Values Symposium
Summer Reading (printer-friendly copy)

Greetings Incoming 9th Graders!

We are very happy to welcome you to Cretin-Derham Hall for the 2008-2009 school year!

Every year, you will be expected to complete a summer reading assignment for at least one of your classes.  Values Symposium requires you to prepare for our first unit of the year, “Development of Community and Communities” by reading The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho.  We recommend that you complete your summer reading in August so that the book will be fresh in your mind when you arrive at Cretin-Derham Hall.

We ask that you respond to the following questions thoroughly and thoughtfully.  Each question will require a different length of answer, so please follow directions carefully.  We expect that your assignment will be typed with 12 point, Times New Roman font, with one inch margins.  This will be your first grade of the trimester for Values Symposium, and will be due on the first day of class.

If you have any questions regarding the assignments, please feel free to contact us at the email addresses below.  We are very excited to meet you, and hope you have a great summer!

Sincerely,

The Values Symposium Teachers:

Please answer the following in complete sentences, in a typed, 12 point Times New Roman format.  You do not need to retype the questions. 

PART I

1.  Based on the numerous references throughout the novel, what is a "personal legend?”  Explain in at least one full paragraph (at least 4 full sentences).

2.  Santiago was told to "read the omens" throughout his journey.  What is an omen? List three omens that Santiago "reads" and explain in at least 2 sentences (2 per each omen) how each omen helped or hindered him.

3.  The word “community” has numerous definitions; look up the definition and rewrite it in your own words using 1-2 complete sentences.  Then, pick three different "communities" that Santiago encounters and explain in 1 full paragraph (at least 4 full sentences) how they each fit the definition of “community.”  Then, write 1 full paragraph (at least 4 full sentences) about how each community impacts (helps/hinders) Santiago’s journey.  This section will have two full paragraphs total.

4.  Explain in 1 full paragraph (at least 4 full sentences) ways in which you think the “force” within The Alchemist is either helpful or disruptive.  Select at least two examples of each.

PART II

Santiago speaks often of his “personal legend,” which has many aspects.  For the following, fill in this chart with at least 5 things in your life that fit under the categories of LOVE, RISK, FAITH and CHANGE.  Be prepared to discuss these in class.