Most of all, these letters address an audience. But a letter also... ...sets a tone ...gives an idea of the themes in the text ...previews the content of the text ...gives background information to better understand the text ...humanizes (or fails to humanize) the author of the text.
The Assignments:
This assignment will be split into two parts, one completed in class on November 16 with the preassigned groups listed, and one completed individually outside of class, due on November 23. Each piece will be worth 10 % of your grade.
In class, you will compare the Dedicatory Letter to Machiavelli's Prince, the note "To the Reader" in Locke's Letter, and in Hamilton's Federalist Paper 1. You may work with your classmates prior to class, but work will be due by the end in a presentable form.
At home, you will write for me a first draft of your Dedicatory Letter for your Final Portfolio.
Please note that there will be no make-up work for the in class activity or extra credit awarded. However, we will discuss revising your individual letters in great detail.