I.B. English

Wednesday, April 21st

2010-04-21T01:10:00.000-07:00

Today we took the first part of the I.B. exam. If you were absent, see me to find out the make-up date. If you were there, congratulations on being done!

HW: None

Monday, April 19th

2010-04-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

Today, we...

1. Had a final discussion on TCO.
2. Collected all books - TCO and also any independent plays you might have. There is a list of missing books posted on the wall by the door. You must pay for any books you have lost before I can sign your exit form at the end of the year.
3. Discussed the rubric for the passage commentary - the I.B. exam you'll be taking on Wednesday - and then did some practice.
4. Independent Project groups filled out reviews for their group members, giving each a grade of 1-10 and explaining what each group member contributed to the project.

HW: review the I.B. commentary rubric, bring pens on Wednesday and BE ON TIME for the first portion of your I.B. exam

ALSO, if you have a 4 or below in this class, you may write an optional 3 page paper (topic of your choice) on The Cherry Orchard, due next Monday

Wednesday, April 14th

2010-04-14T01:53:00.000-07:00

Today was the presentation of the final drama projects. Well done presenters!

If you did not attend class, you must get your project to me today, as this represents a major final deadline. One group performance (Gabe, Bilyana) has been postponed until Monday.

HW: Complete The Cherry Orchard and bring the book to turn in

To keep in mind: Next Wednesday is the first portion of the I.B. exam - the unseen passage analysis. You need to be in class on this day unless you are very ill or have some kind of emergency.

Monday, April 12th

2010-04-12T01:53:00.001-07:00

Welcome Back!

Today, we...

1. Had final group meetings and check-ins with Ms. Potash about the drama projects. Be prepared not only to turn in your project, but to explain it to others, discussing your goals and purpose, what you discovered, what you consider most successful about your project, what else you would do if you had more time, etc.

2. Did some acting exercises.

3. Discussed Madame Ranevsky's monologue beginning "What is truth?" on p. 32 and performed it.

4. Worked on one assignment from The Cherry Menu. You should choose and complete one option for Wednesday.

HW: Drama Projects due Wednesday, Cherry Menu Assignment

Wednesday, March 31st

2010-03-31T01:35:00.000-07:00

Today, we...

1. Started by doing an I.B. practice for the drama question portion of the exam. Sit down and write for 40 minutes on one of these two questions. Turn it in when you get back (10 points).

A) Dramatic works often explore some kind of transition – historical, personal or cultural. Explore the idea of transition in 2-3 of the dramatic works you have read this semester.

B) Love is a powerful motivation. In the plays we read this semester, many characters make decisions based on love, whether for good or ill. Choose 3 characters from 2-3 different works and discuss the way love impacts their roles in their respective dramas. How does love become a powerful force in shaping the action of these plays?

2. Discussed Act II of the Cherry Orchard, paying close attention to the characters of Charlotte, Trophimov, and Madame Ranevsky.

HW: Act III + INDEPENDENT PROJECTS (due April 14th)

Have a nice break!

Monday, March 29th

2010-03-29T00:44:00.000-07:00

Today, we...

1. Examined the character motivations for: Lopakhin, Dunyasha, Ephikhodof, Firs, Anya, Madame Ranevsky, Barbara, Gayef, and Trophimov. What do they want? What do they not want?

2. Did a short writing exercise which you need to make up. Write or type 3/4 page on these questions, including a quotation in your response. How does this time of transition for one family represent a time of transition for Russia? Which characters represent which social groups/forces?

3. Chose one activity to complete (10 points) from The Cherry Menu. Print this handout for future use, and complete one activity for Wednesday.

HW: Act II, Activity from the menu, Independent Project

Wednesday, March 24th

2010-03-23T23:42:00.000-07:00

Today, we...

1. Took an in-class essay (60 minutes) - you will need to arrange a time to make this up.
2. Collected The Tempest. You need to turn this in as soon as you get back.
3. Passed out The Cherry Orchard, our final play. Please pick this up this week so you can complete the homework.

HW: Act I

Wednesday, March 16th

2010-03-16T23:15:00.000-07:00

Today, we...

1. Turned in the I.B. unseen passage essay intros and the 3 discussion questions (Please stop by to give these to me).

2. Worked on the independent projects. Remember these are DUE APRIL 14TH. THAT IS SOON.

3. Had our final Harkness discussion on The Tempest.

HW: PROJECTS, bring The Tempest to use in an IN-CLASS ESSAY next time and then to turn in (worth 5 points to have it on time), you may also bring your notes on the play for use during the essay

Monday, March 14th

2010-03-15T04:44:00.000-07:00

Today, we...

