parsippany-troy hills school's required summer assignments

7/22/2019 Parsippany-Troy Hills School's required summer assignments

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2013

Summer Assignment Program


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Summer Assignments 2013 Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools

1

Introduction to Summer Assignments

Grades 6-12

The titles on the following pages have been selected as required summer assignmentsin the designated courses. The selections were made based on the curriculum for thesecourses. Some reading assignments present mature subject matter and have been soidentified in the annotation. Parents are encouraged to read these selections along withtheir child or prior to their child's reading the book. Parents who have any questions orconcerns about summer assignments should contact one of the administrators listedbelow.

For reading assignments, students may choose to borrow the books at the publiclibrary or to purchase the books for themselves. If students are unable to locate therequired books, they should call the principal who will assist them in acquiring them.

When students return to school in September, they will be asked to participate inactivities based on the summer reading. One of the most important goals of thesummer assignment program is to engage students in activities that will prepare themfor upcoming curriculum in the new school year. To this end, students shouldcomplete the assignments carefully and reflect on what they are doing so that they arewell positioned to reap the most benefit from their educational program.

Dr. Nancy A. Gigante, Director of Curriculum [email protected]

& Instruction 973-263-7180 x7340

Mr. Juan Cruz, Supervisor of Social Studies/ [email protected] Languages 973-263-7180 x7172

Ms. Barbara Sidote, Supervisor of Language Arts [email protected] x7194

Ms. Cathy Jo Speidel, Coordinator of Science Instruction [email protected] x7247
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Grade 6

Advanced Language Arts

Giff, Patricia Reilly. Pictures of Hollis Woods. Random House, Dell Yearling, 2002.

ISBN# 0-385-32655-6

This adolescent novel explores the life of a troubled twelve year-old girl, HollisWoods, who is abandoned at birth. Hollis is placed in many foster homes overthe years, and often engages in truant behavior. Throughout the text Hollislongs for a sense of belonging; she expresses her feelings, desires, andobservations of the world through her drawings. During many instances in thenovel, Hollis reflects on her past experiences with the Regans, a doting fosterfamily that tries to adopt her during the pleasant stay she has with them. Thebook addresses subjects, such as abandonment, foster care, and aging in asensitive manner. The summer reading and extension activities integrateexercises that develop students' understanding of the author's use of flashback,

foreshadowing, and figurative language.


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Grade 7

Advanced Language Arts

Yolen, Jane. The Devils Arithmetic. Penguin Group, 1988.

ISBN #0-14-034535-3

As her family observes Passover, thirteen-year old Hannah Stern is bored andimpatient. She pays little attention to the stories of survival of Naziconcentration camps during The Holocaust described by her relatives who livedthrough it. She wishes she were anywhere but the dining room table during theSeder feast. Hannah gets her wish as she is suddenly and inexplicablytransported from the safety and comfort of her teenage life back to a time when

Jews were targeted for imprisonment and elimination. As Hannah experiencesfirsthand the horrors of the camps, she comes to cherish her family, herheritage, and her freedom. The Devils Arithmetic, a book of historical fiction,introduces readers to history, tradition, perseverance, and friendship.

Students will participate in instructional activities that direct them to applyactive reading strategies (questioning, visualizing, predicting, and connecting).Students will study various literary techniques such as point of view andcharacter development.


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Grade 7

Social Studies

Introduction To American StudiesAdvanced

Brooklawn Middle School

Curtis, Christopher Paul. The Watsons Go to Birmingham. Doubleday Dell Books,1996.ISBN# 0-440-41412-1

Eleven year-old Kenny Watson is the narrator of this story about an African-American family living in Michigan in 1963. The content of this book is takenfrom the history of the Civil Rights Movement. The story describes the family'sreaction to living in a society where the role of African-Americans is constantlychanging. The book also describes the stark differences in civil rights betweenthe North and South in the United States at the time. The story follows theexperiences of the Watson family as the family travels to Birmingham fromMichigan in 1963. The historical content of this book serves as a "jumping off"point for students to learn about civil rights, discrimination, segregation, andracism in the United States, significant themes included in the Grade 7 SocialStudies curriculum.

