A couple of summer's ago, Oprah chose three Faulkner classics for her reading group. The website is still functional and has great materials. Consider exploring answers to your As I Lay Dying questions with the video lectures and FAQs. I also highly recommend The Sound and the Fury or A Light in August for someone looking for a challenge this summer ... two more of my all-time favorite books. Click here to go to the main site.
The video lectures are interesting and you might get a kick out of the Q&A, including:
Are the Tulls' opinions Faulkner's?
Why is Jewel's mother a horse?
Why did Faulkner choose the horse and fish metaphors?
Why does Vardaman say his mother is a fish?
Why is water such a powerful 'character'?
What does Cash mean by 'it's not on a balance'?
What did Dewey Dell mean by 'I killed Darl' on p. 121?
Why were holes drilled into Addie's coffin?
What do the characters' names mean?
Are Peabody and the Bundrens' neighbors reliable narrators?
What does the italicized text mean? (cont.)
What does the italicized text mean?
How old are the Bundren children?
How old are Addie and Anse?
Is there sexual tension between Jewel and Addie?
What do Darl's 'is' and 'was' passages mean?
Why aren't Dewey Dell and Addie closer? (cont.)
Why aren't Dewey Dell and Addie closer?
How does Darl know when Addie dies?
Who is Lafe?
Why do the characters use both vernacular and educated vocabulary?
Is Jewel the most misunderstood Bundren?
Am I missing something in the road imagery?
Where does the title 'As I Lay Dying' come from?
Click here for the answers!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Week of June 2nd
Monday, June 2nd (S)
• Due: As I Lay Dying Reading #4: “The Moral Universe” (through pg. 179). Reaction to Addie (prompts on worksheets).
• Class: Discussion: “Understanding Addie” (hopefully; maybe).
Tuesday, June 3rd (U)
• Due: Keep reading. Work on logistics for your film project.
• Class: Wrap up Faulkner discussion. Documentary film analysis.
Wednesday, June 4th (M)
• Due: Class does not meet today. Sniff!
Thursday, June 5th (T)
• Due: As I Lay Dying Reading #5: “The Barn Burning” (through pg. 231).
• Class: Exercise: “Charting the Verities.”
Friday, June 6th (W)
• Due: Keep reading.
• Class: Wrap up Faulkner discussion. Documentary film analysis.
Monday, June 9th (H)
• Due: As I Lay Dying Reading #6: “Jefferson” (through pg. 261).
• Class: Discussion: “What’s in Jefferson.”
Tuesday, June 10th (F)
• Due: Work on film project.
• Class: Found poetry and Faulkner.
Wednesday, June 11th (S)
• Due: Bring your copy of As I Lay Dying to turn in.
• Class: Silent discussion of As I Lay Dying (language fails us, after all).
Thursday, June 12th (U)
• Due: Identify a source for your film (e.g., a review, an article on the subject matter from a Media Center database or other reputable source, etc). Read it, bring a printed copy, and be ready to share highlights with your group.
• Class: Time to work on group film projects.
Note: Our exam is scheduled for 8.15a on Monday, June 16th. I’ll bring the popcorn; unless we’ve made other arrangements, it is YOUR responsibility to bring a copy of the film and your written analysis. Be sure that know where to find your scene so that we don’t run out of time for everyone to present! Is that too early for popcorn, do you think?
• Due: As I Lay Dying Reading #4: “The Moral Universe” (through pg. 179). Reaction to Addie (prompts on worksheets).
• Class: Discussion: “Understanding Addie” (hopefully; maybe).
Tuesday, June 3rd (U)
• Due: Keep reading. Work on logistics for your film project.
• Class: Wrap up Faulkner discussion. Documentary film analysis.
Wednesday, June 4th (M)
• Due: Class does not meet today. Sniff!
Thursday, June 5th (T)
• Due: As I Lay Dying Reading #5: “The Barn Burning” (through pg. 231).
• Class: Exercise: “Charting the Verities.”
Friday, June 6th (W)
• Due: Keep reading.
• Class: Wrap up Faulkner discussion. Documentary film analysis.
