Monday, December 13, 2010

AGENDA 12/13

Turn in annotated bibliographies
Peer reflection - introductions and thesis statements
Examine and discuss Sample Body Paragraphs and Instructor Notes

HW: Begin working on body paragraphs

Thursday, December 9, 2010

AGENDA 12/9

Show me your thesis and get feedback before the weekend!
Introduction paragraphs need 5 components:
1) Hook (rhetorical fragments, anecdotes, statistics, startling statements, etc.)
2) Background information about your historical event
3) What do different groups say about this event?
4) What are their motivations?
5) What is the lasting significance or impact of this event?

Introduction presentation with sample (PDF): Printer-friendly version of slides


Seminar: Is America in a state of moral corruption and decline? If so, to what extent do the entertainment and music industries contribute to the loss of morality?
Read and discuss "What Really Ails America," by William Bennett, pgs. 443-446 of the McGraw-Hill Reader and "'F*** You' from the Music Industry" by Dennis Prager, along with the accompanying comments.

Introduce Annotated Bibliographies: DUE MONDAY!
BIBLIOGRAPHY LINKS:
HW: Read "Is Your Online Identity Spoiling Your Chances?" "YouTube Vigilantes," and "82 Percent of Kids Under 2 Have an Online Presence" in preparation for tomorrow's seminar. Bring your 8 research sources/notes for me to check. Begin working on your annotated bibliography, which is due Monday.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

AGENDA 12/8

Computer lab: work to amass 8 sources and complete research notes. Begin building bibliography of your eight sources.

METHODS FOR RESEARCH NOTES:
SOAPSTONE method and SOAPSTONE sample
Historic Document worksheet method
Cornell Notes method

HANDOUTS FOR INTRODUCTIONS/THESIS:
PowerPoint: Thesis and Introduction for Rhetorical Historical Paper
PDF of the PowerPoint
Handout with instructions and sample


HW: Research Inventory sheet and Introductory paragraph due tomorrow (handwritten or typed). Read, annotate, and be ready to discuss "What Really Ails America," on pages 443-446 of the McGraw-Hill Reader and read and annotate "'F*** You' from the Music Industry" and the accompanying comments in preparation for tomorrow's discussion. Research notes for all 8 sources due Friday unless you ask for an extension tonight!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

AGENDA 12/7

PowerPoint: Thesis and Introduction for Rhetorical Historical Paper
PDF of the PowerPoint
Scarlet Letter discussion - chapters 22-24 (end of the book!)

HW: Research Inventory sheet and Introductory paragraph due tomorrow (handwritten or typed). Read and be ready to discuss "What Really Ails America," on pages 443-446 of the McGraw-Hill Reader for Thursday. Research notes for all 8 sources due Friday.

Friday, December 3, 2010

AGENDA 12/3

Grammar Practice: Semicolon Use
Handout describing rules for semicolon use
The Scarlet Letter Discussion, Chapters 20 and 21
Research various sources and take notes in a systematic way
Sites to help you begin to research your topic:
The New York Times Topics page - look here for your topic--you'll find a wealth of resources!
Link to the Samohi Library page to access the SIRS and ProQuest databases - you'll need your login and password

SOAPSTONE method and Soapstone Sample
Historic Document worksheet method and Historic Document Worksheet Sample
Cornell Notes method
OPTIC method for analyzing visual texts (photographs, paintings, etc.)

HW: Complete research notes for four sources by Monday, 12/6.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

AGENDA 11/23

COMPUTER LAB: Work on research proposals and pass out source guidelines
Research proposal directions
Sample research proposal

Introduce two good websites to begin your research:
The New York Times Topics page - look here for your topic--you'll find a wealth of resources!
Link to the Samohi Library page to access the SIRS and ProQuest databases - you'll need your login and password

Search for independent reading book:
Santa Monica Public Library
Los Angeles Public Library
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

HW: Read ahead in The Scarlet Letter and check Turnitin.com's calendar page for your assigned discussion day. For your assigned discussion day, prepare questions, comments, quotations to discuss, connections to other texts or current events--anything to spark an interesting discussion. Research proposal and independent reading book are due tomorrow! Vocabulary quiz on Monday.