Central Middle School

Paulsen, Gary. Sarny. Delacourt Press, 1997.ISBN# 0-385-32195-3

Sarnytells the fictional story of the narrator's life, a woman who began her lifeas a slave and lived well into her 90's into the 20th century. The story continuesto follow the life of her character as introduced in the book Nightjohn, writtenby the same author. Her story begins with her life as a slave during the CivilWar, and follows her experiences during Reconstruction and the Jim Crow era. Itaddresses the issues she had to face as she lived her life, married, raised herchildren, and struggled against prejudice and discrimination throughout herlifetime. This book helps students make the transition in the curriculum fromthe Reconstruction Era into the 20th century as it includes topics such as the roleof women in American society, Civil War and Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and civilrights.


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Grade 8

Language Arts Pre-Honors

(Students will be required to read one of the following titles)

Larson, Kirby. Hattie Big Sky. Delacorte Press, 2006.ISBN# 978-0-440-23941-3

Hattie Big Sky is the story of 16 year old Hattie Brooks. Orphaned at a youngage, Hattie inherits a parcel of land in Montana from an uncle she has nevermet. Hatties adventures begin in the winter of 1917 as she boards a train toMontana. Characters include her friend Charlie, who is fighting in France inWorld War I and a circle of people she meets in her new home. The noveldescribes Hatties struggles as she learns what it takes to be a homesteader inthe beautiful and daunting landscape of Montana. The novel supports the studyof theme, plot, characterization, figurative language, and interdisciplinaryconnections with social studies.

Crichton, Michael. Jurassic Park. Ballantine Books, 1991.ISBN# 0-345-37077-5

The novel deals with ethical issues related to bioengineering in a maturefashion. In this science fiction story, scientists discover a way to clone dinosaursby extracting DNA from fossilized amber. A theme park is created where visitorscan observe dinosaurs, but safety systems fail, dinosaurs escape from theenclosures, and the first visitors to the island are hunted down. Thematicconnections are made with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, which is part of thecurriculum.

Taylor, Mildred D. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Penguin Group, 1976.ISBN# 0-140-38451-0

This novel depicts a realistic presentation of an African American family andtheir struggles to hold onto their land and to endure southern racism during theDepression in rural Mississippi. The universal theme of pride and dignity,despite the cruelty of prejudice, is linked with other literature, particularly TheDiary of Anne Frankand the Holocaust. The experience described by Taylor canalso be compared to Richard Wright's Black Boy. In addition, many parallels can

be drawn between the struggles of the protagonist in this novel and Out of theDust, such as survival during the depression, overcoming pride, and theimportance of family unity.


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Grade 8

Language Arts Pre-Honors (continued)

Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Signet Classics, 1997.

ISBN# 1-593-08068-9

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is Twain's classical tale of boyhood adventure.Lively, free-spirited characters and unforgettable incidents such as whitewashinga fence, swearing an oath in blood, getting lost in a cave, and heroically comingto the rescue of your one true love make this an endearing tale. Twain exploresthe contrast between the innocence and rebelliousness of childhood. Studentshave the opportunity to experience an American classic which portrays relevantyoung adult themes studied in Language Arts class. The novel will be used tostudy important literary elements such as characterization, setting, plotstructure, climax, and theme. The universality of the coming of age theme willalso be explored.


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Grade 8

Social Studies Pre-Honors

Cushman, Karen. Catherine, Called Birdy. Turtleback, 1995.ISBN# 0-785-76149-7

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman is a vivid firsthand account ofeveryday life on a medieval English manor during the 13th century. Through herdiary entries, the fourteen-year-old Catherine describes the importance offamily, religion, health, entertainment, and marriage during the Middle Ages. AsCatherine attempts to avoid a string of unwanted suitors, she presents us with a

rich history of European feudalism and all its societal trappings. Catherine,Called Birdy provides an in depth look at medieval feudal society andcompliments our secondary text and resources. Catherines commentaryconstitutes an age appropriate perspective for Middle School students on aplethora of subjects concerning the Middle Ages. The overarching plot ofarranged social marriage gives students an accurate depiction of gender rolesand inequalities during this time period while the ongoing activities of theEnglish manor house brilliantly showcase the effusiveness of Europes culturalhistory.


