Essential Questions
As we read and explore Catcher in the Rye, we will examine the following questions:
How does experience affect one's observations?
How is our perception of ourselves different from others?
What is an individual's relationship to society?
What is the process of 'othering' and how does it affect us?
How does experience affect one's observations?
How is our perception of ourselves different from others?
What is an individual's relationship to society?
What is the process of 'othering' and how does it affect us?
Need a copy of the book? We will provide you with one at school, but if you prefer to read on your phone or tablet - here is a free pdf!
catcher_in_the_rye_-_j_d_salinger.pdf | |
File Size: | 365 kb |
File Type: |
A few videos to help you along the way. They are no substitution for reading the book, but rather useful guides to help you out!
Interpretive Projects:
You will complete and turn in all three interpretive projects. However, you will only present one. You get to pick which project you want to present. You have three options for your mode of project creation, you may only choose the same mode twice.
Project #1:
Topic: How do you perceive yourself as a student? Do you work hard? Is school relevant? Describe your school, use all of your senses (sight, smell, sound, touch). Where do you fit in at your school? Do you belong to any clubs? Have a specific circle of friends?
Due February 3
Project #2:
Topic: Holden has strong feelings about 'phony' people. What classifies as phony to Holden? Keep this assignment focused on Holden and examine how various characters in the novel exhibit his definition of 'phony'.
Due February 27
Project #3:
Topic: In Chapter 2, Holden says "People never notice anything anyway." Observe and describe something or someone that others do not seem to notice. Go beyond the basic visual description of the thing you are describing, really try to experience it. Use all your senses, and choose your subject carefully.
Due March 9
Project Creation:
Option #1: Write It - expand your in-class journal entry and turn it into a 2pg, typed, double-spaced, beautifully edited essay. OR write a poem, be creative. Your poem does not need to be any particular length, but it must be well thought-out.
Option #2: See It - create a visual project inspired by your journal entry, this can take the form of a digital media project, a painting, a sculpture, etc. Be creative.
Option #3: Hear It - write a song, create a playlist, BE CREATIVE.
Presentation: We will present our projects in class. Writers will share an excerpt, Artists will share and explain their work, Musicians will share and explain their creation.
This project is extremely open-ended and thus, open to your creative interpretation of the directions and topic. I trust you to work to your potential.
Topic: How do you perceive yourself as a student? Do you work hard? Is school relevant? Describe your school, use all of your senses (sight, smell, sound, touch). Where do you fit in at your school? Do you belong to any clubs? Have a specific circle of friends?
Due February 3
Project #2:
Topic: Holden has strong feelings about 'phony' people. What classifies as phony to Holden? Keep this assignment focused on Holden and examine how various characters in the novel exhibit his definition of 'phony'.
Due February 27
Project #3:
Topic: In Chapter 2, Holden says "People never notice anything anyway." Observe and describe something or someone that others do not seem to notice. Go beyond the basic visual description of the thing you are describing, really try to experience it. Use all your senses, and choose your subject carefully.
Due March 9
Project Creation:
Option #1: Write It - expand your in-class journal entry and turn it into a 2pg, typed, double-spaced, beautifully edited essay. OR write a poem, be creative. Your poem does not need to be any particular length, but it must be well thought-out.
Option #2: See It - create a visual project inspired by your journal entry, this can take the form of a digital media project, a painting, a sculpture, etc. Be creative.
Option #3: Hear It - write a song, create a playlist, BE CREATIVE.
Presentation: We will present our projects in class. Writers will share an excerpt, Artists will share and explain their work, Musicians will share and explain their creation.
This project is extremely open-ended and thus, open to your creative interpretation of the directions and topic. I trust you to work to your potential.
In-Class Work
You must be present in order to receive credit for all in-class assignments. Make-up work will only be available to students with an excused absence note. Make-up work must be requested the day you return to school and must be completed in no more than three days time from the original absence. This includes field trips, athletic events and all senior graduation business.
Activity #1: The Quiet Observer
For 30 seconds observe the room. Try to remember as many details as you can. Then write for a full five minutes, no interruptions, no breaks. You will share your observations with your tablemates. Why do people remember things differently? What factors can cause you to have a different experience?
Activity #2: How Experience Shapes Observation
Using the characterization chart, examine how Holden perceives himself and how that perception shapes his overall experiences. How do we see ourselves? Is it different than how others perceive us? This is a two-day activity, we will conduct an in-class experiment to see how our preconceived notions of ourselves shape our daily life.
