The Independent Reading Project (#1 of 2)

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Big Question: Independent Reading Suggestions

Looking for Additional Reading Suggestions?
There are a plethora of suggested AP Reading Lists available via Google searches. If you'd like to read a book for your Independent Reading Project that is not found on one of the above lists, feel free to show me a reputable source that recommends your preferred title; if you're able to convince me your book is "of sufficient literary merit," you're welcome to read it (provided the title meets the other requirements as outlined in the "Independent Reading Project" guidelines below).

Independent Reading Project
In addition to the assigned readings for this course, you'll pick approximately two long works (i.e. novels and/or dramas) to read and analyze independently. There are a lot of solid choices provided for you in the above links, but it is your job to select a book that works for you.

Here are the basic guidelines for IRP #1:

You must read at least one "work of literary merit."
1. You may select up to one "Short" novel or drama as the basis of one (and only one) of your Independent Reading Projects this year.
2. You may select two "Brief" and/or "Short" novels and/or dramas as the basis of one (and only one) of your Independent Reading Projects this year.
3. You must select at least one "Normal," "Lengthy," or "Long" novel or drama as the basis of at least one of your Independent Reading Projects. If you've done the math, you should realize that you're certainly welcome to select two works of this type (i.e. one for each of your Independent Reading Projects).
You must complete a dialectical journal for each work you read (even if you choose shorter works).
You must complete an Independent Reading Project essay for each work.
1. If you choose Option 1.2 above, you only need to complete an Independent Reading Project essay for one of the two related books you choose (but you must still read both books and complete a dialectical journal for both books).
2. IRP essay #1 will be between 2 and 4 pages in length.
3. IRP essay #1 will be due at the end of Quarter 2.
4. IRP essay #1 should analyze the following:
  1. Developments in and implications of CHR (Character)
    1. CHR 1.A Identify and describe what specific textual details reveal about a character, that character's perspective, and that character's motives.
    2. CHR 1.B Explain the function of a character changing (i.e. being "dynamic") or remaining unchanged (i.e. being "static").
  2. Developments in and implications of SET (Setting)
    1. SET 2.A Identify and describe specific textual details that convey or reveal a setting.
  3. Developments in and implications of STR (Structure)
    1. STR 3.E Explain the function of a significant event or related set of significant events in a plot.
    2. STR 3.F Explain the function of conflict in a text.
  4. While demonstrating cogent, consistent LAN (Literary Argumentation)
    1. LAN 7.A Develop a paragraph that includes 1) a claim that requires defense with evidence from the text and 2) the evidence itself.
    2. LAN 7.B Develop a thesis statement that conveys a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature that may establish a line of reasoning.
    3. LAN 7.C Develop commentary that establishes and explains relationships among textual evidence, the line of reasoning, and the thesis.
    4. LAN 7.D Select and use relevant and sufficient evidence to both develop and support a line of reasoning.
    5. LAN 7.E Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.
N.B.: You will complete a short "Book Review" of your first IRP book(s) for the benefit of other students as they make their second IRP book selection(s); there will be a short written component and a short oral presentation component for your Book Review.