Monday, November 22, 2010

AGENDA 11/22

Timed Essay: Synthesis 2.0

HW: Write research proposal--due Wednesday. Get full-length independent reading book for approval on Wednesday. Check Turnitin.com's calendar tab and look at 11/22--click on the "Class Notes" to see your assigned discussion day for The Scarlet Letter. Prepare questions, comments, quotations, and connections to discuss for your assigned chapters.

Friday, November 19, 2010

AGENDA 11/19

Practice synthesis prompt: Daylight Saving Time
Read sample student essays
Read introductory paragraph that Pust wrote
Read sample body paragraphs we crafted in class
The Scarlet Letter reading and discussion leader assignments: calendar posted on Turnitin.com. Log in and go to "calendar," then click on the "class notes" for Monday, 11/22 to get the rest of the reading schedule and confirm your discussion leader date.


HW: Prepare for Monday's synthesis prompt. Read ahead in The Scarlet Letter and prepare for your discussion day. Write your research proposal for Wednesday--we'll be in the computer lab on Tuesday.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

AGENDA 11/17

Review topics for rhetorical historical papers
Introduce assignment sheet for rhetorical historical papers
Sample research proposal

Introduce synthesis prompt and source packet: Daylight Saving Time
Create a possible thesis for the DST prompt and circle three sources you might use to support that thesis

HW: Read chapters 8, 9, and 10 of The Scarlet Letter.
Write down two quotations (from any of the three chapters) that are worth discussing, and write a reaction/short response for each. Your response may be a comment, question, connection, or other exploration of the text.

Revise business letter--final copy, color-marked rough draft, and proof of submission due Friday.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

AGENDA 11/16

Finish self-revision for business letters - optional proofreading time tomorrow
Meet in groups to discuss mini-research activity, then submit paragraphs/citations in group piles
Discuss chapters 6 and 7 of The Scarlet Letter

HW: Revise letter - final copy, color-marked rough draft, and proof of submission due Friday (optional proofreading tomorrow)
Read and be prepared to discuss chapters 8-10 of The Scarlet Letter for Thursday - focus on instances of irony
Vocabulary quiz on Friday over words from The Scarlet Letter (with a few extra credit words from A Long Way Gone)

Monday, November 15, 2010

AGENDA 11/15

The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary warm-up #1
Highlight and revise persuasive business letters to company directors

Checklist for The Bluest Eye letter
Introduce tonight's The Scarlet Letter Further Study (mini-research) directions and links
Discuss chapters 6 and 7 of The Scarlet Letter
Introduce rhetorical historical paper & independent reading requirement (if time permits)

HW: Research topic (art, philosophy, literary criticism, or sociology) using the links provided to enhance our study of The Scarlet Letter. Write a citation in MLA format for any website(s) you use; craft a paragraph of no more than 200 words to explain your findings, and be ready to present them tomorrow. Begin searching for an independent reading book. Books/topics need to be approved before next Tuesday, 11/23. Revise business letter; final drafts due Friday. You may either cc me on the final email, or print a copy of the final letter for me. If you are mailing the letter, I can provide you with an envelope in class on Friday--please print two copies of the letter (one for me, one for the company). If you are using a form to email the company, you may either take a screen shot or forward me a confirmation that you sent it.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

AGENDA 11/10


Brief introduction to fall historical research paper--you can begin reserving topics by email @ 3:15pm today!

Discuss chapters 4 and 5 of The Scarlet Letter
Read chapter 6 of The Scarlet Letter in class if time permits

HW: Read chapters 6 and 7 of The Scarlet Letter. Identify and analyze two places (one from each chapter) where Hawthorne reveals his attitude towards the Puritans. Typed working draft of letter to company due Monday. Think about topic for fall research paper--reservations can begin @ 3:15pm today

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

AGENDA 11/9

Discuss character notes for Hester Prynne, Roger Chillingworth, and Rev. Dimmesdale
Resources to help with understanding The Scarlet Letter:
Searchable online version of the text from The Literature Network
"No Fear" version of The Scarlet Letter

HW: Read ch. 4 and 5 of The Scarlet Letter and take notes on the following--
Ch. 4: What deal do Hester and Chillingworth agree to? What is the motivation for each person's agreement?
Ch. 5: Describe Hester's life after prison
Typed working draft of Bluest Eye letter to company due 11/15

Monday, November 8, 2010

AGENDA 11/8

Introduce last 5 vocabulary words
Read-aloud - chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter
Introduce letter assignment: project description, business letter format, business letter/email checklist, and Pust's sample letter to the editor of Marie Claire magazine

