Two Assignments - Narrative Essay and An Argument with Research - 12-15 Hours

Performance Task: Write a Narrative 

Now that you've read both points of view on nature—that of the Transcendentalists, and that of Oates — which perspective do you agree with? 

· Create a narrative using one of the perspectives you read about: supporting nature or going against it.

· Tell a story about an experience you had in nature that either affected you positively or negatively.

· Compose a narrative of 500–1,000 words that discusses your experience in nature.

· Be clear on the stance you are choosing, and what you have learned from this experience.

· Has reading the poems and stories of the Transcendentalists changed your perspective on nature for the better or worse? ​​

Performance Task: Argument with Research

One of the goals of this unit is to conduct research. Now that you have finished reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, you will be conducting and writing your own research paper of 1,000–1,500 words on one of the topics listed below. In addition to specific quotes and evidence from the text, you will use outside research to support your claims. You may use articles and information found online, in books, or magazines, but do not use Wikipedia. All research must be properly cited in MLA format on a final "Works Cited" page listing all sources used. (Refer to the  MLA Formatting and Style Guide  for support.)

· Examine the novel's portrayal of racism. Is the novel racist or is it merely holding a mirror to a racist society? Essay could examine: Huck's relationship with Jim, Pap's views of African Americans, Twain's portrayal of Jim, Use of the "n" word. Is Twain taking a stance against, and shining a light on, society, showing them the absurdity of their ways? Or, is this providing the author's own perspective on the time? Choose one side and defend.

· Is Huck a transcendentalist, reflecting the new philosophy of the time? Use quotes from the book, as well as research on the transcendental philosophy, to argue for or against this claim.

· The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was censored immediately upon its release, and is still censored in many schools today. Argue or support that this book deserves to be censored, comparing it with modern censorship of books or media. Research the reasons behind the book's censorship both then and now, as well as other media that has been censored in modern times, and the reasons for that censorship. Is it justified, or does it infringe upon the First Amendment?