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Middle School Literature

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  1. INTRODUCTION & MATERIALS

    What You Need To Know & Buy Before You Begin
    2 Steps
  2. Course Introduction Using "A Bargain for Frances"
    2 Steps
  3. JOHNNY TREMAIN
    Lecture - Johnny Tremain (Pt. 1)
    2 Steps
  4. Lecture - Johnny Tremain (Pt. 2)
    2 Steps
  5. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
    Lecture - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Pt. 1)
    2 Steps
  6. Lecture - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Pt. 2)
    2 Steps
  7. Lecture - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Pt. 3)
    2 Steps
  8. Across Five Aprils
    Lecture - Across Five Aprils (Pt. 1)
    2 Steps
  9. Lecture - Across Five Aprils (Pt.2)
    2 Steps
  10. Lecture - Across Five Aprils (Pt. 3)
    2 Steps
  11. The Hiding Place
    Lecture - The Hiding Place (Pt. 1)
    2 Steps
  12. Lecture - The Hiding Place (Pt. 2)
    2 Steps
  13. Lecture - The Hiding Place (Pt. 3)
    2 Steps
  14. A Christmas Carol
    Lecture - A Christmas Carol (Pt. 1)
    2 Steps
  15. Lecture - A Christmas Carol (Pt. 2)
    2 Steps
  16. Murder on the Orient Express
    Lecture - Murder On the Orient Express
    2 Steps
  17. The Fellowship of the Ring
    Lecture - The Fellowship of the Ring (Pt. 1)
    2 Steps
  18. Lecture - The Fellowship of the Ring (Pt. 2)
    2 Steps
  19. Lecture - The Fellowship of the Ring (Pt. 3)
    2 Steps
  20. SNOW DAY HOMEWORK
    No Class Meeting - assignment only
    1 Step
  21. THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
    Lecture - The Fellowship of the Ring (Pt. 4)
    2 Steps
  22. THE CAPTURED SHADOW
    Lecture - The Captured Shadow
    2 Steps
  23. Shakespeare
    Lecture - Shakespeare
    2 Steps
  24. Lecture - Shakespeare (Pt. 2)
    2 Steps
  25. Lecture - Shakespeare (Pt. 3)
    2 Steps
  26. Lecture - Shakespeare (Pt. 4)
    2 Steps
  27. Lecture - Shakespeare (Pt. 5)
    2 Steps
  28. Poetry
    Lecture - Poetry
    2 Steps
  29. Short Stories
    Lecture - Thank You Ma'am
    2 Steps
  30. THESIS PAPERS
    Final Lecture - Thesis Papers
    1 Step
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HOMEWORK

1. Finish Johnny Tremain, taking note of specific passages (please note page numbers and paragraphs to mark the location). We will be focusing our discussion on the following questions, so please write down your thoughts or answers as you go through them while you read:

  • Complex character traits – things that seem to contradict each other (In what ways is this evident in Johnny? The British soldiers? The Sons of Liberty?)
  • What does the protagonist (Johnny) want? Why can’t he have it? Does he overcome his obstacles to achieve his object? (You can also ask these questions about the Sons of Liberty as a group.)
  • In your opinion, what is the climax of the story? (Is it circumstantial / emotional / physical or spiritual?) Were you satisfied with the resolution? If not, why not?
  • How does the solution of the conflict affect each individual character?

2. Work through Writing and Rhetoric (book 9). Here is a sample schedule:

  • Friday – Read pages 1-6. Doing “Talk About It” is optional, but we will answer “Narration” in class, so be prepared.
  • Monday – “Memoria” is optional. Do “Go Deeper” sections 1 & 2 (pp 7-9)
  • Tuesday – Finish 3 & 4 of the “Go Deeper” section (pp – 12)

3. Write a paragraph describing one character in the story. This does not have to be more than 3-4 sentences, but think about how to use vivid language and examples from the book where possible. This is a prewriting / warm up exercise for Lesson 2.

4. Look at the following pictures of Boston and comments about the historical figures used in Johnny Tremain. We will also be discussing context in class next week: who was the author, and why did she write this?

  • I believe Hancock’s Wharf, were the story begins, is over to the Northeast on this map.  Beacon Hill, where Hancock(and Lyte) lived, are to the northwest of the Boston Common. 
  • And here is an interesting article about a survivor of the Boston Tea Party.  I thought you might like to compare it to what we read about in Tremain.  Tara Ross puts out a lot of great stuff about our country’s history if you want to sign up for her daily emails.
  • Boston at the time of the story:
By R. Phillips [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Boston now:
  • Click here for a silhouette of Boston of 1775 overlaid upon Boston today

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