Resources to help with understanding The Scarlet Letter:
Searchable online version of the text from The Literature Network
"No Fear" version of The Scarlet Letter

HW: Read ch. 3 of The Scarlet Letter--be prepared to share personality and character traits of Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth. Typed working draft of letter due 11/15.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

AGENDA 11/4

Continue to introduce vocabulary from chapters 1-12 of The Scarlet Letter; completed vocabulary chart from chapters 1-12 due on 11/10
Add to yesterday's Notes - characteristics of Romanticism and Realism : what do we know about the Puritans?
Trip to textbook room to get The Scarlet Letter - please bring book every day!

HW: Rhetorical Terms Entry #2 using The Bluest Eye due anytime on or before 11/8
Commonplace Books #2 due on 11/8
Complete vocabulary chart from chapters 1-12 - due on 11/10

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

AGENDA 11/2

HAPPY ELECTION DAY!

Finish listening to campaign ads and vote for best ones

Return Commonplace Books #1

HW: Rhetorical Terms Entry #2 using The Bluest Eye due anytime on or before 11/8
Commonplace Books #2 due on 11/8

Friday, October 29, 2010

AGENDA 10/29

Grammar practice: Verbs review
Work period: work on commercial scripts or on rhetorical terms entry.

HW: Finish recording and editing your three radio commercials. Please bring the audio files on a flash drive or burned on a CD. For flash drives, please adhere to the standard file name as we requested: LastnameBASE.mp3 or LastnameOPPOSITION.wav, etc. If you have a common last name, please use your first initial before your last name. Files should be saved as .mp3, .aiff, or .wav. Please verify that your files work correctly by trying them on several computers. If you are using a flash drive, please back up all other files that might be on the flash drive, and consider making a separate folder called "Election" to make the files easy for me to find. If you are burning the tracks onto CD, please label the cd with your first and last name, and label the three tracks (Track 1 - Base) etc. on the actual CD as it will not preserve the track names on my computer. Have a back up plan no matter what!

Type up and print out a Chicago-style title page for your project (the title of your project would be your particular ad, like "No on Proposition 27" or "Jerry Brown for Governor" or "Elect Meg Whitman" or something like that). Next, print out two copies of your final radio ad transcripts. On your second copy, annotate as follows: write two sentences' worth of explanation following each ad explaining how you tailored it to a base, opposition, or undecided audience. Then, color-mark the ad with red for appeals to pathos, blue for appeals to logos, green for appeals to ethos, and purple for rhetorical techniques. Further, in red (pathos), you'll explain which emotions you were trying to appeal to, e.g., fear, or pride. In purple, you'll label the rhetorical techniques you used, e.g., rhetorical question, anaphora, etc.

If you don't have access to colored pencils, markers, or highlighters, you can get some from me before school on Monday. Projects due Monday.

Rhetorical terms entry #2 for The Bluest Eye due 11/3. Extensions available.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

AGENDA 10/28

Timed essay: rhetorical

HW: Finish working on Election Issues Project--Due MONDAY. Rhetorical Terms Entry #2 using The Bluest Eye due 11/3.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

AGENDA 10/27

Prepare for in-class timed writing tomorrow on rhetorical analysis essay
Review Norman Mailer's "The Death of Benny Paret"

Some examples from students from previous classes (one whole essay, plus excerpts from others)

HW: Finish Election Issues project - revise, record, and edit commercials. Audio files, clean copies of final transcripts, and annotated transcripts due MONDAY 11/1 with a cover page and revised bibliography (if needed). Rhetorical Terms Entry #2 on The Bluest Eye due Wednesday, 11/3.

Friday, October 22, 2010

AGENDA 10/22

Listen to NPR's "Dire Predictions and Disastrous Votes" and complete Listening Guide (page 2 of the Peer Review handout--your partner completes the color-marking and questions on page 1, then you self-reflect using the Listening Guide)
Transcript of "Dire Predictions and Disastrous Votes"
Peer Review Activity and Listening Guide

HW: Revise, record, and edit your 3 commercial scripts - Due Monday 11/1, no extensions!
Finish reading The Bluest Eye for Tuesday, including the author's Afterword, and prepare 3 quotations to discuss (anything from page 100 on, including the Afterword, if you like)