Monday, June 9th (H)
• Due: As I Lay Dying Reading #6: “Jefferson” (through pg. 261).
• Class: Discussion: “What’s in Jefferson.”
Tuesday, June 10th (F)
• Due: Work on film project.
• Class: Found poetry and Faulkner.
Wednesday, June 11th (S)
• Due: Bring your copy of As I Lay Dying to turn in.
• Class: Silent discussion of As I Lay Dying (language fails us, after all).
Thursday, June 12th (U)
• Due: Identify a source for your film (e.g., a review, an article on the subject matter from a Media Center database or other reputable source, etc). Read it, bring a printed copy, and be ready to share highlights with your group.
• Class: Time to work on group film projects.
Note: Our exam is scheduled for 8.15a on Monday, June 16th. I’ll bring the popcorn; unless we’ve made other arrangements, it is YOUR responsibility to bring a copy of the film and your written analysis. Be sure that know where to find your scene so that we don’t run out of time for everyone to present! Is that too early for popcorn, do you think?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Documentary Films
Click here to see the list of films with descriptions borrowed from Netflix.com.
I'll ask you to sign up for your preferences on Thursday. Thanks!
I'll ask you to sign up for your preferences on Thursday. Thanks!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Week of May 26th
Monday, May 26th
• Memorial Day (no school today).
Tuesday, May 27th (T)
• Due: As I Lay Dying Reading #2: “Addie’s Death & Reactions” (through pg. 93).
• Class: 20 questions, ask Oprah’s professor.
Wednesday, May 28th (W)
• Due: Multiple perspectives creative exercise.
• Class: Share creative exercise; film lecture.
Thursday, May 29th (H)
• Due: Keep reading!
• Class: Wrap up film lecture.
Friday, May 30th (F)
• Due: As I Lay Dying Reading #3: “The River Crossing” (through pg. 165).
• Class: Unlikely heroes; voice; “Do You Speak American?”
Monday, June 2nd (S)
• Due: As I Lay Dying Reading #4: “The Moral Universe” (through pg. 179).
• Class: Understanding Addie (hopefully; maybe).
• Memorial Day (no school today).
Tuesday, May 27th (T)
• Due: As I Lay Dying Reading #2: “Addie’s Death & Reactions” (through pg. 93).
• Class: 20 questions, ask Oprah’s professor.
Wednesday, May 28th (W)
• Due: Multiple perspectives creative exercise.
• Class: Share creative exercise; film lecture.
Thursday, May 29th (H)
• Due: Keep reading!
• Class: Wrap up film lecture.
Friday, May 30th (F)
• Due: As I Lay Dying Reading #3: “The River Crossing” (through pg. 165).
• Class: Unlikely heroes; voice; “Do You Speak American?”
Monday, June 2nd (S)
• Due: As I Lay Dying Reading #4: “The Moral Universe” (through pg. 179).
• Class: Understanding Addie (hopefully; maybe).
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Week of May 19th
This week is a work in progress as we decompress from exams, go AWOL (okay, technically it's more like AWL) for the psych fair, etc, etc. The following deadlines are known:
- Due Wednesday, May 21st: Read As I Lay Dying through page 40.
- Due Thursday, May 22nd: Read As I Lay Dying through page 40 again. Because you know you need another go at that nonsense. Add notes (or guesses) to your character chart as you go.
- Due Monday, May 21st: Read As I Lay Dying through page 93. Add notes (or guesses) to your character chart as you go.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Discussion
An email from Jule follows:
"I know people have been interested in making an AP English T-shirt. I was thinking, that maybe you could make a blog post about it so people could post ideas - a sort of class-brainstorming. Remember, we need to show up all the other AP's!"
Click the comments link to read more and share your thoughts.
"I know people have been interested in making an AP English T-shirt. I was thinking, that maybe you could make a blog post about it so people could post ideas - a sort of class-brainstorming. Remember, we need to show up all the other AP's!"
Click the comments link to read more and share your thoughts.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Week of May 12th
Monday, May 12th (S)
• Due: Prompt #3 (outline or draft).
