On References to Neil Gaiman’s American Gods

I know I have referenced Neil Gaiman on a number of occasions in my classes over the years. He is, in fact, one of my favorite living authors. More than that, the book that I tend to reference most often when his name comes up is American Gods. While it isn’t my favorite title of his, I loved the premese from the moment I picked it up in a bookstore and read the back cover. The whole idea of the mythological gods from cultures around the world  washing up on the shores of America, really co-existing with everyday people, and never leaving was particularly brilliant, I thought.

Well, for the next month the author and his publisher have made the book available online for free. I strongly encourage any of you to take a look and let me know what you think.

Browse Inside this book Get this for your site

CP: English Portfolio | 09 College Preparatory

Semester: One

* Links below will allow you to download the file with directions.

1. Essay on importance of family and family relationships in the three short stories:
   “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird,” “Uncle Marcos,” and “Rules of the Game” (Theme)
2. Open Response essay on the definition of family in The Bean Trees (Theme)
3. Role-Audience-Format-Topic (RAFT) paper, based on The Bean Trees (Character)
4. Open Response essay on character in The Lovely Bones (Character)
5. Historical Context Report, based on given question, from The Bean Trees (Context)
6. Role-Audience-Format-Topic (RAFT) paper, based on Romeo & Juliet (Character)
7. Write a blend of biopoem and I am poem for at least four characters from
   Romeo & Juliet (Character)
8. An imaginary dialogue between yourself and a literary character from one of the readings this term (Character)
9. Reflective paper honestly appraising both your strengths and weaknesses as a writer
10. A paper that identifies your best piece of writing from this term, explaining why you think it is your best *

Choose four assignments from the list above. Everyone must complete selection ten. This makes a total of five pieces for the portfolio. To earn a passing grade, you must complete all five pieces. The completed portfolio will be treated as 40% of your term grade. This is your opportunity to revise and improve work that you have previously submitted or try something new. Strive for craft and elegance in your writing and you can earn a higher grade. Pieces should be 600+ words, unless it is obviously not applicable to the chosen piece.

Other instructions:

You will need to assemble your work in a binder that includes all of your drafts for each piece. The binder should have the following:

1. a cover
2. a table of contents
3. an order that has the final draft placed first, followed by all prior drafts, for each piece
4. selection #10 placed first in the order

You will also need to email me the five final drafts of your work in a single document. Please name the file using the following convention – smith_port01. Also, make sure that you use this convention for your email subject line – Jim Shue – Period 4 Portfolio.

All college preparatory student portfolios are due Monday, January 7.

You must complete the portfolio assignment to pass the semseter.

No late submissions will be accepted.