Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Syllabus 1/5/09 - 1/9/09

Hooray 2009!

Monday
In class:
· Due: Song and Journal: Which song represents “your generation” Why? What principles or message does this song reflect? How does it connect to this week’s class? You need a line analysis and direct connections to the lyrics. Print a copy of the lyrics along with your explanation. THIS WILL COUNT IN TERM 3.
· Bring the song so we can listen to it and have group discussion
HOMEWORK:
· Due Tomorrow: BLOG JOURNAL: Respond to ONE of the photos of South Africa.
· Due Friday: Quiz: Word List #1: Group 1 and 2

Tuesday
In class:
· Due: Blog Journal
· “Fight” Songs/Revolutionary Music
· Amandla!
HOMEWORK:
§ Due tomorrow: Read/mark-up/highlight Background Information on AMANDLA!


Wednesday
In class:
· Due: Read/Mark-up: AMANDLA!
§ Amandla!
HOMEWORK:
· Due tomorrow: none


Thursday

In class:
· AMANDLA!
HOMEWORK:
· Due Tomorrow: Study for quiz: SAT Vocab: Word List #1: Group 1 and 2

Friday

In class:
· Quiz: SAT Vocab
· Amandla!
HOMEWORK:
· Due Monday: Read/Mark-up/Highlight: History of South Africa.
· Ms. Gentile’s slide show on Monday!

SAT Vocabulary

SAT Prep: Weekly Vocabulary Quiz



Check out this website (click on this) for your weekly words. You will be held responsible for knowing each group of words for the week and retaining the information for tests.



This will help you to increase your SAT score.



Practice, Practice, Practice!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Last Syllabus in 2008!

Monday:
Due: Song: Lyrics and explanation. Please bring the actual song so we can listen to it. I will set up my speakers.


Tuesday:
Holiday/End of the year Party
Don't forget to bring your treat!


Have a safe and wonderful vacation! Enjoy your holiday and happy 2009!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Background Info: "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"

Here is some background information on Gil Scott-Heron, the poet from class on 12/17:


As the end of the sixties approached there was an intense shift in the struggle for equality as the fight for civil rights gave way to the demand for Black Power and Gil Scott-Heron surfaced in the mainstream music of the early 70s with albums such as What's Going On and There's a Riot Going On. One of the great unheralded voices in popular music just might be the man who composed the lyrics to the electrifying song, "The Revolution Will Not be Televised" and its powerful poetic imagery along with the stunning power of his voice are timeless and chillingly relevant to any age.


With carefully crafted lyrics the songwriter creates contrasts between the irrelevance of television and the unrefined power of significant events. The words are very powerful to read but to get the full effect one has to listen to the piece. The awesome combination of soul, funk and verse made Scott-Heron one of the most intuitive political singers of the 70s and early 80s.
Born in Chicago his early years were spent between the mean streets of the Bronx and the South. His estranged father played for the Celtics and by the time he was nineteen he had published his first novel The Vulture. Essence magazine called it "a strong start for a writer with important things to say."


He admired the work of the HR poet Langston Hughes and before he left his teen years behind he published one more book and a volume of poetry. It was Scott-Heron's forceful readings near the end of the 1960's that led to the very literate, frequently militant work of performances like The Last Poets. One biographer notes that songs like "Johanessburg" recorded years before most of the public had even heard about the tragedy of South African apartheid, "combined jazzy backing tracks, Scott-Heron's authoritative talk-singing, and words that carried plenty of baggage without showing the strain. "

A volatile beat poem "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" conveyed the right tone of honest anger when it was released because Scott-Heron had tapped into the invisible revolution of lurking pop culture vultures, prepared to re package rebels into more-palatable versions. For example Allen Ginsburg and Jack Kerouac were produced for prime time TV beatniks in the persona of Maynard Grebs. From his straight-faced attacks on racism to his withering sarcasm of the Great Society and media nonsense - each line is awash with a contemptuous turn of phrase. Wrapped up in the political poetry was a new combination of social commentary and blues funk that has since become a socially relevant voice of today. While Motown records pre-packaged poor black singers from inner-city Detroit into desirable, marketable products, television had become the most effective control of the masses in history.


This was a true revolution imperceptible among the naked teens frolicking at Woodstock. The constant bombardment of media images changed the thought processes of Americans and following those images came the advertisers. Scott-Heron spoke passionately about blacks' inequality in the artistic industry and about their unrelenting invisibility within the consumer friendly repackaging. Tom Terrel writes in his linear notes for Evolution and Flashback: the Very Best of Gil Scott-Heron that his angry, rhythm-infused poetry was "avant-garde compared to what was going on in early 70s black pop." Think Stevie Wonder, James Brown.


Scott-Heron confronted widespread fallacies of black America by accusing the white admen of stealing "black" catchphrases like "Right on, Tiger" and "power to the people" for their marketing schemes. He also criticized the American people for unconsciously tolerating the reality that corporate America sponsored the appeal of popular culture. He pointed out that a corporate controlled network television could not embrace the waves of social, cultural and political change. His verses warned of a looming "social apocalypse borne of centuries of injustice and pent-up frustrations that can no longer be dulled, contained, or diminished by the drugs of capitalism."


