Individual Novel Project

The first thing you need to do is choose a novel. I would prefer you read something British since Lit 12 is a British Literature class. You can get ideas from lists here, here, and here  here,
It is very important that you make a wise decision since this project will count as two grades and it will take you several weeks. Making a good choice of a novel will make this easier for you. Do not choose a book just because you think it is short; this often makes things more difficult. Do not try to get away without reading the book. This is a novel project -- you need to READ a novel.

Step One: Choose a novel from the list, and then talk to me about your choice before you begin. You may want to have several choices since I won't approve everything.

Step Two: Read the Georgia Performance Standards and write a proposal -- Read the standards I have copied below, and then create a post on your blog titled "Individual Novel Project Proposal".  In this post you should explain to me how you are going to address these standards in your work. It may help to explain the standards in your own words before explaining how your project will address them.

Keep in mind that this can be done many ways.  If you need help understanding the language of the standards, looking at the key words for each can be helpful.  Your proposal should have something in it addressing how you plan to respond to the novel as you read it (this does not mean you will write one long response at the end, and it also does not mean you will be writing a summary).  Shooting for three responses while you read the book is a good idea.  Those who have difficulty remembering what they read may want to do 5-6 shorter responses.  Once you finish your proposal, post it, leave me a comment, and wait for my approval.  Please do not hesitate to ask for help!

The Standards:

1. ELABLRL1 The student demonstrates comprehension by identifying evidence (i.e., examples of diction, imagery, point of view, figurative language, symbolism, plot events, main ideas, and characteristics) in a variety of texts representative of different genres (i.e., poetry, prose [short story, novel, essay, editorial, biography], and drama) and using this evidence as the basis for interpretation.
2. ELABLRL2 The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledge of theme in a work of British and/or Commonwealth literature and provides evidence from the work to support understanding.
3. ELABLRL3 The student deepens understanding of literary works by relating them to their contemporary context or historical background, as well as to works from other time periods.
4. ELABLRL4 The student employs a variety of writing genres to demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of significant ideas in selected literary works. The student composes essays, narratives, poems, or technical documents.
5. ELABLRL5 The student understands and acquires new vocabulary and uses it correctly in reading and writing.

Step Three: Read your novel. Once again, trying to complete this project without reading your novel is foolish. I expect you to post at least three separate responses to your novel as you read. These responses need to be at least four complete paragraphs.  These responses are an excellent way to address the standards as you read. You should not wait until the end to do this (keep in mind that Blogger puts a date on all your work). You may want to look over your book and plan where you will write your responses before you begin.

Step Four: Once  all the elements from your proposal are complete, post your work on your blog and leave me a comment.  You will have one chance at a revision before your work is final.