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Grades 9-12

Science

Students will participate in instructional activities that give them theopportunity to practice and enhance their skills in scientific reading, criticalthinking & analytical reasoning. These activities will also offer the opportunityto develop their ability to apply their scientific knowledge and skills to newsituations.

Science Summer assignments are currently only for high school students takingeither Honors or Advanced Placement courses. Specific instructions for eachcourse can be located by clicking on the link below for the high school wherethe instruction will occur. Once on the school website, click on the name(s) of

courses being taken to receive details of the assignment.

For Parsippany High School (PHS) Science courses:

Parsippany High School Summer Assignments

For Parsippany Hills High School (PHHS) Science courses:

Parsippany Hills High School Science Summer Assignments
http://www.pthsd.k12.nj.us/SCH/PHS/AcademicStudies/Science/Science.htmlhttp://www.pthsd.k12.nj.us/SCH/PHS/AcademicStudies/Science/Science.htmlhttp://www.pthsd.k12.nj.us/sch/phhs/SummerAssignmentsScience.htmlhttp://www.pthsd.k12.nj.us/sch/phhs/SummerAssignmentsScience.htmlhttp://www.pthsd.k12.nj.us/sch/phhs/SummerAssignmentsScience.htmlhttp://www.pthsd.k12.nj.us/SCH/PHS/AcademicStudies/Science/Science.htmlhttp://www.pthsd.k12.nj.us/sch/phhs/SummerAssignmentsScience.htmlhttp://www.pthsd.k12.nj.us/SCH/PHS/AcademicStudies/Science/Science.html


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Grade 9

Language Artsand Social Studies(including Honors English I, English 1 Replacementand Honors World

History)

PHS and PHHS

(Students will be required to read one of the following titles.)(PHS English 1 Replacement Students will read only Monster)

Myers, Walter Dean. Monster. Harper Tempest, 1999.ISBN# 0-064-40731-4

Sixteen year-old Steve Harmon is on trial for his participation in a conveniencestore robbery that results in the owner's death. Using a combination of personal

journal entries and a movie screenplay, Meyers conveys Harmon's strugglebetween his wavering conscience and his role in that night's events. By hearingthe sounds of prison life, seeing the evidence presented in the trial, and feelingthe fear and confusion in the heart of the teenage boy, the reader becomes amember of the jury. Is Steve Harmon guilty or innocent? This book presents theopportunity for team-building to foster character development for students onthe Grade 9 teams.

Myers, Walter Dean. Slam! Scholastic, 1996.ISBN# 0-590-48668-3

Greg Slam Harris is an ace on the basketbal l court with dreams of

playing in the NBA. The problem Slam has is that he cant seem to figureout how to transfer that level of competence on the court to the otherareas of his life including school and relationships. Slam is quick to fly offthe handle at his teachers and his coach, jeopardizing his future and hisstanding on the basketball court. He experiences difficulties in hisrelationship with his girlfriend Mtisha, and his best friend, Ice, who hasgotten himself into trouble. With some advice and guidance from theteam's assistant coach, perhaps Slam will become a winner in all areas ofhis life. This book presents the opportunity for team-building and charactereducation for students on the Grade 9 teams.

Woodson, Jacqueline. If You Come Softly. Penguin, 1998.ISBN# 0-698-11862-6

Two teenagers bump into each other in their unfamiliar, new high school.Both Ellie and Jeremiah dream about seeing each other again, and bychance, Jeremiah is transferred into one of Ellies classes. While their lovecontinues to grow, this interracial couples relationship later facesopposition from family, society, and friends. Will they ever be accepted?This book presents the opportunity for team-building and character educationfor students on the Grade 9 teams.


