My 11th grade British literature classes read three books as part of a summer reading assignment: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester.
The way we typically assess summer reading is to have students complete a test, writing assignment, or project on two of the books without any discussion of the novel. We discuss the third as the first unit of the year. I actually like Dorian Gray the best of the three, but I think Brave New World has meatier discussion material, so I am starting the school year with that text. I have already begun discussions with one class, and so far, I am really intrigued. The way I figure it, I have one of the best jobs in the world because I get paid to discuss literature with smart kids.
I hate to recycle, but we just started back to school, and until I get my rhythm, posting will be light. However, some of you might be interested in checking out the unit plan I wrote for Brave New World, including the final assessment. I had fun with this assignment last year, and I had some students who produced some impressive work.
I love that culminating task. LOVE it. Too bad I'm only teaching math this year.
Man, you just got me all interested in using Winchester's book in 8th grade.
Every year, it seems, we're asked to focus on one particular skill in our schools. This year's skill is writing, and wouldn't it just be fun to study words (and their histories) for year?
May I use your webquest? I am teaching Brave New World for the first time this year and your webquest is outstanding.
I just checked out your culminating assessment for Brave New World. At my school all of our seniors read 1984 and I was hoping I could show the other senior teachers this project. We focus on propaganda and the role of media in society and this would be a great way to address those issues. Would it be okay if we used your webquest and maybe adapted it? -Laura
Laura, feel free. The Creative Commons License allows for remixing. I have updated the page to reflect the terms of the Creative Commons License — I have mentioned them here on this site before, but now they are in a more visible location.