Monday, Jan. 28th (F)
• Due: Mock rhetoric exercise.
• Class: Share mock rhetoric exercises (small group and whole class highlights); introduce The Great American Speech Project; share highlights from MLK responses.
Tuesday, Jan. 29th (S)
• Due: “Cold” reading of Lincoln’s second inaugural speech; read “Inauguration Day.”
• Class: Rhetoric Presentation II: “How to Intimidate Friends and Impress Parents”; analyze Lincoln passages in small groups.
Wednesday, Jan. 30th (U)
• Due: Read assigned chapter in White book; annotate your selection again using a second color for new information and observations.
• Class: Discuss chapter and report findings to the class.
Thursday, Jan. 31st (M)
• No class today.
Friday, Feb. 1st (T)
• Due: Draft of prompt for speech project (excerpt and assignment). Be sure to use the sample AP prompts for guidance. If you are out of class, drop off or email your work.
• Class: Speech project workshop.
Monday, Feb. 4th (W)
• Due: Practice AP test question (write for 40 minutes; use a timer).
• Class: Debrief AP test question; critique sample responses.
Tuesday, Feb. 5th (H)
• Due: Work on speech project.
• Class: Diction Presentation I: “Latinate and Anglo-Saxon Roots.”
Wednesday, Feb. 6th (F)
• Due: Speech projects (remember all parts: background information, prompt, excerpted text, essay response). Study for vocabulary quiz.
• Class: Vocabulary quiz on Unit #4; share speech projects.
Thursday, Feb. 7th (S)
• Due: First assignment of the next unit.
• Class: TBA.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Week of January 21st
Note: Click here for writing folder contents.
Monday, Jan. 21st
• No school today!
Tuesday, Jan. 22nd (M)
• No class today!
Wednesday, Jan. 23rd (T)
• Due: Read assigned chapter in Hansen text; complete SOAPSTone analysis.
• Class: Rhetoric Presentation I: Canons, Schemes, Tropes.
Thursday, Jan. 24th (W)
• Due: Vocabulary exercises for Unit #4; review Hansen text for class discussion.
• Class: Close analysis of MLK in groups; prep for peer teaching of Hansen chapters.
Friday, Jan. 25th (F)
• Due: Close analysis of MLK (see below).
• Class: Peer teaching of Hansen chapters.
Monday, Jan. 28th (S)
• Due: Mock rhetoric exercise (see below).
• Class: Share mock rhetoric exercises; introduce speech project.
Note: Vocabulary quiz tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 29th.
Also: Make sure all papers wind up in your writing folders with appropriate reflection. If you were out last week I need your make up work (see blog) by Thursday night.
Focused Rhetorical Analysis on “I Have a Dream”
Your assignment is to write up a brief (one page) rhetorical analysis of a specific section of King’s speech – identifying and explaining the significant tropes and schemes, and analyzing their effects.
In detail:
• Focus your analysis on one section of text (most likely the one assigned to your group).
• Identify the dominant theme, impression, and/or tone of this section, citing examples to illustrate how King’s purpose is achieved.
• Identify the most significant figures of rhetoric, integrating examples, and commenting upon their effects. Stay away from a “laundry list” of schemes and tropes, however. Think critically: prioritize and thoroughly analyze a few.
• Optional thought: You might conclude by placing this section of the speech – and its effects – in context of the entire address.
• You may use Hansen as a source, but cite him if you do.
Mock Rhetoric Exercise
Your assignment is to write a one page persuasive speech on a topic of your choice. Load it up with as many rhetorical devices as you can – you have complete artistic license to be as silly as you want. When you are done, annotate the devices you have used (footnotes, marginal notes, or handwritten annotations are all fine). Review the notes from our class presentation for possibilities.
Monday, Jan. 21st
• No school today!
Tuesday, Jan. 22nd (M)
• No class today!
Wednesday, Jan. 23rd (T)
• Due: Read assigned chapter in Hansen text; complete SOAPSTone analysis.
• Class: Rhetoric Presentation I: Canons, Schemes, Tropes.
Thursday, Jan. 24th (W)
• Due: Vocabulary exercises for Unit #4; review Hansen text for class discussion.
• Class: Close analysis of MLK in groups; prep for peer teaching of Hansen chapters.
Friday, Jan. 25th (F)
• Due: Close analysis of MLK (see below).
• Class: Peer teaching of Hansen chapters.
Monday, Jan. 28th (S)
• Due: Mock rhetoric exercise (see below).
• Class: Share mock rhetoric exercises; introduce speech project.
