Texts that every student should read to prepare for college.
For students wanting to get ahead in their English program here is a list of books could be helpful.
For those students who want to enter an English program prepared, here is a list of ten books students can read for their studies.
“As far as reading for a degree,” said Maggie Krug, an English instructor at SFCC, “It depends on what degree. technical communications, linguistics, creative writing etc., it will all be different. Some strategies that might be helpful [are] reading the classics, asking professors for readings ahead of classes and developing an area of specialty that can be pursued through several classes.”
Here are some of the recommended classics, starting with ancient literature:
1. Title: The Iliad Author: Homer
summary : the epic poem of Achilles and his withdrawal from the trojan war and the disastrous consequences.
2. Title: Beowulf
Author:By translation. 10th century B.C.
Summary: this anglo saxon poem tells the tale of the hero Beowulf who defends Heorot
Hall from a variety of mythical monsters.
3. Title: The Bible
Author: By translation
Summary: In the old testament the bible tells of the creation of the world and the early
history of the Jewish people. The New testament lays down the new Jewish law, the crucifixion of Christ, the missionary journeys of figures such as Paul and John and the end of days told in the book of Revelation.
Modern titles include:
4. To Build a Fire
Author: Jack London
Publication: 1902
Summary:This story is in a collection of “twenty five of London’s best works.” according
to Booksshare.org. It follows the story of a man and his dog become stranded in the Yukon at night. The story tells of the man’s attempt to build a fire.. “
5. Title: 1984
Author: George Orwell
Copyright: 1950
Summary: In the year 1984, The English government is in full control of its population.
Thoughts and actions are monitored by Big Brother, and sex is outlawed. When Whinston engages in a love affair he becomes a target of the government.
6. Title : Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Summary: Set on the distant planet of Arakis, Dune tells the story of young boy named
Paul who would become the mysterious figure known as Maud’dib. He will avenge the treacherous plot against his family and fulfill mankind’s most unattainable dream. Dune has won both the Hugo award and the Nebula award and “is undoubtedly the greatest epic in science fiction.” according to bookshare.org.
Some significant titles in children’s literature include:
7. Title: Where the Red Fern Grows
Author: Wilson Rawls
Summary: a tale of a young boy and his raccoon hunting dogs is an American
Children’s classic. It follows them as they go on adventures and become a remarkable hunting team. “Where the red fern grows is an exciting tale of love and adventure you’ll never forget.” According to Bookshar.org
8. Title: The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night Time.
Author Mark Haddon
Summary: A young autistic boy tries to solve the murder of his neighbor’s dog while
also trying to deal with the complexities of living with a single parent..
“For an English Degree you can focus on the classics,” Said Cynde DeLaughter, an English Instructor at SFCC. “It really is that you [just need to] read everything.”