Directions Describe how you have been affected by two or three of the conditions McIntosh lists in the article. Examine the statement that racism is not “individual acts of meanness,” but “invisible systems conferring dominance on [a] group.” Answer the following questions:
How is racism perpetuated by the idea that it consists of random or unusual acts?
How can we begin to challenge racism once we begin to perceive it as systematized?
How can that perception help us make racism visible?
How can “visibility” contribute to change?
Monday, April 28, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Wild Swans Study Guide
Name:_________
Excerpt from Wild Swans by Jung Chang
Study Guide
The basics of the story: (What is the story about?)
1. What is the general setting of this story (where and when)? What factors in the country of China are affecting people’s daily lives?
2. How does the setting of the house that the author’s grandmother lives in after she becomes a concubine to General Xue contribute to the oppression she feels?
3. List and briefly describe the main characters.
4. What is the major conflict in the plot of this story?
The themes of the story: (What does it mean?)
5. Identify the major themes of this story. For instance, you might consider:
∑ Lives of concubines
∑ Filial piety (a love and respect for one's parents and ancestors.)
∑ Structure of Chinese society
∑
Name at least two themes being explored here and back them up through evidence in the story.
6. This story is written as a family biography. In what way might the fact that Jung Chang is writing a biography of her family affect the story? Answer in a short (3-4) sentences paragraph on the back of this sheet.
Bonus Question: How do you pronounce X and Q in proper names in this story?
Excerpt from Wild Swans by Jung Chang
Study Guide
The basics of the story: (What is the story about?)
1. What is the general setting of this story (where and when)? What factors in the country of China are affecting people’s daily lives?
2. How does the setting of the house that the author’s grandmother lives in after she becomes a concubine to General Xue contribute to the oppression she feels?
3. List and briefly describe the main characters.
4. What is the major conflict in the plot of this story?
The themes of the story: (What does it mean?)
5. Identify the major themes of this story. For instance, you might consider:
∑ Lives of concubines
∑ Filial piety (a love and respect for one's parents and ancestors.)
∑ Structure of Chinese society
∑
Name at least two themes being explored here and back them up through evidence in the story.
6. This story is written as a family biography. In what way might the fact that Jung Chang is writing a biography of her family affect the story? Answer in a short (3-4) sentences paragraph on the back of this sheet.
Bonus Question: How do you pronounce X and Q in proper names in this story?
Friday, April 4, 2008
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Study guide (alternative to Shadow Magic)
Name:
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Viewing Guide
Main Characters:
Li Mu Bai—Wudan-trained master fighter and close friend of Lu Shien
Sir Te—Friend of Li Mu Bai’s; recipient of the Green Destiny sword
Lu Shien—Strong female fighter and close friend of Li Mu Bai
Jen—Daughter of Governor Yu; in love with Lo
Dark Cloud (Lo)—Roaming warrior; in love with Jen
Jade Fox—Rebel female warrior who killed Li Mu Bai’s master
Directions: Please answer the following questions in 2-3 complete sentences.
1. What does Lu Shien tell Jen about the reality of being a fighter? How is it different from the glorified view she has?
2. What does Jen seem to desire most, something she sees marriage standing in the way of? Explain.
3. Explain the folktale that Lo tells Jen about the man who flew away.
4. What role does honor play in the lives of Lu Shien and Li Mu Bai?
5. What do you think Jen’s motivation is for what she does at the end of the film? Is she following Lu Shien’s advice of “staying true to herself”? Why or why not?
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Viewing Guide
Main Characters:
Li Mu Bai—Wudan-trained master fighter and close friend of Lu Shien
Sir Te—Friend of Li Mu Bai’s; recipient of the Green Destiny sword
Lu Shien—Strong female fighter and close friend of Li Mu Bai
Jen—Daughter of Governor Yu; in love with Lo
Dark Cloud (Lo)—Roaming warrior; in love with Jen
Jade Fox—Rebel female warrior who killed Li Mu Bai’s master
Directions: Please answer the following questions in 2-3 complete sentences.