1. Took a reading quiz
2. Did some acting exercises and practiced performing speeches from the play
3. Did a practice for the I.B. unseen passage exam. Stop by to get a copy of the practice test. You will need to write only the INTRODUCTION for an essay.

HW: finish The Tempest, write 3 discussion questions, finish the introduction, bring your independent project work

Wednesday, March 10th

2010-03-11T00:50:00.000-08:00

Today we...

1. Spent one period working on the independent play projects. Keep in mind these are due April 14th which is SOON.

2. Discussed Act III of the Tempest. Considered two possible interpretations of the play:
A) That it focuses on the issues of the age of exploration - how people from far away treat local people, and vis versa.
B) That through Prospero, Shakespeare examines the role of the artist in the world. That, in fact, Shakespeare identifies with Prospero, and the way he shapes and creates situations and solves them.

HW: read Act IV (very short) and WORK ON YOUR INDEPENDENT PROJECT. There just might be a reading quiz on Monday.

Monday, March 8th

2010-03-07T22:45:00.000-08:00

Today, we...

1. Did some acting. First, warm-up exercises, then Act II Scene II.

2. Discussed the two halves of the I.B. Exam. There will be one essay for which you choose a question from a list of several and then respond based on your understanding of the plays we read this semester. The other essay is on an unseen passage - you will receive a fiction excerpt and a poem, and can choose to write on either one. Today, we looked at the rubric for both essays and also an example of the unseen passage packet.

HW: read Act III

Monday, March 1st

2010-02-28T22:53:00.001-08:00

Chestita Baba Marta!

Today, we...

1. Collected the Streetcar texts and film analysis papers. Please turn yours in as soon as you get back.

2. Did some acting exercises - we will continue with these the rest of the quarter. Be prepared for fun.

3. Passed out The Tempest and started to read it aloud.

4. HW: Act I of The Tempest

Wednesday, Feb. 17th (and next week)

2010-02-16T22:07:00.000-08:00

Today, we...

1. Acted mini-scenes from the play
2. Had a Harkness discussion about the play as a whole, now that we've finished it
3. Worked on independent projects

HW: write a one page double spaced character analysis paper on the character of your choice. Your paper SHOULD have a thesis. Make a statement about a character and defend it with text. This short analysis will be due on Monday.

NEXT WEEK - I will be gone interviewing in the United States and you will have a substitute teacher. You'll be meeting in the Abbott projector room to watch A Streetcar Named Desire both days. Your Monday sub will collect your character analysis papers and also give you a handout describing a short film analysis paper that will be due Monday, March 1st.

Monday of next week - watch film the entire time (take notes for your film analysis paper)
HW: none

Wednesday of next week - finish film, then discuss it in small groups
HW: complete film analysis paper for March 1st

Monday, February 5th

2010-02-14T22:52:00.000-08:00

Today, we...

1. Took a reading quiz

2. Did small group discussion. Find the questions here - complete them for Wednesday.

3. Did an activity series (choose 4 of the following 6 to turn in on Wednesday)

A) Write a paragraph explaining what you consider to be Blanche’s Greatest Fear.

B) Choose a hero/heroine for Stella, Stanley, and Blanche. Explain the connection.

C) Design Blanche or Mitch’s Online dating profile (background, favorite books, favorite movie, looking for…)

D) Choose the quotation you consider most significant from the play so far and explain why.

E) Sketch the set during the poker game.

F) Write a dialogue between Stella and an advice-giving radio or television show host

HW: Scenes 7-11

Wednesday, Feb. 10

2010-02-09T22:13:00.000-08:00

Announcement: I have now graded all portfolios. Please REMOVE your personal statements from the internet so no one can borrow them next year. Thanks!

Today, we...

1. Discussed the first two scenes of Streetcar.
Consider: What sad thing happened in Blanche's past and why does she react so strongly when Stanley touches her letters? Blanche says "a woman's charm is 50% illusion" - what does she mean by this? How does it fit her character? Which character do you trust most so far? Least?