• Class: Discuss Singer prompt; log writing in portfolios; Jeopardy and reminders.
Tuesday, May 13th (U)
• Due: Get lots of sleep!
• Class: Final thoughts on the big day!
Wednesday, May 14th (M)
• Be in the Blue Gym at 7:15am with everything on your checklist!!
Thursday, May 15th (T)
• Due: Your breakfast assignment.
• Class: Celebratory breakfast.
Friday, May 16th (W)
• Due: Hang out with your parents; they’ve been missing you during AP season.
• Class: Exam debrief.
Monday, May. 19th (H)
• Due: Go see a movie or something.
• Class: Introduction to Mr. William Faulkner.
• Due: Prompt #3 (outline or draft).
• Class: Discuss Singer prompt; log writing in portfolios; Jeopardy and reminders.
Tuesday, May 13th (U)
• Due: Get lots of sleep!
• Class: Final thoughts on the big day!
Wednesday, May 14th (M)
• Be in the Blue Gym at 7:15am with everything on your checklist!!
Thursday, May 15th (T)
• Due: Your breakfast assignment.
• Class: Celebratory breakfast.
Friday, May 16th (W)
• Due: Hang out with your parents; they’ve been missing you during AP season.
• Class: Exam debrief.
Monday, May. 19th (H)
• Due: Go see a movie or something.
• Class: Introduction to Mr. William Faulkner.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Week of May 5th
Monday, May 5th (M)
• Class does not meet today. Sniff!
Tuesday, May 6th (T)
• Due: Review poster and handout; finished literature circle book with 10 more notes.
• Class: Present review posters to the class; literature circle groups meet to discuss books and work on study guides.
Wednesday, May 7th (W)
• Due: Prompt #1* (outline or write); review your tone flashcards.
• Class: Tone exercise; review Prompt #1 and sample essay; distribute review packets.
* Note: We will look at three more practice essays this week. While you are certainly welcome to write full essays for all, your assignment is to outline two thoroughly and write one in full (take 40 minutes). Which one you write out is up to you.
Thursday, May 8th (H)
• Due: Literature circle study guide due.
• Class: Share projects; “speed dating.”
Friday, May 9th (F)
• Due: Prompt #2 (outline or write).
• Class: Review Prompt #2 and sample essay; play Jeopardy; make celebratory breakfast plans. Think fond thoughts in the direction of those taking the History exam!
Monday, May 12th (S)
• Due: Prompt #3 (outline or write); multiple-choice exercises.
• Class: Review Prompt #3 and sample essay; play Jeopardy. Take a deep breath; we’re almost there! Think fond thoughts in the direction of those taking the Bio exam!
Tuesday, May 13th (U)
• Due: Homework to be announced (possibly).
• Class: Final review, lots of deep breathing. Think fond thoughts in the direction of those taking the Chemistry and Psych exams!
Wednesday, May 14th (M)
• Due: Get to bed early and eat a great breakfast; consult the checklist to make sure you’ve got everything and be in the Blue Gym at 7:15 am.
• Class: We don’t meet, but kick some College Board behind for me!
Thursday, May 15th (T)
• Due: Bring a breakfast item (we’ll sign up) and your appetite.
• Class: Breakfast and decompression.
Friday, May 16th (W)
• Due: Nothing! Nothing at all! We’ll start Faulkner next week.
• Class: Debrief on the exam.
• Class does not meet today. Sniff!
Tuesday, May 6th (T)
• Due: Review poster and handout; finished literature circle book with 10 more notes.
• Class: Present review posters to the class; literature circle groups meet to discuss books and work on study guides.
Wednesday, May 7th (W)
• Due: Prompt #1* (outline or write); review your tone flashcards.
• Class: Tone exercise; review Prompt #1 and sample essay; distribute review packets.
* Note: We will look at three more practice essays this week. While you are certainly welcome to write full essays for all, your assignment is to outline two thoroughly and write one in full (take 40 minutes). Which one you write out is up to you.
Thursday, May 8th (H)
• Due: Literature circle study guide due.
• Class: Share projects; “speed dating.”
Friday, May 9th (F)
• Due: Prompt #2 (outline or write).