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Grade 9

World History Honors

PHS

Willis, Connie. Doomsday Book. Bantam Books, 1992.ISBN# 0-553-56273-8

Doomsday Book is both a historical and a futuristic novel. This winner of theHugo and Nebula Awards relates the story of 21st century scientists whoexperiment with time travel. In their attempts to send Kivrin, a young woman,back to the 1300's, they make minor mistakes that may have majorconsequences. The novel paints a vivid picture of the historical era and thedevastating effects of the plague during the Middle Ages in Europe. The novelsupports the Honors World History curriculum, which includes a unit on theMiddle Ages in Europe.

PHHS

Crichton, Michael. Timeline. Knopf/Ballantine Books, 1999.ISBN# 0-345-41762-3

Timeline deals with time travel coupled with the study of the Middle Ages inEurope, an introductory unit in Grade 9 Honors World History. In a series ofseemingly unrelated events, historians and archeologists who are excavating amedieval city in France find a note dated 4/7/1357 that was written by one ofthe current members of their team. What unfolds is a suspenseful journey takenby these historians back to the Middle Ages to help one of their own. Thehistorians discover that the stories about the Middle Ages are in fact true andthe horrors become more real as they try to uncover a secret and return back totheir present day lives. Their biggest obstacles are a renegade knight who willnot let them go that easily, and a return deadline to meet. The book presents avivid picture of life in Europe during the Middle Ages.

English I Honors

PHS and PHHS

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Warner Books, 1960.

ISBN# 0-446-31078-6

This novel takes readers through the trial of a young man wrongfully accused ofa crime. His lawyer, the protagonist's father, defies societal norms by defendinghim. Through Scout's eyes, readers experience the complexity of family andsocietal issues while learning life-long lessons. This novel introduces themesstudied throughout the course of the year. It also exposes students to plot,subplots, and character development.


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Grade 10

United States History I

PHS Students are required to read 1776PHHS Students are required to read one of the following:

McCullough, David. 1776. Simon & Schuster, 2005.ISBN# 0-7432-2671-2

The story chronicles the events that occurred during the year of 1776. The textbegins with the colonies in rebellion over the laws imposed by Britain.McCullough engages the reader in the intense drama of the war; he describesthe incredible variety of Americans who fought in the war, what they enduredand how they gave everything of themselves for a cause. As the militarypressure increases for the colonials, the story explains in explicit detail how thepolitical ties are severed with Britain in the writing and the signing of the

Declaration of Independence. A major focus in the story is the unswervingdevotion of these troops to their leader George Washington. Each battle of1776 is recounted through the actual words of these citizen soldiers as readfrom their diaries or personal letter. Hence, the reader is drawn into the crucialevents and feels very much a part of the Continental armys pain and loss.

Students study the events that lead up to the American Revolution and the keybattles of the war. The importance of George Washington is significant to thestudy of US I as a key figure in the Continental Congress, the signing of theDeclaration of Independence, the creation of the Constitution. The developmentof the new country is largely formed by the precedents set by Washingtonsleadership as the founding father and first president of our nation.

Monk, Linda. The Words We Live By. Stonesong Press Book, Hyperiod, 2003.ISBN# 0-7868-6720-5

This book provides a realistic interpretation of the constitution as it relates toeveryday American life. The text explains each of the articles as well as theamendments. Informative background on each of the amendments provides athorough understanding as to why and how changes have been made to theconstitution. In addition, readers gain a deep appreciation for the complex yetdemocratic legal system. The text is an enjoyable read and provides richillustrations with a clear format to use later as a reference.

U.S I curriculum teaches a major unit on the constitution. Units following (NewNation, Civil War and Industrialism) focus on constitutional issues such asstates rights, slavery and due process.

In addition, the Bill of Rights and amendments are introduced in the constitutionunit and studied with major themes later in the year. Study of the Civil Waramendments provide the students with a clear understanding of whyamendments are necessary as the resulting political factions and divisions.


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Grade 10

United States History IPre-Advanced Placement

PHS

Philbrick, Nathaniel. Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War.Penguin Books, 2006.

