Literature+Expectations

=Read, Write, Discuss!=

Throughout this course, you will be expected to complete all readings and discuss the literature through various lenses. Through the practice of reading, your writing and vocabulary usage will improve. Through the act of writing, your analysis, reflection, and discussion will improve.

How do I analyze and evaluate literature?

 * 1) Read with a purpose.
 * 2) What is the point of the assignment?
 * 3) What is the author's purpose in writing the literature?
 * 4) Is there a lesson, moral, value within the reading?
 * 5) What does the text reveal about the topic?
 * 6) What does the text reveal about humans/society?
 * 7) What are the consequences?
 * 8) What are the benefits?
 * 9) What is the major problem? Why is it a problem?
 * 10) What are the minor problems? How do these problems enhance the story/situation?
 * 11) What could be changed to make the situation better? What events would make the situation worse? Why?
 * 12) How can you connect to the literature?
 * 13) What does the literature tell us about our past, present and future?
 * 14) What drives the character(s) emotionally? socially? ethically?
 * 15) Which themes are present within the text?
 * 16) How are the themes universal to society? the world?
 * 17) What do the themes tell us about stereotypes?
 * 18) How would the story be different if it were told from a different point of view (a different character's perspective)?
 * 19) What might motivate the character personally?
 * 20) How might the situation change if it took place in a different setting (time, date, location, society)?

Writing Reflections
For most readings, you will be asked to write a one page reflection. This reflection should include quotes from the text with appropriate MLA citation. A reflection is a process of rethinking. Think about what was read, what was understood. Identify questions you may still have, provide insight about the story and connections you can make. Identify what works well about the story or what needs improvement. Be specific. What arguments could be made about the text and its relevance to society, our class, and the English I theme- Loss of Innocence. Reflections should be thoughtful and display an analysis of the literature.

===Discuss your ideas, do not just state something. For example, she is depressed because of her situation. What is it about her situation that would make her depressed? Why do people become depressed? What adds to the depression? What makes depression go away? Explain all ideas completely. Do not summarize the readings! Have a purpose- THESIS (main idea)- in writing what it is that you are writing.===