addition, as you are finishing the book, look to the study guide as a supplement to the lectures. We will be spending less time on the specifics of the text and more time on research. You can also expect to see questions from the study guide in your quizzes (hint hint).

Gun Control Debate

In light of recent mass shootings , some have argued that we need stricter laws regarding the sale and ownership of guns and ammunition, while others believe that the current laws are sufficient or too restrictive, some arguing for less regulation. The debate centers around the second amendment and its interpretation: THE SECOND AMENDMENT A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. What is your opinion? Consider our discussion of the language of the amendment itself, along with issues such as the assault weapons ban, open carry laws, licensing, and background checks. What amount of "gun control" is necessary, if any, to ensure public safety? You were supposed to bring a relevant article to class on Thursday. In addition, you might also want to look at the following links discussed in class: NRA President Wayne LaPierre's response to the Newtown traged...

Seniors ~ Three (Small) Writing Assignments

As you work on your memory books this week and next, you should also be working on the end-of-year writing assignments. I've given you a handout (if you were on class): A letter to your future self -- imagine yourself four years from now...where will you be, and what will you be doing? Is it what you planned? What do you hope to remember about NOW? What's important? Address your future self in a letter (standard form), and enclose it in a self-address envelope. I won't read it, but I do need to know you've done it, so don't seal it. A reflective paragraph that will serve as the introduction to your memory book. What is your overall impression of your high school years? What do you want to remember most? Finally, write a poem about your senior class. The form and tone of the poem is up to you: funny, serious or sad; rhyming couplets, ballad, or free verse. However you write it, though, please take it seriously. A copy of this poem should go in your memory ...

Juniors ~ Restoration Period

For more on the Restoration Period, go to the homepage for the Norton Anthology of English Literature . Click on the picture below to go to Wikipedia's page on Hogarth's Marriage a-la-mode :

river oaks [english]

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