WE WILL FINISH WHEN THE EMPEROR was Divine with a literary analysis of a character and a symbol from the novel. In class on Thursday, we will begin reading J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye. Please pick up one of the larger editions (it should match WEWD in size) for ease of annotations. You will be writing in the book as you read, and I will grade these notes.

Monday

Finishing “Unfinished Business,” a 1986 film nominated for an Academy Award in best documentary. Keep notes on these three individuals and how they express their core belief(s) relative to their experience in the 1940s American concentration camps. What lesson(s) should we learn via the Japanese-American internment camps? (And by extension, about America via the novel, When the Emperor was Divine)?
HW: What symbols do you associate with your character, and what do these symbols mean? In the novel? To you, the reader?

Tuesday

Symbol analysis: What are the important symbols in the novel? What does each mean in terms of the plot? What does each mean thematically? In small groups, students will create a study sheet to help us better understand what Otsuka intends these symbols to mean. I will end class by reviewing literary-analysis body paragraph structure.
HW: What does Otsuka want the reader to realize about life in America, because of your character and chosen symbol? Write a one page response to this question that begins with the author’s name, the title of the novel, your character’s name, a description of the symbol, and what the reader should realize. You should use at least one direct quote from the novel. First draft is due tomorrow (typed, double spaced, 12 pt. font).

Wednesday

Review of academic integrity policy. What the school’s expectations relative to completing your school work fairly and honestly? After reviewing, students will sign off, confirming we discussed the issue. I’ll also collect your character/symbol assignment. I will likely have students share NT email addresses as well.
HW: Spend 15 minutes researching post-WWII America. What was life like in America in the late 1940s and the 1950s? Come to class prepared to share what you’ve learned.

Thursday

Introduction to Catcher in the Rye.
HW: If not completed in class, read and annotate chapter one and two in the novel.

Friday (or Monday b/c of early dismissal)

Returning the in-class essays about your core value (the four freedoms flag) from last Wednesday, and lecturing on developing claim, argument body paragraph structure, and some shared stylistic concerns.
HW: Typed revisions to this essay are due on Wednesday of next week. Start by typing your essay verbatim. Then make changes as appropriate. Do NOT merely re-write the essay from scratch.