Thursday, October 21, 2010

AGENDA 10/21

Seminar: Discuss The Bluest Eye, Killing Us Softly 4, Newsweek's "See Baby Discriminate," and The New York Times' "On Covers of Many Magazines, A Full Racial Palette is Still Rare"

HW: Typed working drafts of all 3 commercial scripts due at beginning of class tomorrow for peer review!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

AGENDA 10/20

Finish viewing Killing Us Softly 4 with Jean Kilbourne (note: this is a preview copy) and complete viewing guide as you watch.
NOTE: If you were absent, you may either borrow my copy of the film when you return, or watch Killing Us Softly 3 instead. Killing Us Softly 3 was made in 2000, so some of the examples aren't nearly as current, but you'll still get the main ideas and should be able to complete most of the viewing guide.

HW: Typed working drafts of all 3 commercial scripts due Friday. Finish reading The Bluest Eye and the author's Afterword for next Tuesday.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

AGENDA 10/19

5 point check: ROUGH draft of one commercial script

Computer Lab T110 to work on bibliographies and commercial scripts; bring The Bluest Eye for when you don't have access to a computer

HW: Bibliography due tomorrow. Typed working drafts of all 3 commercial scripts due Friday.

Monday, October 18, 2010

AGENDA 10/18

Pass out viewing guide - Advertising and Women in Our Culture
Answer questions 1-7
Watch Dove short films: "Evolution," "Onslaught," and "Amy"
Begin viewing Killing Us Softly 4 with Jean Kilbourne (note: this is a preview copy) and complete viewing guide as you watch.
NOTE: If you were absent, you may either borrow my copy of the film when you return, or watch Killing Us Softly 3 instead. Killing Us Softly 3 was made in 2000, so some of the examples aren't nearly as current, but you'll still get the main ideas and should be able to complete most of the viewing guide.

HW: Bring bibliography materials to T110 computer lab tomorrow. Also, one draft of one commercial script is due tomorrow in class (handwritten is OK) for 5 points.

Friday, October 15, 2010

AGENDA 10/15

Grammar Practice - Verb Tense and Parallelism
Seminar - The Bluest Eye, pages 1-121
Opening thoughts: Video of Michelle Alexander on "Her American Dream"

"See Baby Discriminate," Newsweek
"On Covers of Many Magazines, A Full Racial Palette Is Still Rare," New York Times

HW: Read pp. 121-153 of The Bluest Eye. Begin drafting commercial scripts--first draft of first commercial script is due Tuesday (handwritten is ok!). Include both narration and possible sound effects/music.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

AGENDA 10/14

Discuss and analyze rhetorical appeals and techniques (including sound effects) in the following political ads:
Listen to Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: "Future" (aimed at undecided youth voters--mainly pathos)
Transcript of "Future" ad
Listen to Dino Rossi: "Too Long" (aimed at opposition--mainly logos)
Transcript of "Too Long" ad
Listen to Pete Wilson: "Sentences" (aimed at party base--those wanting someone "tough on crime"--an even mix of logos and pathos appeals)
Transcript of "Sentences" ad
Distribute handout on Read vs. Spoken language elements and tips for addressing different audiences
Discuss "target" audiences and how diction reflects changes in audience
Discuss implications and address questions on students' own commercial scripts

HW: Prepare for a seminar tomorrow, over The Bluest Eye, pages 1-123, and the following articles:
"See Baby Discriminate," Newsweek
"On Covers of Many Magazines, A Full Racial Palette Is Still Rare,"New York Times
Prepare for seminar by highlighting quotations, jotting down questions and comments for discussion, and noting connections between the articles and what we've read so far in The Bluest Eye
Begin drafting commercial scripts

REVISION TO DEADLINES: Next Wednesday, 10/20, bibliographies of research for Election Issues Project will be due (4+ sources, Chicago style). Typed rough drafts of commercial scripts will be due at the beginning of the period on FRIDAY, 10/22. Drafts should include all narration and sound effects/description of background music. Refer to samples presented in class for help, or come in and see me!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

AGENDA 10/12

Computer Lab T110 to research candidates and issues

Be sure to check the Recommended Websites links at the left
Use the Research Questions to help guide you as you become experts on your candidates/measures

HW: Read pages 58-93 of The Bluest Eye (the "Winter" section) for class tomorrow. Continue to research candidates and issues.

