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Literature of Fact is based on the premise that all nonfiction contains elements that seem more like fiction. The various selections will be colored, in subtle or not-so-subtle ways, by each author's perceptions, memories, beliefs, and values. Critical reading, ongoing conversation about text, and various written forms of responding to text will enable students to explore the Literature of Fact presented in this course to fully understand this genre.

ATTENDANCE

Lateness: A student is late for class if he/she is not seated when the bell rings. The first late is a warning; each late following will result in the assignment of a detention.

Absences: Half year courses require that students miss no more than 13 classes. Any additional absence accumulated beyond this point will result in no credit awarded for the course.

Absences will be made up by completing an additional PROJECT on a designated date. NO MORE THAN 5 ABSENCES OVER THE LIMIT WILL BE PERMITTED TO BE MADE UP.

Cuts:   Each cut will result in the assignment of a detention. On the third cut the student will be put on contract. After four cuts the student will be dropped from the course.

MATERIALS

* 3 subject notebook or binder                 * Current text being used in class

* Folder                                                     * Post-It Notes

* Pen/Pencil

Each failure to be prepared for class will result in a 5 point deduction from the Class Participation grade.

Grading Policy

Class Participation/Homework           20%

Quizzes                                               30%

Tests/Essays                                        50%

• It is a requirement to complete a FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT at the conclusion of this course. This project will count as 20% of the final course grade.
• Homework may be typed or neatly handwritten. All other submitted work must be typed in a size 12, clear, and printed font.
• Each day assigned work is late results in a 10 point deduction (or its equivalent). Late work will not be accepted two days after the original due date.  
• Plagiarism is grounds for loss of credit on any assignment.

What is a Reading Response Journal?

A reading response is a technique that students use for "talking" -- thinking and writing -- about what they read. In your responses, you should share feelings, reactions, and ask questions about elements -- including characters, the setting, symbols, the plot, and themes -- in the text we are reading.

While some students eagerly share their impressions about selections they have read in class discussions, others are less comfortable and keep their thoughts to themselves. In an effort to encourage all students to think more about what they read and confidently share their observations and opinions, Reading Responses will be done on a weekly basis.

What are the expectations? You should:

• Include a full heading (Name, Period, Date) and write the title of the book and the author.
• Write a minimum of 500 words each week (at least 1.5 pages typed--longer when written).
• Proofread your responses before turning them in.
• Include at least two types of responses with each Reading Response Journal you submit.

·         Draw a bubble around each  type of response.

What are the qualities of a thoughtful, well-written response? In each entry you should:

• Use language to communicate your thoughts clearly.
• Demonstrate an understanding of a text by making inferences, connections, and going back to the text to support your ideas.
• Use conventions of print (spelling, punctuation, grammar, capitalization and organization) in a standard way.

What can you write about in your Reading Response journal?

You have many options about what you can include in each week's Reading Response. Include as many types of responses as you wish. Always include a "WHY" segment to each response (ex. I felt this part was slow moving because I couldn't understand many of the words the author used). Remember! You must include at least two different responses.

Personal Response

If I were the character...                                             I now understand why/how/what...
A quote I like or reacted to strongly is...                    I was surprised by...
This line/part is interesting/exciting because...            This makes me feel…                              This part is slow/boring because…                                I agree/disagree…   

Making Connections

(Text-Self)     This reminds me of when I...                                                                                                               (Text- World) This reminds of the time in history/current events/recent news when…
(Text-Text)     This is similar to another book/play/movie/song/TV show I've seen….

Making Predictions

I predict…      The next event will probably be...      I think the character will….                                           I believe the ending will be…..

Asking Questions

Some questions I have are...                                       I don't get it…
I'm confused about...                                                  How come…                                                This part is puzzling because…                                I wonder why…                                        Ask questions that could have many possible answers…

Characters

Write a letter from one character to another…         Include a detailed description of a character... State an opinion about the actions of the characters…                                                        Comment on how a character has changed…

Visualizing

Describe how a passage in the text created an image in your mind…                                                        I can visualize the scene/character/event because…

Literary Element/Vocabulary

1)      Define the element or word.

