Thursday, December 20, 2007

12-20/21 2007 Sword Fighting


Lesson:
We performed Othello 2.3
We had a lesson on stage fighting. It was fun.

HMWK:
Have a fun break
Read 3.3
Quiz when you return to class after break

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Othello Log Entries 1-6

Log 1:1) Why do Iago, Roderigo, and Brabantio hate the man they are discussing?
2. What reasons does Iago give for continuing to follow his master?
3. What kind of person do you except the man they discuss to be? How do you imagine him? Count the number of times the word “Moor” is used in 1.1. Can you draw any conclusions?

Log 2:In addition to your log entry, do this free-writing exercise. Write about a time when you resented someone who received an honor you were hoping to get. How did you feel about the person who received it, and how did you feel about the one who chose the other person instead of you?

Log 3:Describe Othello as you see him in your imagination. Say which actor, or type of actor, you would choose to play the role. Find a picture on-line or in a magazine that resembles your idea of Othello, or draw your own.
Iago swears in line 38 “By Janus.” Janus is a Roman two-faced god. Give examples of Iago’s two-faced behavior. How might an actor convey this?

Log 4: Othello word search

Log 5:Write in your log….your choice. Use the opposite pages with activities for some guidance. Any of these activities will work!!


Log 6: Othello Objective Sheet

Othello Objective Sheet

Name:_______________________

Othello Objectives
Total Points: _____/ 20

1. A character’s objective is what he or she is after in that scene—the goal. If he/she doesn’t reach it one way, they will try another. After each attempt, there is a “beat change” , a shifting of gears. When the character achieves their objective, there is a beat change, after which he/she has a new objective. A character’s “superobjective” is what he/she means to have by the end of the play.

In bold and simple terms, state the superobjective beneath each of these characters.


Iago Othello Desdemona Cassio




With your partner(s), read 2.1.163 (Beginning with the stage direction where Cassio takes Desdemona’s hand) through 2.1204 (“Once more, well meet at Cyprus). Write down each characters objective in this scene. How should the characters be staged? Write down at least three stage directions for each character.


Iago Othello Desdemona Cassio







With your partner(s), do a round robin reading of 2.1.205-266

1. Read round robin to hear the words, stopping at periods, question marks, exclamation points, and semi-colons.
2. Paraphrase and answer questions about the language. Find out what’s happening?
3. Cast and read again, this time in parts.
4. If needed, cut some lines, but only to make the scene clearer. Double up parts or split them in two if you’d like.
5. Get on your feet and add movement. Let the words on the page be your guide.
6. Rehearse until you can communicate the scene to an audience.

2. Roderigo is at first astonished when Iago tells him that Desdemona is in love with Casssio. How does Iago convince him? Use the text to back up your opinion.




Split the Soliloquy
Two people in your group should alternate lines of Iago’s soliloquy (2.1.267-293) alternating sentences.

3. What does Iago mean when he says of Desdemona “Now, I do love her too”? Explain why you think this.






4. Do you believe Iago when he says, “I fear Cassio with my nightcap too”? Why or why not? Back with evidence from the text.






5. Has anyone noticed particular lines in 2.1 that add to, or change, the impression given so far of any character’s personality?




6. Compare Iago’s soliloquy hear with his soliloquy you paraphrased at the end of 1.3. How has Iago’s motive changed? What is he most focused on at this point? Use specific lines to back your thoughts.







7. Critics have referred to Iago’s “motiveless malignity”. Do you agree that Iago’s “malignity” is fundamentally without a motive?








Extra Credit: Paraphrase, line by line, Iago’s speech starting at 2.1.267. Use your own paper.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Othello Word Search

Names:________________
Othello Word Search

soul honest, honesty heaven, heavenly whore, strumpet
hell love damn, damnation monster
faith hate Moor devil
handkerchief jealous, jealousy

You and your seat partner will be assigned a word form the above list. Note below the line in which the word appears, line number, and who says it in the play thus far. Notice who uses the word—or group of words—most and to pay attention to how various characters use it. Record anything you notice in the space below and on the back if necessary.

Then, at the end of your search come to some conclusion about the cumulative effect of the word and what theme its repetition develops.

For a good example of how this is done read “No Cloven Hooves” by Doris Adler with your partner (no, you do not have to write a six page essay but a page will be good).
Write this analysis for your log entry for tonight and finish reading Act 1, scene 3.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

O Brother Study Guide

Name:
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Viewing Guide

1. List at least 3 specific characters in the film (other than Ulysses Everett and his family) who could be seen as parallels to characters in The Odyssey. List both the film character and their Homeric parallel, then explain why you think they can be seen as parallels.

Character in Film: Character in Odyssey: Reason:
1. ____________________ ______________________ ______________________________

2. ____________________ ______________________ ______________________________

3. ____________________ ______________________ ______________________________


2. Describe Ulysses’ character in the film. What is he like as a person? Give a few specific examples to explain your reasoning. How is he similar and/or different from Odysseus’ character in The Odyssey?







3. How does Penny’s treatment of Ulysses during his absence contrast with the way Penelope acts in The Odyssey while Odysseus is gone?






4. In the film, Ulysses lies to Pete and Delmar, letting them think there is a real treasure. How is this similar to the way Odysseus acts toward his men in The Odyssey? Which one is worse, do you think?







5. How does Ulysses feel about spirituality and faith in the film? Are his feelings proven to be valid in the end? How does this compare with the way Odysseus felt toward the gods in The Odyssey?