2. Worked on the play project.

HW: Scenes 3-6

Monday, February 8th

2010-02-08T04:38:00.000-08:00

If you missed class today, you need to come and see me to pick up:
A) A copy of A Streetcar Named Desire
B) The handout describing our new second semester play project

HW: read scenes 1 and 2, choose your play project option

Song of Solomon Production

2010-02-03T06:50:00.000-08:00

Song of Solomon English Project - The funniest home videos are here

Wednesday, January 27th

2010-01-26T22:02:00.000-08:00

The countdown to the final begins now (1 more class day next Monday).

Today, we...

1. Watched any and all remaining performances of the Song of Solomon mini-versions
2. Split into groups to create review questions on the four texts the final will cover (Poetry, Dubliners, Othello, and Song of Solomon)
3. Played Jeopardy with the review questions
4. Discussed the most common paper-writing errors of the semester so far that you can NOT make them next week

HW: STUDY! Especially look over poetry and Dubliners as we studied those longest ago.

Poems you could possibly draw on the final: "Act of Union", "Questions of Travel", "Easter, 1916", "On Being Asked for a War Poem", "Edge", "Mirror"

Monday, January 24th

2010-01-25T04:39:00.000-08:00

Today, we...

Watched group performances (for those groups who had all members present). If you were absent today, expect to perform on Wednesday.

Read and turned in the final chapters. Bring yours to me as soon as you return, if you haven't already sent it by way of a friend.

HW: begin reviewing your notes and the texts for the final. Dubliners, Song of Solomon, and Othello are all available online.

Strong Passage Analysis

2010-01-21T00:02:00.000-08:00

As I'm sure you remember, your final exam for the semester will be in the same format we've been practicing all semester - an I.B. Passage Analysis.

Here is an example of a strong 6 from the Othello Passage Analysis Assignment.

Wednesday, January 20th

2010-01-19T23:35:00.000-08:00

Today we spent the whole period working on the group project we began on Monday. Group performances will take place on Monday - be sure to find out if/when your group is rehearsing so you won't be out of it during the performance.

Monday is the final deadline of the semester, our last day of regular class before we begin review.

HW: complete your creative final chapter for the novel, be prepared for your group performance, be sure you've completed your portfolio by class time on Monday

Monday, January 18th

2010-01-18T04:50:00.000-08:00

Today, we...

1. Had a surprise reading quiz. Whoo hoo!
2. Discussed the ending of the book.
3. Started a new project, which we will also work on Wednesday and which will be due on Monday. Read all about it here. It's a group project, and you'll find out on Wednesday when you return who your group members are and what they accomplished today.

HW: work on your creative last chapter and your productions as needed

Remember, the portfolio is DUE NEXT MONDAY.

Wednesday, January 13th

2010-01-13T00:36:00.000-08:00

Today, we...

1. Discussed Song of Solomon:

A) What is the significance of the theme of flight in the text? When does it come up?
B) Which characters are round? Flat? Static? Dynamic? Are only the younger characters dynamic?
C) Milkman experiences the "Trials" stage of the heroic journey in the last section of reading. What trials does he encounter? What does he learn?

HW: read p.p. 305-337, start writing your final chapter if you wish, work on your portfolio

Portfolio Deadline for Early Credit: January 15th
Portfolio Final Deadline: January 25th

Image from: http://thepeoplecouldfly.blogspot.com/2007/11/some-people-said-that-when-negro-died.html

Announcement - U.S. College Essays

2010-01-11T02:04:00.000-08:00

After you complete your portfolio and receive your grade, you should take down your college ap essays (those of you who posted U.S. personal statements) so that they cannot be copied by someone else next year.

Thanks!

Monday, January 11th

2010-01-11T02:01:00.000-08:00

Today, we...

1. Discussed Joseph Campbell's theory of "The Heroic Monomyth." Check out a short movie introducing the concept at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZJI3Tk5Gkg

2. Worked on maps to document Milkman's journey so far. You need to complete one, so print it from here.

3. Discussed the reading, particularly focusing on Guitar's motivation and the role of Circe.

4. Did some creative writing about the idea of "my people" discussed on p. 129. Write one half page on this prompt: Who are your people? Describe the community you come from, or one of your relatives that you are proud of.

HW: 259-304

Wednesday, January 6th

2010-01-05T23:44:00.000-08:00

Today, we...

1. Turned in the comment paragraphs and current events (turn yours in when you get back).

2. Reviewed the exam format and did some practice passage analysis for paragraphs from Song of Solomon. Remember to include in your analyses: context in the book, context in history, characterization, themes, style, modern connections.