ISBN # 978-0-14-311197-9

This book tells the story of the Pilgrims. It begins in England and Holland withtheir decision to settle in the New World. It describes the journey of theMayflower and the troubles faced by the settlers as they faced an unknownfuture in New England. The first half of the book continues with an assessmentof the tenuous relationship between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. Theauthor analyzes the cross-cultural exchange and the need of each group for the

other. Philbrick discusses how fear and distrust could lead to violence and howneed and tentative alliances could lead to camaraderie. The second half of thebook focuses on the second generation of Pilgrims and the Native Americans.Relationships changed as more white settlers poured into the New Englandregion. The whites did not need the natives as desperately as they once did andthe whites were now the more powerful group. This shift leads to more violenceincluding the Pequot War and culminates in King Philips War. At this wars end,the Native American population of New England is virtually wiped out.


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Grade 10

United States History IPre-Advanced Placement

PHHS

Philbrick, Nathaniel. Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War.Penguin Books, 2006.

ISBN # 978-0-14-311197-9This book tells the story of the Pilgrims. It begins in England and Holland withtheir decision to settle in the New World. It describes the journey of theMayflower and the troubles faced by the settlers as they faced an unknownfuture in New England. The first half of the book continues with an assessmentof the tenuous relationship between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. Theauthor analyzes the cross-cultural exchange and the need of each group for theother. Philbrick discusses how fear and distrust could lead to violence and how

need and tentative alliances could lead to camaraderie. The second half of thebook focuses on the second generation of Pilgrims and the Native Americans.Relationships changed as more white settlers poured into the New Englandregion. The whites did not need the natives as desperately as they once did andthe whites were now the more powerful group. This shift leads to more violenceincluding the Pequot War and culminates in King Philips War. At this wars end,theNative American population of New England is virtually wiped out.


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Grade 10

English II

PHS

Shaara, Michael. The Killer Angels. Ballantine Books, 1974.ISBN# 0-345-34810-9

First published in 1974, Mr. Shaara's meticulously researched book describesthe pivotal three-day Battle of Gettysburg, which became the turning point of theAmerican Civil War. Not content to simply present cold history, the author takesthe reader into the minds and hearts of the men who found themselves in themidst of cataclysmic events. Classroom activities based on this novel willaddress course proficiencies concerning point of view and approaches in writingas well as the preparation of a persuasive oral presentation.

English II Replacement

PHS

Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. Vintage Books, 1984.ISBN# 0679734775

House on Mango Street is about a young Mexican-American girl, EsperanzaCordero, who grows up on the inner-city streets of Chicago. The book is writtenas a series of memories. Each chapter acts as a short story in the longer tale ofEsperanzas journey into young adulthood. Esperanza learns more about herselfand her society in each chapter. After reading this book, students will explorethemes of prejudice nationalism, and cultural identity.

PHHS(including English II Replacement)

Beals, Melba Pattillo. Warriors DontCry. Pocket Books Reprint, February 1995.

In 1957, Melba Pattillo Beals entered Central High School in Little Rock,Arkansas to start her junior year. It was the start of one of the most horrific anddegrading years of her life. After the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling,Brown v. Board of Education, Beals and eight other African-Americans were thefirst students involved in the desegregation of American schools. While here, the

Little Rock Nine were threatened, spat at, humiliated, and beat on; sufferingthrough the inhumane treatment from fellow students, faculty, administrators,and parents. Warriors Dont Cry combines narrative with excerpts from Bealspersonal diaries and illustrates in a mature fashion the courage, perseveranceand faith she had with the support of her family, especially her Grandmother.Having read Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, The Adventures of HuckleberryFinn and Warriors Don't Cry, students will explore the themes of prejudice,national identity and friendship as depicted in these three texts. Reading andwriting responses will focus on the author's point of view, the impact on theauthor of social and political structures of the time, and analyzing the author'sawareness of audience with respect to his/her perspective on the developmentof a national identity.


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Grade 10

English II Honors

PHS and PHHS

Potok, Chaim. The Chosen. Fawcett Books, 1967.ISBN# 0-449-21344-7

This best-selling 1967 novel by Rabbi Chaim Potok traces the friendship of twoadolescent Jewish boys in 1940s Brooklyn. As one boy is Orthodox and theother Hasidic, an interesting conflict evolves between them concerning themeaning of life, suffering, and love. This conflict reaches a heart-wrenchingclimax as the details of the Holocaust are revealed to the world at the close ofWorld War II. The English II Honors course of study requires students toexperience and respond to the influences of various cultures on thought,language, and literature, and Potok's novel The Chosen lends itself to this

endeavor. Classroom activities will build on English I Honors instruction onusing textual evidence to support a position and identifying the elements of anovel including figurative language and sensory images.

