There are three main themes we will be exploring as we discuss the novel. First, romance vs. reality. Or, to put another way, what do characters think about certain situations and what is the reality. Second, how can this story be the story of all immigrants? Or at least the majority. Third, what steps can be taken to avoid some of the awful things we will read about? Whose responsibility is it to make things better? Individuals? Government? Or outside organizations such as the media to expose what is going on? To what extent are all these parties responsible? THE SYNTHESIS ESSAY This unit will build to an AP style essay called the synthesis essay that will integrate a number of sources (similar to an APUSH DBQ). So that you know the question you will eventually be writing about, I wanted to put it on your radar right now. You will receive the additional texts in class so we can analyze them together. So here it is…notice how the prompt integrates knowledge from history and outside sources as well as from the reading we will do in class. Define the terms in the prompt before you start: Will of the people. What does this mean? What is it that people want? The industrial era. You don’t have to be overly precise about this, but using your knowledge of history and what you have talked about with Stevens you should relate a basic understanding. Support, qualify, and refute. Qualify DOES NOT mean that you are taking both sides. You still have to take a side, but you are going to give examples of where the “claim” comes up short. Don’t say you are going to support, qualify or refute. Actually do it.
There are three main themes we will be exploring as we discuss the novel. First, romance vs. reality. Or, to put another way, what do characters think about certain situations and what is the reality. Second, how can this story be the story of all immigrants? Or at least the majority. Third, what steps can be taken to avoid some of the awful things we will read about? Whose responsibility is it to make things better? Individuals? Government? Or outside organizations such as the media to expose what is going on? To what extent are all these parties responsible? THE SYNTHESIS ESSAY This unit will build to an AP style essay called the synthesis essay that will integrate a number of sources (similar to an APUSH DBQ). So that you know the question you will eventually be writing about, I wanted to put it on your radar right now. You will receive the additional texts in class so we can analyze them together. So here it is…notice how the prompt integrates knowledge from history and outside sources as well as from the reading we will do in class. Define the terms in the prompt before you start: Will of the people. What does this mean? What is it that people want? The industrial era. You don’t have to be overly precise about this, but using your knowledge of history and what you have talked about with Stevens you should relate a basic understanding. Support, qualify, and refute. Qualify DOES NOT mean that you are taking both sides. You still have to take a side, but you are going to give examples of where the “claim” comes up short. Don’t say you are going to support, qualify or refute. Actually do it.