Introduction to the Humanities
Grade 9
Summer Reading Assignment
2014-2015
Columbus Alternative High School
Due in class on Wednesday, August 20, 2014
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Dear Parents and CAHS Ninth Graders:
Welcome to Columbus Alternative High School!
BeCAHS of our dedication to excellence, we are continually striving to create learning options
which will encourage your student to strive for quality academic excellence and to become a lifelong learner.
Please take time during the summer to help your student set goals, arrange a quiet place to study,
and read a variety of fiction and non-fiction books, the newspaper, and periodicals.
A primary focus of the Humanities Department at Columbus Alternative High School is an
interdisciplinary approach to learning. Students are taught to discover universal relationships in
literature, history, writing, research, current events, art, and music. Each ninth grader will take
Introduction to the Humanities, a two-credit course which offers just such an integration of
English and social studies. This challenging course is team-taught and meets for one block for a
full year.
Attached you will find several summer reading assignments which involve your student in
reading comprehension, writing, and research. Our first quarter Humanities syllabus revolves
around these assignments. All assignments are required and will be due on the first day of
school.
We have also provided a list of materials/supplies required for all ninth graders. Your student
should have these supplies on the first day of school.
REQUIRED
 Ruled notebook paper
 Highlighters
 Hole punch
 Stapler (stapler will not be provided by teachers)
 Pencils, pens (blue or black ink)
OPTIONAL
 Thesaurus
 American Heritage Dictionary for home use
Have a wonderful summer. Take time for reading and talking together. Remember: learning is a
family affair.
Sincerely,
Ninth Grade Humanities Team
NOTE: If you have questions regarding the summer reading, please feel free to e-mail Mrs.
Foley at [email protected]. Be sure to place your name in the subject of the email to avoid it from being inadvertently sent to the junk mail folder.
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Ninth Grade Summer Reading Assignment
Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature
dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill. Without books, the
development of civilization would have been impossible. They are the engines of change,
the windows on the world, lighthouses erected on the sea of time. They are companions,
teachers, magicians, bankers of the treasures of the mind. Books are humanity in print.
- Barbara Tuchman
Humanities is the integrated study of the best that humankind has thought, discovered,
created, and invented. This year in Introduction to the Humanities, you will encounter worlds
brimming with new and potent ideas. These ideas will challenge you to think more carefully
about issues facing us as we begin the 21st century.
Before school begins in August 2013, all incoming ninth graders will delve into books
that celebrate mankind’s potential yet caution against the superior notion that man always knows
what is best for him. The three books for summer reading are Ayn Rand’s Anthem, Harper
Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Edith Hamilton’s Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and
Heroes. Because Anthem is a novella, the department recommends two readings to grasp as
much detail from the novel as possible. To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic American novel about
growing up in troubled times. In Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, students will
delve into the adventures of Greek mythology. This book will be a vital reference for students
throughout their years at CAHS. All of these books require a reader’s close attention.
Aside from reading the novels, the students must complete all of the following
assignments. These assignments will provide an effective approach for demonstrating the
reader’s understanding of the novels. Your work, therefore, should reveal that you have read
carefully, researched thoughtfully, and responded sincerely.
All work must be submitted in clean format, typed and in a folder. The student’s
content and style will be the focus for evaluation; however, spelling and punctuation are
indicators of a student’s careful dedication to precision.
It is very important that students follow the directions and samples for layout and
format detailed in this packet. If students complete only the minimum requirement,
students cannot receive the maximum number of points possible for that section.
This will be the first grade for Introduction to the Humanities. The total point value
will be at least 200 points.
The assignment is due no later than the first day of school for students.
Humanities Department Policy states that no major essays or projects will be accepted late
regardless of excused or unexcused absences. If needed, the school FAX number is (614)
365-6300.
Your carefully rendered assignments will help you with the entire first quarter of
Introduction to the Humanities. Our concentration will center on an exploration of the
novels read. We will have quizzes, tests, discussions, and a formal writing in the first two
weeks connected to this project.
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Anthem
Ayn Rand
We have stolen manuscripts. This is a great offense. Manuscripts are precious, for our brothers
in the Home of the Clerks spend one year to copy one single script in their clear handwriting.