1. What does Lu Shien tell Jen about the reality of being a fighter? How is it different from the glorified view she has?
2. What does Jen seem to desire most, something she sees marriage standing in the way of? Explain.
3. Explain the folktale that Lo tells Jen about the man who flew away.
4. What role does honor play in the lives of Lu Shien and Li Mu Bai?
5. What do you think Jen’s motivation is for what she does at the end of the film? Is she following Lu Shien’s advice of “staying true to herself”? Why or why not?
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Persepolis fishbowl questions
Answer three of the following to get credit for the fishbowl discussion:
The New York Times hails Persepolis as "the latest and one of the most delectable examples of a booming postmodern genre: autobiography by comic book." Why do you think this genre is so popular? Why did Satrapi chose this format in which to tell her story? What does the visual aspect add that a conventional memoir lacks? How does Persepolis compare to other comic books? Would you call this a comic book, or does it transcend this and other categories? Where would you place this book in a bookstore? With memoirs, comic books, current events?
Written as a memoir, is Persepolis more powerful than if Satrapi had fictionalized the story? Why or why not? Compare this book to other memoirs you have read. What are the benefits and drawbacks of memoirs?
In an Associated Press interview, Satrapi said, "The only thing I hope is that people will read my book and see that this abstract thing, this Axis of Evil, is made up of individuals with lives and hopes." And in her introduction to Persepolis, she explains that she wrote this book to show that Iran is not only a country of "fundamentalism, fanaticism, and terrorism." How does Satrapi go about challenging this myth? How does Persepolis dispel or confirm your views on Iran? In what ways does reading this book deepen your understanding and knowledge of Iran, and the current situation in Iraq?
How is Persepolis organized and structured? What has Satrapi chosen to emphasize in her childhood? How is the passage of time presented? Describe Satrapi's drawings. How do the drawings add to the narrative of the story?
Describe the writer's voice. Is it appealing? Which aspects of Marji's character do you identify with or like the most, the least? Did your reaction to the little girl affect your reading experience?
How did the revolution exert power and influence over so many people, including many educated and middle class people like Satrapi's parents? Why did so many people leave after the revolution? Why do you think Marji's parents send her off to Austria while they stay in Tehran? Why don't they leave/escape as well?
"Every situation has an opportunity for laughs." (p. 97) Give some examples of how the ordinary citizens of Iran enjoyed life despite the oppressive regime. What made you laugh? How does Satrapi add comic relief? How are these scenes relevant to the story as a whole?
What kinds of captivity and freedom does the author explore in Persepolis? What stifles or prevents people from being completely free? How do they circumvent and defy the rules imposed on them and attempt to live ordinary lives despite revolution and war? Give some examples of their small acts of rebellion.
"In spite of everything, kids were trying to look hip, even under risk of arrest." (p. 112) How did they do this? What do you think you would have done had you been a child in this environment? What acts of rebellion did you do as a teen? In way ways is Satrapi just a normal kid?
What is the role of women in the story? Compare and contrast the various women: Marji, her mother, her grandmother, her school teachers, the maid, the neighbors, the guardians of the revolution.
What is Satrapi suggesting about the relationship between past and present, and between national and personal history? What role does her family history, and the stories of her relatives, play in shaping Marji?
The New York Times hails Persepolis as "the latest and one of the most delectable examples of a booming postmodern genre: autobiography by comic book." Why do you think this genre is so popular? Why did Satrapi chose this format in which to tell her story? What does the visual aspect add that a conventional memoir lacks? How does Persepolis compare to other comic books? Would you call this a comic book, or does it transcend this and other categories? Where would you place this book in a bookstore? With memoirs, comic books, current events?
Written as a memoir, is Persepolis more powerful than if Satrapi had fictionalized the story? Why or why not? Compare this book to other memoirs you have read. What are the benefits and drawbacks of memoirs?