3. Looked at some Sylvia Plath poetry. Be sure to read the two poems a couple of times. Find them here.

HW: 219-258 and work on your portfolio (remember to add the reflection at the end)

Monday, January 4th

2010-01-04T00:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

We started today with some housekeeping items:

New Seating Chart until second semester
Othello Papers Back (finally, phew!)
Reminders: BRING YOUR BOOK AND NOTEBOOK TO CLASS, mark your absent work "absent" so I know it isn't just late
Announcement: Please clean up your garbage and push in your chairs before leaving class. I am doing a lot of cleaning up after you and I shouldn't have to.

And then we...
1. Did an "open mind" exercise for the characters of Guitar, Milkman, Macon Sr., Ruth, Hagar, and Pilate
2. Had a graded Harkness
3. Went to the computer lab to do final responses for partners in Kentucky. You need to write a paragraph comment to your partner if they have posted any new work, otherwise you need to write for the person ABOVE you in the blog links. Print this out and turn it in on Wednesday as well as posting it.

Portfolios will be due Jan. 25th, but anyone turning them in by Jan. 15th will receive 2 free points on the assignment (not to exceed a 100% score). Simply write me an e-mail to let me know when your portfolio is done.

HW: print comment paragraph, read p.p. 187-216, current event article relating to a theme from Song of Solomon + paragraph showing how they relate

Important Announcement

2009-12-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

Among my many wonderful experiences online, I've also had a few unpleasant ones recently. As a probably-unnecessary-but-simple measure of protection, I'd like to ask each of you to take your last names off your introduction on the sidebar of your portfolio blogs. I'd also like you to delete the "Click to see my complete profile" gadget, if you have it up. That way, your wonderful work will be available to your classmates and partners, but you will have some anonymity in the general internet world.

Thanks!

Ms. Potash

Wednesday, December 16th

2009-12-15T22:50:00.000-08:00

Today, we...

Worked on a group project with many different options. If you were absent today, you need to choose one of the following three options that can be done independently from a group and turn it in when you get back:

Option #2: Creative Writing

Each member of your group, working alone, should choose one character from Song of Solomon and use him/her as the main character in a new short story.

End Product: Turn in your story.

Option #4: Architecture

On three different pieces of blank paper, design houses/apartment buildings for the Dead family, Pilate and Guitar based on what you know about them and their circumstances. Include a quote from the book on each page. Then, for each house, write a ½ page about how what you have drawn reflects the characters living within.

End Product:: Turn in all the work in a packet.

Option #5: College Essay

Each member of the group, working alone, should choose a college for Milkman to apply to. Then respond, in Milkman’s voice, to the application question: What influences have shaped you?

End Product: Turn in your essay.

HW: read through p. 186 and work on your portfolio (you might want to finish it over the break so you don't have to do it at the end of the term)

Monday, December 14th

2009-12-13T22:49:00.000-08:00

Today, we:

1. Took a reading quiz (can't be made up - it neither hurts nor helps you if you were absent)

2. Discussed important passages from the last two chapters and had a Harkness discussion

3. Split up and wrote either: Milkman's break-up letter to Hagar OR the letter you imagine Hagar might write back. If you were absent, choose one or the other and turn it in when you get back. It should be about 1/2 page written or typed double spaced.

HW: 113-151

Wednesday, December 9th

2009-12-10T01:46:00.000-08:00

Today we took a day off from Song of Solomon to study poetry.

You should print and complete the following exercise on an Elizabeth Bishop poem. Please turn it in when you get back.

Find it here.

HW: 90-112 + work on your electronic portfolio

Book Reviews

2009-12-07T04:56:00.000-08:00

If you'd like to read some book reviews to help you write your own, or just to find a good book to read, try the...

New York Times Book Review

or the

The Guardian Book Review

or the

Los Angeles Times Book Review

or

The Australian Books and Literary Review

Monday, December 7th

2009-12-06T22:52:00.000-08:00

Today, we...

1. Heard the remaining allusion presentations - be sure to schedule a make-up for yourself if you missed yours.

2. Harknessed the first two chapters of SoS.

3. Went to the lab to work on portfolios.

4. (Comments were due - turn yours in when you get back)

5. HW: 56-89, work on your portfolio (3 more pieces left before end of semester)

Wednesday, December 2nd

2009-12-02T00:47:00.000-08:00

Today, we...

1. Heard mini-presentations on allusions. Be sure to see the posters on the wall when you get back so you know the history behind the names in Song of Solomon. Also, if you missed your presentation today, you should be prepared to give it on Monday.

