river oaks [english]

"Locks" by Neil Gaiman -- a man telling the story "Goldilocks" to his daughter, thinking of how the story has changed for him, now as a father with his own locks to check... (((shaky video)))

Before you start scoffing and claiming that I am merely killing time until midterms, hear me out. Okay, it's true that this is a perfect time to NOT start anything new, and I do have grading, of course; however, there is more merit to this than you may realize. First, Monty Python -- the British comedy troupe -- has become inextricably associated with all that is "British" in the minds of many. Their educated humor and sharp-minded wit have helped to define what we think of as British comedy, certainly. Their biting satire has taken aim at the British government (and our own), and Britain's monarchy, institutions and social customs. In a sense, their humor (like Shakespeare's) is timeless; no period of history is safe from ridicule (or illumination), and no taboo is too taboo. Second, the movie is a send-up of everything we've studied so far regarding the Middle Ages. They touch on Arthurian Lit and the Grail quest motif (of course), and also feudalism, k

Just in time for midterms.... "At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: 'I have to go to work - as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I'm going to do what I was born for - the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?' - But it's nicer here... So you were born to feel nice ? Instead of doing things and experiencing them? Don't you see the plants, the birds, the ants and the spiders and bees going about their individual tasks, putting the world in order, as best they can? And you're not willing to do your job as a human being? Why aren't you running to do what your nature demands?" - Marcus Aurelius Meditations Okay, so maybe studying is not in your "nature"...but it will make your holidays much more pleasant.

EVERYONE has a paper due on Friday! You have until Thursday to read the book you've chosen and to develop an outline for the paper. Please consider all of the following: First, the paper should be a critical analysis of the book, NOT a summary. Your paper MUST have a thesis -- a statement about your central point. You should focus either on a character's development, or on a central theme; some may choose to focus on the historical context of the book (note that this may require a source). As noted, your paper begins with a thesis statement. Your introduction should also include the title and author of the work discussed. Your body paragraphs (probably three) should support your thesis with details and examples from the story itself. Do not paraphrase. Quote and cite examples! Your conclusion should bring the paper to a graceful close. Restate the thesis and main points, but also refer to the larger purpose of the book (in your opinion) and relate it to our world. In

EXAM on Tuesday 12/11 I need to remind you that this is a major grade (100 points) so you'll want to study for it. Below are some suggestions: The best way to study for the Macbeth exam is, naturally, to read it ! If you haven't, then certainly that is the place to start. You have the weekend.... You can also make sure you know the answers to the questions at the end of each Act. Study your notes . You might find something on the exam that I emphasized in class, but which is not necessarily in the textbook. Remember to look at not only the play itself but also the information preceding the play concerning renaissance theater and the historical context of Macbeth . Finally, I've linked some sites below that help to round out our discussion (and our viewing of Polanski's version of the film). Sites of interest (not responsible for content): Royal Shakespeare Company Wikipedia: Macbeth Sparknotes Quiz Enjoying Macbeth Thinkquest: Macbeth

We will have a quiz on medieval ballads on Wednesday, 12/5 covering the ballad form, "Lord Randall," "Edward, Edward," and "Get Up and Bar the Door."   Andrew Lang (19th c) collected ballads -- found here . " The Music in Poetry " discusses the ballad form, while connecting to American Folk Music . PLUS, each of you are required to write your own ballad: at least three four-line stanzas clear and simply beat (three or four per line) sensational subject matter clear rhyme scheme (abab, abcb, aabb) typed The ballad is due Wednesday 12/5.

This popped up today, from Ralph Waldo Emerson: "We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents."

Now that we have started reading Beowulf , I was thinking how refreshing it is to hear Beowulf in its original language ( Old English ). Considering the fact that I am guilty of occasionally mangling the language myself, I thought I'd provide a link to the real thing . Also, several have wondered out loud what Beowulf and Grendel, especially, might look like. In addition to paintings on the subject, interestingly, there have been several comic books based on the poem. One of the best I've seen is Gareth Hinds' recent graphic novel. Finally, the much anticipated film version of Beowulf will soon be in theaters. Neil Gaiman -- author of the Sandman series of graphic novels, Neverwhere (also a recent film) and Good Omens (on the British list) -- co-wrote the screenplay for a film version of Beowulf. Cool. Here's the trailer:

This week, as we are finishing up the research papers, three short assignments are due: The title page, including a 100-word abstract (summary of report) A table of contents -- should correspond to headings throughout the paper A letter of transmittal -- addressed to me, summarizing the purpose and contents of the report Your revision should include an INTRO for the entire report, which could be an extension/revision of your original introduction for Paper #1, and a CONCLUSION. The conclusion from Paper #3 will be the conclusion for the entire paper. As you are revising your drafts, please refer to the following sample papers for examples of the formatting guidelines discussed in class: A Call to Action: Regulate Use of Cell Phones on the Road The Mountain Lion: Once Endangered, Now a Danger

If you're interested in Arthurian Literature, there is plenty of information out there. Here's a place to start: Brittania History: King Arthur Arthurian Legends Illustrated Arthurian Literature & Art An Arthurian Chronology King Arthur in Literature Painting by John Howe

EXTRA POINT OPPORTUNITY Your assignment is to write a two-three page essay on an aspect of medieval life (topics below). Your report should include information from ONE source, cited according to MLA. Your essay must be typed. With the final draft, you must also include a copy the source you used. Staple everything together, with the essay on top. Note that all information from your sources – whether quoted directly, paraphrased or summarized – must be cited. MLA requires that the author include the author’s last name (or first word of the title in quotes) and a page number (none for web pages) at the end of the sentence, in parentheses. Below is a list of possible topics: Social Order Knighthood Feudalism Chivalry & Courtly Love Slavery / Serfdom Religion in the Middle Ages Pilgrimage Heresy The Crusades Holy Grail Judaism Paganism Science & Medicine Humoral Theory Hygiene Alchemy Plague (Black Death) Medieval Life Food & Beverage Women’s Rights Commerce / Economics Educa

Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors -- for every book you read outside of class, you must complete an essay assignment. You have three options, as discussed in class: Historical Criticism -- placing the text in its historical context, whether the time of publication or the setting, discussing either the impact OF the period or ON the period Character Analysis -- looking closely at the development of a major character, focusing on turning points/realizations, or mental and physical attributes Thematic Analysis -- focusing on a central theme, or idea central to meaning in the novel, including the various "forces" affecting the major characters (socio-political issues, economics, class struggles, etc.) FORMAT according to MLA (typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman), and CITE all examples from the book. If you use any outside material, then include a copy with your draft.

For each outside reading assignment, students will compose a reading guide. Each report should be typed, double-spaced and formatted according to MLA. Please use 1" margins and 12-point Times New Roman. Include the following: An introductory paragraph of no more than 100 words summarizing the book, including a statement concerning the central theme or idea. A body paragraph that introduces and explains a significant quote from the book; the quote should be no longer than three lines and should be in quotation marks; please cite the page number at the end of the quote -- i.e. (#). Finally, a one-paragraph conclusion that reviews the book, again about 100 words; please include WHY you did or did not like the book; feel free to compare it to other books (or films).

Thanks to Robert Sharenow for visiting River Oaks and talking with our students. In addition to talking about his book, he talked about the need to pursue your passion with diligence a strong sense of purpose -- advice that applies to us all. Of course, he also talked about his experience as a producer for A&E (i.e. working with Chris Angel). All in all, it was a very interesting talk. His book, My Mother the Cheerleader , about the integration of a New Orleans school in the 1960's, is both emotionally jarring and appropriately relevant considering the recent events in our state. Everyone should buy a copy (or check it out from our library). Signed copies are available at Windows a bookshop in Monroe.

This week, while I am adding comments to your research papers, we will be preparing for the ACT. Each day this week, we will address a different section of the ACT: Monday: English (Discuss) Tuesday: Reading (Test) Wednesday: Reading (Discuss) Thursday: Writing (In-Class) Friday: Homecoming! For additional help, and sample tests, go to ACT Online Prep .

As I stated in class, I'm offering extra points for those who will memorize and recite the first eighteen lines of "The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales " in Middle English. For those interested, here's an example of what it sounds like. Recitations will happen on Friday 9/21. And here's Harvard University's site on Chaucer and the Tales, for those who are interested. :) TEST on MONDAY (9/24) over "The Prologue"

Your next paper, the Solutions to your Problem , requires that you evaluate at least two solutions using a set of criteria (the basis for your comparison). Use the following as your outline: I. Introduction -- Restate Problem, and introduce Solutions and Criteria II. Solutions (define each of your solutions) A. Solution One B. Solution Two III. Evaluation A. Criterion One (why is this a good basis for comparison?) Evaluation of Solution One Evaluation of Solution Two B. Criterion Two Evaluation of Solution One Evaluation of Solution Two IV. Conclusion -- State your conclusion based on the evidence presented Remember that the purpose for this paper is to provide the best (or primary) solution to the problem you've been researching. The paper is informative rather than persuasive , however. I want you to present an unbiased argument. As stated in class, I'll look at this paper along with your others, and return them all with comments.