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

My Hero

Literature and the Arts Name:_________________
My Hero
Using the essay organizing skills we have been developing in class, write a short paper (about 250-500 words) on someone you consider to be a hero and describe what your choice says about you.
(Points will be lost for not being typed, double-spaced, and having 12 point font)

Grade will be based on:
Ideas and Content (clear thesis, topic sentences, examples): ____/10
Organization: (well organized with an intro, transitions, conclusion): ____/5
Word Choice/ Voice: (professional and appropriate, creative) ___/10
Conventions/ Sentence Fluency (grammar and spelling correct, paper flows) ____/5

Total: ____/30

Monday, October 22, 2007

blank outline

Name(s): _______________________________________ School: _________ Section: _________
I. H. S. Writing Guide: Expository Writing Outline: _________ Persuasive Writing Outline: ___________

TOPIC:_________________________________________________________________________
I. Introduction
A. Attention getter and short background: ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

B. Thesis _____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

II. Transition and TOPIC SENTENCE A: First supporting argument, illustration or piece of evidence in support of your thesis

Supporting details: Provide specifics about the paragraph A topic. (include a cited passage)
1.
2.

3.

4.

III. Transition and TOPIC SENTENCE B: Second supporting argument, illustration or piece of evidence in support of your thesis


Supporting details: Provide specifics about the paragraph B topic. (include a cited passage)
1.

2.
3.

4.


IV. Transition and TOPIC SENTENCE C: Third supporting argument, illustration or piece of evidence in support of your thesis


Supporting details: Provide specifics about the paragraph C topic. (include a cited passage)
1.
2.


3.
4.

V. Conclusion: Write a thoughtful, original, creative summary, rewording, or review of your thesis. Be careful to avoid introducing any new ideas as this is a restatement of what you have already proven!
A. Transition and echo of thesis____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

B. Remind reader of three main points______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

C. End interestingly with an application for your reader_________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

VI. TITLE: The last thing you need to do is create a title. An example of a title for an expository essay:
Love and Loyalty on the Homefront: A Comparison of Penelope in The Odyssey
and Penny in O’ Brother, Where Art Thou?
Or, if you are writing a persuasive essay:
The Romans: Why Military Expansion Led to Their Downfall
Your Title
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The focus of this paper may be on one or more of the following writing conventions,

_____ Introduction (writing "hooks" as part of the introduction)
_____ Writing conclusions (do new ideas ever fit here?)
_____ Thesis development (the key to any writing)
_____ Citations (the when, where, and how of citing in MLA style)
_____ Integrating quotes (provide clear signal phrases that include author’s name)
_____ How to paraphrase (retelling information in roughly the same number of words)
_____ Voice: writing for the proper audience (writing “voice” changes based on your audience)
_____ Writing effective titles (sets the tone. Your reader’s first impression is formed)
_____ Rewriting and editing (the importance of proof-reading and fixing mistakes)
_____ Conventions: Grammar and syntax (the key to your paper making sense)

Friday, October 19, 2007

Homeric Similes

Name:
Date:
Fun With Homeric Similes

Homeric (or epic) simile: an extended comparison, usually of a person to an inanimate object or animal.

Assignment: Using the list below, create 2 of your own Homeric similes. For each one, choose one person from List A and one object/animal from List B to compare the person to. Remember to make your comparison long and detailed!

Here’s a helpful formula (but you can do it differently if you’d prefer):
1. Start with “As” or “Like”
2. Describe the way the object or animal would look/act, set off with commas
3. Say “so too,” then describe the way the person would look/act in a similar way

Examples:

As a flag flaps in the breeze, clumsily twisting and flopping without rhyme or reason, so too Mr. Kostechka attempted to dance the tango, making a total idiot of himself.

Like a bunch of dirty pigeons, scratching mindlessly in the dirt for anything they can find, my IHS teachers try to peck out the insides of my soul with their talk of symbolism, butcher paper, and “creative projects.”

List A (People) List B (objects/animals)
Paris Hilton smelly sock
Johnny Depp hamsters
George W. Bush pancakes
Mr. Kostechka monkey
Bill Clinton tiger
IHS teachers (or students) pigeons
Boys unicorns
Girls ice cream
Homer knife
Madonna roller skate
Ryan Seacrest Play Doh

Your Similes:

1. ___________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

2.. ___________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Monday, October 15, 2007

Odyssey Character Chart

Characters in The Odyssey (The formatting is all weird on this so pick up an extra copy in class. You can use this for a list of characters to find out about on-line)

Alcinous Circe (witch) Calypso
Odysseus Polyphemus Zeus
Agamemnon Sirens Apollo
Laertes Scylla Poseidon
Perimedes Charybdis Athena
Eurylochus Crocus
Tiresias Persephone
Telemachus Lampetia
Eumaeus Hermes
Antinous
Eurynome
Penelope
Eurymachus
Amphinomous
Menalaus and Helen

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Character Invite- Poseidon

Name:________________________
TOGA! TOGA! TOGA!

You are invited to a toga party next class. We will provide some finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills and find a fitting costume (a simple toga/ bed sheet will do for the unimaginative). You must transform into a character from The Odyssey. Feel free to bring Greek snacks (dolmas, pita chips, tzatziki, falafel, etc) and beverages to class.

Specific Instructions

1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the toga party begins.

Poseidon
You are Zeus’s brother. You are god of the sea and the earth. You are moody. Your temper can be as violent as the seas you rule. When you shake your trident, leaping waves flood the land. Your nickname is “Earth Shaker” because you are believed to cause earthquakes. You hate your brother Zeus and are annoyed with the mortal Odysseus whom other gods seem to favor.

2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.

3. Brief Prediction

As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!

Q: What are some roadblocks you can put in Odysseus’s path that will not kill him but frustrate your brother Zeus and his daughter Athena who both seem to like him?

Character Invite-Telemachus

Name:________________________
TOGA! TOGA! TOGA!

You are invited to a toga party next class. We will provide some finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills and find a fitting costume (a simple toga/ bed sheet will do for the unimaginative). You must transform into a character from The Odyssey. Feel free to bring Greek snacks (dolmas, pita chips, tzatziki, falafel, etc) and beverages to class.

Specific Instructions

1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the toga party begins.