Scott-Heron proclaimed that the revolution would be in the gutters and on the streets. His verses are directed at black, white and corporate America and it was a call to action. While the news was being broadcast by the biased television stations into the comforts of suburbia, the armchair politicos were blissfully unaware of the deteriorating inner-city conditions of the early 1970s.


Today Gil Scott-Heron remains a towering figure in black popular music. With a Master's degree in creative writing from Johns Hopkins his forceful, no-nonsense street poetry motivated a legion of intelligent rappers while his engaging songwriting skills placed him square in the R&B charts later in his career.


By merging Afro-American social politics with jazz and rhythm and blues Scott-Heron forged the missing link between the beat poets and jazzbos of the 50's and 60's and the rap--hip hop artists of the 90's. The Revolution Will Not Be Televised sparked its own revolt inspiring minorities to utilize the powerful rap medium as their forum for widespread political discussions and within a decade, Scott-Heron's rhythm poetry had melded into the popular culture through groups such as Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Silent for nearly ten years after the release Re-Ron, the proto-rapper revisited the recording music industry in the mid-'90s with a memo for the gangstas who had followed in his footsteps. His 1994 album Spirits began with Message to the Messengers and it was aimed squarely at the rappers whose sway, positive or negative, held deep meaning for the children of the 1990s. He urged them to take accountability in their art and in their community.





Sources:
For a full text of lyric please visit: http://www.msu.edu/~miazgama/TheRevolutionWillNotBeTelevized.htm
Gill Scott Heron - The Revolution Will Not Be Televised:http://www.globaldarkness.com/articles/gill_scott_heron_revolution_willnotbe_televised.htm
Gil Scott-Heron:http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/profiles/scottherongil.shtml
"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" (Gil Scott-Heron) © 1971, 1988 Bienstock Publishing Company (ASCAP)
The Revolution Will Be No Re-Run, Brother - The Revolution Will Be Live:www.exquisitedeadguy.50megs.com/revolutionpaper.html

Monday, December 15, 2008

Holiday Cheer

Hey everyone...

I thought you might enjoy this.








If you don't like singing, here is a picture of my dog in her new jacket.





Happy Holidays!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Syllabus: 12/15 to 12/19

Monday
In class:
· Due: Completed Thesis Outline
· Holiday Party Sign-Up Sheet
· BRING LITERATURE BOOK TO CLASS
· Secular Rhymes and Songs, Ballads and Work Songs
HOMEWORK:
· Due Tomorrow: ROUGH DRAFT, Typed, MLA Format, citations ,etc
· Due Thursday: FINAL DRAFT, Typed, MLA Format, citations , final copy ready, Turn-it-in, etc

Tuesday
In class:
· Due: ROUGH DRAFT,
· Peer Edit! You must have a TYPED rough draft to participate. Otherwise, you will be working on an alternative assignment.
HOMEWORK:
§ Due tomorrow: Read/mark-up/highlight “The History of Jazz” and “The History of Rap”
§ BRING LITERATURE BOOK TO CLASS and Make corrections on rough draft. Final copy due THURSDAY.

Wednesday
In class:
· Due: Read/Mark-up: “History of Jazz/Rap”
· Louis Armstrong
· “(What Did I Do) To Be So Black and Blue”
· “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”
HOMEWORK:
· Due tomorrow: FINAL DRAFT!!

Thursday

In class:
· Due: FINAL DRAFT: both a hard copy and submitted to turn-it-in by start of class
· Grand Master Flash
· Public Enemy
HOMEWORK:
· Due Tomorrow: Finish Class work

Friday

In class:
· Public Enemy
· Queen Latifah
HOMEWORK:
· Due Monday: Song and Journal: Which song represents “your generation” Why and how? What principles or message does this song reflect? How does it connect to this week’s class? You need a line analysis and direct connections to the lyrics. Print a copy of the lyrics along with your explanation.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Reality

Next term, we will be studying South African literature and culture. I will be taking you on my journey through Southern Africa.

Please read this article and think about this during your holiday vacation.


MUGABE...

Get Paid To Go To College!!

CHECK IT OUT (Click here --->) The Princeton Prize in Race Relations

In order to recognize, support, and encourage the young people of our country who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the cause of positive race relations, Princeton University annually sponsors an annual awards program for high school students—the Princeton Prize in Race Relations.

Applications postmarked by January 31 will be eligible for prizes—including cash awards up to $1,000 for particularly noteworthy work.
  • If you are a high school student involved in an activity that is helping to improve race relations in your school or community, we want to hear from you.
  • If you know of a high school student who is helping to improve race relations, please encourage him or her to apply.

Princeton and its alumni recognize that the issue of race relations continues to be one of the most urgent and important challenges facing our country. The Princeton Prize in Race Relations was created to identify and commend young people who are working to increase understanding and mutual respect among all races. Through this effort, we hope to inspire others to join in these or similar efforts, and to undertake initiatives of their own.