2)      Explain how using this element/word helped you to understand the story.

Ex. Literary Element—Mood— feeling created by a literary work

            In the beginning of the story, the author creates a mysterious mood by showing an interesting conversation between Joan and Frank, two main characters. The reader never truly understands what is being discussed because the language is not specific. We get a feeling that Joan has a scandalous past because Frank mentions her having a period of "wild" days, but we do not know at this point what exactly they are talking about.

Ex. Vocabulary---Loquacious- extremely talkative

When the author described Gina as being a loquacious person, I was able to understand why she was always getting in trouble during class. It is easy to see why she got along so well with Arlene because Gina did most of the talking while Arlene did most of the listening.

And finally ... if there is anything you think about while reading that you feel strongly about, you should always feel free to write about that!

Tuesdays with Morrie: A Visual Representation

There are many themes, ideas, beliefs, and values represented throughout Tuesdays with Morrie. Construct a collage or an assortment of images that represent the many "messages" Morrie delivers throughout the story. The pictures may take the following forms:

v     Personal illustrations/sketches

v     Pictures cut from a magazine or newspaper

v     Pictures printed from a computer

v     Personal photos

Along with your collage, you need to write a paper that explains why you chose the pictures in your project. Your paper should address the following questions:

• What meaning does the image capture?
• What parts of Morrie's message did you emphasize?
• What evidence from the novel lets you know that these concepts are important?

This paper should be a minimum of 1 ½-2 pages in length. Any collage submitted without a written component (or vice versa) will be considered incomplete.

You can get a general overview of the topics discussed by Morrie and Mitch by referring to the list on p. 66 in the novel. This list will help you nail down concepts and make your picture hunt easier.

You may work in a group of 2-3 people or you can work independently.

DUE DATE TBA

Final Research Project

Literature of Fact

How much does this really count? 

 1^st Quarter=40%

 2^nd Quarter=40%

Final Paper= 20%

Performance Tasks:

1.      Works towards the development of a thesis that addresses the question:

Can an author be a reliable source for portraying the facts?

2.      Select one full length text studied in this course (Tuesdays with Morrie or The Color of Water).

3.      Research a minimum of two other legitimate accounts of selected subjects discussed in your chosen text.

4.      Follow all MLA guidelines for writing a research paper that is at least 4-6 pages in length.

5.      Find four sources to use. You must cite from at least THREE sources in your paper with only ONE being a website (Library databases are acceptable for use as a source). 

The Plan:

Once you decide which memoir you are using, you should select at least two factual subjects to research that were touched upon in the book. Choose something you are curious to learn more about! See the lists below to help you select subjects.

Begin your research by identifying how the subjects are discussed in the text. What kind of treatment is the subject given? Is there any bias or slant evident in the text? Take notes using the note card technique we reviewed in class. Record the necessary Works Cited information on the sources you are using. Now that you have a starting point, read about your chosen subjects and take notes. Figure out which of the following questions you found easier to answer:

• Did your research support how the subject is portrayed in the text?
• Did your research go against the way Mitch Albom or James McBride portray certain subjects?

Now you are ready to form a THESIS (a statement of what you will be proving in your paper) by using your research to answer the above bolded question. For tips on writing an effective thesis statement, refer to the separate handout and/or see me for assistance.

Possible Subjects to Research

mem·oir [mém wr]

noun (plural mem·oirs)

Microsoft® Encarta® Reference Library 2005. © 1993-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

STAY ON TOP OF DUE DATES!!

All dates will be given in class!

Remember the late work policy: POINTS are deducted for each day the assignment is late!!!!

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I wish you the best next year! Have a terrific summer and stay in touch!

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." --- Henry David Thoreau

msdevivo@hotmail.com