• Class: Review Prompt #2 and sample essay; play Jeopardy; make celebratory breakfast plans. Think fond thoughts in the direction of those taking the History exam!
Monday, May 12th (S)
• Due: Prompt #3 (outline or write); multiple-choice exercises.
• Class: Review Prompt #3 and sample essay; play Jeopardy. Take a deep breath; we’re almost there! Think fond thoughts in the direction of those taking the Bio exam!
Tuesday, May 13th (U)
• Due: Homework to be announced (possibly).
• Class: Final review, lots of deep breathing. Think fond thoughts in the direction of those taking the Chemistry and Psych exams!
Wednesday, May 14th (M)
• Due: Get to bed early and eat a great breakfast; consult the checklist to make sure you’ve got everything and be in the Blue Gym at 7:15 am.
• Class: We don’t meet, but kick some College Board behind for me!
Thursday, May 15th (T)
• Due: Bring a breakfast item (we’ll sign up) and your appetite.
• Class: Breakfast and decompression.
Friday, May 16th (W)
• Due: Nothing! Nothing at all! We’ll start Faulkner next week.
• Class: Debrief on the exam.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Week of April 28th
Monday, April 28th (W)
• Due: Read first half of literature circle selection; complete 10 sticky or dialectic notes.
• Class: Introduce study guide project. Literature circle discussions. Review poster/handout assignments and initial paired work.
Tuesday, April 29th (H)
• Due: Continue reading literature circle selection. Work on review poster and handout (make sure you’ve read your packet).
• Class: The “Ten Commandments” of AP essay writing. Review of synthesis prompt from practice exam. Scoring responses in small groups.
Wednesday, April 30th (F)
• Due: Multiple-choice exercise. Continue with literature circle selection, review poster and handout.
• Class: Multiple-choice strategies. Review of rhetorical analysis prompt from practice exam. Scoring responses in writing groups.
Thursday, May 1st (S)
• Due: Multiple-choice exercise. Continue with literature circle selection, review poster and handout.
• Class: Review of multiple-choice answers. Review of argument prompt from practice exam.
Friday, May 2nd (U)
• Due: Multiple-choice exercise or practice essay (TBA). Finished review poster and handout; be prepared to present your poster.
• Class: Wrap up from yesterday. Presentation of review posters.
Monday, May 5th (M)
• Class does not meet.
Tuesday, May 6th (T)
• Due: Finish reading literature circle selection; complete 10 additional sticky or dialectic notes. Additional review exercise (TBA).
• Class: Literature circle discussions; work on study guide questions.
• Due: Read first half of literature circle selection; complete 10 sticky or dialectic notes.
• Class: Introduce study guide project. Literature circle discussions. Review poster/handout assignments and initial paired work.
Tuesday, April 29th (H)
• Due: Continue reading literature circle selection. Work on review poster and handout (make sure you’ve read your packet).
• Class: The “Ten Commandments” of AP essay writing. Review of synthesis prompt from practice exam. Scoring responses in small groups.
Wednesday, April 30th (F)
• Due: Multiple-choice exercise. Continue with literature circle selection, review poster and handout.
• Class: Multiple-choice strategies. Review of rhetorical analysis prompt from practice exam. Scoring responses in writing groups.
Thursday, May 1st (S)
• Due: Multiple-choice exercise. Continue with literature circle selection, review poster and handout.
• Class: Review of multiple-choice answers. Review of argument prompt from practice exam.
Friday, May 2nd (U)
• Due: Multiple-choice exercise or practice essay (TBA). Finished review poster and handout; be prepared to present your poster.
• Class: Wrap up from yesterday. Presentation of review posters.
Monday, May 5th (M)
• Class does not meet.
Tuesday, May 6th (T)
• Due: Finish reading literature circle selection; complete 10 additional sticky or dialectic notes. Additional review exercise (TBA).
• Class: Literature circle discussions; work on study guide questions.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Week of April 14th
Monday, April 14th (F)
• Due: Reread Ch. XVI-XX of The Scarlet Letter for today’s lesson.