Monday, October 11, 2010

AGENDA 10/11

Submit Commonplace Book Assignment #1 to bin and to Turnitin.com
The Bluest Eye
Group Activity to discuss pages 1-58
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos PPT and Guided Notes

HW: Meet in T110 computer lab for class tomorrow to work on Election Issues project. Read the "Winter" section of The Bluest Eye (to page 93) and be ready to discuss for Wednesday.

Friday, October 8, 2010

AGENDA 10/8

Answer any last-minute questions regarding Commonplace Books Assignment
Computer skills demonstration: how to make headers, tables, double-space, and hanging paragraph for MLA citation. Also show Knightcite bibliography generator
New seats
Return timed essay on Abbey prompt

HW: Final draft of Commonplace Books #1 due in class on Monday and to Turnitin.com. Read through page 58 (end of "Autumn" section) of The Bluest Eye for Monday--we'll discuss pages 1-58 then.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

AGENDA 10/5

ATTENTION PERIOD 5: Please bring your current events articles and/or copies of The Bluest Eye tomorrow!!! You'll have some time to work in class.

Continue to explain Commonplace Books Assignment
Sample Commonplace Books assignment and accompanying article: "School Matters: Giving Parents Access to Teacher Ratings: What's There to Hide?"
Additional practice article: "Students Refuse to Give Up on Dream Act, Despite Latest Setback"

HW: Clip or print out a current event (published in the last 90 days) from a reputable news source (see links at side) and complete a commonplace books assignment using the model as a guide. Bring a rough draft (does not have to be typed) on THURSDAY for peer-review. Final draft due on MONDAY. Extensions available for Monday's deadline only. Read pages 1-23 of The Bluest Eye for Thursday--write down a memorable quotation AND a discussion question OR comment.

Monday, October 4, 2010

AGENDA 10/4

Select topics for Election Issues Project
Introduce Commonplace Books Assignment
Sample Commonplace Books assignment and accompanying article: "School Matters: Giving Parents Access to Teacher Ratings: What's There to Hide?"
Additional practice article: "Students Refuse to Give Up on Dream Act, Despite Latest Setback"

HW: Clip or print out a current event (published in the last 90 days) from a reputable news source (see links at side) and complete a commonplace books assignment using the model as a guide. Bring a rough draft (does not have to be typed) on Wednesday for peer-review. Final draft due on Friday.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

AGENDA 9/30

Timed Essay: Rhetorical Analysis
Reflection on Writing

HW: Complete pink Reflection on Writing sheet if you didn't finish it in class. Bring your copy of Grapes of Wrath tomorrow if you have it.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

AGENDA 9/29

Submit rhetorical terms entry #1 plus color-marked rough draft
Turnitin.com Instructions - submit rhetorical terms entry #1 before 10/8
Tips for tomorrow's Rhetorical Analysis Essay
Sample essay on Leonid Fridman's 2008 Form B "America Needs Its Nerds" prompt

HW: Prepare for tomorrow's timed essay! Bring blue or black ink pens, notebook paper, and resources you want to refer to during the timed essay.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

AGENDA 9/28

Compose Back-to-School Night Letter for parents
Portfolio exchange
Continue to analyze and discuss "America Needs Its Nerds" prompt

HW: Rhetorical terms entry# 1 due tomorrow! Rhetorical analysis timed essay on Thursday.

Monday, September 27, 2010

AGENDA 9/27

Color-marking exercise: self-reflect on Steinbeck paragraph
NOTE: You'll submit your color-marked draft stapled to the back of your rhetorical terms entry on Wednesday!

Analyze and discuss "America Needs Its Nerds" prompt with partners, then share out with class
Draft thesis statement, discuss elements of body paragraphs

HW: Rhetorical terms entry #1 on either simile or diction of ____ from Steinbeck's "Americans and the Land" due Wednesday!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Thursday, September 23, 2010

AGENDA 9/23

Discuss and analyze "In the Fire" by Roger Angell
Introduce rhetorical terms project
Review sample rhetorical terms entry - score of A and score of C
Commentary for sample rhetorical terms entries
Rhetorical terms entries checklist
Rhetorical terms chart


HW: Read Steinbeck's "Americans and the Land," pg. 667 in the McGraw-Hill Reader, for Friday. Note the author's use of similes and the diction of predators/prey.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Finish discussion over A Long Way Gone, Adichie's "The Danger of a Single Story," Ortiz Cofer's "The Myth of the Latin Woman," and Goldsmith's "National Prejudices."