Good Luck and take advantage of this opportunity!!!

~Ms. G

TEWWG Essay:

Please use this space (only) as a discussion board for your essay. Feel free to ask questions, post your thesis, ask for feedback, vent, etc.



This is for your peers and you to respond. Help out one another! If I see fit to jump in, then I will help you. If you have a question directly for me, say so in your post or email me.



Good luck.



Ms. Gentile

Thursday, December 11, 2008

BLA GSA Ally Wall

Hey everyone...




I wanted to let you know that I appreciate the time you took today to look at The Ally Wall. It is important to educate each other and to tolerate differences.


I think the wall looks great, but I would love to fill up the entire hallway! If you (or your friends have anything to add, write something and leave it in my mailbox at school. You don't have to put your name; you can sign "anonymous" instead. Or, you can email me something, but indicate if you want your name to be posted or not. Lastly, you can post here in the comments section. If you want to include your name, fine, otherwise, leave it anonymous.


Please use this space to generate positive discussion and do not write slanderous or hate speech on this portion of the blog.


If you have already written something, thank you! If you would like to contribute, then please do!



Ms. Gentile

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Syllabus 12/5 to 12/12

Monday
In class:
Due: ESSAY: Typed, MLA format , no more than TWO pages: Answer the following questions: Is Janie considered a “feminist” why or why not? What are her biggest flaws, why? QUIZ GRADE!
Review and discuss
Discussion questions
HOMEWORK:
Due Tomorrow: Discussion questions from class (will help you with test)
Due Wednesday: Study for TEST: Novel, poetry (Johnson, Cullen, Hughes, McKay), background, Harlem Ren, etc.
Due Thursday: Grammar work: Pages 555 - 558, ex 2 and Review A. Pages 559 - 563, ex 3 and Review B. Pages 574 - 577, Review E and F. Write Out Sentences and follow directions.

Tuesday
In class:
Due: Discussion questions from class
· BRING GRAMMAR/WRITING BOOKS TO CLASS:
· Countee Cullen Poetry
HOMEWORK:
Due tomorrow: STUDY FOR TEST: Novel, poetry (Johnson, Cullen, Hughes, McKay), background, Harlem Ren, etc. Will be true/false, multiple choice, matching, character identification, etc.

Wednesday
In class:
· TEST!
· If you are absent on today, you need to see me during a STUDY hall (Not after school or in class) by the close of school on Friday 12/12
HOMEWORK:
Due tomorrow: Grammar work: Pages 555 - 558, ex 2 and Review A. Pages 559 - 563, ex 3 and Review B. Pages 574 - 577, Review E and F. Write Out Sentences and follow directions.

Thursday
In class:
· DUE: Grammar work
Introduce Writing Assignment
· Thesis workshop
HOMEWORK:
· Due Tomorrow: You must come to class with a Thesis statement.

Friday
In class:
· Due: Thesis Statement
· Create Thesis outline following format and citing specific passages from the test
HOMEWORK:
Due Monday: Completed Thesis Outline
Due Tuesday: ROUGH DRAFT, Typed, MLA Format, citations ,etc.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Fun Opportunities!

Hey everyone...

I received some fun opportunities for all you. Check them out below and if it sounds like something you would be interested in, be sure to follow up! I will try to help you the best I can.

~Ms. G



Teens In Print:
Want to see your name in print? Teens in Print, a citywide newspaper for teens by teens, is looking for articles, reviews, essays, letters, pictures, poems, art, photos, and stories from BPS high school students. Email your original work to: angela.smith.jcs@cityofboston.gov with your full name and age. For information on joining the T.i.P. teen staff, 617-541-2651, http://www.bostontip.com/

SAT VIDEOS:
The MIT Alumni Association is running a nationwide contest in which students compete to create funny, creative sketches teaching SAT vocabulary. They will award up to $600 in prize money to the video that receives the most number of votes from viewers. $200 of the prize will go directly to the winner(s) and $400 to the class or school club chosen by that person. To encourage participation, they will give a contestant 1 free iTunes song for every 5 videos he/she submits or refers (up to the first 1,000 video submissions). Contest starts Jan 1. http://www.brainyflix.com/

826 Boston:
826 Boston is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 7-18 with their creative and expository writing skills and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. They provide drop-in tutoring, after-school workshops, in-school tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications. 826 Boston is also looking for volunteer tutors! 617-442-5400, http://www.826boston.org/


Guitar Lessons:
Teen Guitar Lessons in Harvard Square: Beginning Guitar Classes as part of the Music Speaks program for Grades 9-12. New semester begins Jan 27! Scholarships available. Students who qualify and do not have guitar will be provided a new guitar donated by First Act Guitar Studio to keep upon the successful completion of the course. For information on how to apply for a scholarship, susan@passimcenter.org

Scholarship Contest:
Power of an Idea Scholarship Contest: Boston public high school and Boston charter school students (grades 9-12) get an opportunity to create an invention by taking an idea from concept to creation to patent. The winner of the contest will receive a $15,000 scholarship to be used for tuition and expenses for higher education. Also, as part of the prize package, the winner will receive legal patent services for the winning device, machine or process. Due Jan 6. For rules and other guidelines check out www.burnslev.com/constants/power-of-idea.asp

Get involved!