Telemachus
You are Odysseus’s son and a prince. As an infant, you were placed in front of your father’s plow as a test of your father’s pretended madness (he was afking to get out of going to war). He did not plow over you and that was how they knew he was not mad. You haven’t seen your father since you were an infant and want him to come home. You have spent a great deal of time searching for him to no avail. You live with your mother who has been inundated with suitors who are hanging around the house to marry her since they believe she is a widow. These suitors are spending all of your inheritance on parties and food.

2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.

3. Brief Prediction

As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!

Q: You discover your father is alive, what will you do to get rid of the suitors that are hanging around your mother’s house?

Character Invite- Penelope

Name:________________________
TOGA! TOGA! TOGA!

You are invited to a toga party next class. We will provide some finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills and find a fitting costume (a simple toga/ bed sheet will do for the unimaginative). You must transform into a character from The Odyssey. Feel free to bring Greek snacks (dolmas, pita chips, tzatziki, falafel, etc) and beverages to class.

Specific Instructions

1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the toga party begins.

Penelope
You are Odysseus’s faithful wife. Since Odysseus has been gone you are considered a wealthy and desirable widow. You have many suitors who hang out at your house and are sucking away your money because, as a widow with suitors, you are obliged to entertain them. This is costly and cutting into your son, Telemachus’s inheritance. Although you have many suitors, you hold them off by claiming you have sewing to do for your father-in-law. You are faithfully awaiting the return of your love, Odysseus. The only character in the house as faithful as you is Argos, Odysseus’s old dog.


2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.

3. Brief Prediction

As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!

Q: You find out Odysseus is still alive, what do you do to explain why you have so many strange men (suitors) hanging out at your house?

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Peer editing sheets

SHORT STORY PEER REVISION
Name of author:________________________Title of Story:_____________________
Name of editor:_________________________
Plot with Conflict (ideas and content, organization)

1. Rewrite the first sentence here:____________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Does the first sentence make the reader want to read on? What technique do they use for an effective beginning?



How might this be improved?


Provide an example of a rewritten beginning (at least two sentences).


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________

2. Is the rest of the paragraph equally as gripping? Did it start in the “middle of things”? If yes, what was done exceptionally well? If not, what can be done to improve it?




3. List the external conflict(s) in the story.



Are there too many external conflicts for a three-page story? Is it too complex to slow down the action and fit the three-page limit? Explain.



Does the conflict involve a power struggle of some sort? Explain this struggle.

4. List the internal conflicts of the story.






5. Are there any internal or external conflicts the writer could add or elaborate on to increase suspense? Give at least one suggestion to raise the stakes.



6. Quote two passages that set up the conflict in the story.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


7. Are the conflict and plot (what happens) realistic? Do you believe it could happen?

Is it an original idea or is it too familiar?

What could be changed to make it more realistic or original?




8. What is the climax of the story (the most exciting part or turning point) of the story)?


How does the author slow it down? (provide specific examples of at least 2 techniques they use to slow this down).




9. What did the author do really well with the climax?




How could the climax be improved?



10. Should the story be cut? Mark any unnecessary or redundant information.




11. Is there a section of writing that does not relate to our conflict or climax?



Does it need more information? Where?





SHORT STORY PEER REVISION
Name of author:________________________Title of Story:_____________________
Name of editor:_________________________
CHARACTERS (ideas and content/ word choice/ voice)

1. Who is the main character of the story? Is the character realistic? Did the author go beyond stereotyping?

Describe this character in a short paragraph.








2. How do you know these details about the character? Did the writer avoid telling/ explaining the character? If not, point out places where the “telling” occurs.

How does the writer show (not simply tell) the character to the reader (through actions, dialogue, setting, interactions, etc.)?

Give two details from the story where the writer shows something about the character.






3. What are some sensory details the author could add to show more about the main character?




4. What is the character’s external conflict (or conflicts)?





5. What are the character’s internal conflicts?

6. Should anything be added to the character’s internal conflicts that fit the character’s personality? What would you suggest?

7. Does the main character speak? Do other characters speak? Where could dialogue be added to give characters a voice?



SETTING (ideas and content/ word choice/ voice)

1. Is there a sense of setting at the start of the story (within the first two paragraphs)? Quote two sentences that show the reader where the story takes place.





2. Did the writer avoid telling (explaining) the setting? If not, point out places where the telling occurs. If they showed the setting, write down examples of how they did this here.






3. Should there be more concrete details about the setting? Are sensory words used (sight, taste, smell, sound, touch)? Give an example for each of the senses where the writer explored these. Then, after the example, provide another way they could have described the setting.
Author’s example Editor’s example
SIGHT:


TASTE:


SMELL:


SOUND:


TOUCH:


4. Does the author create an emotional landscape? What emotion is being carried throughout the story? How does the author do this? If they are not doing this, what can they add or change to create this?






SHORT STORY PEER REVISION
Name of author:________________________Title of Story:_____________________
Name of editor:_________________________
SYNTAX (conventions, sentence fluency, and voice)


1. Are the sentences interesting? What makes them interesting? Provide a specific example in this space and explain why it’s interesting. Mark specific instances where you think the author has done a good job or needs to improve on their paper.



Give an example and mark specific instances where you think the author needs to improve.



2. Are there a variety of sentence lengths (short and long)?


3. Do the paragraphs flow and fit together? Are paragraphs indented?


4. Does the author indent each new speaker when using dialog?



5. Are there complete sentences? Mark where the author needs to improve and give suggestions.



6. Is the spelling, punctuation, and capitalization correct? Mark directly on their draft where changes need to be made.




7. Is the story written in the same tense (past, present) or does it switch?


8. What is the author’s voice (serious, funny casual, etc)?


Is it consistent throughout the story? If not, explain where it changes.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Self edit sheet for power story

Self Edit Sheet Name:

1. Is your story centered around one short event or moment? Yes/No


What is the event?


How do you foreshadow this event in your introduction?


2. What is your central conflict? Did you remember to include an internal conflict? (Explain)



3. Explain how you have structured your story to move toward a climax and resolution (create a narrative chart for your story).