There will be a quiz on medieval ballads Wednesday 9/12. The quiz will cover pages 76-83 of your textbook, and will have questions on both the form and the ballads themselves. An interesting article from the Smithsonian on the connection between English Ballads and American Folk Music: Smithsonian Global Sound

DUE DATES Problem Paper Final Draft -- Wednesday 9/12 Solutions Paper Rough Draft -- Wednesday 9/19 CITATIONS We've been going over the forms for citations in class, and I thought it might be helpful to include links to the resources mentioned, including a sample MLA research paper. Although the paper is not on a related topic, the marginal notes are quite relevant. Also, you can see what your bibliography (works cited page) will look like after you've combined all of your sources. MLA Format Parenthetical Citation Works Cited Page: Electronic Sources Sample MLA Research Paper

For an excellent all-purpose site on the Middle Ages, refer to The Norton Anthology of English Literature . It's the textbook you'll be using when you get to college, and the site is full of information. If you'd like another look at the YouTube video of the Bayeux Tapestry:

OVERVIEW Write a two-three page definition and discussion of a specific problem in your chosen field of interest. The problem you discuss here will form the basis for your analysis in Paper #3. Problems can be “academic” or “work-related.” Remember that when I say "problem" I'm referring to problems you will face (and solve) as a professional in your field. The paper must cite at least three credible sources. Format according to MLA. PROCESS (1) Investigate possible “problems” utilizing the following types of sources: Interview –ask a professional Online Resources INFOTRAC @ River Oaks (password = river) Ouachita Public Library Highwire Press @ Stanford University Find Articles from LookSmart (2) Propose a topic via MEMO . Your memo should include a statement of purpose and show an awareness of audience. The memo's body should include at least two 100-word paragraphs -- one on your problem, and one on your research to date Heading should be double-spaced (To, From

Your final draft for Paper #1 (Career Study) is due TUESDAY. Please bring ALL sources, including your interview letter , and I will provide a folder. Don't forget about your "thank you" letter , as well. Also, unrelated but in the same format, your book letter is due Monday. Again, this letter is to inform me of your independent reading selection. Please tell me WHAT you are reading and WHY. Yes, that's four things: Final draft Interview letter Thank you letter Book letter

You have four things due on Tuesday. Although it seems like a lot, most of it is done already. Your Career Paper is due on Tuesday, along with the Interview Letter . The letter should be included in your folder with your final draft and copies of your sources. Use the "full block" format discussed in class. Please include the following in your letter: Paragraph #1 - Your interview subject's name and credentials, and the time and location of the interview Paragraph #2 - A summary of the relevant information from your interview (i.e. info not found in your other sources, advice, personal experience, etc.) Paragraph #3 - An assessment of the interview (how useful the interview was, whether or not you "opened a door"), and your email address. Also, don't forget about the thank you note , which should also use full block format, and which should be addressed to your interview subject.

SENIORS: Tuesday - Interview questions Wednesday - Career testing Friday - Rough draft Paper #1 JUNIORS: Tuesday - #1-6 on 38 Wednesday - Test on Beowulf Thursday - "The Seafarer" 48-51 #1-5 Friday - "Ecclesiastical History" 54-58 #1-8

Now that we have started reading Beowulf , I was thinking how refreshing it is to hear Beowulf in its original language ( Old English ). Considering the fact that I am guilty of occasionally mangling the language myself, I thought I'd provide a link to the real thing . Also, several have wondered out loud what Beowulf and Grendel, especially, might look like. In addition to paintings on the subject, interestingly, there have been several comic books based on the poem. One of the best I've seen is Gareth Hinds' recent graphic novel. Finally, I just learned that Neil Gaiman -- author of the Sandman series of graphic novels and Good Omens (on the Senior list) -- just co-wrote the screenplay for a film version of Beowulf. Cool. Here's the trailer:

Your next response paper is a 250-word description of your career/major. Again, please type and format according to MLA. Although you do not have to cite your sources, you should use them to help you with this assignment. Remember too that all of this information will be used in the first part of your research paper (due Friday 8/31). For more information on your major or career, try Wikipedia . The second announcement is regarding your interview . All students are required to speak with a professional in the field you plan to pursue. This weekend you need to start making arrangements to meet with your subject. You can conduct an interview face-to-face, over the phone, or via email. It is important that you set this up now, as you will have only a few days to complete the assignment. If any of you need help, please contact me. I might be able to recommend an interview subject to you.