PHS

Shakespeare, William. Julius Caesar. Various editions.

Fear of civil war in England prompted William Shakespeare to pen this classicexamination of political assassination and the nature of leadership. Despite itsage, however, this drama remains highly relevant. The complex issues raised inthis play jealousy, revenge, persuasion, and political intrigue are as relevantin our contemporary world as they were in Elizabethan England. A carefulreading of this work prompts one to examine the characteristics of a goodleader and to question an individual citizens civil obligation to eradicatetyranny. The English II Honors course of study places great emphasis on closetextual analysis, and Shakespeare's Julius Caesar provides an excellentopportunity to hone that skill. Students will also write an expository paper andcraft a persuasive presentation, both of which are addressed in the curriculum.As part of the English I Honors curriculum, students read Othelloand learnedhow to approach the language. Students who come into the Honors programfrom English I have had a similar experience with Romeo and Juliet.


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Grade 10

PHHS

McBride, James. The Color of Water. Riverhead Books. 1997.

ISBN# 1-573-22578-9

The Color of Wateris a Black mans tribute to his White mother. This memoir isof McBrides childhood and the telling of his mothers story in her own words.McBrides novel is a meditation on race and identity. He has written a portrait ofgrowing up using her narrative. The Color of Waterprovides an opportunity forstudents to analyze the nature of 20th century contemporary American literature.Students' previous study ofTo Kill a Mockingbirdprepares them for the racialissues that are present in The Color of Water.


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Grade 11

U.S. History II

PHS & PHHS

Sinclair, Upton. The Jungle. Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003.ISBN# 1-593-08008-5

The Jungle is considered a classic example of muckraking in American literature.The novel is a primary source written by a significant "muckraker" at the turn ofthe last century in an attempt to expose the underside of the American dream.The novel follows the lives of the members of an immigrant family fromLithuania, as they seek to resettle in America by finding employment in themeatpacking industry in Chicago at the turn of the last century. The book wasoriginally written in 1906 as an expos, and presents the filthy conditions in themeatpacking industry and the horrible conditions its workers faced on a dailybasis. It addresses the muckraking movement and issues of discrimination and

social justice that are addressed in the US History II curriculum.

United States History IIAdvanced Placement

PHS & PHHS

Sinclair, Upton. The Jungle. Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003.ISBN# 1-593-08008-5

The Jungle is considered a classic example of muckraking in American literature.

The novel is a primary source written by a significant "muckraker" at the turn ofthe last century in an attempt to expose the underside of the American dream.The novel follows the lives of the members of an immigrant family fromLithuania, as they seek to resettle in America by finding employment in themeatpacking industry in Chicago at the turn of the last century. The book wasoriginally written in 1906 as an expos, and presents the filthy conditions in themeatpacking industry and the horrible conditions its workers faced on a dailybasis. It addresses the muckraking movement and issues of discrimination andsocial justice that are addressed in the US History II curriculum.


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Grade 11

Civics & Government

PHS and PHHS

Ehrenreich, Barbara. Nickel and Dimed. Holt Paperbacks, 2002.ISBN #0-805063897

In Nickel and Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich tells the story of her life over thecourse of several months as she willingly gave up her life as a well -to-do

journalist and moved around the country looking for work as an unskilled,undereducated American. In three chapters, Ehrenreich identifies her struggles

in three different states as she tries to get basic work, pass entry-level tests, andthen survive on the pay given and the insurance covered by these jobs.Ehrenreich also writes about her co-workers and their struggles in this groundlevel examination of the life of the working poor in America today.