TEWWG: Study Questions Ch 19 - 20

Chapter 19:

  1. How do the men determine which bodies are white and which are black? What do they do with the corpses once they decide their race? Do you think this is accurate?
  2. The Jim Crow Laws separated black and white in restaurants, rest rooms, transportation, etc. What do you think Tea Cake is saying about God in the following quotation: "'They's mighty particular how dese dead folks goes tuh judgement,' Tea Cake observed to the man working next to him. 'Look lak dey think God don't know nothin' about de Jim Crow Law.'"
  3. Why does Tea Cake decide to go where "de white folks know me"?
  4. What indications are there in the story that both Tea Cake and Janie know Tea Cake has rabies before they send for a doctor?
  5. Find a specific passage in this chapter showing that Janie prays for God's help, but also accepts that the decision over Tea Cake's fate may have already been made.
  6. How are the circumstances of Tea Cake's death an example of irony? How can Tea Cake's death be considered a "blessing" for him?
  7. Why do you think Janie would have preferred having white woman on the jury instead of white men?
  8. How do the black people at the trial demonstrate bigotry toward women?
  9. Why is it significant that Janie attends Tea Cake's funeral in her overalls instead of the expensive clothes she wears at Joe Stark's funeral?
Chapter 20
  1. What is Janie telling Phoeby about love in the following quotation: "Love is lak de sea. It's us movin' thing, but still and all, it takes its shape from de shore it meets, and it's different with every shore."
  2. Find the specific passage stating the two things Janie says people must do for themselves.
  3. In the following passage, indicate what the horizon symbolizes and what does the passage suggest about Janie's plan to live the rest of her life: "She pulled in her horizon like a great fish net. Pulled it from around the waist of the world and draped it over her shoulder. So much of like in its meshes! She called in her soul to come and see."

The Novel as a Whole:
  1. Has Janie changed as a character? Why or why not? Use detail to support your answer.
  2. Explain Hurston's use of race and racism in the novel. How does she show this theme through characters and events. What do you think she is trying to say about this theme?
  3. Hurston also uses Janie to demonstrate one's search for identity and quest to find one's self and to have a voice. Has she successfully done this? why or why not?

Monday, December 1, 2008

World AIDS Day

Here is the article I told you about today in class: Wal-mart and Death?


Now, keep the events of the article in mind and put the following information into perspective.


The 1st of December, World AIDS Day, is the day when individuals and organisations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. While we have come a long ways since 1988, there is still much more to be done. The theme of World AIDS day is to Lead, Empower, and Deliver.




Did you know:




INTERNATIONAL STATISTICS*:

People living with HIV:
33 million people living with HIV worldwide
30.8 million adults
15.5 million women
2.0 million children under 15


New HIV cases in 2007:
2.7 million total new cases
2.3 million adults
370,000 children under 15


HIV-related deaths in 2007:
2.0 million total deaths






HIV BY REGION:



Sub-Saharan Africa
22 million adults and children living with HIV
1.9 million adults and children newly infected with HIV
5 % adult prevalence
1.5 million adult and child deaths due to AIDS




South and South-East Asia
4.2 million adults and children living with HIV
330,000 million adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.3% adult prevalence
340,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS



East Asia
740,000 adults and children living with HIV
51,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.1% adult prevalence
40,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS



Eastern Europe and Central Asia
1.5 million adults and children living with HIV
110,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.8% adult prevalence
58,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS



Caribbean
230,000 adults and children living with HIV
20,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
1.1% adult prevalence
14,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS



Latin America
1.7 million adults and children living with HIV
110,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.5% adult prevalence
63,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS



North America
1.2 million adults and children living with HIV
54,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.6% adult prevalence
23,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS




Western and Central Europe
730,000 adults and children living with HIV
27,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.3% adult prevalence
8,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS



Middle East and North Africa
380,000 adults and children living with HIV
40,000 adults and children newly infected
0.3% adult prevalence
27,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS



*All figures from UNAIDS.




The statistics above are based on documented cases, but what about the ones who don't know?If you are sexually active, please get tested. I encourage you to learn, educate yourself and others. If you can become part of this movement, do so! LEAD, EMPOWER, DELIVER!




~Ms. G

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Syllabus: 12/1 to 12/5

Wow!! It's December already?!?!


