Grade Eleven University English

Grade Eleven University English

Independent Study Unit

Over the course of the semester you will read one adult fiction novel that relates specifically to selected themes from the course. You will complete point of comparison notes between this novel as well a required texts from the course. Moreover, you will engage in a teacher-student conference to discuss your findings as you work through the novel. Upon completion of this comparison, you will give a 15 minute presentation. See the Presentation Guidelines handout for details.

GUIDELINES:

 Your novel must be approved and recorded by the teacher.

 You must not have read this novel before. The purpose of the assignment is to introduce you to a variety of new novels and/or authors.

 You may not choose a novel that is studied in any English course at Adam Scott

 Your novel must be adult fiction – no “teen fiction” allowed.

 The novel must be an appropriate length, preferably over 175 pages

 You do not have to choose your novel from the Adam Scott Library. You may select your novel from other libraries, or you may choose to buy it.

 You may not use the same novel as someone else in the class.

TIMELINE:

______You will have selected your novel and have had it

approved by the teacher.

______You will submit your point of comparison notes.

______You will have your teacher conference.

______Presentations will begin.

OVER

SELECTED THEMES:

1. Guilt and Remorse

2. Prophecy

3. Rules and Order

4. The Supernatural

5.Ambition and Temptation

6.Gender Roles

7.Leadership and Tyranny

8.Violence

9.Power

10.Fear

11.Masks

12.Human Nature

13.Evil

14.Loss of Innocence

15.Identity

16.Religion and Spirituality

NOTE:

You will use ONE of these themes to compare your selected novel to ONE of the two texts: Macbeth or Lord of the Flies.

Only TWO students are allowed to use the same theme. For the sake of fairness, each student will draw his/her theme randomly from The Magic Cauldron of Destiny. Trading is allowed, as long as the TECHER IS NOTIFIED of the changes. Remember: only TWO students per theme.

NoveList Plus, Chapters, Goodreads, and Pintrest are excellent book search resources that will help you find books by theme. You can also find a theme link and book suggestions on my wiki: or on the Adam Scott Learning Commons.

Points of Comparison Package

You will submit a type-written package that includes the following:

• Your name, the titles of both works, and the theme you are responsible for investigating

• A tentative thesis comparing your chosen ISU novel and the work we are currently studying. It will relate to the theme that you have chosen

• A list and description of THREE symbols/motifs you noted in BOTH of the works

• A comparison chart of your own making that highlights specific connections between the two works and your chosen theme.

• It should include:

1. Character parallels
2. Plot parallels
3. Any other meaningful events or literary devices/references that are similar and relate to your theme
4. Quotations from BOTH works to support these similarities

SELECTED THEMES REGISTRY:

 Guilt and Remorse

1.

2.

 Prophecy

1.

2.

 Rules and Order

1.

2.

 The Supernatural

1.

2.

 Ambition and Temptation

1.

2.

 Gender Roles

1.

2.

 Leadership and Tyranny

1.

2.

 Violence

1.

2.

 Power

1.

2.

 Fear

1.

2.

SELECTED THEMES REGISTRY:

 Masks

1.

2.

 Human Nature

1.

2.

 Evil

1.

2.

 Loss of Innocence

1.

2.

 Identity

1.

2.

 Religion and Spirituality

1.

2.