Homework for the break

For Monday after break please bring the following:

1. Your revised inquiry question with a paragraph explaining the importance/significance of the question.
2. A working annotated works cited page with the sources you've read and "digested" to date.
3. Have a nice Thanksgiving!

On Thursday we begin our synthesis paper. Here is the assignment.

Come prepared to read and research your inquiry question!

Advanced Placement English                                                                                        Name

Synthesis Paper Metamorphosis

syn·the·size   verb \-ˌsīz\ : to make (something) by combining different things: to combine (things) in order to make something new: to make (something) from simpler substances through a chemical process

 

You have chosen an inquiry question concerning “Metamorphosis” to explore, and write a synthesis paper about your findings. The synthesis paper should be approximately 3-5 pages in length.

Your research needs to be scholarly in nature. So, although I encourage people to begin their research with basic sources (Encyclopedia Britannica is a good one), the point of the basic research is to be able to graduate to more sophisticated sources (JSTOR, books, primary resources, databases). Basic resources like Wikipedia should not find their way into an academic paper; they are tools for you to learn basic information about the topic.

Your paper will have an works cited page constructed through Noodletools. While there is any number of ways to conceive of a synthesis paper, what follows is an outline for the form I would like you to follow.

Section I.

In the first section of your paper (notice I did not say paragraph, you should use paragraphing to help your reader follow the logic of your writing) you need to do the following:

·        Explain your question and why your question is significant.

·        Identify the texts and writers that you have identified as critical to your project.

 

Section II

In the second section of your paper you will:

·        Give a brief summary of the source, and then analyze the significance of the source to your question.

It is possible to organize this section by source, or by topic or theme. You should consider the form that works best for your topic. As always, be sure to ask if you have questions.

Section III.

In the third section of your paper you will:

·        Explain the conclusion that you reached about your question, and provide sufficient discussion about both the strength AND the potential concerns/weaknesses of your position.

 

Grading Criteria

1.      Quality of the question

2.      Quality of the resources and analysis of the resources

3.      Level of insight of the synthesis

4.      Quality of the writing

5.      Correctness of Works Cited page and internal citations

 

 

 

Block 2 Post your inquiry question here by Sunday night!

Block 1 Post Your Inquiry Questions Here! By Sunday night!

Questions to consider for our initial discussion of "Metamorphosis"

Advanced Placement                                                                          Name

“Metamorphosis”

Discussion Questions

 

Directions: In your discussion group discuss the following questions. Record your ideas, musings and answers in complete sentences on a separate piece of paper. Be sure to provide specific examples and quotations from the text, analysis and reflections on each question. Although you can work in small groups, you are individually responsible for the questions. Please hand the responses to the sub before you leave class.

 

 

1. What is the nature of Gregor’s relationships with the society in which he lives? Carefully consider his relationships with his mother, father and sister. Identify what purpose each of the characters serve in Kafka’s story.

 

 

 

2. . What is the setting of the story? How does this contribute to the story?

 

 

 

3. The title of the story is “Metamorp           hosis.” Why is the story named as it is? Explain your answer.

 

 

 

4. What affect does the anti-realistic writing have upon the reader? How might this contribute to Kafka’s purpose?

 

 

 

4. What affect do art, music and beauty have upon Gregor? What comment do you believe Kafka is making through these details.

 

 

 

5. How is the story structured? How does the structure contribute to the overall meaning of the story?

 

 

6. Is Gregor an existential hero or is he an existential failure?

 

 

7 Apply one of the critical lens to the novella. Why did you choose this lens and what issues and readings of story does it open up?

                       

Remember for Friday

• Bring your play, "Existentialism" essay, and your notes on the BBC documentary in order to write the synthesis assignment.

• Bring your copy of Kafka's Metamorphosis too

Link to the electronic copy of Metamorphosis: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5200/5200-h/5200-h.htm