Monday
In class:
Due: Read TEEWG ch. 15 – 18/study questions on the Blog.
· Review/analyze
· Listen to chapters 19 – 20 (if I can finally get the CD).
HOMEWORK:
Due Tomorrow: IN WRITING/GRAMMAR BOOKS: Read pages: 664-671 and complete ex: 7 and Posttest Review A/B Write out the sentences CORRECTLY (proper grammar and properly punctuated).
Due Friday: Mckay Chart in Grammar/Writing Books

Due Friday: Read/mark-up article: “I surrender, Dear” (annotate = TAKE NOTES in the margin. More than highlighting). List what you think is the main point of the article.
Due Friday: THEN for a separate QUIZ grade, TYPE a one page MLA formatted response to the article in which you connect what you think Janie’s response would be to the main point.


Tuesday
In class:
· Due: Grammar work pages: 664-671 and complete ex: 7 and Posttest Review A/B Write out the sentences!
· Play Grammar Game Review
HOMEWORK:
Due tomorrow: Finish reading the novel and answer questions on the blog.


Wednesday
In class:
· Due: Ch 19 - 20/questions from blog.
· Novel as a whole: themes, characters, etc.
HOMEWORK:
Due tomorrow: BRING GRAMMAR/WRITING BOOKS TO CLASS.


Thursday

In class:
· Due: BRING GRAMMAR/WRITING BOOKS TO CLASS:
· Poetry from Claude McKay
· Novel as a whole: themes, characters, etc.
HOMEWORK:
· Due Tomorrow: Complete chart (page 372-3 in Grammar/Writing Book)for TWO of the poems by McKay
· Due Tomorrow: Article “I surrender, Dear” mark-up and response.


Friday
In class:
· Due: Poetry chart/Article “I surrender, Dear” mark-up and response.
· Review
· Define “Feminism”
HOMEWORK:
Due Monday: ESSAY: Typed, MLA format , no more than TWO pages: Answer the following questions: Is Janie considered a “feminist” why or why not? What are her biggest flaws, why? QUIZ GRADE!
Due Wednesday: Study for TEST: Poetry, background, Novel, vocabulary, etc.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Beyonce and Janie

Hey everyone...

Today in class, a student made a connection from the class discussion to Beyonce's video "If I Were a Boy." Just curious to know what you think about possible parallels between the situation in the video and Janie's jealousy towards Tea Cake and Nunkie.



I am interested to know what you think and get a discussion started.

~Ms. G

Friday, November 21, 2008

TEWWG Study Questions: Ch 15-18

You do not need to print/write the questions but please number your responses. Be insightful and specific. Use, explain and connect examples from the text. Effort please!


Chapters 15 and 16:
  1. summarize Janie's first experience with Jealousy.
  2. Why is Mrs. Turner drawn to Janie?
  3. Tea Cake orders Janie to stop associating with Mrs. Turner. Why doesn't it work?

Chapters 17 and 18:
  1. Compare/contrast Janie's social status on the muck with her social status in Eatonville.
  2. Explain Tea Cake's motivation for striking Janie.
  3. Summarize Tea Cake's plot to get the Turners off the muck.
  4. State and Explain Tea Cake's reaction to the approaching hurricane.
  5. Explain the significane of the phrase "thier eyes were watching God as used in the chapter.
  6. Detail Janie's encounter with the mad dog during the hurricane.

Syllabus: 11/24 to 11/28

*If you missed the Quiz from last week, you must see me by the close of school on TUESDAY. Otherwise, you will earn a zero.

Monday

In class:
Due: Read TEWWG ch 13-14 and answer questions.
Review (possible listen on CD if I get it by then)
HOMEWORK:
Due Tomorrow: IN LITERATURE BOOKS: Read Emily Dickinson’s poem “Because I could not stop for Death” on page: 364 and answer questions # ‘s 1 – 10 on page 365.
THEN write a full page (no more/less: typed = one, written = one front/back) comparing/contrasting Hurston’s personification and view of Death with Dickinson’s. Be sure to cite directly from the novel AND the poem – direct text to text connections. This is a QUIZ GRADE.
Due Monday: Read TEEWG ch 15 – 18/study questions on the Blog. Be prepared for a QUIZ!!!



Tuesday
In class:
· Due: Emily Dickinson Poem/One page essay on Death: Hurston vs. Dickinson.
· Read/Analyze Poetry by Langston Hughes
HOMEWORK:
Due Monday: Read TEEWG ch 15 – 18/study questions on the Blog. Be prepared for a QUIZ!!!
Due Tuesday: IN WRITING/GRAMMAR BOOKS: Read pages: 664-671 and complete ex: 7 and Posttest Review A/B Write out the sentences CORRECTLY (proper grammar and properly punctuated).



Wednesday

Half Day
SPIRIT DAY!



Thursday

TURKEY and STOVE TOP!!

Friday

Enjoy your mini – vacation and see you Monday!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

All Must Have Prizes

Hey all...


I have been reading studies concerning educational practices for "winners" or those who are successfully meeting standards compared to those who are "losers" or again, those who are failing and not meeting expectations in the educational system.

I found this blurb comparing/contrasting Vietnamese and American education. I thought some of your would like to read it. If you would like to leave your opinion as well, feel free to start a discussion.

Click here: All Must Have Prizes


Enjoy!