Now that you have decided where you'd like to be in ten years, it's time to start planning. That starts with your selection of a university or academy that will give you the education/training required for your profession. Your assignment is to find at least two sources related to your career/major and to bring printouts to class. You should revisit the sites above, and those listed below, as well: Major & Career Profiles College MatchMaker University Sites (i.e. LSU , ULM ) -- search the Academics tab for colleges, departments, and majors, and then print out a copy of the degree description Your research will continue over the next few days, as you will need information on admission/degree requirements, tuition costs, and also job locations and salaries.

You're SENIORS now, and that means it's time to get serious. This is a very important year for you because decisions you make now can affect the rest of your life. You'll be applying to colleges by Christmas, and May will be here before you know it. So, with that in mind, we head into your senior research project. The first assignment is a response paper of 250 words. Please type and format according to MLA, addressing the following: Where do you see yourself in ten years? What will you be doing? Why? What will make you happy? Where will you be? What do you think it will take to get there? It's easy to answer these questions without taking it seriously, but I encourage you to start taking it seriously now. If you have a clear goal for your future, then you can take steps necessary to achieve it. To help you get started, you might want to look at the sites mentioned in class: For general information, try College Board's Majors & Careers Central For specific

ALL STUDENTS On Monday, bring your typed outline and summer reading book . The essay will be written IN CLASS, and therefore should not be pre-written. Any pre-written essays will be collected. In order to make both your outline and your book effective and useful tools, please consider the following: Create a detailed outline to produce a detailed essay Pre-write your thesis statement Use primary headings for each paragraph Indent your main supporting points for each paragraph Include (and cite) quotes and details from your book Highlight, underline and mark passages in your book Fold down corners or use tabs to indicate page numbers Get plenty of sleep Don't freak out! If you work this weekend, writing the essay itself will be much easier; you will have a clear plan, and a place to begin. Good luck!

Alright, now that we're closer to the actual beginning of school, it's time for a reminder concerning summer reading. As you know, we've lessened the amount of work due at the beginning of the term. Below is a complete list of the requirements: ALL STUDENTS entering grades 9-12 will read ONE required book + ONE book (or TWO if in honors) of the student's choice. The required books for each class are listed below: Freshmen ~ Introduction to Writing and Literature The Alchemist , by Paulo Coehlo Sophomores ~ American Literature The Bridge of San Luis Rey , by Thornton Wilder Juniors ~ British Literature Life of Pi , by Yann Martel Seniors ~ College-Prep English Nickel and Dimed , by Barbara Ehrenreich, OR Bayou Farewell, by Mike Tidwell Instead of the traditional exam on the required book, all students will write an in-class essay upon returning to school. Students will be able to use their books for the essay and will be expected to quote directly from the text.

As this summer's River Reads selection, Nickel & Dimed is the subject of several talks at libraries throughout the parish. On Monday the 22nd, Pat Grant from Windows a bookshop will be leading a discussion at the main branch (on 18th St), and I encourage you all to attend. Topics will include the book's historical context and precedent, the author's unique point of view, and the book's role in raising public awareness.

To further aid you in your summer reading selections, try the Ultimate Teen Reading List . The list ( of over 250 titles) is a mix of classics and contemporary novels, covering a wide range of interests. Each entry is accompanied by a short summary, as well. Although I cannot guarantee the content of all titles listed, there are some very good, high interest books here.

With summer under way, I too have begun my summer reading, and I have a couple of recommendations. As you know, we've changed the requirements for your summer assignments, allowing you more choice and requiring less writing. Some folks have asked me what I think they should read (in addition to those required), so here are some suggestions: First, I read Margaret Sartor's book Miss American Pie as soon as school let out. I'm sure many of you have already decided to read this one, and for good reason. It's a book by a Monroe native (Morgan's aunt!) about growing up in Monroe during the 70's. Based on her diary, the book covers a range of topics, including family, sexuality and Christian faith. It has received much praise from the national press, including "best book of the year" accolades. I highly recommend it, but warn parents that it does include mature themes and language. I'm hoping we can talk the author into a visit to our school. I also jus