2. Worked on retelling chapter one through graphic novel exercises. Be sure you understand chapter one - see me with any questions.

HW: pages 31-55, ongoing mini-presentations, AND go to the blog listed under yours in your class, choose your favorite of the two most recently posted pieces, and write a one paragraph comment on that piece. Print the comment to turn in to me on Monday.

Monday, Nov. 30

2009-11-30T01:31:00.000-08:00

2 new blog pieces due today - most of you did a wonderful job.

In class...

1. We discussed the film "O."
2. We practiced using the I.B. rubric to grade the passage analysis papers.
3. I collected the copies of Othello (bring yours ASAP) and passed out Song of Solomon (come get yours and sign up for it ASAP).
4. We discussed the meaning behind our names, in preparation for the symbolic names in the book.
5. We looked at the first sentence of the book (read the introduction for Toni Morrison's comments on this important first line).

HW: read pages 1-30 + research your allusion (find the assignment here)

Absent students/allusion assignments:
Evilian: Folklore / Myth of Flying Africans
Maria: Jim Crow
Vladimir: Jim Crow
Roman: Racial Profiling

Monday, November 23rd

2009-11-23T00:25:00.001-08:00

Today...

1. We did an editing workshop on the drafts. If you were absent, you need to exchange with someone to get feedback. These are the questions we used:

A) Does the thesis tie the different categories together effectively? Does it take a specific stance?

B) So far, has the author done a good job of including plenty of quotes to prove his/her points? Are longer quotes introduced with quotation sandwiches? Are there also some shorter quotes just to demonstrate small points?

C) Is anything confusing that needs to be explained further?

D) Simplify / Cut Clutter – help your partner by suggesting alternate word choices for clarity or by cutting extra words

E) Which is the strongest part so far? Copy 1-3 lines and sign your name.

FINAL PAPER – 2 double spaced pages, original title, due upon return from Thanksgiving break.

2. Watched some clips on youtube of past Othello performances. Find them:
Here, here, here, and here.

HW: Final Draft + 2 pieces posted for the Monday after break (no homework for Wednesday)

Wednesday, November 18th

2009-11-18T01:04:00.000-08:00

Today, we...

1. Had our final discussion of Othello
2. Signed up for 10-20 line passages and began annotating them in preparation for the Passage Analysis due the day after Thanksgiving Break - you need to see me when you get back to get materials for this assignment and sign up for a passage

The Paper:
2 double spaced pages + a title page with the passage typed on it
should not incorporate any internet research
should cite the passage you have chosen, but no other passages from the play

Also, read the announcements posted below on the blog, especially the one regarding the UCAS application essay.

HW: 1-2 page typed double spaced draft of your passage analysis for Monday

Why I like Othello

2009-11-16T22:53:00.000-08:00

Some of you asked me if I like the play Othello, and I told you I got to liking it a lot this past summer when I researched the issue of race in performance. I thought you might be interested to see the paper I wrote about race in performances of the play. It is one example of how to incorporate research into your English papers, which you will need to start doing once you get to college.

To Activate It, Explode It, or Ignore It
Race in Othello Productions of the 20th Century

By Betsy Potash

Many different readings of race lie locked in the script of Shakespeare’s Othello. In one, race hardly matters, as a husband succumbs to jealousy and destroys his wife. In another, racism spreads insidiously from the character of Iago, infecting Brabantio, Roderigo, Emilia and Othello himself. In still another, Othello is simply different, perhaps proudly so, representing in some ways the history of millions of outsiders who try to join a homogenous community. Different generations, different directors, different actors all activate or deactivate race at different levels, depending on their personal and cultural contexts. When it comes to reading Othello, contemporary history is the most relevant factor in the interpretation of race on stage.

Read the rest here if you're interested.

DON'T POST UK PERSONAL STATEMENTS

2009-11-16T05:26:00.000-08:00

I heard back from the College Guidance Office and you guys are right, they might search your essay and decide you have plagiarized it if they find it on your own portfolio. This is crazy, but we must respect it. For those of you who are applying only to the UK and do not have another kind of essay to post, you may substitute a 400 word paper that somehow relates to your own identity - tell a story of an important event in your life, describe an important relationship, etc. Label this "400 word college."

Just for Fun - graphics for your blog

2009-11-16T05:01:00.001-08:00

A few fun things you can do for your blog, if you have EXTRA time.

If you'd like to add a map showing where in the world people have viewed your blog, check out:
http://whos.amung.us/maps/
Walk through the steps, copy the HTML, and then paste it into the "HTML" gadget you will find if you look under gadgets on the sidebar.

