Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
The Summer Reading Assignment for World History AP Choose One of the Following Books to Read: The Three-Inch Golden Lotus: A Novel on Foot Binding Author: Feng Jicai “In his intriguing 1985 novel, Feng explores complex topics (such as the troubled relationship between truth and falsehood and the dangers of overzealous attempts at social reform) primarily through Chinese foot binding, the traditional practice of breaking a young girl's feet and tightly wrapping them so that they remain only three inches long. Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the story follows Fragrant Lotus, a poor girl whose superbly bound feet bring her to the attention of Tong Ren-an. A dealer in antiques and a bound-foot fetishist, he selects his daughters-in-law by the excellence of their feet. In the household, competition for power is fierce; dominance goes to the woman judged by Tong's friends to have the best feet. Fragrant Lotus masters the ‘rules, skills, tricks’ of caring for her most valuable asset, but when Tong dies and reform is in the air, she must learn new skills to battle the Natural Foot Society – which calls for women to unbind their feet, a painful process – and to confront her own secret relationship with this group’s leader.” ~ Publishers Weekly Ishmael Author: Daniel Quinn “Quinn (Dreamer) won the Turner Tomorrow Award’s half-million-dollar first prize for this fascinating and odd book – not a novel by any conventional definition – which was written 13 years ago but could not find a publisher. The unnamed narrator is a disillusioned modern writer who answers a personal ad (‘Teacher seeks pupil…Apply in person.’) and thereby meets a wise, learned gorilla named Ishmael that can communicate telepathically. The bulk of the book consists entirely of philosophical dialogues between gorilla and man, on the model of Plato's Republic. Through Ishmael, Quinn offers a wide-ranging if highly general examination of the history of our civilization, illuminating the assumptions and philosophies at the heart of many global problems. Despite some gross oversimplifications, Quinn’s ideas are fairly convincing; it’s hard not to agree that unrestrained population growth and an obsession with conquest and control of the environment are among the key issues of our times. Quinn also traces these problems back to the agricultural revolution and offers a provocative rereading of the biblical stories of Genesis. Though hardly any plot to speak of lies behind this long dialogue, Quinn’s smooth style and his intriguing proposals should hold the attention of readers interested in the daunting dilemmas that beset our planet.” ~ Publishers Weekly The Assignment: Incoming World History Advanced Placement students are required to read either The Three-Inch Golden Lotus by Feng Jicai or Ishmael by Daniel Quinn over the summer vacation and to complete the following three mini-assignments for the student’s selected book: Assignment #1: Choose a significant character from The Three-Inch Golden Lotus or Ishmael. Write a one-page summary (single-spaced, Times New Roman font, Size 12) of the character’s Point of View [regarding foot-binding and the changes occurring in China in The ThreeInch Golden Lotus or regarding the rise of civilization and the impact of humanity on the earth in Ishmael]. What is Point of View? Point of View is an individual’s attitude or way of considering a matter. ~ Oxford Dictionary Examples of Point of View: “Since Martin Luther had been deemed a heretic and was dependent upon local princes for protection, it is not surprising that he would be so vehement in condemning events that many linked to him and that were causing such civil unrest.” ~ College Board “Leonard von Eck, as a chancellor, would likely hold this view since as a government official he is probably very concerned with preserving order and the stability of the political structure. ~ College Board In other words: An individual’s point of view is shaped by the individual’s experiences, beliefs and values; it is how the individual understands the world in which he/she lives. Assignment #2: Create a timeline of the novel’s significant events. You may be creative in the presentation of your timeline. Perhaps you want to include illustrations or quotations. Assignment #3: Create a six panel comic strip for one significant event or episode in the novel. You may cut and paste images into your panel or you may illustrate your panel. Select an event or episode that was particularly moving. NOTE: The assignments must be completed individually. AP teachers will compare assignments. A Thought before Reading: "A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving." ~ Lao Tzu (780 - 490 B.C.) Enjoy the journey!