Note: Vocabulary quiz tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 29th.
Also: Make sure all papers wind up in your writing folders with appropriate reflection. If you were out last week I need your make up work (see blog) by Thursday night.
Focused Rhetorical Analysis on “I Have a Dream”
Your assignment is to write up a brief (one page) rhetorical analysis of a specific section of King’s speech – identifying and explaining the significant tropes and schemes, and analyzing their effects.
In detail:
• Focus your analysis on one section of text (most likely the one assigned to your group).
• Identify the dominant theme, impression, and/or tone of this section, citing examples to illustrate how King’s purpose is achieved.
• Identify the most significant figures of rhetoric, integrating examples, and commenting upon their effects. Stay away from a “laundry list” of schemes and tropes, however. Think critically: prioritize and thoroughly analyze a few.
• Optional thought: You might conclude by placing this section of the speech – and its effects – in context of the entire address.
• You may use Hansen as a source, but cite him if you do.
Mock Rhetoric Exercise
Your assignment is to write a one page persuasive speech on a topic of your choice. Load it up with as many rhetorical devices as you can – you have complete artistic license to be as silly as you want. When you are done, annotate the devices you have used (footnotes, marginal notes, or handwritten annotations are all fine). Review the notes from our class presentation for possibilities.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
For Your Interest
I compiled a few highlights from your research paper self-reflections to share with next year's group (and maybe my American literature kiddos this spring!). In case you're curious to see what some of your classmates had to say, click here. Although I couldn't fit everything, you all had some really helpful advice!
People out on Thursday and/or Friday of this week, keep reading for make up work (group work reflection, MLK video clips, and revised calendar all follow!!).
People out on Thursday and/or Friday of this week, keep reading for make up work (group work reflection, MLK video clips, and revised calendar all follow!!).
Literature Circle Reflection
Note: We will complete this assessment in class on Thursday. If you are out of class, please email me your thoughts. See too the video clips below.
1. Comment on how your group worked together. Was the division of labor fair? Briefly describe your contribution. Is there anything else I should know about the group dynamic?
2. Do you feel you came to a better understanding of the novel as a result of this project? Would you recommend using this project in future classes? Is there anything you would change?
Thank you for your feedback! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed all of your "trailers" today!!
1. Comment on how your group worked together. Was the division of labor fair? Briefly describe your contribution. Is there anything else I should know about the group dynamic?
2. Do you feel you came to a better understanding of the novel as a result of this project? Would you recommend using this project in future classes? Is there anything you would change?
Thank you for your feedback! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed all of your "trailers" today!!
March on Washington
Note: This assignment is for students who were absent from class on Thursday!
While you were out, we discussed the “Prologue” chapter to the reading. What surprised you in reading this introduction? What are your own associations for the Civil Rights Movement? We also watched the following three clips in class, which you should make up at home with an internet connection.
Please shoot me a very brief email just to let me know that you were able to access the clips. Include a couple of short “takeaways” from the viewing (a question or connection, something you learned or that surprised you, etc).
The Eyes on the Prize videos are a great resource for American history research or just general interest, by the way – you can get whole episodes at the public library.
Caution: The PBS links don't seem totally stable. If you are taken to the main page of the episode, just click on the "Video" tab. If you are taken to the main page of the series, follow the links to the "Project 'C'" and "March on Washington" episodes -- you can go by episode or you can follow the links to the Video Index. But hopefully it'll take you where you need to go! Ugh!
Video #1: Project “C” in Birmingham
Click here to access the show’s video page and watch the short clip of Bull Connor(1:44m).
Video #2: The March on Washington
Click here to access the show’s video page; watch the first clip about getting ready for the March (3:08m).
Video #3: “I Have a Dream”
Click here to go to the American Rhetoric page on the speech popularly known as “I Have a Dream.” Scroll down to find the video version. Try to make the time to watch the entire speech; King’s oratory style is something you do not want to miss (17:02m).
Note: If you can't get the video from American Rhetoric (I could at school yesterday, but can't today ... argh) then just do a quick search on YouTube, or listen to the audio that is available.
While you were out, we discussed the “Prologue” chapter to the reading. What surprised you in reading this introduction? What are your own associations for the Civil Rights Movement? We also watched the following three clips in class, which you should make up at home with an internet connection.
Please shoot me a very brief email just to let me know that you were able to access the clips. Include a couple of short “takeaways” from the viewing (a question or connection, something you learned or that surprised you, etc).
The Eyes on the Prize videos are a great resource for American history research or just general interest, by the way – you can get whole episodes at the public library.