• Class: Lesson on Ch. XVI-XX. Return Onion rhetorical analysis essays and grades.
Tuesday, April 15th (S)
• Due: Reread Ch. XXI-XIV of The Scarlet Letter for today’s lesson.
• Class: Lesson on Ch. XXI-XIV. Initial reactions to simulation test; wrap up from yesterday.
Wednesday, April 16th (U)
• Due: Rough draft of paper on The Scarlet Letter (topic of your choice; see reverse of your calendar).
• Class: Peer editing and final discussion.
Thursday, April 17th (M)
• Class does not meet today.
Friday, April 18th (T)
• Due: Final paper on The Scarlet Letter. Bring The Scarlet Letter to return and literature circle books to set deadlines.
• Class: Correct and discuss multiple-choice questions; brief literature circle group meetings; wrap up loose ends. Have a great vacation!
Reminder: Locate a copy of your nonfiction literature circle book early this week so we can talk if there are any problems! Read the first half of your book (as determined by your group) for the Monday we return from break with ten sticky notes or dialectic journal entries. Keep your eyes on rhetoric as well content, style as well as substance.
• Due: Reread Ch. XVI-XX of The Scarlet Letter for today’s lesson.
• Class: Lesson on Ch. XVI-XX. Return Onion rhetorical analysis essays and grades.
Tuesday, April 15th (S)
• Due: Reread Ch. XXI-XIV of The Scarlet Letter for today’s lesson.
• Class: Lesson on Ch. XXI-XIV. Initial reactions to simulation test; wrap up from yesterday.
Wednesday, April 16th (U)
• Due: Rough draft of paper on The Scarlet Letter (topic of your choice; see reverse of your calendar).
• Class: Peer editing and final discussion.
Thursday, April 17th (M)
• Class does not meet today.
Friday, April 18th (T)
• Due: Final paper on The Scarlet Letter. Bring The Scarlet Letter to return and literature circle books to set deadlines.
• Class: Correct and discuss multiple-choice questions; brief literature circle group meetings; wrap up loose ends. Have a great vacation!
Reminder: Locate a copy of your nonfiction literature circle book early this week so we can talk if there are any problems! Read the first half of your book (as determined by your group) for the Monday we return from break with ten sticky notes or dialectic journal entries. Keep your eyes on rhetoric as well content, style as well as substance.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Blogging for Dummies
To post your response, click on the “Comments” link following the specific prompt. Some recommendations, requirements, and reminders:
- Sign with your first name so I can give you credit. Never use your full name.
- Keep it brief: about 150 words does the trick. You don’t need to say everything at once, just make a solid point. More will overwhelm your classmates.
- Proofread your work. You may want to compose your response in Microsoft Word and then paste it in.
- Unless you are the first to post, acknowledge at least one comment made before your own. You might support (and extend), challenge, or qualify positions that have already been taken.
- Support your ideas with specific reasons or examples; be respectful; basically, treat blogging like a very public class discussion.
- Try not to wait until the last minute!
- Let me know if you have any technical problems. In a worst case scenario, print out or email me your work.
Blog Assignment #1: Public Humiliation
Read the news articles below, then post a response to the discussion prompt.
• Justice as a Morality Play That Ends With Shame (New York Times)
• Shame on You (Washington Post)
What is your position on the role of public humiliation as punishment in the criminal justice system today? Is it appropriate? Is it effective? Support your view with appropriate evidence.
The deadline for posting is 11:59p on Wednesday, April 9th.
• Justice as a Morality Play That Ends With Shame (New York Times)
• Shame on You (Washington Post)
What is your position on the role of public humiliation as punishment in the criminal justice system today? Is it appropriate? Is it effective? Support your view with appropriate evidence.
The deadline for posting is 11:59p on Wednesday, April 9th.
Blog Assignment #2: Exploring Transcendental Thought
Read and annotate the excerpt from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self-Reliance.” Consider the various arguments Emerson makes, considering specifically what he says about the importance of non-conformity and independent beliefs.
To what extent do you agree with the ideas Emerson expresses in “Self-Reliance”? Consider the virtues and the costs of such emphasis on individualism. Do you believe that there’s too little, too much, or just the right amount of emphasis on individualism in our society today?