~Ms. G

TEWWG Study Questions: Chapters 13 - 14

You do not need to print/write the questions but please number your responses. Be insightful and specific. Use, explain and connect examples from the text. Effort please!

Chapters 13 - 14:

  1. When Tea Cake "disappears" what does he take with him and how does Janie react? Do you think her reaction is accurate or is she over reacting?
  2. What does Tea Cake go and what does he do with Janie's money?
  3. What reason does Tea Cake give for not taking Janie to his party? Describe Janie's reaction to this.
  4. Define "the Muck" and describe Tea Cake's attraction to it.
  5. Tea Cake asks Janie to work in the field with him and Janie is happy to do so. Contrast her reaction with specific and similar situations within her previous marriages.
  6. In your opinion, how has Janie changed or has she changed at all? Explain and use specific instances from the novel.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Syllabus: 11/17 - 11/21

Monday

In class:
§ Due: Read TEWWG ch 7 -8 and answer questions/passage analysis.
§ Pass out vocabulary
§ Listen ch 9 – 10
HOMEWORK:
§ Due Tomorrow: Finish reading ch 9 – 10 and be prepared to answer questions/pop quiz J
§ Due Wednesday: Read and answer questions 11 – 12
§ Due Thursday: Quiz ch 1 – 10 and vocab
§ Due Friday: Read/Mark-up essay and complete a thesis outline of “Merry Hallomas” and Extra Credit Assignment and an example is posted on the board

Tuesday
In class:
· Due: Finish reading ch 9 – 10
HOMEWORK:
§ Due Tomorrow: Finish reading ch 11 and 12/questions

Wednesday
In class:
§ Due: Finish reading ch 11 and 12/questions
§ Review
HOMEWORK:
· Due tomorrow: Study for quiz

Thursday

In class:
§ Due: Quiz
HOMEWORK:
· Due Tomorrow: Read/mark-up/outline “Merry Hallomas” and Extra Credit

Friday

In class:
· Due: Read/mark-up/outline “Merry Hallomas” and Extra Credit
· Workshop on thesis outlining
HOMEWORK:
· Due Monday: Read Ch 13 – 14/questions will be posted on the blog

Friday, November 14, 2008

Extra Credit

For this assignment, research the origins and evolution of a slang word. This word must be an appropriate and commonly used slang word.

You must include:


  • This assignment is in the form of a small poster (I want to hang these up).
  • Poster must be in color, easy to read, labeled an explained. How you choose to set it up is up to you. Basically: Make it pretty (paint, crayons, magazines, etc. Show your artistic and creative abilities!).
  • Compose a 350 -500 word TYPED explanation of what the word is, what it means, from which word was it derived and how this word evolved into its current meaning.
  • MLA formatted bibliography on the back of you poster.
  • All criteria must be met for up to 10 extra points on a TEST. This can bump your final grade up substantially!

DUE: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21. NO EXCEPTIONS!!

Must Love Dogs

A bit of random fun for you...

Since you know how much I love dogs, it should come as no surprise that I am obsessed with this website. These puppies are too cute and I can't stop watching them. I thought I would share it with you, especially my fellow dog lovers.

Check it out: Puppy Web Cam

Enjoy!

~Ms. G

Monday, November 10, 2008

TEWWG Study Questions: Chapters 5 - 8

Hey everyone...

Instead of printing out a list of questions for you, I have posted them here. You do not need to copy them down, but number them and answer in complete sentences.

Ch. 5:
  1. What does Joe Starks do that surprises the townspeople? How do the men react to Janie?
  2. How does Janie feel about being the mayor's wife?
  3. Support the following statement: "But any man who walks in the way of power and property is bound to meet hate."
  4. Explain: "Ah often wonder how dat lit wife uh hisn makes out wid him, 'cause he's uh man dat changes everything, but nothin' don't change him." What does the following quotation suggest is wrong with Janie's and Joe's relationship?

Ch 6:
  1. Why is the mule talk in front of the store frustrating and entertaining for Janie?
  2. What prompts Joe to insist that Janie wear a rag over her hair?
  3. How does Joe explain the odd spectacle of the dead mule on his back with his feet sticking up in the air?
  4. Why is Janie excluded from the Mule's funeral?
  5. Local color is defined as details and descriptions common to a certain place. Some critics point out Hurston presents the local color of the black community through the stories told on the front porch of the store. Find and example of local color in this chapter and include the page number, and explain what is learned about the community from the stories.
  6. What event in Janie's marriage convinces her that Joe isn't the wonderful man she thought she was marrying? How does she survive in the marriage without losing her identity?
  7. At the end of the chapter, Janie finally speaks her mind. According to Janie, what is God's opinion of women? How does she think he will judge men's behavior toward women?

Ch 7 and 8:

  1. Why does Joe start hassling Janie about her age?
  2. What does Janie say to Joe in front of his friends that humiliates him? What does he do to retaliate?
  3. In chapter 8, cite a quotation illustrating how HUrston uses personification to describe death.
  4. What does Janie tell her husband just before he dies?
  5. How does Janie symbolically express her freedom from Joe after his death?
  6. Support or refute the following: Joe Starks is a static character. Use evidence from the text to support your opinion.