Exposition-----------Conflict-------------------Climax-------------------Resolution







4. Is your climax related to your central conflict? (Yes/ No) How does it relate or how will you fix it?



5. What introduction strategy do you use (Description, dialogue, middle of action, etc)? Is it gripping?




6. What does your exposition establish (What do I know 3/4 of a page into your story)?




7. Write one good description in your story and circle it in your rough draft?
8. Write one description that needs work and underline it in your rough draft. Workshop it here.

A. Original description from your story:


B. Less conventional description:


C. Another less conventional description:



9. List three details you show about your main character in the first page of your story. Write the description and then say what it shows the reader.
A.

B.

C.

10. Write a sentence here from your story that shows the mood and/or setting of your story.


Is it specific? Yes/ No

Is it cliché? Yes/ No

What can be done to give it more depth?

Friday, September 28, 2007

Blank Outline

Name(s): _______________________________________ School: _________ Section: _________
I. H. S. Writing Guide: Expository Writing Outline: _________ Persuasive Writing Outline: ___________

TOPIC:_________________________________________________________________________
I. Introduction
A. Attention getter and short background: ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

B. Thesis & Blueprint____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

II. Transition and TOPIC SENTENCE A: First supporting argument, illustration or piece of evidence in support of your thesis

Supporting details: Provide specifics about the paragraph A topic. (include a cited passage)
1.
2.

3.

4.

III. Transition and TOPIC SENTENCE B: Second supporting argument, illustration or piece of evidence in support of your thesis


Supporting details: Provide specifics about the paragraph B topic. (include a cited passage)
1.

2.
3.

4.


IV. Transition and TOPIC SENTENCE C: Third supporting argument, illustration or piece of evidence in support of your thesis


Supporting details: Provide specifics about the paragraph C topic. (include a cited passage)
1.
2.


3.
4.

V. Conclusion: Write a thoughtful, original, creative summary, rewording, or review of your thesis. Be careful to avoid introducing any new ideas as this is a restatement of what you have already proven!
A. Transition and echo of thesis____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

B. Remind reader of three main points______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

C. End interestingly with an application for your reader_________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

VI. TITLE: The last thing you need to do is create a title. An example of a title for an expository essay:
Love and Loyalty on the Homefront: A Comparison of Penelope in The Odyssey
and Penny in O’ Brother, Where Art Thou?
Or, if you are writing a persuasive essay:
The Romans: Why Military Expansion Led to Their Downfall
Your Title
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The focus of this paper may be on one or more of the following writing conventions,

_____ Introduction (writing "hooks" as part of the introduction)
_____ Writing conclusions (do new ideas ever fit here?)
_____ Thesis development (the key to any writing)
_____ Citations (the when, where, and how of citing in MLA style)
_____ Integrating quotes (provide clear signal phrases that include author’s name)
_____ How to paraphrase (retelling information in roughly the same number of words)
_____ Voice: writing for the proper audience (writing “voice” changes based on your audience)
_____ Writing effective titles (sets the tone. Your reader’s first impression is formed)
_____ Rewriting and editing (the importance of proof-reading and fixing mistakes)
_____ Conventions: Grammar and syntax (the key to your paper making sense)

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Lord of the Flies Masks

…what was a face? What was anything?

Part One: Do one of the following two options……

Freudian faces
Divide your partners face into 3 sectors. Think of them as Id, Ego, Super Ego.
Paint symbols from the book and from your own life to represent our divided consciousness as Golding represents this in the novel. Make sure to include elements of the story that would convey your message.

OR

Themes
Portray, on your partner’s face, an important theme from the novel through the creative use of artistic elements
The face should contain recognizable elements of the story that work to convey the stated theme.

Tips
∑ Don’t choose colors until you have an idea of what you want your face to look like (I suggest a sketch first). Do not “freeform” your art; you may not like what you end up with.
∑ A little paint goes a long way. Make sure you have used all of it before asking for more.

Part Two: Written explanation

The visual art will be accompanied, next class, by a typed paper that gives a complete description and explanation of the face design.

The writing should show the creative process involved in designing the mask with specific references to incidents and characters in the novel.

The mask you have created will then be presented explained orally next class using a photograph I will take today.

Total Points:__________/30

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Group discussion of chapters 5-8 if you were absent

Lord of the Flies Characters and Irony Discussion
Response to Chapters 5-8

Part 1, Group Discussion in response to characters.

Rules for this discussion:

1. Everyone speaks
2. Everyone is heard
3. No one who has read ahead or seen the movie reveals what happens later in the story.
4. Please use your books in the discussion. Start out by opening them to the page of the statement (see below), so you can see the context in which it was said.

Instructions: In groups of 3 people, please decide if your group agrees or disagrees with each of the following statements from main characters in Lord of the Flies, and why or why not. See if your group can come to a consensus (an answer to which everyone agrees), or if you must split your answer. After each statement, please record your group’s final response, in one or two complete sentences (we agree because…. Or we disagree because…). Please rotate note-taking responsibilities so that a different person in your group writes the response to each of the three questions. Please sign the response that you record.

1. From Simon: “’Maybe,’ he said hesitantly, ‘maybe there is a beast.’…. ‘what I mean is…maybe it’s only us’” (Golding 89; ch 5).




2. From Jack: “’The thing is—fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream’” (Golding 82; ch. 5).



3. From Piggy: “’Life,” said Piggy expansively, “is scientific, that’s what it is” (Golding 84; ch 5).





Part 2. Examining text.

Instructions: Please reread the first three pages of Chapter Six: Beast from the Air (where the twins scramble away – stop at the spacebreak). You may have someone read aloud to the group, or choose to reread it yourself, as individuals. Then please answer these three questions. Again, rotate recorders and sign the response you record. I understand that two group members will record twice.

1. As a group, discuss what you think has landed on the mountain. Please write down, in one complete sentence, what you think it is, literally speaking, and why you think so.