As we continue to discuss The Scarlet Letter, consider how Hawthorne might answer these same questions. What does Hester (“little accustomed, in her long seclusion from society, to measure her ideas of right and wrong by any standard external to herself”) suggest about Hawthorne’s beliefs?
The deadline for posting is 11:59p on Friday, April 11th.
To what extent do you agree with the ideas Emerson expresses in “Self-Reliance”? Consider the virtues and the costs of such emphasis on individualism. Do you believe that there’s too little, too much, or just the right amount of emphasis on individualism in our society today?
As we continue to discuss The Scarlet Letter, consider how Hawthorne might answer these same questions. What does Hester (“little accustomed, in her long seclusion from society, to measure her ideas of right and wrong by any standard external to herself”) suggest about Hawthorne’s beliefs?
The deadline for posting is 11:59p on Friday, April 11th.
Week of April 7th
Monday, April 7th (U)
• Due: Reread Scarlet Letter, Ch. I-III.
• Class: Lesson on Scarlet Letter, Ch. I-III. Sign up for literature circles.
Tuesday, April 8th (M)
• Class does not meet today.
Wednesday, April 9th (T)
• Due: Blog on public humiliation (by 11:59p). Reread Scarlet Letter, Ch. I-III.
• Class: Lesson on Scarlet Letter, Ch. I-III.
Thursday, April 10th (W)
• Due: Reread Scarlet Letter, Ch. IX-XII.
• Class: Lesson on Scarlet Letter, Ch. IX-XII.
Friday, April 11th (H)
• Due: Blog on Emerson excerpt (by 11:59p). Reread Scarlet Letter, Ch. XIII-XV.
• Class: Lesson on Scarlet Letter, Ch. XIII-XV.
Monday, April 14th (F)
• Due: Reread Scarlet Letter, Ch. XVI-XX.
• Class: Lesson on Scarlet Letter, Ch. XVI-XX.
Note: If you are not planning to sit for one of our practice exams, be sure to get a copy of the test questions (due the Friday before vacation).
• Due: Reread Scarlet Letter, Ch. I-III.
• Class: Lesson on Scarlet Letter, Ch. I-III. Sign up for literature circles.
Tuesday, April 8th (M)
• Class does not meet today.
Wednesday, April 9th (T)
• Due: Blog on public humiliation (by 11:59p). Reread Scarlet Letter, Ch. I-III.
• Class: Lesson on Scarlet Letter, Ch. I-III.
Thursday, April 10th (W)
• Due: Reread Scarlet Letter, Ch. IX-XII.
• Class: Lesson on Scarlet Letter, Ch. IX-XII.
Friday, April 11th (H)
• Due: Blog on Emerson excerpt (by 11:59p). Reread Scarlet Letter, Ch. XIII-XV.
• Class: Lesson on Scarlet Letter, Ch. XIII-XV.
Monday, April 14th (F)
• Due: Reread Scarlet Letter, Ch. XVI-XX.
• Class: Lesson on Scarlet Letter, Ch. XVI-XX.
Note: If you are not planning to sit for one of our practice exams, be sure to get a copy of the test questions (due the Friday before vacation).
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Literature Circle Selections
Click here to see summaries of each book (taken from Amazon.com) or click on the title to go directly to its entry on Amazon. Remember that I need your choice on Monday; email me if you'll be out of school.