At this site you can manipulate images so that they fit with your writing.
http://bighugelabs.com/
You can create collages, add text to images, etc.

Monday, November 16th

2009-11-16T03:39:00.000-08:00

Today we...

1. Discussed and turned in the news articles relating to Othello that you brought in.

2. Looked at a new writing tips sheet - Top 10 Reminders for Senior Papers.

3. Worked on the blog. You need TWO more pieces posted by the end of Thanksgiving vacation. Feel free to look around at what other people are doing and post comments on their work. Keep in mind ALL THE REQUIREMENTS that must be completed by the end of term - if you've forgotten, remember they are linked on the upper right side of this blog. Don't put off the major pieces until the end, start posting your college essays, book reviews, analytical papers, etc. early!

4. HW: read Act V, work on your blog (be sure you have labels up and your language set to English)

Labels!

2009-11-05T22:48:00.000-08:00

To add labels to your posts, simply put your desired label into the box in the bottom right-hand corner of the post page. Use labels like "400 word essay", "poem", "book review." For extra work, that is not required for the portfolio, use the label "extra."

Once you begin labeling posts, you must also add "Labels" as a gadget on your sidebar. Remember, to input a gadget, simply click "customize" or "layout" and then add a gadget. Within the labels gadget, you may choose to add your labels as a drop down list, as Antoniya has done, or as a word cloud, as Deia has done.

Everyone MUST use labels to organize their final portfolio, so it's best to start now!

Wednesday, November 4th

2009-11-03T21:57:00.001-08:00

Today we...

1. Had a reading quiz. You cannot make this up, it neither hurts nor helps your grade.

2. Worked on a scavenger hunt for quotations. You need to find and copy lines from Othello that demonstrate these literary devices: dramatic irony, foreshadowing and a soliloquy that reveals evil. You also need to find and copy lines that reveal these character traits: Othello has been shaped by violence, Iago uses other people, Desdemona has a complete trust in Othello. Please turn this in to me when you return.

3. Worked on writing support paragraphs for a paper based on the idea that Iago is a perfect villain. Everyone had 30 minutes to write. We discussed the logical flow of a support paragraph: main point, transition, introduce situation of the quote, quote, analyze the quote to prove the main point. You should write a minimum of one page/two support paragraphs just as we did in class, and turn this in to me when you return.

HW: Act IV + find and bring in a news article somehow related to a theme from Othello, along with a paragraph explaining how the two are related

Monday, November 2nd

2009-11-01T22:30:00.000-08:00

Today...

1. The blog response paragraphs to your partner are due.
2. We discussed the final assessment for Othello - an I.B. passage analysis of a speech in the play. Start looking out for the one you'd like to write about. Find the assignment description here.
3. Listened to several versions of Othello's "Oh My Fair Warrior" speech to Desdemona.
4. Acted p . 91-top of p. 97
5. Had a Harkness discussion, focusing in part on the questions: What makes Iago a good villain? What is his motivation? Cassio focuses on reputation - what is the role of reputation in the play? At ACS? What is the dramatic function of Act I? Act II?

HW: Read Act III

Wednesday, October 29th

2009-10-28T00:12:00.000-07:00

Today...

1. We looked carefully at Othello's speech to the senate in Act I. We listened to several actor's versions of it, translated it into modern English, and then practiced analyzing lines from it as if we were doing an I.B. passage analysis.

2. We went to the computer lab to write responses to our partners' work in Kentucky. You need to find your partner and write a one paragraph comment for each of the top two pieces in his/her portfolio. These comments should be written in Microsoft word first, then printed to turn in to me. Then cut and paste them into the "Comments" section listed under each blog entry. Put the paragraph that fits the piece into the appropriate comment area. Just click "comments", paste your comment, sign your name, and then go through the steps of giving your i.d. and verifying a word.

HW: First blog check is this weekend - everyone must have their first two pieces posted. This check is worth 50 points. Also, read Act II.

Monday, October 26th

2009-10-25T23:37:00.000-07:00

Happy week before Halloween!

Today, we introduced Othello in the following ways...

1. Reflective Writing: Write about the worst thing that a close friend has ever done to you. If no one has ever betrayed you, write a fictional story.

2. Partner discussion: What makes a villain a villain? List all the most famous villains from movies and books and then consider, what characteristics do these villains share? What makes them so frightening/evil?