A significant part of the Civics curriculum includes a study of the making andimplementation of social policy on the federal and state levels. There is also aconstitutional connection concerning the proper role of the federal government,the creation of a welfare state, and the benefits and detriments of a capitalistsociety. In her travels, Ehrenreich discusses health insurance plans offered bythe companies that hire her as well as her attempts to get food while working ator near the federal poverty level. These events relate to our study of thecreation of the federal poverty line, the formulas used in its development and itsindex to inflation. They also directly relate to state and federal programsavailable for low-income working class people, including Schip, WIC and foodstamps.


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Grade 11

College English III

PHS and PHHS

McCourt, Frank. Angelas Ashes: A Memoir. Touchstone, 1996.ISBN# 0-684-87217-X

The story of the McCourts and their eldest son, Frank, pulls the reader intofamily, song, folly, passion, hilarity, and losses. This book provides a maturenarrative of McCourt's experiences in an impoverished Irish family. In the BritishLiterature course, stylistic devices are studied, and Angela's Ashesprovides anexcellent opportunity to view McCourt's writing for such devices used inmemoirs.

English III Honors

PHS

Orwell, George. 1984. Signet Classic, 1950.ISBN# 0-451-52493-4

This classic novel is a nightmare story of totalitarianism and one man's hopelessstruggle against it. Winston Smith, the main character, lives in a terrifying worldin which Big Brother is always watching. After meeting a rebel, Julia, with whomhe has an illegal affair, and joining a revolutionary group called TheBrotherhood, Winston dedicates his life to destroying the government. Throughthe reading of this novel, students will be able to analyze theme, plot, stylisticdevices, and characterization. The students will also be able to ascertain thecharacteristics of modern literature.

English III Honors

PHHS and PHS

Hardy, Thomas. Tess of the D'Urbervilles. Everyman, 1991.ISBN# 0-460-87344-X

Young Tess Durbeyfield discovers she is a descendant of the D'Urberville familyand so her journey begins. Attempting to advance through the bonds of genderand social barricades, Tess endures many hardships that come with being awoman. Her relationships with men in the upper class reflect her doomed fateas she struggles to fit in. The complex story provides a unique femaleprotagonist that students will be able to refer to throughout the year. TheEnglish III Honors course of study requires students to experience and respondto the influences of various cultures on thought, language, and literature, andHardy's novel, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, lends itself to this endeavor.


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English III Honors

PHHS

Shaw, George B. Pygmalion. Barnes & Noble Classics, 2004

ISBN# 978159308-0785

A chance encounter between a professor and a poor girl selling flowers begins aplay that underscores the rigid boundaries of English class distinctions. Goadedby a colleague's taunt that he cannot transform the girl's speech and manners tofit in with society's upper crust, the professor undertakes the project. Based ona Greek legend, the play not only demonstrates the part that myths play inBritish literature, but also provides a scathing view of the rigidity of the Victorianclass system. The English III Honors course of study requires students toexperience and respond to the influences of various cultures on thought,language, and literature, and Shaw's play, Pygmalion, lends itself to thisendeavor.


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Grade 12

European HistoryAdvanced Placement

PHS and PHHS

Gaarder, Jostein. Sophies World. New York: Berkley Books, 1996.ISBN# 0-425-15225-1

Sophie's Worldcreates a fictional world around a young woman who exploresthe "big questions" of life by analyzing the major works of Western philosophy.It reads like a mystery suspense novel as Sophie attempts to find out who hersecret tutor is and how her learning is reflected in her life. The explanations ofthe philosophers' views are clear and illustrate for the reader why theseperspectives are so important in Western thought. The philosophies presentedin the book form the underpinnings of Western ideology, which is a key focus ofthe AP European History curriculum.

Civics & Government

PHS and PHHS

Ehrenreich, Barbara. Nickel and Dimed. Holt Paperbacks, 2002.ISBN #0-805063897

In Nickel and Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich tells the story of her life over the

course of several months as she willingly gave up her life as a well -to-dojournalist and moved around the country looking for work as an unskilled,undereducated American. In three chapters, Ehrenreich identifies her strugglesin three different states as she tries to get basic work, pass entry-level tests, andthen survive on the pay given and the insurance covered by these jobs.Ehrenreich also writes about her co-workers and their struggles in this groundlevel examination of the life of the working poor in America today.

