Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

Class reading and discussion of "A Rose for Emily." Quite a macabre story.
Why did Faulkner choose this title?
Does Emily deserve pity, even after what she did?
Interesting fact: My Chemical Romance's song "To the End" is about the story.

Monday, February 7th, 2011

Vocabulary exercise on Faulkner's short story "A Rose for Emily."
Homework: Read to the end of part II.

Tuesday, February 1

Class reading of short story, "A Good Man is Hard to Find," by Flannery O' Connor. Some superb readers today. Ariel and Ray for period 6. Darien, Derick, Tiana, Gino, and Marcus for period 7. The story starts out in a fairly ordinary way, but by the end we are confronted with perhaps the most evil character in all of literature, The Misfit.

On the left is a picture on the author. She died of a disease before the age of 40, but produced some classic short stories and novels, mostly set in her native South and dealing with religious themes.

Homework: Finish reading the story for tomorrow.

In case you missed day 1, here is the opening handout:

Modern Fiction

Class Outline and Expectations

Overview: Welcome to Modern Fiction, an English elective class here at FHS. You’ve chosen to take a class that will broaden your understanding of literature and prepare you for the higher level of thinking you will be expected to do at college. In your regular English classes you have read classic books that countless other high school students in the U.S. and around the world have also read. This class affords you the opportunity to encounter books that don’t appear on most high school reading lists. It is designed to familiarize you with lesser known books, authors, and genres, including graphic novels. Unlike in your regular English classes, you will be given some choices along the way in terms of what you want to read.

Format: This is an English class. As such it will involve reading, writing, and discussion. If reading doesn’t appeal to you at all, you may wish to reconsider your choice of Modern Fiction as an elective. However, even if reading is not completely your cup of tea, you may find books here that change your mind about it. This is a credit class, so upon satisfactory completion you will earn credits toward graduation.

Grading: You will receive a numerical grade, the same as you do in all of your other classes. However, there will be fewer tests and quizzes and more emphasis on journals, projects, and group work.

Class Rules: The rules are few, simple, and designed to make learning easier:

1. Be on time

2. Be prepared

3. Respect others

4. No electronic devices

Important Things to Know:

· Absentee folder. There is a basket with folders located on the windowsill. If you are ever absent and miss a handout or assignment, check the folder with your name on it. This should be the first thing you do when you come back to class.

· I have set up a website for the course. Check it regularly to see what assignments are due and if you have missed anything.

http://modernfiction.blogspot.com

· If you need extra help or have any other issues/concerns, you can find me in this room (211) after school on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and most other days when I don’t have a meeting.

Welcome to the course. I look forward to discovering modern fiction with you.

-Mr. Farrell

Welcome to Modern Fiction

This course is an opportunity to discover books you wouldn't normally read in English class and to broaden your mind with the type of work you will be expected to do in college. Check this website frequently for updates, assignments, and other musings.