3. Dramatic Reading: the first part of Act I

HW: read Act I of Othello

Wednesday, October 21st

2009-10-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

Today...

1. The graffiti project was due

2. We took an in-class essay (you must arrange a 60 minute block to make it up)

3. Read and admired the short stories and then turned them in

4. Collected the Dubliners books - please get yours to me ASAP so that I can pass it along to the next class

5. HW: Remember you need to make 2 significant piece posts by October 31st

Monday, October 19th

2009-10-19T05:36:00.001-07:00

Today, we...

1. Worked on a graffiti project for Ireland - due Wednesday. The assignment sheet involves relevant images that I cannot upload to Google Docs, so please drop by to pick it up.

2. Had our final discussion of Dubliners.

For Wed: Bring your book for the in-class essay and a hard final copy of your short story. Also, pick up and do the graffiti assignment from class.

Wednesday, October 14th

2009-10-14T02:31:00.000-07:00

Today, we...

1. Discussed "On Being Asked for A War Poem." In particular, we considered the questions - can writers influence or change history? Can history influence or change writers?

2. Went to the computer lab to work on the portfolios. Remember you should have two major pieces posted by the end of October, as well as any extras you may wish to include for the first portfolio check. Your intro and photo should be in the upper right, your sources cited (as necessary) should be in a text box on the sidebar, and you should be using labels to organize your pieces. Also, everyone should be using English as their blog language - you can switch to English on your sign-in page in the upper right corner.

HW: Read "A Painful Case" and "The Dead." Write five questions for our final discussion on Irish literature/culture/history, three of which should relate to "The Dead."

Next Wednesday - short stories are due, in-class essay will take place

Monday, October 12th

2009-10-12T04:36:00.000-07:00

The Troubles Video Collage

Today, we...

1. Heard the final presentations - focusing on Dublin, Yeats and The Troubles. (The video above comes from Roman and Mihaela's presentation on The Troubles)

2. Took a quiz. This one can't be made up, as it won't be a pop quiz for you any longer, so it just won't count toward your grade if you were absent.

3. Worked on Paralysis Theme Charts for a future essay on Dubliners. You need to print and fill out this worksheet for Wednesday. Find it here.

HW: Read Yeats poems (find them here) and make 5 annotations on each, plus complete the Dubliners theme chart

Wednesday, October 7th

2009-10-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Today we...

1. Discussed Seamus Heaney's Poems: Act of Union, Digging, Follower, Bogland

2. Went to the Computer Lab for a Portfolio Workshop - Check out our class blog sidebar for a reminder of what the portfolio requirements are. You should post your first piece in the next two weeks - a college essay, a 400 word free paper, poems, a short story, a book review... You should also be sure you have a sidebar photo with at least a 100 word caption describing yourself. Finally, all blogs should use English as their language of choice. When you sign in, you can choose your language in the upper righthand corner.

Your Kentucky partners are just starting to post their portfolio links on their class page. I have linked their page from ours - again, check out the sidebar on our class blog.

HW: read "Counterparts", "Grace", "After the Race", work on your short story
TRY TO GET A PIECE POSTED TO YOUR PORTFOLIO THIS WEEKEND.

Monday, October 5th

2009-10-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

Today, we...

1. Heard presentations about Seamus Heaney, the I.R.A., and Irish Art. Do a bit of web research to familiarize yourself with the first two. If you were supposed to present today, be sure to talk to me when you get back to reschedule, unless you and your partner worked together and he/she presented for the both of you.

2. Did a short story editing workshop. Your short story draft should be 1-2 pages at this point. Consider trading with a friend to get some feedback.

3. Discussed the poem "Casualty" and the historical event of Bloody Sunday. Read what we read here: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/journal/article.html?id=182158

4. Divided into groups, all of which will present back on a poem come Wednesday. You should just bring the Heaney poems with your annotations and listen to these presentations.

HW: B3 needs to do the I.B. passage analysis worksheet I passed out last Wed. on the passage of your choice (if you haven't already), everyone needs to send yourself (on e-mail, network, etc.) some of your writing to work on Wednesday when we go to the lab. Ideally you will post your first piece to your portfolio on Wednesday - a short story, a poem, a college essay, a 400 word paper, a book review, etc...

Wednesday, October 30th

2009-09-29T22:04:00.001-07:00

Today, we...