Caution: The PBS links don't seem totally stable. If you are taken to the main page of the episode, just click on the "Video" tab. If you are taken to the main page of the series, follow the links to the "Project 'C'" and "March on Washington" episodes -- you can go by episode or you can follow the links to the Video Index. But hopefully it'll take you where you need to go! Ugh!
Video #1: Project “C” in Birmingham
Click here to access the show’s video page and watch the short clip of Bull Connor(1:44m).
Video #2: The March on Washington
Click here to access the show’s video page; watch the first clip about getting ready for the March (3:08m).
Video #3: “I Have a Dream”
Click here to go to the American Rhetoric page on the speech popularly known as “I Have a Dream.” Scroll down to find the video version. Try to make the time to watch the entire speech; King’s oratory style is something you do not want to miss (17:02m).
Note: If you can't get the video from American Rhetoric (I could at school yesterday, but can't today ... argh) then just do a quick search on YouTube, or listen to the audio that is available.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Week of January 14th
Monday, Jan. 14th
• Snow Day!
Tuesday, Jan. 15th (H)
• Due: Be wrapping up work on literature circle projects.
• Class: Final research presentations.
Wednesday, Jan. 16th (F)
• Due: Literature circle projects. Let me know if you need special technology to present.
• Class: Presentation of trailers; viewing and discussion of projects.
Thursday, Jan. 17th (S)
• Due: Read “Prologue” from The Dream.
• Class: Historical context; Eyes on the Prize excerpt; viewing of speech. If you are out please see blog post (coming soon) for videos to watch.
Friday, Jan. 18th (U)
• Due: Reread and annotate the MLK speech in preparation for SOAPSTone analysis.
• Class: Log research papers; semester reflection. Work on SOAPSTone analysis.
Monday, Jan. 21st
• No school today.
Tuesday, Jan. 22nd (M)
• Class does not meet.
Wednesday, Jan. 23rd (T)
• Due: Finish SOAPSTone analysis. Read assigned chapter of The Dream. Identify and be prepared to discuss the most important and illuminating ideas from your chapter.
• Class: Presentation on rhetoric: canons, schemes, and tropes. Focused rhetorical analysis of MLK speech in small groups.
• Snow Day!
Tuesday, Jan. 15th (H)
• Due: Be wrapping up work on literature circle projects.
• Class: Final research presentations.
Wednesday, Jan. 16th (F)
• Due: Literature circle projects. Let me know if you need special technology to present.
• Class: Presentation of trailers; viewing and discussion of projects.
Thursday, Jan. 17th (S)
• Due: Read “Prologue” from The Dream.
• Class: Historical context; Eyes on the Prize excerpt; viewing of speech. If you are out please see blog post (coming soon) for videos to watch.
Friday, Jan. 18th (U)
• Due: Reread and annotate the MLK speech in preparation for SOAPSTone analysis.
• Class: Log research papers; semester reflection. Work on SOAPSTone analysis.
Monday, Jan. 21st
• No school today.
Tuesday, Jan. 22nd (M)
• Class does not meet.
Wednesday, Jan. 23rd (T)
• Due: Finish SOAPSTone analysis. Read assigned chapter of The Dream. Identify and be prepared to discuss the most important and illuminating ideas from your chapter.
• Class: Presentation on rhetoric: canons, schemes, and tropes. Focused rhetorical analysis of MLK speech in small groups.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Schedule Change
We will finish our last three research presentations on Monday, which means the literature circle projects will be moved to Tuesday (seems to have been a popular decision!). If we have extra time on Monday I will donate it to the groups to touch base ... but I can't guarantee there will be much or any time to spare.
The literature circle projects will be included on third term grades. Please bring me your books/sticky notes/journals on Tuesday to be collected.
Thanks!
The literature circle projects will be included on third term grades. Please bring me your books/sticky notes/journals on Tuesday to be collected.
Thanks!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Week of January 7th
Note: The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University has a great explanation of the basic business letter here.
Monday, Jan. 7th (S)
• Due: Read and annotate second half of literature circle novel with 10 more sticky notes or dialectic journal entries.
• Class: Second literature circle discussion. Explanation of group project.
Tuesday, Jan. 8th (U)
• Due: Begin work on research paper letter, group project.
• Class: Group work on literature circle projects.
Wednesday, Jan. 9th (M)
• Class drops today. I’ll be thinking of you!
Thursday, Jan. 10th (T)
• Due: Be prepared for research presentation if you’ll be going today.
• Class: Research paper presentations.