Books Relating to Medicine:
• Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science
• How Doctors Think
• The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
Books Relating to American History & Contemporary Politics:
• In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex
• The Looming Tower: Al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11
• Chain of Command: The Road from 9/11 to Abu Ghraib
• A Walk in the Woods
Books Relating to the Workforce:
• Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America
• Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream
• The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century
Books Relating to Struggling in America:
• There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in The Other America
• Random Family
• Lives on the Boundary: A Moving Account of the Struggles and Achievements of America’s Educationally Underprepared
Books Relating to Negotiating Cultural Differences:
• The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
• Paris to the Moon
Books Relating to the Nature of Good and Evil:
• We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda
• In Cold Blood
Books Relating to Language & Literature:
• Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare
• The Power of Babel
Books Relating to Science & Technology:
• The Mismeasure of Man
• Silent Spring
• Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid
• Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology
• The Female Brain
Books Relating to Medicine:
• Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science
• How Doctors Think
• The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
Books Relating to American History & Contemporary Politics:
• In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex
• The Looming Tower: Al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11
• Chain of Command: The Road from 9/11 to Abu Ghraib
• A Walk in the Woods
Books Relating to the Workforce:
• Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America
• Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream
• The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century
Books Relating to Struggling in America:
• There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in The Other America
• Random Family
• Lives on the Boundary: A Moving Account of the Struggles and Achievements of America’s Educationally Underprepared
Books Relating to Negotiating Cultural Differences:
• The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
• Paris to the Moon
Books Relating to the Nature of Good and Evil:
• We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda
• In Cold Blood
Books Relating to Language & Literature:
• Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare
• The Power of Babel
Books Relating to Science & Technology:
• The Mismeasure of Man
• Silent Spring
• Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid
• Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology
• The Female Brain
Monday, March 31, 2008
Week of March 31st
Monday, March 31st (T)
• Due: Vocabulary exercises for Unit #6.
• Class: Lesson on tone.
Tuesday, April 1st (W)
• Due: Finish tone exercise and definitions. Be sure to have finished reading “The Custom House,” of course!
• Class: Lesson on “The Custom House.” Teaching assignments made.
Wednesday, April 2nd (H)
• Due: Read and analyze article for literary criticism jigsaw (précis and reaction).
• Class: Wrap up “Custom House”; literary criticism jigsaw.
Thursday, April 3rd (F)
• Due: Review your assigned chapters in The Scarlet Letter.
• Class: Lesson planning in groups.
Friday, April 4th (S)
• Due: Work on lessons. Submit draft plans by the end of the day on Friday.
• Class: Introduction to April break literature circle titles; lesson planning.
Monday, April. 7th (U)
• Due: Review Ch. 1-3 in preparation for today’s lesson.
• Class: Lesson on Ch. 1-3.
• Due: Vocabulary exercises for Unit #6.
• Class: Lesson on tone.
Tuesday, April 1st (W)
• Due: Finish tone exercise and definitions. Be sure to have finished reading “The Custom House,” of course!
• Class: Lesson on “The Custom House.” Teaching assignments made.
Wednesday, April 2nd (H)
• Due: Read and analyze article for literary criticism jigsaw (précis and reaction).
• Class: Wrap up “Custom House”; literary criticism jigsaw.
Thursday, April 3rd (F)
• Due: Review your assigned chapters in The Scarlet Letter.
• Class: Lesson planning in groups.
Friday, April 4th (S)
• Due: Work on lessons. Submit draft plans by the end of the day on Friday.
• Class: Introduction to April break literature circle titles; lesson planning.
Monday, April. 7th (U)
• Due: Review Ch. 1-3 in preparation for today’s lesson.
• Class: Lesson on Ch. 1-3.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Week of March 24th
Monday, March 24th (H)
• Due: Start reading The Scarlet Letter.
• Class: Satire assessment (timed essay).
Tuesday, March 25th (F)
• Due: Read Rex Murphy editorial; work on Scarlet Letter.
• Class: Debate Rex Murphy editorial; introduction to Puritanism.
Wednesday, March 26th (S)
• Due: Work on Scarlet Letter.
• Class: Guidance appointment for course selection.
Thursday, March 27th (U)
• Due: Completed reading assignment on Scarlet Letter.
• Class: Introduction to Romanticism and Transcendentalism.
Friday, March 28th (M)
• Class does not meet.
Monday, March. 31st (T)
• Due: Vocabulary exercises for Unit #6.
• Class: Lesson on tone.
• Due: Start reading The Scarlet Letter.
• Class: Satire assessment (timed essay).
Tuesday, March 25th (F)
• Due: Read Rex Murphy editorial; work on Scarlet Letter.
• Class: Debate Rex Murphy editorial; introduction to Puritanism.
