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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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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