1. Welcome to IB Literature of the Americas I’m Emily Gerrity -Please take one of each handout and a packet on your way in. -Check seating chart -Check seating chart -Take out a sheet of paper/pen or pencil

2. Welcome to IB!!!

3. Course Description Syllabus Expectations as an IB Learner Questions

4. JUNIOR YEAR

5. What is America? Think about this for a moment. What images arise in your mind, that represent America? How do you know you are American? Create a sketch, or describe these images in writing (poem, letter, journal, stream of consciousness, etc. )

6. What is America? Share your impressions with a partner.

7. What is America? Add to, or adjust, your sketch/description to incorporate any new ideas you may have gotten from your partner. Collaboration is a good thing.

8. How did you describe America?

9. Geographically Culturally Politically Personally

10. The United States is a geographically small part of the Americas.

11. This first unit features voices of U.S. citizens from diverse backgrounds. This year, we’ll be reading literature from other parts of “The Americas,” too.

12. I believe… …and we learn from each others’ experiences through sharing stories. That’s one reason we read literature!

13. Homework (Write it in your planner) Read essays: “American Identity: Ideas, Not Ethnicity” (11- 12) & “What’s Happening to America?” (13- 16)  As you read, notice your reactions to what you are reading and take notes (you can use post-it notes in the packet or a separate page)  Note each author’s biases.  Consider what you agree /disagree with  Come prepared to respond in writing

14. Julia Alvarez “We read stories with the same part of our brain that feels compassion…”

15. One “American Voice” Read “Queens, 1963” by Julia Alvarez Focus on the following & make notes on your sketch/writing page:  Who is the speaker (gender, ethnic/racial/ religious affiliations, socioeconomic group, age group)?  What is the Big Idea (what is it really about)?  Which “America” is being written about (time period, place, etc.)  What aspects/qualities of American culture do you see (what is the perspective)?

16. Julia Alvarez We read stories with the same part of our brain that feels compassion… “History…is the story we tell ourselves about what happened.” “Novels arise out of the shortcomings of history.”

17. Thank you. Sleep Well, Eat Well, Be Well

18. Julia Alvarez As you listen to this interview, continue to add to your sketch/writing about what “America” can mean (to you or to others) http://arts.gov/file/2409