Week of March 10th

Monday, March 10th (T)
• Due: Read and annotate all essays in Comparison and Contrast and write “one-pager” (remember those?) on choice of topics to be announced.
• Class: Class discussion of essays (focus on “Disability” and “Dumpster Diving”) led by Ben, Susannah, and Emily; peer review of one-pagers.

Tuesday, March 11th (W)
• Due: Read and annotate the following Definition essays: “I Want a Wife,” “The Androgynous Man,” and “The Meanings of a Word.” Write a detailed outline for Writing Topic #2 on pg. 255, reproduced below:

A recent grassroots movement tried but failed to have the word nigger removed from dictionaries. Are there some words so hateful that they should be banned from the language? Or is such an attempt to control language even more objectionable? Write an essay that states and supports your answers, giving plenty of examples.

• Class: Class discussion of “The Meanings of a Word” led by Mary, Michelle, and Tim; review and critique outlines.

Wednesday, March 12th (H)
• Due: Read and annotate all essays in Cause & Effect. Complete vocabulary exercises for Unit #5.
• Class: Class discussion of “Cultural Baggage” led by Aaron, Alisha, and Alice. Review vocabulary exercises.

Thursday, March 13th (F)
• Due: Read and annotate “A Modest Proposal” in Argument & Persuasion. Complete reading questions (worksheet).
• Class: Discussion of “Modest Proposal.” Introduction to satire unit.

Friday, March 14th (S)
• Due: Multiple-choice questions for “Modest Proposal.” Then view 15-20 minutes of television that is likely to contain satire (we’ll brainstorm sources together, online and broadcast). Write a paragraph response:

Describe one clip or scene that you believe to be satirical in nature. What is being ridiculed or what folly is exposed? Is there an implied reform? What is the tone of the satire – is it more Horatian (gently mocking) or Juvenalian (sternly indignant)? Is the satire effective? Why or why not?

• Class: Discuss and correct homework. Satire and The Daily Show.

Monday, March. 17th (U)
• Due: Reading and annotations to be assigned. Vocabulary quiz on Unit #5.
• Class: Analysis and discussion of readings.