2. Writer’s Inc defines a symbol as “A concrete object used to represent an idea” (Writers Inc 126). Imagining the thing that landed on the mountain (your answer to number 2), has not only literal, but also figurative, meaning, what do you think it could symbolize? Please give your answer in one complete sentence.






3. The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory defines dramatic irony as “When the audience understand the implication and meaning of a situation on stage, or what is being said, but the characters do not,” or “when a character’s words ‘recoil’ upon him.” (Cuddon 237). Remembering Ralph and Piggy’s conversation at the end of chapter 5, how does the opening to chapter 6 demonstrate dramatic irony? Write one or two complete sentences.











4. In Chapter 8, we follow the boys on a hunt where they brutally kill a sow. How have the hunters changed since their first hunt and what is the significance of leaving the pigs head in the clearing? What does “sharpen a stick at both ends” mean?








5. “I’m warning you. I’m going to get angry. D’you see? You’re not wanted. Understand? We are going to have fun on this island. Understand? We are going to have fun on this island! So don’t try it on, you poor misguided boy, or else---“ We are introduced to the Lord of the Flies in chapter 8. He talks to Simon on two occasions. Reread these interactions. What does the head tell Simon? Why is it called the Lord of the Flies? How does the authors voice and syntax (syntax is the author’s use of punctuation to emphasize a point) change in these sections?














Scoring Guide

Names: ____________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Answered each question (1 point per question): /8

Wrote in complete sentences (1 point per question): /8

Rotated recorders: /4


Total: /20

Lord of Flies Characterization

Literature and the Arts Name: __________________________
Introduction to Civilizations Date Due: _______________________

Lord of the Flies
by
William Golding

Assignment #2: CHARACTERS

Authors use a variety of techniques to show us the nature of their characters, making them realistic and “whole” so we can picture them clearly and identify or respond to them. These techniques can be summarized as follows:
(1) Physical description (using adjectives, similes, metaphors, etc.)
(2) Dialog and thoughts of the character
(3) Actions and gestures of the character
(4) Thoughts and words of other characters about the character

Complete the four steps below to examine two of Golding’s main characters: Ralph and Jack.

Step 1: Use the left-hand column on back to copy words, phrases, and passages you find in the first six chapters of Lord of the Flies that describe Ralph and Jack. Write at least four entries for Ralph and four for Jack (a minimum of ten entries total). For each entry, identify in the right-hand column what characterization technique(s) Golding is using. Include an example of each of the characterization techniques listed above for each of the two characters. Be sure to choose descriptions that fully convey what these two main characters are like; you will use them to complete Step 4 below. Don’t forget to cite page numbers!
(5 points)

Step 2: Attach a separate piece of paper with a paragraph (100-150 words) that responds analytically to Jack or Ralph or both. Use one of these “starters” or come up with your own:
∑ The differences between these two main characters are important to the novel because…
∑ These characters can be interpreted as symbols of…
∑ The author’s use of (dialog; actions and gestures; physical description…) is especially effective in making these characters realistic because…
(5 points)

Step 3: On the same attached paper, write (or type) a paragraph (100-150 words) that connects personally to these two characters. Use one of these suggestions, or develop your own topic sentence:
∑ (Jack/Ralph) reminds me of a character in another novel I’ve read…
∑ (Jack/Ralph) remind me of things I’ve learned in (psychology, biology, history…)
∑ I identify strongly with (Jack/Ralph) because…
∑ I knew/know someone who is very much like (Jack/Ralph)…
(5 points)

Passages
(Be sure to include the page number in parentheses following the quote.)











Passages
















































Characterization Technique
(Physical description, dialog and thoughts, actions and gestures, other characters’ reactions)











Characterization Technique

Monday, September 17, 2007

Power Struggle Story

Power Struggle Stories Name:_____________________
Narrative/Imaginative Writing
IHS Literature and the Arts

The Struggle

For your first major writing assignment for 10th grade you will write a 500-word story about a power struggle. This will be a short story (approximately 2 pages), and so it will require you to limit yourself in a few important ways. First, you may have only one or two characters. Second, you may write only one or two main scenes (ie, your main character will be in only one or two places). Third, please limit your plot elements. This is a story of a single power struggle, that reflects a single internal and a single external conflict. However, it must have both an internal and an external conflict, as follows:

Required Plot elements: The story must have both an external and an internal conflict. An external conflict means that things happen to your main character or main characters, and he or she has to respond to them. In this case, your narrator will be in a power struggle, and the external conflict will be the actions of the other person in the power struggle that trigger your main character’s responses. However, if your main character’s power struggle is with himself or herself, then the external conflict will be the outside forces that trigger this internal power struggle to surface. In Lord of the Flies, external conflicts include the lack of a protein source other than pigs on the island, the fact that the boys are crashed on the island, etc. For the character of Ralph particularly, external conflicts include the things other characters, especially Jack and Piggy, do and say. These things add stress to Ralph’s internal conflicts.

An internal conflict is a conflict within the main character. For example, in Lord of the Flies, Ralph is conflicted between his desire to have fun and his growing sense of responsibility. Also, Ralph is conflicted between acting in an intelligent way and acting in a way that gains the approval of others. One of the reasons that Ralph is the main character of Lord of the Flies is that he is the character whose internal conflict is the most pronounced. Piggy and Jack conflict most openly with each other, but they both are certain who they are. It is precisely Ralph’s lack of certainty, his indecision, that makes him the character to whom most audiences can relate. Your character’s inner conflict needs to grow as the external conflict increases stress on it. The resolution of your plot should rely on a shift in your main character’s internal conflict. Your story may be resolved when the main character recognizes that the conflict exists, and so understands himself or herself more clearly. It may happen when the inner conflict is only partly resolved, or it may happen when the inner conflict is entirely resolved. This shift in your character’s understanding of himself or herself should also be what brings about a shift in the external conflict.