A significant part of the Civics curriculum includes a study of the making andimplementation of social policy on the federal and state levels. There is also aconstitutional connection concerning the proper role of the federal government,the creation of a welfare state, and the benefits and detriments of a capitalist

society. In her travels, Ehrenreich discusses health insurance plans offered bythe companies that hire her as well as her attempts to get food while working ator near the federal poverty level. These events relate to our study of thecreation of the federal poverty line, the formulas used in its development and itsindex to inflation. They also directly relate to state and federal programsavailable for low-income working class people, including Schip, WIC and foodstamps.


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Grade 12

Government & PoliticsAdvanced Placement

PHS

Phillips, Peter and Project Censored. Censored 2006. Seven Stories Press, 2005.

ISBN: 1-583-22692-3

Censored 2006 is a collection of news stories that did not get coverage in themainstream media. The book presents a discussion of the "Top 25" mostimportant stories that failed to get covered by the mainstream media (includingthe sources where the information was found), followed by follow-up newsstories on items covered by previous editions of the book. The book also offerscommentary on the reasons certain stories are not covered and the damagedone by such practices in a democratic society. Mature themes such as the warin Iraq are addressed, and students are presented with scenarios that requirethem to bring in alternative perspectives on the power of politics andgovernment in a sophisticated manner. This is a critical skill needed to besuccessful in the AP Government and Politics curriculum.

At PHS, this summer reading book also comes with an assignment. See the AP teacherfor further information.

PHHS

Kovach, Bill and Rosenstiel, Tom. The Elements of Journalism. Three Rivers Press,2007.

ISBN: 978-0-307-34670-4

The Elements of Journalism delineates the core principles shared by journalistsacross media, even across cultures. These principles flow from the essentialfunction news plays in peoples lives. This new edition, published April 2007, iscompletely updated and revised and includes a new 10th principlethe rightsand responsibilities of citizensflowing from new power conveyed bytechnology to the citizen as a consumer and editor of their own news andinformation.

Media is one of the larger units in the AP Governments and Politics curriculum. Thecourse analyzes the medias power, role, regulatory laws, ability to influence opinion,

use by public officials, and purpose in an election period. This book will also assist thestudents in interpreting various sources of journalism, their objectives, and the toolsthey use to reach their goals.


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Grade 12

College English IV

PHS and PHHS

Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist. Harper Collins, 1998.ISBN# 978-0-06083483-8

The Alchemist is an allegory that tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusianshepherd who, after dreaming of treasure within the pyramids of Egypt,embarks on a quest to fulfill the outcome of his dream. Santiago encountersseveral road bumps along the way and must use his intuition and connectionswith those he meets to find a way to fulfill his Personal Legend. The story issimple but thought-provoking, filled with metaphors and symbolism. Thisallegory integrates many diverse philosophies and ideas from a myriad of faithsand historical periods; many of these ideas concern the pursuit of truth, ones

intended destiny and the attainment of happiness.

The study of the novel supports the College English 4 unit study of the questarchetype. Students will make connections between Santiagos journey andthose of Gilgamesh and Siddhartha in the required readings.

English IV - Advanced Placement

PHS and PHHS

Camus, Albert. The Stranger. New York: Vintage Books, 1989.

Depicting the authors sense of lifes absurdity, the main character, Meursault,murders an Arab stranger during a day at the beach. The Advanced Placementcourse of study requires students to demonstrate skills in advanced forms ofwritten discourse, and the study of this novel affords them the opportunity toapply skills assessed on the written component of the Advanced Placementexam.

Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Crime and Punishment. Constance Garnett, translator.Bantam Classics Reissue edition (July 1, 1984).

Raskolnikov, a student in St. Petersburg, plans what he thinks to be the perfectcrime. The murder of a morally despicable old woman seems to him to be a

justifiable crime because he interprets her death to be beneficial to the societyin which they exist. The 19th Century novel is a study of human psychology,murder, morality and human relationships. Crime and Punishmentreinforces thecourses emphasis on relating a given work to its historical time period as wellas to the theme of Consequence of Choice studied during the year.

parsippany-troy hills school's required summer assignments

Documents