In an Associated Press interview, Satrapi said, "The only thing I hope is that people will read my book and see that this abstract thing, this Axis of Evil, is made up of individuals with lives and hopes." And in her introduction to Persepolis, she explains that she wrote this book to show that Iran is not only a country of "fundamentalism, fanaticism, and terrorism." How does Satrapi go about challenging this myth? How does Persepolis dispel or confirm your views on Iran? In what ways does reading this book deepen your understanding and knowledge of Iran, and the current situation in Iraq?
How is Persepolis organized and structured? What has Satrapi chosen to emphasize in her childhood? How is the passage of time presented? Describe Satrapi's drawings. How do the drawings add to the narrative of the story?
Describe the writer's voice. Is it appealing? Which aspects of Marji's character do you identify with or like the most, the least? Did your reaction to the little girl affect your reading experience?
How did the revolution exert power and influence over so many people, including many educated and middle class people like Satrapi's parents? Why did so many people leave after the revolution? Why do you think Marji's parents send her off to Austria while they stay in Tehran? Why don't they leave/escape as well?
"Every situation has an opportunity for laughs." (p. 97) Give some examples of how the ordinary citizens of Iran enjoyed life despite the oppressive regime. What made you laugh? How does Satrapi add comic relief? How are these scenes relevant to the story as a whole?
What kinds of captivity and freedom does the author explore in Persepolis? What stifles or prevents people from being completely free? How do they circumvent and defy the rules imposed on them and attempt to live ordinary lives despite revolution and war? Give some examples of their small acts of rebellion.
"In spite of everything, kids were trying to look hip, even under risk of arrest." (p. 112) How did they do this? What do you think you would have done had you been a child in this environment? What acts of rebellion did you do as a teen? In way ways is Satrapi just a normal kid?
What is the role of women in the story? Compare and contrast the various women: Marji, her mother, her grandmother, her school teachers, the maid, the neighbors, the guardians of the revolution.
What is Satrapi suggesting about the relationship between past and present, and between national and personal history? What role does her family history, and the stories of her relatives, play in shaping Marji?
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Photo Essay
PHOTOGRAPHY ESSAY
THREE CUPS OF TEA
Due dates: Friday, 3/ (alpha)
Monday 3/ (omega)
As an artistic project to accompany our study of literary non-fiction, you will be creating a photo essay to beautifully display your exploration of themes in this unit. You may photo anything or anyone you wish, but you must be able to tie your work to Three Cups of Tea or the writing from this unit.
Think about the central issues and questions that have been raised in this unit. Take one or several issues from our unit and explore them in this final project. To help you narrow down some topics or issues to explore, we’ve included a list of suggested topics below. Your work must show depth of thought and considerable effort. This assignment is worth 75 points so show off your talents. This is no time for half-hearted taping to lined paper ripped out of your notebook.
Other Requirements:
o Typed or calligraphy where appropriate
o Each photo needs to be accompanied by a short explanation of your work. Total typing should equal at least one page
o Include at least three references to Three Cups of Tea or other works we have explore in class
o You may work in pairs on this assignment but we will expect double the effort & double the thought.
Examples of topics:
What is success? What is greatness? What does it take to be a hero?
What is fate? Is our script written?
How do we tell our story?
How does one make a difference in our world today?
What is progress?
Quotes to inspire your work:
“When it is dark enough you can see the stars”—Persian Proverb
“We don’t envy your restless spirit”—Urkien Sherpa
“Greatness is always built on this foundation: the ability to appear, speak and act, as the most common man”—Shams-ud-din Muhammed Hafiz
“Trust in Allah but tie up your camel”
“There is a candle in your heart, ready to be rekindle. There is a void in your soul, ready to be filled. You feel it don’t you?”—Rumi
“Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. Patience achieves everything”—Mother Theresa
“When your heart speaks, take good notes”—Judith Campbell
THREE CUPS OF TEA
Due dates: Friday, 3/ (alpha)
Monday 3/ (omega)
As an artistic project to accompany our study of literary non-fiction, you will be creating a photo essay to beautifully display your exploration of themes in this unit. You may photo anything or anyone you wish, but you must be able to tie your work to Three Cups of Tea or the writing from this unit.