HW: Read Steinbeck's "Americans and the Land," pg. 667 in the McGraw-Hill Reader, for Friday. Note the author's use of similes and the diction of predators/prey.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

AGENDA 9/21

Baseline essays

HW: Prepare for second round of seminars tomorrow.

Monday, September 20, 2010

AGENDA 9/20

The Grapes of Wrath Quiz
Review for Baseline Essay tomorrow:
Practice Baseline Essay Prompt
SAT scoring guide
Tips shared in class
Sample body paragraph

HW: Prepare for tomorrow's baseline essay. Bring blue or black ink pens and notebook paper, and a book in case you finish early.

Friday, September 17, 2010

AGENDA 9/17

Grammar Warm-up #1
Discussion over "The Myth of the Latin Woman" by Judith Ortiz Cofer, pgs. 249-253 in McGraw-Hill Reader and "National Prejudices" by Oliver Goldsmith, pgs. 241-243 in McGraw-Hill Reader, as well as A Long Way Gone and Adichie's talk.

HW: Study for Grapes of Wrath quiz and bring your copy of A Long Way Gone on Monday.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

AGENDA 9/16

Vocabulary warm-up #1

Finish watching TED talk by Chimamanda Adichie, "The Danger of a Single Story" and complete viewing guide

HW: Summer Free Choice Book Letter due tomorrow. Read "The Myth of the Latin Woman" by Judith Ortiz Cofer, pgs. 249-253 in McGraw-Hill Reader and "National Prejudices" by Oliver Goldsmith, pgs. 241-243 in McGraw-Hill Reader, and be prepared to discuss both as well as A Long Way Gone and Adichie's talk tomorrow.

NOTE: You do NOT need to answer the comprehension questions following the essays. Please read the essays carefully, and perhaps note a significant quotation. Think about connections among the four texts.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

AGENDA 9/15

Syllabus Quiz

Trip to textbook room - pick up The McGraw-Hill Reader and Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye (unless you plan to purchase your own copies--you will have two weeks before we need The Bluest Eye, but we'll use The McGraw-Hill Reader almost immediately!)

Watch TED talk by Chimamanda Adichie, "The Danger of a Single Story" and complete viewing guide

HW: Summer Free Choice Book Letter due on Friday. Today is the last day to email me to ask for an extension! Reading quiz on The Grapes of Wrath postponed till Friday because of my absence.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

AGENDA 9/14

Introduce last five vocabulary words for A Long Way Gone
Group activity (3 people per group): Review major concepts from A Long Way Gone and brainstorm evidence from the book and other sources. Track in Major Concept Chart.

HW: Study for syllabus quiz tomorrow. Bring ID/schedule for trip to the textbook room. Summer Free Choice Book Letter due Friday--tomorrow is the last day to ask for an extension!

Monday, September 13, 2010

AGENDA 9/13

Introduce next five vocabulary words
Close analysis exercise #1: Personification in pages 80-81 of Beah's A Long Way Gone

HW: Summer Free Choice Book Letter due Friday, 9/17
Study for syllabus quiz on Wednesday, 9/15
The Grapes of Wrath reading quiz scheduled for Thursday, 9/16

Friday, September 10, 2010

AGENDA 9/10

Continue to review syllabus, class policies and syllabus study sheet
Introduce vocabulary words for A Long Way Gone: please complete the vocabulary sheet or make 3x5 index cards to study vocabulary. We will continue going through words on Monday.
Explain Summer Free Choice Book Assignment and share Mrs. Pust's sample letter. Due Friday 9/17 at the beginning of class, and must be typed!

HW: Work on summer free choice book letter. Bring A Long Way Gone to class on Monday and be prepared to discuss personification in pages 78-84.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

AGENDA 9/8

Reading Quiz over A Long Way Gone
Introduce Syllabus Study Questions - Quiz over Syllabus and Classroom Rules/Procedures next Wednesday worth 15 points. 10 questions will be drawn from the 20 on the study sheet; the other 5 points will come from turning in your completed final page of the syllabus. This should be the easiest 15 points you'll ever earn!

HW: Review pgs. 78-84 of A Long Way Gone, looking for instances of personification. When you find them, make note of them for Friday's discussion.