Ayn Rand’s novel is original and thought-provoking. Like all good literature, it can be
read on many levels: we read to find out what happens, we read to enjoy how the author works
with the language, and we read to discover the author’s message to us, the readers. As you read
Anthem, pay particular attention to Rand’s use of symbols and her underlying messages of what
an over-controlling government can and cannot do to the human mind.
Part I: Symbols
A symbol is something that stands for something else. This is a very simple definition
but one that is very important because symbols are vast in literature and life. Symbols provide
meaning to objects that would otherwise be meaningless. For example, a red light often
symbolizes the command “Stop.”
Assignment: You will focus on symbols in literature. As you read Anthem, you will log where
each of the symbols listed below appears in the book. In this log, you will record the quotation
and page number where this symbol appears.
Please note the following list of symbols that you will log and an example of the format.
Symbols








Blue (color)
Darkness
Eyes
Forest
Gold (color)
Light/Lightbulb
Mountain
White (color)
You must have at least 3-5 entries for each symbol. Please follow the sample below for your
layout. Pay close attention to quotation marks and page numbers.
SAMPLE:
Darkness
1. “It is dark here” (17).
2. “And then we saw iron rings as steps leading down a shaft into a darkness without
bottom” (31).
3.
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4.
Eyes
1.
Part II: Norms and Expectations
Norm: (n). A wide spread or usual practice, procedure or custom.
Every society utilizes norms to guide the behavior of their citizens. At times these norms
are enforced by the government in the form of actual laws and in other instances, common
everyday citizens enforce them through social interactions. While most people adhere to the
norms that society lays out, there are always individuals who will refuse.
In this part of the assignment you are to create a list of 8-10 laws and/or expectations for
the society in Anthem. For each norm, rule, law or expectation that you identify, explain how
Equality 7-2521 does NOT fit in to these expectations. Be sure to include a quotation where
Equality 7-2521 is seen defying the norm in the novel. Pay attention to proper citation.
SAMPLE: Note that you may reuse the listed law/norm for your own list if you like, but you will need
to use a different example.
1. Individuals should not be alone in the society.
At the beginning of the novel, Equality 7-2521 is alone in the tunnel from the
Unmentionable Times.
“We are alone here under the earth. It is a fearful word, alone. The law says that none
among men may be alone, ever and at any time, for this is a great transgression and the
root of all evil” (17).
2.
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To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any
wars, was the bravest man who ever lived.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee takes place in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama,
during the Great Depression. While a young girl named Scout Finch narrates the entire novel, the
author Lee provides an honest depiction of the American South in the 1930s. Through the course
of the plot, Scout, her older brother Jem, and a close friend nicknamed Dill have many
adventures into the childhood world of imagination and the adult world of social injustice and
responsibility. Scout and her companions witness the horrors of racism and in turn, the strength
of their father, Atticus, who stands against the majority when he defends individual freedom over
traditional narrow-mindedness.
NOTE: Lee provides a realistic look into the Deep South that existed before the Civil Rights
Movement of the 1960s. Therefore, some of her characters use racial slurs that are completely
inappropriate in today’s society. Just as if they were used today, these words are used as weapons
to hurt those to which they are referring. Significantly, Lee makes a statement with this language
by making only the uneducated and the uninformed characters use these words.
Part I: Navigating Southern Society
As high school freshmen you will come to learn that the expectations of high school are
very different from middle school and may take some time to figure out what is appropriate and
what is not. At the same time you may decide not to conform to these expectations and face the
consequences (or benefits) of such a decision.
The characters in To Kill a Mockingbird have a similar task in figuring out how to
navigate the society of Macomb. We know that society places labels and assumptions on each
individual. We, and the people of Maycomb, place people in ‘boxes’ as to how they should
behave and what is expected of them. For this assignment, you will analyze each of the following
characters and how he/she both meets and challenges the expectations of their society. You will
write two 8-10 sentence paragraphs. In the first paragraph, explain instances and ways the
character meets the expectations of society, and in the second paragraph, explain how that
character challenges the expectations of this society. Be sure to include one quotation with page
number from the text in each paragraph for support. See sample analysis on following page.