Wednesday, March 26th (S)
• Due: Work on Scarlet Letter.
• Class: Guidance appointment for course selection.
Thursday, March 27th (U)
• Due: Completed reading assignment on Scarlet Letter.
• Class: Introduction to Romanticism and Transcendentalism.
Friday, March 28th (M)
• Class does not meet.
Monday, March. 31st (T)
• Due: Vocabulary exercises for Unit #6.
• Class: Lesson on tone.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Week of March 17th
Monday, March 17th (U)
• Due: Study for vocabulary quiz on Unit #5.
• Class: Vocabulary quiz on Unit #5; finally review those satire terms and finish multiple choice on “Modest Proposal”; The Daily Show and school violence.
Tuesday, March 18th (M)
• No class today.
Wednesday, March 19th (T)
• Due: Read and annotate packet of satire readings.
• Class: Analysis and discussion of readings.
Thursday, March 20th (W)
• Due: Read and annotate packet of readings from The Onion.
• Class: Discuss readings. In small groups, write a satiric newspaper article about Arlington High School à la The Onion. Share with the whole class and save to turn in on Monday.
Friday, March 21st
• No school today. Enjoy the long weekend!
Monday, March. 24th (H)
• Due: Start reading The Scarlet Letter.
• Class: Satire assessment (timed essay).
• Due: Study for vocabulary quiz on Unit #5.
• Class: Vocabulary quiz on Unit #5; finally review those satire terms and finish multiple choice on “Modest Proposal”; The Daily Show and school violence.
Tuesday, March 18th (M)
• No class today.
Wednesday, March 19th (T)
• Due: Read and annotate packet of satire readings.
• Class: Analysis and discussion of readings.
Thursday, March 20th (W)
• Due: Read and annotate packet of readings from The Onion.
• Class: Discuss readings. In small groups, write a satiric newspaper article about Arlington High School à la The Onion. Share with the whole class and save to turn in on Monday.
Friday, March 21st
• No school today. Enjoy the long weekend!
Monday, March. 24th (H)
• Due: Start reading The Scarlet Letter.
• Class: Satire assessment (timed essay).
Scarlet Letter: Choices, Values, and Themes
Directions: As you read The Scarlet Letter, pay attention to moments in which characters make significant choices or face important crises. Identify five such scenes occurring throughout the novel. In preparation for our study of Hawthorne’s classic, write up the following brief response for each of these moments. No response should run longer than one page (including the quotation).
1. Include the quotation itself (probably a brief paragraph of text … you can use ellipses if necessary).
2. Briefly explain the moment of choice or crisis. That is, which characters are you focusing on, what important decision is made, and what are the consequences of that decision?
3. Respond critically to this moment in the novel: How does this character’s decision advance or complicate the plot? What theme or value is raised by this choice?
Quote Note: Note that the novel is in the public domain, so you can easily copy sections of the text from sites like Bartleby.com. Just go to http://www.bartleby.com/83 and you can search for the text you’ve identified within a chapter using your browser’s “find” function. You can also download the entire novel as a document from the Gutenberg Project. Go to http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/33. Click on one of the download links next to the “Plain text” format, below the heading “Download this ebook for free.” See? The Internet loves you.
Deadline: Due in class on Thursday, March 27th.
1. Include the quotation itself (probably a brief paragraph of text … you can use ellipses if necessary).
2. Briefly explain the moment of choice or crisis. That is, which characters are you focusing on, what important decision is made, and what are the consequences of that decision?
3. Respond critically to this moment in the novel: How does this character’s decision advance or complicate the plot? What theme or value is raised by this choice?
Quote Note: Note that the novel is in the public domain, so you can easily copy sections of the text from sites like Bartleby.com. Just go to http://www.bartleby.com/83 and you can search for the text you’ve identified within a chapter using your browser’s “find” function. You can also download the entire novel as a document from the Gutenberg Project. Go to http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/33. Click on one of the download links next to the “Plain text” format, below the heading “Download this ebook for free.” See? The Internet loves you.
Deadline: Due in class on Thursday, March 27th.
Monday, March 10, 2008
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.
• 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.
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