Think about the central issues and questions that have been raised in this unit. Take one or several issues from our unit and explore them in this final project. To help you narrow down some topics or issues to explore, we’ve included a list of suggested topics below. Your work must show depth of thought and considerable effort. This assignment is worth 75 points so show off your talents. This is no time for half-hearted taping to lined paper ripped out of your notebook.
Other Requirements:
o Typed or calligraphy where appropriate
o Each photo needs to be accompanied by a short explanation of your work. Total typing should equal at least one page
o Include at least three references to Three Cups of Tea or other works we have explore in class
o You may work in pairs on this assignment but we will expect double the effort & double the thought.
Examples of topics:
What is success? What is greatness? What does it take to be a hero?
What is fate? Is our script written?
How do we tell our story?
How does one make a difference in our world today?
What is progress?
Quotes to inspire your work:
“When it is dark enough you can see the stars”—Persian Proverb
“We don’t envy your restless spirit”—Urkien Sherpa
“Greatness is always built on this foundation: the ability to appear, speak and act, as the most common man”—Shams-ud-din Muhammed Hafiz
“Trust in Allah but tie up your camel”
“There is a candle in your heart, ready to be rekindle. There is a void in your soul, ready to be filled. You feel it don’t you?”—Rumi
“Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. Patience achieves everything”—Mother Theresa
“When your heart speaks, take good notes”—Judith Campbell
Monday, March 17, 2008
3 CUps of Tea Final Discussion
Name(s):___________________________
3 Cups of Tea final discussion
With your group, respond to the questions below. Please be thorough in your resonses. Your group does not need to come to a consensus so you may represent multiple view points in the space provided. This will be graded so write legibly.
1. There is a telling passage about Mortenson’s change of direction at the start of the book: “One evening, he went to bed by a yak dung fire a mountaineer who’d lost his way, and one morning, by the time he’d shared a pot of butter tea with his hosts and laced up his boots, he’d become a humanitarian who’d found a meaningful path to follow for the rest of his life.” What made Mortenson particularly ripe for such a transformation? Has anything similar happened in your own life?
2. Relin gives a “warts and all” portrait of Mortenson, showing him as a hero but also as a flawed human being with some exasperating traits. Talk about how Relin chose to write about Mortenson’s character—his choice of details, his perspective, the way he constructs scenes. Is Mortenson someone you’d like to get to know, work with, or have as a neighbor or friend?
3. At the heart of the book is a powerful but simple political message: we each as individuals have the power to change the world, one cup of tea at a time. Yet the book powerfully dramatizes the obstacles in the way of this philosophy: bloody wars waged by huge armies, prejudice, religious extremism, cultural barriers. What do you think of the “one cup of tea at a time” philosophy? Do you think Mortenson’s vision can work for lasting and meaningful change?
4. Have you ever known anyone like Mortenson? Have you ever had the experience of making a difference yourself through acts of generosity, aid, or leadership?
5. The Balti people are fierce yet extremely hospitable, kind yet rigid, determined to better themselves yet stuck in the past. Discuss your reactions to them and the other groups that Mortenson tries to help.
6. After Haji Ali’s family saves Greg’s life, he reflects that he could never “imagine discharging the debt he felt to his hosts in Korphe.” Discuss this sense of indebtedness as key to Mortenson’s character. Why was Mortenson compelled to return to the region again and again? In your opinion, does he repay his debt by the end of the book?
7. References to paradise run throughout the book—Mortenson’s childhood home in Tanzania, the mountain scenery, even Berkeley, California, are all referred to as “paradise.” Discuss the concept of paradise, lost and regained, and how it influences Mortenson’s mission.