Journal: Same or Different?

Respond to the following question. Draw upon personal experience and use specific situation to advocate your point of view. Respond, dispute, or agree and elaborate on the responses of your peers. Please, no repeats: use your own head and thoughts!

What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of a homogeneous environment? What makes you think so? Recall or describe certain positive or negative instances and the possibilities or outcomes as a result. How does this relate to TEWWG? Use specific textual references.

REMEMBER: Post in the appropriate comment section, include your name and section. The "no name = no credit" rule still applies. Must be posted by the start of class on Thursday.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Syllabus: 11/10 - 11/14

Monday
In class:
§ Due: read TEWWG chapters 1-4
§ Questions/passage analysis
HOMEWORK:
§ Due Wednesday: Finish class work
§ Due Wednesday: IN LITERATURE BOOK: read/notes on pages 680-1. Then, read “Go Down Death” on page 681-683. Answer # 4-7 AND “A Critical response” #2 a-f. Write in complete sentence, with effort, and make sure you “analyze.”
§ Due Thursday: Blog assignment: Journal Response/Peer response on blog.
§ Due Friday: read Ch 5-6/Passage analysis/questions

Tuesday
NO SCHOOL :)

Wednesday
In class:
§ Due: Ch 1-4 questions/passages AND “Go Down Death”
§ BRING GRAMMAR/WRITING BOOK TO CLASS.
§ Complete assigned grammar practice in your books. WRITE OUT SENTENCES!
HOMEWORK:
· Due tomorrow: Blog Journal by the start of class in order to earn credit!
· Friday: read Ch 5-6/Passage analysis/questions

Thursday
In class:
§ Due: Blog journal
§ BRING GRAMMAR/WRITING BOOK TO CLASS.
§ Complete assigned grammar practice in your books. WRITE OUT SENTENCES!
HOMEWORK:
Due Tomorrow: read Ch 5-6/Passage analysis/questions

Friday
In class:
· Due: read Ch 5-6/Passage analysis/questions
· Review
HOMEWORK:
· Due Monday: Read TEWWG ch 7 -8, passage analysis.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Syllabus: 11/3 to 11/7

I hope you had a fantastic weekend and a safe Halloween. Just a reminder: If you did not take the Romanticism Test, you must see me during your study hall by Wednesday!

Monday

In class:
· BRING LITERATURE BOOKS TO CLASS
· Vernacular
HOMEWORK:
§ Due tomorrow: Markup article (change of plans because I didn’t get a chance to pass out the article to section C, therefore ALL CLASSES please complete for tomorrow)

Tuesday

In class:
· Due: Read/mark up article “White’s Great Hope” and create a thesis outline
· Pass out Their Eyes were Watching God (TEWWG)
· Review Article and thesis outline
·
HOMEWORK:
§ For those of you who can vote: exercise your right!
§ Due Tomorrow: Read/Mark-up background info on Hurston

Wednesday

In class:
§ Due: Read/mark-up background info.
§ Webquest/background info: report to class then we will go to the computer lab
HOMEWORK:
· Due tomorrow: Continue to work on webquest

Thursday

In class:
· Go Directly to room 222 and work on your webquest.
HOMEWORK:
· Due Tomorrow: Webquest: FINAL COPY READY Use email, phone calls, AIM, to communicate with your partners (remember: emails are located on the blog too…use your resources and SOLVE THE PROBLEM!).

Friday

In class:
· Due: Webquest
· Review
HOMEWORK:
· Due Monday: read TEWWG chapters 1-4

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Syllabus 10/27 to 10/31

Happy Halloween!!
Don't forget your costumes on Friday!
$5 donation at main entrance...
Wait until you see Ms. G's costume :)


Monday
In class:
· Due: “want vs. need” sheet and journal.
· In class: Term 1 evaluation
HOMEWORK:
§ Finish evaluation
§ Due Thursday: Quickie Test: Romanticism/Transcendentalism

Tuesday
In class:
· Due: Evaluation
· BRING LITERATURE BOOKS TO CLASS
· Pass out Their Eyes were Watching God (TEWWG)
· Poetry: Longfellow/Holmes/Whitman/Dickenson
HOMEWORK:
§ Due Tomorrow: Finish classwork assignment of selected poems and questions.

Wednesday
In class:
§ Due: Classwork: selected poems and questions
§ BRING LITERATURE BOOK TO CLASS!!

§ Background information on Edgar Allen Poe
§ Read Annabel Lee and El Dorado
HOMEWORK:
· Due tomorrow: In Literature Books read: “The Fall of the House of Usher”
· Study for Quiz!


Thursday
In class:
· Romanticism/Transcendentalism Test! (First test for term 2)
· Review “House of Usher”
HOMEWORK:
· Due Tomorrow: “House of Usher" Questions pg 246 #1-10

Friday
In class:
· Due: "House of Usher" Questions
· History of Halloween Slideshow
· HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Prizes for dressing up!
HOMEWORK:
· Due Monday: Read/mark up article;
· Bring Literature Books to class: American Dialects/Vernacular
· Due Tuesday: Bring TEWWG book to class for background information on author and novel.