Friday, Jan. 11th (W)
• Due: Research paper letter. Be prepared for presentation if you’ll be going today.
• Class: Research paper presentations.
Monday, Jan. 14th (H)
• Due: Literature circle projects.
• Class: Presentation of literature circle projects.
Monday, Jan. 7th (S)
• Due: Read and annotate second half of literature circle novel with 10 more sticky notes or dialectic journal entries.
• Class: Second literature circle discussion. Explanation of group project.
Tuesday, Jan. 8th (U)
• Due: Begin work on research paper letter, group project.
• Class: Group work on literature circle projects.
Wednesday, Jan. 9th (M)
• Class drops today. I’ll be thinking of you!
Thursday, Jan. 10th (T)
• Due: Be prepared for research presentation if you’ll be going today.
• Class: Research paper presentations.
Friday, Jan. 11th (W)
• Due: Research paper letter. Be prepared for presentation if you’ll be going today.
• Class: Research paper presentations.
Monday, Jan. 14th (H)
• Due: Literature circle projects.
• Class: Presentation of literature circle projects.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Presentations in Order
Just a reminder! This is the order we signed up (or were signed up) for research presentations:
- Henrietta
- Aaron
- Galen
- Daniel
- Dan
- Tim
- Alice
- Jeremy
- Emily
- Susannah
- Ben
- Michelle
- Eliza
- Jule
- Mary
- Stephanie
- Zoe
- Alisha
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Research Paper Presentation
Instructions for the research paper presentations are below. The rubric will include preparedness, visual, presentation skills, response to questions, and conventions. Click here to view the draft rubric. Please email me your slides before your presentation so that I can load them onto the computer and we don't waste class time; send a copy to yourself as well in case there are technical problems, or save them in your student folder.
You should plan a short presentation of your research – no more than five minutes – for the class. Begin by briefly discussing your initial interest in the subject; your early questions, hypotheses or opinions; what you expected to find. You might comment on the process: challenges, surprises, or breakthroughs in your research. Finally, give a synopsis of your findings, which might come in the form of an overview of arguments for and against a certain position, and share your recommendations and suggestions.
Create a few short slides to accompany your presentation. I recommend not going overboard with text, but make the slides visually interesting with any images or other graphics that will help you clarify your position. Bring some notes, but resist the temptation to read directly from a script.
Be prepared to answer a few friendly questions from your peers.
We will begin the oral defense presentations on Thursday, January 3rd.
Before we wrap all this up, you will also have the opportunity to write a letter to someone in the community – local, state, or national – to present your point of view on the topic. I’ll give you the details on that when we get back from the holidays, but you could start thinking about a potential audience.
You should plan a short presentation of your research – no more than five minutes – for the class. Begin by briefly discussing your initial interest in the subject; your early questions, hypotheses or opinions; what you expected to find. You might comment on the process: challenges, surprises, or breakthroughs in your research. Finally, give a synopsis of your findings, which might come in the form of an overview of arguments for and against a certain position, and share your recommendations and suggestions.
Create a few short slides to accompany your presentation. I recommend not going overboard with text, but make the slides visually interesting with any images or other graphics that will help you clarify your position. Bring some notes, but resist the temptation to read directly from a script.
Be prepared to answer a few friendly questions from your peers.
We will begin the oral defense presentations on Thursday, January 3rd.
Before we wrap all this up, you will also have the opportunity to write a letter to someone in the community – local, state, or national – to present your point of view on the topic. I’ll give you the details on that when we get back from the holidays, but you could start thinking about a potential audience.
Week of January 2nd
Wednesday, Jan. 2nd (W)
• Due: Read the first half of your lit circle pick.
• Class: Literature circle discussions.
Thursday, Jan. 3rd (H)
• Due: Prepare research paper presentation and keep reading your books.
• Class: Begin research paper presentations; wrap up Fitzgerald episode of Biography.
Friday, Jan. 4th (F)
• Due: Keep reading those books!
• Class: Continue research paper presentations.
Monday, Jan. 7th (S)
• Due: Finish reading your lit circle pick.
• Class: Literature circle discussions.
• Due: Read the first half of your lit circle pick.
• Class: Literature circle discussions.
Thursday, Jan. 3rd (H)
• Due: Prepare research paper presentation and keep reading your books.
• Class: Begin research paper presentations; wrap up Fitzgerald episode of Biography.
Friday, Jan. 4th (F)
• Due: Keep reading those books!
• Class: Continue research paper presentations.
Monday, Jan. 7th (S)
• Due: Finish reading your lit circle pick.
• Class: Literature circle discussions.
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