8. Mortenson’s transition from climbing bum to humanitarian hero seems very abrupt. However, looking back, it’s clear that his sense of mission is rooted in his childhood, the values of his parents, and his relationship with his sister Christa. Discuss the various facets of Mortenson’s character—the freewheeling mountain climber, the ER nurse, the devoted son and brother, and the leader of a humanitarian cause. Do you view him as continuing the work his father began?
9. Mortenson hits many bumps in the road—he’s broke, his girlfriend dumps him, he is forced to build a bridge before he can build the school, his health suffers, and he drives his family crazy. Discuss his repeated brushes with failure and how they influenced your opinion of Mortenson and his efforts.
10. The authors write that “the Balti held the key to a kind of uncomplicated happiness that was disappearing in the developing world.” This peaceful simplicity of life seems to be part of what attracts Mortenson to the villagers. Discuss the pros and cons of bringing “civilization” to the mountain community.
Pros Cons
11. Much of the book is a meditation on what it means to be a foreigner assimilating with another culture. Discuss your own experiences with foreign cultures—things that you have learned, mistakes you have made, misunderstandings you have endured.
12. Did the book change your views toward Islam or Muslims? Consider the cleric Syed Abbas, and also the cleric who called a fatwa on Mortenson. Syed Abbas implores Americans to “look into our hearts and see that the great majority of us are not terrorists, but good and simple people.” Discuss this statement. Has the book inspired you to learn more about the region?
3 Cups of Tea final discussion
With your group, respond to the questions below. Please be thorough in your resonses. Your group does not need to come to a consensus so you may represent multiple view points in the space provided. This will be graded so write legibly.
1. There is a telling passage about Mortenson’s change of direction at the start of the book: “One evening, he went to bed by a yak dung fire a mountaineer who’d lost his way, and one morning, by the time he’d shared a pot of butter tea with his hosts and laced up his boots, he’d become a humanitarian who’d found a meaningful path to follow for the rest of his life.” What made Mortenson particularly ripe for such a transformation? Has anything similar happened in your own life?
2. Relin gives a “warts and all” portrait of Mortenson, showing him as a hero but also as a flawed human being with some exasperating traits. Talk about how Relin chose to write about Mortenson’s character—his choice of details, his perspective, the way he constructs scenes. Is Mortenson someone you’d like to get to know, work with, or have as a neighbor or friend?
3. At the heart of the book is a powerful but simple political message: we each as individuals have the power to change the world, one cup of tea at a time. Yet the book powerfully dramatizes the obstacles in the way of this philosophy: bloody wars waged by huge armies, prejudice, religious extremism, cultural barriers. What do you think of the “one cup of tea at a time” philosophy? Do you think Mortenson’s vision can work for lasting and meaningful change?
4. Have you ever known anyone like Mortenson? Have you ever had the experience of making a difference yourself through acts of generosity, aid, or leadership?
5. The Balti people are fierce yet extremely hospitable, kind yet rigid, determined to better themselves yet stuck in the past. Discuss your reactions to them and the other groups that Mortenson tries to help.
6. After Haji Ali’s family saves Greg’s life, he reflects that he could never “imagine discharging the debt he felt to his hosts in Korphe.” Discuss this sense of indebtedness as key to Mortenson’s character. Why was Mortenson compelled to return to the region again and again? In your opinion, does he repay his debt by the end of the book?
7. References to paradise run throughout the book—Mortenson’s childhood home in Tanzania, the mountain scenery, even Berkeley, California, are all referred to as “paradise.” Discuss the concept of paradise, lost and regained, and how it influences Mortenson’s mission.
8. Mortenson’s transition from climbing bum to humanitarian hero seems very abrupt. However, looking back, it’s clear that his sense of mission is rooted in his childhood, the values of his parents, and his relationship with his sister Christa. Discuss the various facets of Mortenson’s character—the freewheeling mountain climber, the ER nurse, the devoted son and brother, and the leader of a humanitarian cause. Do you view him as continuing the work his father began?
