11th Grade APLangsummerreading2015

Hebron High School
11th Grade AP English Summer Reading - 2015-2016
AP Language and Composition (AP English III) will involve the study of rhetoric, focusing on
analyzing nonfiction, writing argument and analysis, and tracing the development of American ideals.
We would like you to read John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men, a representation of society, history,
and American culture during the Great Depression. This brief but engaging novel will lead into our
examination of the American Dream as presented in both literature and rhetoric. The American Dream,
though widely varied, is generally defined as: achieving Utopia, valuing individualism and pursuing
constant progress. As you read, focus on the following essential questions:
1. What segments of American society do various characters represent?
2. What element of the American Dream does each character value most?
3. What are the obstacles to achieving the American Dream?
4. How do American ideals contrast with American reality?
We recommend that you also annotate the text in response to these questions. You may use
sticky notes, mark in your book or create notes on your own paper (include page numbers). Be
prepared to discuss and write in response to your annotations the first week class.
In addition, we would like you to read some nonfiction, using the book American Sketches by
Walter Isaacson, specifically sections 1, 2, 6, and 7. From these short selections, please choose one that
represents your vision of an American hero or antihero (Google it!), as well as one sketch that discusses
an issue in American society that remains unresolved in modern times. Again, we encourage you to
annotate so that you will be prepared to discuss your ideas in the first week of class.
Our department would like to comment on the language encountered in the study of literature,
particularly American. We recognize that selections studied this year contain objectionable language.
We want you to be clear about our department’s stance. Racial slurs, gender slurs, profanity and other
like language is offensive, degrading and unacceptable and will not be read nor spoken aloud in the
classroom under any circumstances. But language occurs in literature to reflect both the past and
present attitudes and beliefs in our society. The authors we study use such words for carefully reasoned
purposes. They and we accept the words as appropriate within the context of the story. If you disagree,
you may of course request alternate selections.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and American Sketches by Walter Isaacson will be available
at the Vista Ridge Barnes and Noble beginning the first of June. If you are unable to obtain these book,
please see your current English teacher. Although these selections are the only required summer
reading, we highly recommend reading frequently. Reading throughout summer will help you keep your
skills sharp, develop your vocabulary, and build prior knowledge that will help you in high school and
beyond. We hope you will make reading a regular habit. Have a great summer!