Activity #3: Different Views
Using the handout provided in class, examine how Holden views his family. With your tablemates, find quotations, descriptions and textual evidence to build a character chart for each member of Holden's family. How would they describe Holden? You will write a one paragraph description of yourself for this activity. You will then ask one member of your family to write a one paragraph description of you. How do the two descriptions differ? How are they the same?
Activity #4: Depression
Holden struggles with depression throughout the novel. Using the handout provided in class, find specific textual examples of triggers for Holden's depression. How does depression affect him and his perception of reality? Outside of the novel, depression is a very real issue that affects many people. What are the signs of depression? How do you help yourself or someone else who is suffering?
Activity #5: The Rules
Holden sees himself as an outsider in society. What rules/laws/creeds does he consider sacred? Using the handout provided in class, identify Holden's specific code of conduct. What is your moral code? How does this differ from laws or rules? Develop a code of conduct or creed for your life. You will work with your tablemates to develop ideas and share thoughts, but each student will create independent work.
For 30 seconds observe the room. Try to remember as many details as you can. Then write for a full five minutes, no interruptions, no breaks. You will share your observations with your tablemates. Why do people remember things differently? What factors can cause you to have a different experience?
Activity #2: How Experience Shapes Observation
Using the characterization chart, examine how Holden perceives himself and how that perception shapes his overall experiences. How do we see ourselves? Is it different than how others perceive us? This is a two-day activity, we will conduct an in-class experiment to see how our preconceived notions of ourselves shape our daily life.
Activity #3: Different Views
Using the handout provided in class, examine how Holden views his family. With your tablemates, find quotations, descriptions and textual evidence to build a character chart for each member of Holden's family. How would they describe Holden? You will write a one paragraph description of yourself for this activity. You will then ask one member of your family to write a one paragraph description of you. How do the two descriptions differ? How are they the same?
Activity #4: Depression
Holden struggles with depression throughout the novel. Using the handout provided in class, find specific textual examples of triggers for Holden's depression. How does depression affect him and his perception of reality? Outside of the novel, depression is a very real issue that affects many people. What are the signs of depression? How do you help yourself or someone else who is suffering?
Activity #5: The Rules
Holden sees himself as an outsider in society. What rules/laws/creeds does he consider sacred? Using the handout provided in class, identify Holden's specific code of conduct. What is your moral code? How does this differ from laws or rules? Develop a code of conduct or creed for your life. You will work with your tablemates to develop ideas and share thoughts, but each student will create independent work.
TED Talks
Points for these talks are primarily accrued by attendance. Some will have a written component attached, some will simply be class discussion. Only excused absences will be allowed to makeup points for missed days.
Final Project
Special Observation Journal
Due March 16, 2020 You will complete four special observation tasks that gauge your composition and observation skills. You must respond to each of the four prompts. I suggest that the first two prompts be completed toward the beginning of the novel, the third toward the middle and the fourth toward the end. Your final product will be typed, 12pt font, new times roman, well-edited and will include a cover page. You may be creative with your cover page. *BONUS POINTS* Research the place you visit. Find its history, its purpose, its function, architecture; research the environment including plants, soil, climate; the economy, population and so forth. You may do general research or choose to focus on one specific aspect. Compile this information and summarize it in no less than 200 words. Your research must be properly cited in MLA format and include a Works Cited Page. |
Prompt #1: Where do you go when you need a “break” or a “time-out” from the world? Spend at least twenty minutes in this place and describe this place in great detail: make note of what you see, feel, hear, smell, why you visit this place. Be as specific as you can with details. (200 words) Prompt #2: Describe a place outside of your home where you feel comfortable, safe and relaxed. Describe this place in great detail: make note of what you see, feel, hear, smell, why you visit this place. Be as specific as you can with details. If you do not have a place, find one! Tell whether or or not you have visited this place before, how often, when you usually visit, etc. (250 words) Prompt #3: Visit the place you wrote about in Prompt #2 for at least 20 minutes. Sit there for two minutes without talking, writing, texting, etc. –carefully observe your surroundings. Record your observations using as many specific details as possible. YOU MAY: consider how your perception or memory of this place differs than what you have just experienced; focus on one particular object you see. (250 words) Prompt #4: REPEAT PROMPT #3. This time, after you have made and recorded your observations, think about how your reading of The Catcher in the Rye has affected your ability or desire to observe the people and the world around you. Would Holden like this place you are visiting? Explain. (300 words) |
Tests and Quizzes
tests and quizzes are only available in-class. If you are absent you need an excused absence note and the test will be made up within two days of your return to class.
Final Exams
The Spring Final Exam Schedule for 2016 is TBD! I will update as I get more information!
You absolutely, positively must be here for final exams! There are no make-up exams!
You absolutely, positively must be here for final exams! There are no make-up exams!