1. Introduced the discussion method Harkness, which we will be using this year. It's essentially a student-driven round table method, in which the teacher (me) suggests possible openings and then the students take over. We made a list of relevant discussion practices - being prepared, defending your points with evidence, making eye contact with your classmates and not just the teacher, respecting varied opinions, etc.

2. Had a Harkness discussion on "A Mother" and "A Boarding House"

3. Discussed the I.B. passage analysis, the exam format for semester one. Find and complete the passage analysis practice we did here: http://docs.google.com/View?id=d2vxwwv_61hpgfmbhn
Turn it in next time to receive full participation credit for today.

4. Looked at the letters from the students in our partner classroom in Kentucky, and then started writing back. You should pick up your letter as soon as possible, and e-mail me your letter of reply by Monday of next week. Rules for the letter: 3/4 page typed single spaced (e-mail it to me as an attachment), partner's name at the top, yours at the bottom, no references whatsoever to drinking or partying (these activities are illegal for your partners, and not appropriate to chat about with them)

HW: Read the 5 Assigned Seamus Heaney Poems (find them here - you can skip the last one called "Blackberry Picking"), bring in a 1-2 page short story draft, e-mail me your 3/4 page letter to your partner as an attachment

Monday, September 28th

2009-09-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

Today...

1. We heard student presentations on Irish literature and culture.

2. Partners considered these three questions:
A) What kinds of paralysis exist in these two stories?
B) Each story ends with someone crying - what's the difference?
C) What do these specific characters' stories seem to represent about their societies? What issues do they bring to the forefront?

3. Everyone wrote a thesis relating to one or both of the stories, and then discussed them with a new partner, finding evidence to support the thesis and possible evidence against it.
Example Thesis: Joyce uses Little Chandler's doomed ambitions to explore the idea that Irish literature has become stereotyped in Academia.

4. We started work on short stories, completing a character workshop. You should print the assignment, complete the workshop, and start working on your story. Your first draft will be due next Monday. Find the assignment here: http://docs.google.com/View?id=d2vxwwv_59fj8j5jfn

HW: Read "The Boarding House" and "A Mother." Work on your short story.

Wednesday, September 23rd (Monday schedule)

2009-09-23T01:39:00.000-07:00

Check out your classmates blogs linked on the right side bar of this page!

Remember to turn in your 400 word paper as soon as you come back on campus. If you like it a lot, you may want to do a final revision and then post it as the first element in your electronic portfolio.

Today we:
1. Signed up for presentations on Irish history and culture. Be sure to sign up when you return. Read about the assignment here: http://docs.google.com/View?id=d2vxwwv_56hbqmttc3
2. Discussed Ireland's history, as its literature and history are significantly connected. Pick up a history packet when you return so you can create a timeline of 19th/early 20th century Ireland.
3. Discussed W.B. Yeats' poem "Easter, 1916." Look it up online and read it!
4. Passed out our new text, Dubliners, and listened to the first story "Eveline" on Audio. Be sure to pick up the text as soon as posssible. Download the theme chart you should be working on as we read here: http://docs.google.com/View?id=d2vxwwv_58gzpkt2g7

HW: Read "Araby" and "A Little Cloud" in Dubliners, complete Irish history timeline

Wednesday, September 16th

2009-09-16T02:43:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school, involving all the usual introductions and documents. Perhaps most importantly, we set up our portfolio blogs and I passed out two important handouts.

Handout #1: Blog Creation Steps. Find it here.

Handout #2: Activities and Homework schedule for the next six weeks. Find it here.

Some students have already sent me their blog URLS, and I have posted them here on our class web page.

HW: send me your blog URL when it's ready for viewing, and TYPE a 400 word paper on the topic of your choice

Welcome to the Blog

2009-06-09T23:13:00.001-07:00

Welcome to our class blog. This blog makes your life easier, and it makes my life easier.

After each lesson I give, I will come online and post a brief description of what we did, the homework, and also links to any handouts I have passed out. Your responsibility is to check the blog, print all handouts and do what you need to do for the next class. Since we only meet twice a week, this prevents you from getting way behind, and it means I don't have to keep a constant stack of old handouts around to dig through when people come to request them later.

Easier for you. Easier for me. Hurray for the internet.

I hope it's a great year. That will depend as much on you as on me, so let's do our best to keep things lively and interesting. Please drop by to see me anytime during lunch or my office hours to say hi, I'd love to get to know you. If I am too intimidating for you to come say hi to on your own, bring a friend!

The syllabus can be found at: http://docs.google.com/View?id=d2vxwwv_53gxh2tr4r