The characters you are to focus on are:
 Scout Finch
 Charles Baker ‘Dill’ Harris
 Tom Robinson
 Arthur ‘Boo’ Radley
 B.B. Underwood
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SAMPLE:
In some ways, Miss Maudie Atkinson meets the societal expectations of a woman in
Maycomb society. She is quite maternal toward Jem, Scout , and Dill. When Jem and Dill no
longer want to play with Scout because she is a girl, Miss Maudie welcomes Scout to spend time
with her instead. Also, Maudie is known for being an excellent gardener and baker. Scout
comments that Maudie made the best cakes in the neighborhood and always remembered to
make three little cakes for the children. Lastly, Miss Maudie is very polite. When Scout asks
about why Boo Radley stays in his house all of the time. Maudie quickly corrects Scout by
reminding her of Boo’s real name. “His name’s Arthur and he’s alive…I know he’s alive
because I haven’t seen him carried out yet” (57). Maudie quickly diffuses Scout’s curiosity about
her neighbor because she knows it is impolite to talk otherwise. In these ways, Maudie displays
the traits for being a lady in this society.
In other ways, Miss Maudie diverges from the expectations of women in the novel.
Rather than being married, Miss Maudie lives alone. In fact, even when Atticus’ brother Jack
proposes to her teasingly, she does not take it seriously and always replies in the negative. In
addition, Maudie reveals herself to be quite strong in the text. Rather than be a victim when her
house burns, she sees the benefits of rebuilding. “Always wanted a smaller house…Gives me
more yard” (97). Finally, Miss Maudie refuses to gossip about Atticus and the Robinson case
with the other women of the town at Aunt Alexandra’s missionary circle tea. She is unafraid to
silence their cutting remarks by reminding them that they are eating his food in his house.
Throughout the novel, Maudie shows that there is much more to her character than only being
the ‘expected’ lady.
Part II: Applying a Primary Source
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the President of the United States during the Great Depression.
He is currently viewed as one of the most respected presidents in United States history. Many
credit him with leading the nation through its worst financial time period. His first inaugural
address, given on March 4, 1933, is often recognized as one of the finest to be delivered by a
President.
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Two extracts of that speech are below. Be sure to read these pieces thoroughly and have a good
understanding of it prior to tackling the questions that follow each excerpt. We also encourage
you to listen and even view the entire speech on the web at
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fdrfirstinaugural.html
Extract 1
“This is a day of national consecration. And I am certain that on this day my fellow Americans expect that
on my induction into the Presidency, I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present
situation of our people impels.
This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink
from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure, as it has endured,
will revive and will prosper.
So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself -- nameless,
unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every
dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and
support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. And I am convinced that you will again
give that support to leadership in these critical days.”
Assignment for extract 1: Consider the main points of the previous passage: being honest, being
enduring, standing up to fear, being a leader, etc. Apply these qualities to one of the most beloved
characters in the novel: Atticus Finch. In one 8-10 sentence paragraph, provide specific examples as to
how Atticus displays these traits within the novel. Be sure to use one quotation from the novel for
support.
Extract 2
“In the field of world policy, I would dedicate this Nation to the policy of the good neighbor: the neighbor
who resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the rights of others; the neighbor who
respects his obligations and respects the sanctity of his agreements in and with a world of neighbors.
If I read the temper of our people correctly, we now realize, as we have never realized before, our
interdependence on each other; that we can not merely take, but we must give as well; that if we are to go
forward, we must move as a trained and loyal army willing to sacrifice for the good of a common
discipline, because without such discipline no progress can be made, no leadership becomes effective.
We are, I know, ready and willing to submit our lives and our property to such discipline, because it
makes possible a leadership which aims at the larger good. This, I propose to offer, pledging that the
larger purposes will bind upon us, bind upon us all as a sacred obligation with a unity of duty hitherto
evoked only in times of armed strife.”
