Honors American Literature

What does it mean to be American?

And, it's complicated.

There are 400+ years of American History.

And so many factors influence Who We are.

So first.. what is identity?

• how would you define it?
• What factors influence it?
• Write for a few minutes

What Shapes Identity?

• experiences?
• Environment?
• Relationships?
• Community and Culture?

How about...

• Race?
• Gender?
• Social Class?

OUr Goal:
TO EXAMINE how thEse Factors ARE Reflected in American Literature

and our own lives.

We Will start by examining
Identity in Community

Essential Questions:

• How does one Develop a personal identity in a community?

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• To what Extent should a person Conform to their community/society in order to fit in?

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• What is lost or Gained in the Assimilation process?

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• What Role should/Does Rebellion play in Society?

and How do we balance the Need to Belong with the need to be an individual?

How will we do this?

• Reading (obviously)
• Thinking (again, Obvious)
• Asking great Questions
• Articulating those ideas and Exploring those Questions THrough Discussion and Writing

Our first text:
THe Scarlet Letter

but first... I want to Hear from you.

Your first Assignment: Write me a letter.

Not Just Any letter.
A letter about...

You guessed it: IDENTITY

your letter Will introduce me to

• who you are
• How you write
• What you think about these Essential Questions

In a well-written Letter, please

• introduce me to who you are outside of school ( INterests, passions, talents, role in family, etc.)

and who you are As a student:
favorite subject? what do you like to Read? How do you feel about Writing? What do you find Difficult/enjoyable
Frustrating? etc.

Finally, reflect on identity more carefully:

IN your final paragraph, describe one powerful influence that has shaped your identity.

THink Carefully: Maybe it is a Life experience, a relationship, or a place.

EXPLAIN WHAT the Influence IS, AND Describe, SPECIFICALLY, How IT HAS SHAPED YOUR IDENTITY.

Assignment Expectations:
MLA format thoughtful, detailed, carefully proofread.

How long?
Long enough .

I trust you.

classroom Code:
Period 2: qfj3i9x

While you're there, please check out...

• course description (read carefully)

looking ahead...

• Summer reading
• course description: Q&A and a closer look
• american dream/identity discussion
• close reading activity
• getting started with Hawthorne

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