Another way to understand internal and external conflict is to think about the situation vs. the story. Memoirist Vivian Gornick distinguishes between the situation a narrator is in and the inner shift that the narrator is working toward. A final way to understand internal and external conflict is to think about the classic hero’s journey. In the classic hero’s journey, the main character experiences a change in himself or herself after facing the abyss or losing hope, and it is this change that leads him or her to victory and allows him or her to return home.

The beginning: the story should start with a vivid scene that both introduces the characters and the conflict.

Building tension: As the tension in the story builds, the narrator’s internal conflict should become more and more pronounced. Often, it will become pronounced to the extent that the main character gives up hope.

The Climax: At the climax of your piece, your main character should shift in terms of his or her internal conflict, which should bring about a shift in the external conflict.

The ending: The ending should bring about resolution in which there is an outcome regarding the internal if not also the external conflict.

What this story is not: This story is not a travel narrative. DO NOT TURN IN ANY PART OF YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR TRAVEL NARRATIVE FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT.

Standards: This story will be graded and evaluated for your CIM narrative. Your scores will be based on:

1. Organization – a beginning, rising tension to a point of resolution, and an ending.
2. Vivid Imagery. Show, don’t tell. Write scenes so that your audience feels present in them.
3. Sentence Fluency- This particularly relates to verb tenses and character introductions – do I know what is happening, when? Can I follow the story, as a reader? This also relates to extra words. If you have extra words, sentences, and clauses in your work that only serve to confuse your point, cut them.
4. Word Choice: Chose words that mean precisely what you want them to mean. Do not just use a thesaurus to find synonyms. Look words up in the dictionary also, to find out their individual nuances, and gain control of the meaning of your words.
5. Syntax: this includes grammar, paragraphing, the order of words, etc. Do you have control over the meaning of punctuation? Do you use commas, semicolons, periods, sentences, dialogue, etc. to say what you mean them to say?
6. Length: Your story should end up 500 words. This is short. Make sure to cut words you do not need, and you write a story that is designed to be short.Power Struggle Stories Name:_____________________
Narrative/Imaginative Writing
IHS Literature and the Arts

The Struggle

For your first major writing assignment for 10th grade you will write a 500-word story about a power struggle. This will be a short story (approximately 2 pages), and so it will require you to limit yourself in a few important ways. First, you may have only one or two characters. Second, you may write only one or two main scenes (ie, your main character will be in only one or two places). Third, please limit your plot elements. This is a story of a single power struggle, that reflects a single internal and a single external conflict. However, it must have both an internal and an external conflict, as follows:

Required Plot elements: The story must have both an external and an internal conflict. An external conflict means that things happen to your main character or main characters, and he or she has to respond to them. In this case, your narrator will be in a power struggle, and the external conflict will be the actions of the other person in the power struggle that trigger your main character’s responses. However, if your main character’s power struggle is with himself or herself, then the external conflict will be the outside forces that trigger this internal power struggle to surface. In Lord of the Flies, external conflicts include the lack of a protein source other than pigs on the island, the fact that the boys are crashed on the island, etc. For the character of Ralph particularly, external conflicts include the things other characters, especially Jack and Piggy, do and say. These things add stress to Ralph’s internal conflicts.

An internal conflict is a conflict within the main character. For example, in Lord of the Flies, Ralph is conflicted between his desire to have fun and his growing sense of responsibility. Also, Ralph is conflicted between acting in an intelligent way and acting in a way that gains the approval of others. One of the reasons that Ralph is the main character of Lord of the Flies is that he is the character whose internal conflict is the most pronounced. Piggy and Jack conflict most openly with each other, but they both are certain who they are. It is precisely Ralph’s lack of certainty, his indecision, that makes him the character to whom most audiences can relate. Your character’s inner conflict needs to grow as the external conflict increases stress on it. The resolution of your plot should rely on a shift in your main character’s internal conflict. Your story may be resolved when the main character recognizes that the conflict exists, and so understands himself or herself more clearly. It may happen when the inner conflict is only partly resolved, or it may happen when the inner conflict is entirely resolved. This shift in your character’s understanding of himself or herself should also be what brings about a shift in the external conflict.

Another way to understand internal and external conflict is to think about the situation vs. the story. Memoirist Vivian Gornick distinguishes between the situation a narrator is in and the inner shift that the narrator is working toward. A final way to understand internal and external conflict is to think about the classic hero’s journey. In the classic hero’s journey, the main character experiences a change in himself or herself after facing the abyss or losing hope, and it is this change that leads him or her to victory and allows him or her to return home.

The beginning: the story should start with a vivid scene that both introduces the characters and the conflict.

Building tension: As the tension in the story builds, the narrator’s internal conflict should become more and more pronounced. Often, it will become pronounced to the extent that the main character gives up hope.

The Climax: At the climax of your piece, your main character should shift in terms of his or her internal conflict, which should bring about a shift in the external conflict.

The ending: The ending should bring about resolution in which there is an outcome regarding the internal if not also the external conflict.

What this story is not: This story is not a travel narrative. DO NOT TURN IN ANY PART OF YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR TRAVEL NARRATIVE FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT.

Standards: This story will be graded and evaluated for your CIM narrative. Your scores will be based on:

1. Organization – a beginning, rising tension to a point of resolution, and an ending.
2. Vivid Imagery. Show, don’t tell. Write scenes so that your audience feels present in them.
3. Sentence Fluency- This particularly relates to verb tenses and character introductions – do I know what is happening, when? Can I follow the story, as a reader? This also relates to extra words. If you have extra words, sentences, and clauses in your work that only serve to confuse your point, cut them.
4. Word Choice: Chose words that mean precisely what you want them to mean. Do not just use a thesaurus to find synonyms. Look words up in the dictionary also, to find out their individual nuances, and gain control of the meaning of your words.
5. Syntax: this includes grammar, paragraphing, the order of words, etc. Do you have control over the meaning of punctuation? Do you use commas, semicolons, periods, sentences, dialogue, etc. to say what you mean them to say?
6. Length: Your story should end up 500 words. This is short. Make sure to cut words you do not need, and you write a story that is designed to be short.



