To wrap up the unit on identity, we will be reading The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger. Published in 1951, this story features typical, poignant, and sometimes crude episodes from protagonist Holden Caufield’s searching journey to New York City. The story begins:

“If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth. In the first place, that stuff bores me, and in the second place, my parents would have about two hemorrhages apiece if I told anything pretty personal about them.”

We will be reading the novel together in class, though silent reading will occasionally be assigned. Students will be responsible for tracking themes and symbols throughout the book (by using a tracking sheet) and for completing study questions as we read.

Complete the following poll. You may select multiple answers.

Catcher resources:

Character Map

Click for an interactive map of Manhattan

Reading guide Ch 1-4

[goog doc="dc4kzt6f_55fzfc5hd6"]Catcher notes[/goog]

Catcher Pics

[Show as slideshow]

Allie's baseball mitt

American Museum of Natural History

Field of Rye

Carousel in Central Park

Central Park, N.Y.

Duck on a frozen pond

Red hunting cap

Old-time skates

Pencey Prep

Radio City Music Hall

Museum of Art

J.D. Salinger

Custom Cover

Catcher Videos

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Who are you? Do you Know? This unit is designed to find the answers to these questions (well, maybe). We are all products of our experiences. The things we encounter everyday in some way shape our personality. Rarely, however, do we stop and think about our own nature. By studying a variety of materials, the goal is to identify our personality and the influences that helped shape it. Also, we need to recognize that the decisions we make are a result of those experiences.

What does Holden’s red hunting hat have to do with identity?  This will make sense later, don’t worry.

To help you think about your own Identity, complete the following “Me Map” ( Me Map)  if you did not get one in class.

This unit on identity will encourage you to think about yourself and how the world around you influences you by reading a variety of materials (essay, poetry, short story, novel). This will focus on students—how do they become who they are and how do they end up making decisions.

Who am I?

How did it become who I am?

Think about how these authors explore their identities in relation to others:

“It’s Hard Enough Being Me”

It\'s Hard Enough Being Me

Questions about Hard Enough

1. Did the author’s identity change in college? How so?
2. What do people expect of her (at college)?
3. What is the contradiction she expresses with her situation? (3rd paragraph)
4. Why was learning in college difficult for her? (explain paragraph 10)
5. The author states it was difficult when she moved to New York to define herself as “Latina.” Do you think it is good, bad, or some of each to be forced to define oneself in terms of ethnicity?
6. What conclusion does the author draw at the end about her identity?

“For the white person who wants to know how to be my friend”

by Pat Parker

the first thing you do is to forget that i’m Black.
Second, you must never forget that i’m Black.

You should be able to dig Aretha,
but don’t play here every time i come over.
An if you decide to play Beethoven-don’t tell me
his life story. They make us take music appreciation too.

Eat soul food if you like it, but don’t expect me
to locate your restaurants
of cook it for you.

And if some Black person insults you,
mugs you, rapes your sister, rapes you,
rips your house or is just being an ass-
please do not apologize to me
for wanting to do them bodily harm.
It makes me wonder if you’re foolish.

And even if you really believe Blacks are better lovers than
whites-don’t tell me. I start thinking of charging stud fees.

In other words-if you really want to be my friend-don’t
make a labor of it. I’m lazy. Remember.

-from Making Face, Make Soul
edited by Gloria Anzaldua
( For the White Person Who Wants to Be My Friend)

San Francisco: Aunt Lute Foundation Books, 1990.

Identity

The act of being oneself.

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You can download the assignment description that was handed out in class. Remember, it must be signed by you and a parent and returned.
Indpendent Novel Assignment (1 hit)

Requirements:

1. Selection of a novel or book written by an American author. You will need to select a book with some literary merit (no romance-type novels) or social/historical value (can be fiction or nonfiction). I will provide a list of suggested books and I will make my personal collection available (though you will probably need to use a library or bookstore as I have a limited number of books). I must approve your book.
2. Journal assignments. You will complete three journal assignments while reading your book. These will deal with plot, character, theme and personal reactions and reflections. These are self paced, though there are deadlines for each assignment, which you can use to pace your reading. You must keep track of deadlines and get the assignment from me beforehand. See the reverse side for deadlines. These are separate from your class journal.
3. A final project. There are several final projects to choose from. These will range from traditional writing assignments to more creative endeavors.

A description of each assignment is listed in this file. All will involve some sort of written explanation to go with it.
Independent Novel Final Projects (16 hits)

Make sure you read the grading rubric for your choice before completing the assignments. It will list the specific requirements.
Independent Novel Project Rubrics (13 hits)

These are the deadlines for the assignments. You may also click the .Events and Dates page to see a calendar with the dates
Independent Novel Deadlines (7 hits)

It will be important to keep up with the reading. Class time will not be nearly enough to complete your novel (class time may not be scheduled, so keep you book handy). This independent study will require just that, independent study. Developing independent reading habits is essential for college and life long learning and enrichment. This will be a challenge for some of you but all of you are capable of doing this-and you might find that you enjoy it. The final project will be a test grade (tests are worth 40% of your grade) so failure to complete it will severely hurt your grade. This should boost your first semester grade, not hurt it.

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