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Parent letter**
 * 10th grade literature circle project


 * EQ Objectives**

The purpose of this project is to provide students who have already exhibited mastery of writing skills on benchmark writing tests with an opportunity to further their skills in critical reading, research, and writing. These skills will be necessary for success in AP courses and in classes taken at the college/university level. Here are the questions/objectives that you should be able to answer at the end of the project.

EQ’s for critical reading: How do I respond reflectively to literature as I read? How do I mark a book for thoughtful reflection and insight?

EQ’s about the literature itself: How does the book reflect the time period and culture in which it is set? Based on my research of the time and culture, is the depiction in the book accurate? How do I defend this answer?

EQ’s for writing the research paper/wiki: What constitutes plagiarism? How do I avoid this? How do I correctly cite a research source in MLA format? What is involved in a literary critical analysis? What is an abstract? How do I write one?

Grading rubric


 * Steps involved:**
 * Read a classic novel with a group
 * Create a dialectic journal, responding to your novel, including one weekly progress letter to teacher (this could concern any new insight or thoughts while reading).
 * Create an technological and artistic expression of a theme from the book (wiki)
 * Create a proper works cited entry
 * Identify the use of literary devices in a work of literature (particularly, theme and symbol)
 * Identify important lines from a work and how those passages express a broader impact in the text

What is a literature circle? We'll be reading a classic novel, approved by your teacher, with a group. Then we will discuss that book much as you would in a bookclub. Each member will be responsible for a role, which may rotate.
 * Week 1-3**

You may use books from the media center but we would prefer that you //purchase// your copy so that you can mark in the text. Ed McKays has lots of used copies of classic books or one can be ordered from amazon.com You will interact with the text by
 * marking your text using this system;
 * keeping a dialectical journal for your reading, every time you finish a reading session; and
 * discussing your books in the circle on specific days.

Research your author, the novel and the historical time period of the novel in the media center to expand your understanding of the text. Take notes in your composition book. Make sure to keep a works cited entry on each source that you use. You will be required to use internet, online magazine and print resources. All information leading up to the paper should be kept in your journal. media type="custom" key="3272566"
 * Week 4**

Write a 3-5 page group paper. It should be original, typed, contain an abstract, and a works cited page. You will receive handouts and lessons on these steps in your folders and this wiki. Transfer this group paper to a wiki, working with members of your group. Your wiki should include several "pages", an abstract, and a works cited "page" of any ideas not your own.
 * Week 5**

Present your findings in a format of your choice.
 * Week 6**

Your grade will be based on
 * completed dialectical journal with weekly response letter to teacher
 * marked text
 * research notes
 * works cited
 * abstract
 * final paper and wiki
 * reflection