NOTE: Personification is when an author gives human attributes or qualities to non-human things, such as inanimate objects. For example, if an author writes "the sky wept," that would be an example of personification.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

AGENDA 9/7

WELCOME BACK!
Index Card Directions (Do Now Activity)
First Day Letter to Parents/Guardians
First Day PowerPoint and Feedback
Four Truths (and a Lie) Activity

HW: Review A Long Way Gone for reading quiz tomorrow. Share First Day Letter and optional Homework Assignment for Parents with your parents/guardians.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

AGENDA 4/13

Grammar Practice: Idioms #1
Close reading of The Great Gatsby, Ch 1

HW: Timed essay Friday - rhetorical analysis. Rhetorical terms entry #11 due Monday 4/19 - select any passage from Ch 1 or 2 of The Great Gatsby. Finish reading chapter 2, and if you like, start reading ahead...

Friday, March 12, 2010

AGENDA 3/12

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Last Day to register late for AP Test!
Reply to current events by Sunday night; new posts on Monday on "Economy/Money" - check Turnitin.com calendar for details
Vocabulary Quiz next Thursday
Grammar Quiz next Friday over misplaced modifiers, subject-complement agreement, illogical comparisons, and comparatives vs. superlatives

Grammar Practice: Review
Work in Local Issues Speeches Groups - draft of complete speech due early next week!

Monday, February 22, 2010

AGENDA 2/22

Finish seminar on entertainment and society
Analyze prompt and generate thesis statement for "Common Life" AP Argument prompt
Discuss types of evidence and create samples

HW: Read "America Skips School" by Benjamin Barber, p. 153 in The McGraw-Hill Reader and "What Really Ails America" by William Bennett, p. 443 in The McGraw-Hill Reader, and be prepared to discuss these essays tomorrow in small groups.

Posting by midnight tonight - Local Issue - on Turnitin.com for this week's group (please check calendar on Turnitin.com).

Rhetorical Terms #8 - write up a device from a classic poem (due Wednesday). See me if you need help coming up with new devices or understanding a poem.

Friday, February 19, 2010

AGENDA 2/19

Seminar: Can entertainment ruin society?

Guiding questions: Can entertainment ruin society? Can entertainment uplift and improve society? Provoke change? What's considered "entertainment"? Is entertainment merely escapism, or is it only entertainment if it is "art" or "educational"? Are some forms of entertainment more noble than others? What does entertainment reveal about society?

Refer to the texts "Loose Ends" and "Television Addiction" in The McGraw-Hill Reader as well as current events "Video Games are Good For Kids" and "Study Finds Television Does Not Lower Test Scores" to substantiate your opinions in addition to your observations and personal experiences.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

AGENDA 2/18

Chart out local issues affecting the city of Santa Monica as a class.


HW: Select a local issue that affects Samohi or the city of Santa Monica (or Los Angeles) and freewrite about the problem. Consider the following:

1) What personal experiences or memories do you have associated with this issue?
2) What solutions have been tried that haven't worked?
3) What can we gain from solving this problem? Who would benefit?
4) What initial ideas do you have for solving this problem?
5) Who could help you get more information on this? Who would know about this issue?

Thursday, February 4, 2010

AGENDA 2/4

Attend "Focus the Nation" assembly; complete and submit Shape Notes


HW: None (enjoy it while it lasts...)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

AGENDA 1/15

Grammar Practice: Review for Final Exam #1

Read and discuss "Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau

HW: Finish reading and annotating "Civil Disobedience" in preparation for seminars next week. Finish reading Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by the end of next week!

Begin studying new vocabulary from the writings of Henry David Thoreau

Friday, January 8, 2010

AGENDA 1/8

Grammar Warm-up: Who, That, and Which

Review HF, chapters 12-16 in groups - numbered heads activity to discuss ideas on the handout. Groups may submit one copy of the handout if all students participate in writing down notes; otherwise, all handouts will be stapled together and submitted as a packet.

HW: Read up to chapter 28 for Monday.

Winter Break Assignment: Complete FOUR rhetorical terms entries--submit hard copies in class and electronic copies to Turnitin.com. One from Thoreau's "Where I Lived and What I Lived For," and three from Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, chapters 1-23, in which one is required to be a humor device (refer to humor bookmark you received). As you read, pay attention to the ideas on the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn bookmark--we will discuss these concepts in class.