Assignment for extract 2: In this extract, Roosevelt is really talking about being a community. When
he talks about the term ‘neighbors,’ he is not talking about only the people who may live beside one
another, but all of the people in one’s community. For Roosevelt, he is talking about all of the United
States, but you will apply this concept of good and bad community members to the small town of
Maycomb, Alabama. In one 5-8 sentence paragraph, provide and explain a specific example from the
novel of good neighbors (the community members coming together) with one quotation. Also, in a
second 5-8 sentence paragraph, provide and explain a specific example from novel of bad neighbors
(the community members conflicting) with one quotation. Be sure to address what factors have caused
this conflict to erupt.
Format for spacing and quotation punctuation is the SAME as the above Part I assignment. Be sure
examples and quotations come from throughout the novel.
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Mythology
Edith Hamilton
Part I: Charting the Olympians
As you read Chapters 1 (“The Gods”) and 2 (“The Two Great Gods of Earth”) from Edith
Hamilton’s Mythology, make note of the major Greek gods and goddesses. Take note that you
are not required to read the entire book at this time. However, as you work through part II of the
assignment, you will use the other parts of the book as a reference.
You will create a chart or table of the twelve Greek Olympians that depicts the following:
 Name of the god or goddess
 Behaviors (What type of personality did they have? Angry? Jealous? etc.)
 His or her domain (What were their primary duties among the other gods and humans?)
 His or her attributes or symbols (What emblem(s) is most often associated with them?)
This chart should be very organized with easily identifiable columns and rows. It should
encompass the entire page. If you need to go to a second page, please make sure that your
headings remain consistent.
Part II: Art and Myth
We are surrounded by allusions to Greek mythology and culture in contemporary society.
There are Greek allusions everywhere, from advertisements, to product logos, to plot lines of
best selling novels. If you have ever read The Hunger Games, donned a pair of Nike shoes or
ordered off of Amazon.com, you have encountered an allusion to Greek mythology.
Greek and Roman myths have also served as inspiration for artists (painters and
sculptors) throughout time. Especially during the European Renaissance and thereafter, artists
would frequently look back toward the ancient myths to serve as topics for their pieces.
Assignment:
1. You will locate and print out (be sure it is of high quality and not pixelated) 2-3
different pieces of art that depict stories from Classical mythology. These need to be
professional works of art. Therefore, beware of simply searching Google images;
good locations to find professional artwork are museum websites (a list is offered
below).
A few good museum sites:
www.moma.org
www.louvre.fr
www.metmuseum.org
www.dia.org
www.clevelandart.org
www.getty.edu/museum/
www.britishmuseum.org
www.artic.edu
These are just a few. Every major city has a museum of art; search around and see what
they have to offer. Click on their collections and search from there.
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2. Cite the artwork. Below the copy of the work you should list the following:
Artist’s name, Title of the piece, Year created. Medium (what is it made of). Current location of work.
(First name Last name)
(may be a museum or a private collection)
Pay attention to punctuation as you cite the artwork.
Here is a sample for the image on the cover of this packet:
Raphael, School of Athens, 1509. Fresco. Vatican City.
3. Use Edith Hamilton’s Mythology as a reference source. Read the story of the myth
that is depicted in the artwork.
4. In 3-5 sentences, summarize the myth that is being referenced and explain what is
being depicted in the scene of the painting/sculpture.
Layout Concerns: Copies of the images should be neither too large nor too small. We
recommend an image that is about 4 x 6 in size (basically the top half of a piece of paper).
For layout of this assignment, you should place the image and citation on the top half of the page
and the description below. Be sure to double space your explanation.
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Guidelines for Modern Language Association (MLA) Style of Formatting
1. All work if word-processed should use 12 point font and a standard font type such as
Helvetica, New York, Arial, or Times New Roman.
2. Double-space each line of text.
3. One-inch margins throughout.
4. Format for the first page of the assignment. Use the following example using your first
and last name, teacher’s name, title of course, and date the assignment is due. You may
not know your exact teachers’ names until the end of the summer. It is acceptable to use
the names that the sample indicates.
First Name Last Name
Last Name 1
Last Name 2
Mrs. Thornburg/Mrs. Foley
Introduction to the Humanities
20 August 2014
Anthem
Part I
(Begin your assignment on this line)
5.
Number each page of your assignment in the upper right hand corner. Include your last
name and the page number. Note example above.
6.
Place all sections of the entire project in one simple pocket folder. Be ready to hand it in
on the first day of school!