FIVE IDEAS AND THREE BEGINNINGS DUE: _____________

ROUGH DRAFT DUE:_____________

FINAL DRAFT DUE:_________________




FIVE IDEAS AND THREE BEGINNINGS DUE: _____________

ROUGH DRAFT DUE:_____________

FINAL DRAFT DUE:_________________

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Setting quotes assignment

Literature and the Arts Name: __________________________
Introduction to Civilizations Date Due: _______________________

Lord of the Flies
by
William Golding

Assignment #1: SETTING

The SETTING of a story is the place and time of the action. William Golding’s classic novel is set on an unnamed island at an unspecified time, though the author hints that it is a time of war in the mid-1900s. Golding paints a vivid picture of this island using imagery (description based on sensory details: sight, sound, smell, touch, taste).

Step 1: In the left column below (on the bottom and back of this paper) copy at least five passages you find in the first three chapters of Lord of the Flies that describe this setting. Don’t forget to cite the page number where the description appears. In the right-hand column, identify which sense(s) the author is appealing to: sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste. Try to find at least one passage for each of the five senses. (5 points)

Step 2: Attach a separate piece of paper with a paragraph of 100-150 words that responds analytically to the setting. Be sure to give your paragraph a clear topic sentence and specific supporting details. Use one of the following paragraph starters, or design your own:
∑ This setting could be symbolic of…
∑ The author’s imagery establishes a _______________ mood because…
∑ The author is using imagery effectively (or not effectively)…
(5 points)

Step 3: On that same attached paper, write (or type) a second paragraph (100-150 words) that makes a personal connection to the setting. Again, be sure your paragraph has a clear topic sentence and specific supporting details. You can use one of these starters for your topic sentence, or come up with your own:
∑ This setting reminds me of a place I’ve been…
∑ This setting reminds of a setting in another novel I’ve read…
∑ These setting descriptions make me feel…
(5 points)

Passages
(Be sure to include the page number in parentheses following the quote.)









Imagery
(Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch, Taste)
Passages
(with page number)



























































Imagery
(Which sense?)

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Drawing the setting assignment

Create a drawing of the setting of this novel on a half piece of blank paper. The drawing should be in color, reflect the description given in the book, and should fill almost the entire half sheet. You will be graded on neatness, effort, and how well your art reflects the author’s description. Worth 20 points.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Parent Survey

Dear Parent(s)/ Guardian(s),

Please answer the questions below and sign at the bottom, indicating that you have read this course description with your student. Students should return this sheet for class credit.

Thank you,
Caleb Kostechka, 10th grade Literature and the Arts teacher

1. What do you feel your student’s strengths are in oral and written communication? What are his or her weaknesses?




2. What do you feel your student’s strengths and weaknesses are in the area of reading?





3. Which of these activities does your family spend more time participating in: reading, writing, or storytelling? Please describe some of these activities.




4. Should your student wear glasses?

5. What else would you like me to know about your student for this year?







6. If you have an email address where I can send information about school, please print it below:


I have read the course description with my student.

____________________________ _________________________________
Student Name (Please print legibly) Parent or guardian name (Please print legibly)


________________________________________
Parent or guardian signature

Lord of the Flies Discussion Homework #1

Notes for Lord of the Flies Discussions Name:_____________________

For your Lord of the Flies Reading Assignment, please record the following:

A passage from the chapter that you think is of key importance for establishing setting, character or plot elements. These may include elements of mood, tone, style, character development, foreshadowing, building tension, offering resolution, or establishing, reinforcing or offering critical insight into a major theme.

Passage (1 point):







Page # (1 point): ________

Reason for importance, or what the passage shows or establishes (2 points):







A discussion question. This question will be graded for relating to a specific passage or series of events or ideas in the reading, including the page number or numbers for the passage or series of events, and being open-ended enough to generate discussion (3 points)*:








How this reading assignment connects with an important theme from your Values and Beliefs or History class (3 points total):

Theme (1 point)

Connection (2 points)









Total: /10

Literature and the Arts Syllabus

Literature & the Arts
2007-2008

Dear Students, Parents, Guardians,
Welcome to Literature & the Arts. This language arts course introduces literature and art from various regions around the world. The foundation of this course is based on the belief that good communication skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening – are essential for addressing universal issues in the global setting. The literature units will parallel the areas studied in Global History and Values and Beliefs. These areas will include Europe, the Middle East, India, and China. Woven into these units will be the study of writing, vocabulary, grammar, and speaking skills. In addition to these skills we will also have opportunities to study and explore performance and visual art from these regions.

Goals:
*to encourage independent, self-reliant readers and writers who use language and literature to enrich their lives.
*to appreciate and understand the contributions of various cultural groups
*to develop critical and creative thinking and writing skills
*to increase vocabulary and improve language skills
*to establish and maintain a comfortable learning environment based on respect
*to develop an awareness and direction for our roles as global citizens

Themes:
*What are the universal and unique aspects of this culture?
*How do the members of this culture live today?
*What is this culture’s view of nature?
*What social roles and conventions are expected of members of this culture?
*How is the individual in the society regarded?
*What is the place of women and children in this society? What are their families like?
*What are the spiritual values of the culture? What are their customs and traditions?
*What is the response of this culture to change?

Materials: Students are expected to come to class each day with plenty of loose-leaf, college-ruled paper in a three ring binder, a pencil, a student planner to record assignments/due dates, blue or black pens, and highlighters. Other materials and resources that are essential for the successful completion of the course are colored pencils, a dictionary and thesaurus at home.

Assignments and grading:
The quality of discussions and class work is dependent upon student participation. Students should generally expect one hour of homework per class period. Homework should be completed by the beginning of class on the day it is due. Late work will receive reduced credit (10% reduction the first quarter, 50% the following quarters). I will not accept work that is more than one week late, after that assignment has been returned, or there has been an exam on that material. Academic honesty is absolutely expected. Dishonesty will result in reduced credit and possible failure. Grades will be recorded as percentages using a point system. Grades will include group work and discussion, tests and quizzes, written work, presentations, art assignments, participation, and classroom citizenship (including behavior).
Reasonable accommodations and adjustments to curriculum and grading policies will be made for students who have IEP and 504 plans.