9. Mortenson hits many bumps in the road—he’s broke, his girlfriend dumps him, he is forced to build a bridge before he can build the school, his health suffers, and he drives his family crazy. Discuss his repeated brushes with failure and how they influenced your opinion of Mortenson and his efforts.
10. The authors write that “the Balti held the key to a kind of uncomplicated happiness that was disappearing in the developing world.” This peaceful simplicity of life seems to be part of what attracts Mortenson to the villagers. Discuss the pros and cons of bringing “civilization” to the mountain community.
Pros Cons
11. Much of the book is a meditation on what it means to be a foreigner assimilating with another culture. Discuss your own experiences with foreign cultures—things that you have learned, mistakes you have made, misunderstandings you have endured.
12. Did the book change your views toward Islam or Muslims? Consider the cleric Syed Abbas, and also the cleric who called a fatwa on Mortenson. Syed Abbas implores Americans to “look into our hearts and see that the great majority of us are not terrorists, but good and simple people.” Discuss this statement. Has the book inspired you to learn more about the region?
Thursday, March 13, 2008
3 Cups Final Reading Assignment
Name:______________________________
3 Cups of Tea final reflection
Respond to the following quotes:
First, respond in the context of Three Cups of Tea. How does this quote relate to the story.
Second, argue whether you agree or disagree and explain why.
1. “When it is dark enough you can see the stars”—Persian Proverb
2. “We don’t envy your restless spirit”—Urkien Sherpa
3. “Greatness is always built on this foundation: the ability to appear, speak and act, as the most common man”—Shams-ud-din Muhammed Hafiz
4. “Trust in Allah but tie up your camel”- hand lettered sign in Skardu
5. “There is a candle in your heart, ready to be rekindle. There is a void in your soul, ready to be filled. You feel it don’t you?”—Rumi
6. “Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. Patience achieves everything”—Mother Theresa
7. “When your heart speaks, take good notes”—Judith Campbell
Respond to the following questions within the context of Three Cups of Tea. You may include your own opinion but for full credit use examples from the book to support your thoughts. I know these questions are huge but give them a shot. You may attach additional paper if needed.
8. What is success? What does it take to be a hero?
10. What is fate? Is our script written?
11. A book club had the following to say about 3 Cups of Tea: “While no one could argue the merits of what Mortenson accomplished, several in our group felt the style of this book was biased and self-serving, lacking in any objectivity. For us, this lead to a rousing debate about the state of "nonfiction" in today's writing.” Respond to these thoughts and your own opinion of what “nonfiction” writing should look like.
12. How does one make a difference in our world today?
13. What is progress?
3 Cups of Tea final reflection
Respond to the following quotes:
First, respond in the context of Three Cups of Tea. How does this quote relate to the story.
Second, argue whether you agree or disagree and explain why.
1. “When it is dark enough you can see the stars”—Persian Proverb
2. “We don’t envy your restless spirit”—Urkien Sherpa
3. “Greatness is always built on this foundation: the ability to appear, speak and act, as the most common man”—Shams-ud-din Muhammed Hafiz
4. “Trust in Allah but tie up your camel”- hand lettered sign in Skardu
5. “There is a candle in your heart, ready to be rekindle. There is a void in your soul, ready to be filled. You feel it don’t you?”—Rumi
6. “Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. Patience achieves everything”—Mother Theresa
7. “When your heart speaks, take good notes”—Judith Campbell
Respond to the following questions within the context of Three Cups of Tea. You may include your own opinion but for full credit use examples from the book to support your thoughts. I know these questions are huge but give them a shot. You may attach additional paper if needed.
8. What is success? What does it take to be a hero?
10. What is fate? Is our script written?
11. A book club had the following to say about 3 Cups of Tea: “While no one could argue the merits of what Mortenson accomplished, several in our group felt the style of this book was biased and self-serving, lacking in any objectivity. For us, this lead to a rousing debate about the state of "nonfiction" in today's writing.” Respond to these thoughts and your own opinion of what “nonfiction” writing should look like.
12. How does one make a difference in our world today?
13. What is progress?
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