Fun Fact:Halloween is Ms. Gentile's FAVORITE holiday...

Friday, October 24, 2008

Want Vs. Need

Please post your response in the comments section.

Using the list you completed in class, assess those needs by placing them in the chart of "need" or "but I want it."

Using both lists and today's class discussion, please write a response below. This should be insightful and indicative of effort. Consider the following in your response:

What did you learn?
Could you simplify your life? Why or Why not?
What would you have changed from the lists in class? Why?
With what did you agree or disagree from the class discussion?
What do you think this exercise indicated about our society?
How do conveniences and luxuries become necessities?

Do your best and I am excited to read your responses! I enjoyed class today! Well done!

Remember: this must be posted by the start of class on Monday and I will be collecting your chart from Friday's classwork.

~Ms. G

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Reminder for TSL Essay

Juniors:

This is a reminder: You need to submit your essay to turn-it-in.com AND give me a hard copy. I have said this repeatedly in class.

If it is not submitted on turn-it-in, I will not grade it, even if you have given me the hard copy. Subsequently, you will earn a zero for your grade.

Remember: Grades close on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24th.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Syllabus: 10/20 - 10/24

October 20th to October 24th

Monday
In class:
Due: turnitin paragraph
Slideshow: Romantic Art/Transcendentalism
HOMEWORK:
Due TOMORROW: ESSAY!!!! AND TURNITIN.

Tuesday
In class:
Due: Essay
BRING TSL NOVELS TO CLASS (collection)
BRING LITERATURE BOOKS TO CLASS
Walden Survey
Read “Self-Reliance”
HOMEWORK:
Due Tomorrow:
Answer question #1 under the “Creative Response” section. This will be a quiz grade for term 2.
ALSO transcendentalism today: essay response!!
Bring a Blanket/towel to class. Dress warm b/c we will be going outside to experience nature :)


Wednesday

DUE:Creative Response in Lit. Book/Transcendentalism response

In class:
Come to class with a jacket and something to sit on outside.
Meet in the room so I can take attendance. Tardy students hold up the entire class!
HOMEWORK:
Due tomorrow: Read background information on Thoreau and read “Walden” pgs 204-224 and answer questions 1-6


Thursday
In class:
BRING LITERATURE BOOKS TO CLASS
Due: Thoreau Info/Walden/Questions
Review
HOMEWORK:
Due Tomorrow:
Page 225:complete #3 under “A Critical response”


Friday
In class:
Due: Critical Response/BRING LITERATURE BOOKS TO CLASS
Want. Vs. Need
HOMEWORK:
Due Monday:
Want vs. Need journal ON BLOG along with worksheet
BRING LITERATURE BOOKS TO CLASS


Bring binders AT ALL TIMES!!
NO LATE ESSAYS.
NO exceptions! This is a test grade!

Remember: it is YOUR responsibility to check the blog for assignments

Monday, October 13, 2008

Let's Get Started!

Hey guys...

In order to get this blog up and running, I need to put in a TON of time getting it set up properly. In order for me to do that, I need your complete cooperation. This blog will be anonymous and only viewed by the class, but I need to send you all an invitation. Please follow the directions below so I can do that.

At the end of this blog, there is a "comments" section; this is where you post all of your comments for discussion, questions about the syllabus, or asking for insight from your peers. For this assignment, you need to go to this "comments" section and post the following:

  • Create a new comment by locating the "Name/URL" button on the right hand side of the comment section. This is located under "Create and Identity."
  • You MUST use your FIRST AND LAST name for this.
  • Then, post your email address below. This is where I will send you an invitation to participate in the blog.
  • Include your section as well.I have done an example for you.

You must have this completed by the start of class on Thursday. Please inform me of any problems.

Thanks!

Welcome Students!

Welcome!You have been invited to pioneer a new form of classroom discussion. We will be holding discussions about current events and other issues related to our English curriculum. These threaded discussions will allow you to investigate an issue, form your own commentary, and react to others’ comments on a number of issues. While it is important to continue to improve interpersonal and public speaking skills, this is a great way for those of you who, for whatever reason, are reluctant to participate in class to voice your ideas.

For security purposes, only students in my classes will be allowed to participate in the discussion. This way I can regulate what people post. It is crucial that you DO NOT post profanity, slanderous comments, or any other offensive remarks Your posts will be graded and ALL posts must focus solely on the issue under discussion.

IMPORTANT! Posts will be closely monitored. If you choose to post anything that I deem irresponsible, nonacademic, or offensive you will be suspended from the discussion board, receive zeros for all of the remaining discussions, and be subject to further punishment.When posting, please reply to the post, not create a new one.

I will email you an exclusive invitation to the discussion board. To access the discussion board go to the following website:http://www.englishmsgentile.blogspot.com/