Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider.
Sir Frances Bacon
- To generate interest and pleasure in reading that enriches literary and philosophical experience
- To use time not available during the school year to read classics that expand cultural literacy
- To allow students to explore intellectual interests related to course work and to discover books and subjects they might not otherwise encounter
- To fill the educational void created by the summer break
- To prepare for thoughtful discussion and writing beginning the first day of class
- To encourage a lifelong love of reading
To accomplish the above goals, the English Department at CCS has selected one or more required texts for each grade level. Each teacher will assign varying required projects and/or assignments or tests due at the beginning of the school year. Any students transferring in less than 2 weeks from the start of school or after the first 9 weeks has begun, will have until Fall Break to complete the required projects and or tests. Many classes will use the summer reading titles as a starting point for the first units they will cover. Careful and complete reading of the texts is imperative. Students are reminded that their first 9 weeks grades can be greatly impacted by the quality and/or effort of the summer reading projects and assignments.
Students are not to consult Cliff’s Notes, Spark Notes, internet novel guides, or any other electronic or printed summaries. Students are expected to work with the text themselves. Students should always choose books they have not previously read. If more than one edition is available, be sure to select the unabridged edition. If an ISBN number is provided, please purchase that particular text because it will be used for in-class study and discussion during the first grading period; therefore, all students need the same edition of the book to locate corresponding page numbers.
