Assignment #1: Background Information

It's your first assignment! Here we go!

Before we begin actually reading the text, it is important to understand the historical and cultural background within which the text takes place. You will have some time to research the Salem Witch Trials. You will research this topic using your tablets and write a 2--3 paragraph summary of the event.

In your summary, answer questions like:
A. When/where did this event take place?
B. What were the major events that happened at that time?
C. Why did these events occur?
D. Who were some of the people involved in these events?

Remember that, in order to answer this question, you will have to research the Salem Witch Trials on the Internet or using a source. While you are not required to have quotations, you will want to cite your source so that I know where you got your information from.

Here are some sources to help you:

http://www.easybib.com/: This website will create a source citation for you; you just need to put in your source name or url.

http://www.plagiarism.org/citing-sources/cite-sources/: This website will also help you to understand how/why to cite sources.

As usual, contact me if you have any questions!

Welcome to your Independent Study Group Blog!

You have been chosen and agreed to participate in an independent study group that will explore an additional text throughout the quarter for an opportunity to deepen your skills and express yourselves and your understanding of text in a more personal way.

Here are the expectations of the group:

• A. Complete the assigned research and/or read the weekly required section of the text.
• B. Access your independent study group blog once a week (at least) to answer questions posted      there by your teacher. 
• C. Questions should be answered thoroughly, using text evidence. Some questions may involve      using research from the internet. Always be sure to reference your sources in these cases.
• D. Respond to each other, as well. Each student is expected to read and respond to at least two        other responses, either by agreeing, disagreeing, or adding on. Think of it as a conversation. 
• E. At the end of the quarter, there will be a project due. Choices will be published in a separate     blog post. 

Here is your reading schedule: 

Week one: (January 25--January 29) Research "Salem Witch Trials" on the Internet

Week two: (February 1--5) Read Act I

Week three: (February 8--12) Read Act II

Week four: (February 15--19) Research "McCarthyism" on the Internet

Week five: (February 22--26) Read Act III

Week six: (February 29--March 4) Read Act IV

All of this information will be provided for you in a handout that you can keep in your binder. Class time will be provided at least one class period per week to work in your partners, answer the questions, research, and respond to your reflection prompts. Each of you will have a tablet with which to work and access the blog.