Attendance and tardies:
Roll will be taken at the beginning of class and tardies will be recorded. Community service can be assigned after three unexcused tardies or absences, and the participation grade will be affected. If you have been absent due to illness or other legitimate reasons, always check the class blog before you return to class: http://mrks10thgradelit20072008.blogspot.com/
If unclear about the assignment, come see me during office hours, not during class time, to discuss makeup work. If you are absent for a number of days or are anxious about getting the work promptly, it is recommended that you contact me by phone during my office hours or email me (before 9 pm). Work is due the day following your return to school. A late work slip must accompany any late assignment or makeup work.


Rules:
1. Be kind
2. Be honest
3. Be responsible
4. Think
5. Work hard
6. Open your mind
7. Contribute

And just to be clear …….
8. No cell phones, pagers, personal music, devices, food, gum, or drink (except water) in the classroom.

Please note:
The International High School is an alternative program. We will be reading material that will contain difficult themes. Through various types of literature, we will explore other cultures and comes to realize how they are similar and different from our own. We ask that you approach Literature & the Arts with an open mind and suspend judgment of cultural differences in the reading you encounter. In this classroom we will resist apathy, show empathy, creativity, respect, kindness, conviction, determination, and curiosity.

Communication:
Please feel free to call or e-mail me with questions or concerns so that I can address them right away.

I am looking forward to a year full of discovery, excitement, challenge, fun, and friendship! I am here for you. Talk to me if you have concerns, frustrations, or joys to share about this class, school, or life in general!

Caleb Kostechka, Global Literature teacher.
E-mail: kostechka_c@4j.lane.edu
Office: 687-3438 (Churchill Campus)
687-3171 (Sheldon Campus)
Office hours by appointment
Website: http://mrks10thgradelit20072008.blogspot.com/



















Please Detach and Return
Parents/Guardian
Please sign this after you have read this course description with your student. Students should return it for class credit by the next Literature & the Arts meeting.


__________________________ __________________________
Student name (print legibly) Parent or guardian signature

Student Survey and setting assignment

Kostechka—Global Lit. and Arts Name:
Date:
Who the Heck Are You, Anyway???

These questions are designed to let me know more about who you are, so please be honest. I can help you best if I know exactly where you’re coming from.

1. Where did you grow up/spend your childhood/etc.?





2. What is your favorite thing in the whole wide world to do? (examples: playing Frisbee golf, picking your toe jam, watching Teletubbies, etc.)





3. How do you feel about literature? How about other forms of art?





4. Do you have any concerns about this class? Do you have any special needs I should be aware of (specific place you need to sit, distraction issues, health problems, etc.)?





5. Do you have any questions for me?




Last Question—the BIG one!

In order for me to get to know you all a bit better as well as getting to know your writing style, I’d like you to do a little writing assignment for me. Think of a significant event from your summer. Using as much vivid detail as you can, write a 1-2 paragraph description of the setting of this event. Remember that a setting is the place in which a story happens. You do not need to write about the event itself, just describe the place where it happened. Try to give a sense in your choice of details of how the place makes you feel without saying: “This place makes me feel sad…” or something like that. Show me, don’t tell me, how it feels to be there.

For example, if I were to do this assignment based on my summer, I would write a paragraph describing the rays of sun first hitting Machu Picchu this summer. I might start it something like this:

“The peaks in the east stretch and crack through the earth like giant fingers pleading with the sky. They are cold and grey and my own fingertips echo this sensation as I sit on the stone Incan walls. Only my fingers point downward, tapping. Waiting. I can see a grey light but the sun has not risen yet. My mind is clouded from four days of breathing the thin air and from the final hike that began, flashlight lit, hours ago in the middle of the night. Now I sit before the ancient city, Machu Picchu, curling around the base of a mountain like a panther waiting to catch the first beams of the sun. My breath, hitting the cold misty morning, freezes in the air in small grey puffs. Waiting. Not wanting to escape completely from this sacred Incan space. The mountain fingers light up orange from behind and the once dark crags no longer look like fingers, but candles. Birthday candles, as if this city, at this moment, is being born. The tops of each peak starting to flicker as the sun creeps over and lights the top of each one, shooting beams toward the sun temple of Machu Picchu. Birthday candles that tell me I was born. I am alive. The warmth streams down and finally illuminates my face.”


Use this space to write your own description of a significant setting from your summer. Make sure to use complete sentences and LOTS of detail! Good luck!

Basmati Letter

Dear Parent and Guardians,

In addition to posting my assignments and lessons on-line, I will now be offering the ability for you and your student to check grades and turned in work on-line. This is accomplished through the South Eugene High School server using a program called “Basmati”. To access these grades please go to:
https://basmati.esd189.org/eugene4j/login.php
Please bookmark this website on your server. You will be required to enter your students ID number and a password that is going home with this letter. You may also find a link to this website at the South Eugene High School home page (http://www.sehs.lane.edu/) or at my blog (http://mrks10thgradelit20072008.blogspot.com/).
Although there may be some turn around for writing assignment grades, you will always be able to check if your student has all their work in. The code “mi” indicates that I have not received this assignment. The code “cr” means that I have received the assignment but have not yet entered a grade. The code “*” indicates that I have not yet checked off which students have completed this assignment.
I hope that with the blog and the on-line grade book we can work together to help your student have a successful transition to the ninth grade. Please feel free to email with any questions.
Sincerely,
Caleb Kostechka

email: kostechka_c@4j.lane.edu


Student ID #:____________________________

Password:_______________________________

Please detach and return with a copy of your grade print out for credit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________________________ ____________________________________
Student name (Please print) Parent signature