Ah, summertime. I know I've been cranky lately, but I will sincerely miss you all over the summer. I hope you have great one. You might have noticed that I slipped the summer reading list into your report cards -- sneaky, I know. So, you've seen by now that you have even more choice than last year! And less writing! Below, in case you missed it, is the letter in its entirety: RIVER OAKS SCHOOL: SUMMER READING Dear Parents/Students: The English Department at River Oaks would like to welcome you to our summer reading program. This summer, students will have more choice than ever before, and the requirements have changed, as well. Because we want to encourage, rather than discourage, students to read during the summer, we’ve decided to allow a greater flexibility of choice in the selection of summer reading books. HONORS students will read three books. NON-Honors students will read two books. FIRST , each student will ha

Your final will include material covered second semester. The exam will consist of 100 questions, with NO writing portion. You've done enough writing for now. I expect the questions to be multiple choice only, but I may include matching, as well. You'll need to review the following: Romanticism and Transcendentalism (340-42) Longfellow Emerson & Thoreau "Self-Reliance" (Emerson) "Civil Disobedience" (Thoreau) "Walden" (Thoreau) Walt Whitman "I Sit and Look Out" "Song of Myself" "O Captain, My Captain" The Dark Side of Individualism (446-48) Edgar Allan Poe (450-53) American Gothic "The Fall of the House of Usher" Emily Dickinson (746-48) poems on pages 751-59 Realism/Regionalism "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" "Coming of Age in Mississippi" Mark Twain Biographical info (654-57) "Autobiography of Mark Twain" "Life of the Mississippi" "The Notori

As noted in class, you will see a handful of questions from the two stories I handed out in class. So, in other words, you need to read them both. The first one, "I CAN SPEAK!," is from In Persuasion Nation by George Saunders. I'll let you draw your own conclusions, I suppose, but if you don't find this story disturbingly hilarious, then you're probably one of those "normal" people. Saunders teaches writing at Syracuse University and was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship (AKA the "genius" grant) in 2006. The second story, " Endurance ," was written by my good friend James Katowich. It's about pogo-sticking, visits to the dump, absent moms and...well, endurance. The latest thing he's published, " Working Years ," is about his experience working at the Newly Weds Food plant.

Next, we will be honing our critical thinking skills. Critical thinking involves, well, thinking critically about the world around you. Specifically, we will focus on the world of advertising. First, it is ubiquitous (everywhere). Second, whether we realize it or not, it affects us all. Certainly, we are all targeted by companies who want us to spend our money and time on them. My goal is to teach you to look more closely, critically, at the thousands of ads you see around you. It's not that advertising is EVIL or that being targeted is necessarily BAD; it's simply important to realize when and how we are being sold to. In fact, I like the fact that Amazon knows what kind of music and books to recommend; it's kind of freaky, but it's awfully useful. The other extreme, of course, is spam emails and pop-up ads that won't leave you alone. That said, your first assignment is to "respond" to a print advertisement from a magazine . I asked you to bring mags

Does this person look like an English teacher? Your next writing assignment is to write a "snapshot" biography of a relative -- a look into his/her life as a Freshmen. You've written a list of fifteen questions. The goal for the interview is to gather enough information to write your report. The report itself should include the following: An introductory paragraph which includes WHO, WHEN & WHERE, also a statement about the difference between your initial assumptions and your conclusions after the interview; finally, a statement about the most significant thing you learned (about your subject and/or yourself) Body paragraphs about your subject's life as a Freshman, organized into three chunks of information, dictated by the information you have (i.e. school, interests, friends) A concluding paragraph about your own plans for the future, including what you hope to learn and/or remember Type and double-space the report, of course, using MLA format. It should b

Along with your rough draft, you are required to turn in an Annotated Bibliography on Friday. As discussed in class, this is a list of your sources with short summaries. Specifically, I want you to include the following: The citation for the source A short summary of the source's relevance We'll cover citations in class, of course, but for additional help try Purdue's OWL and/or Bedford St. Martins . They're both current and reliable. There are several annotated bib examples online ; the best are through Cornell and Purdue . If you've completed your note card assignment, then this should be simply a matter of typing the information. Remember to alphabetize your list. Use MLA format, including double-spacing and page numbers.

A note to those of you who are freaking out: First of all, your reaction to the assignment is a natural, normal, common response. And everyone who has said this somehow manages to pull it together.... That said, STOP FREAKING OUT. The first thing you need to think of is your first paper. What points did you make in support of your thesis? Those points of support will all be expanded in this second version. As you are reading your sources (that is what you're doing, right?), look for information/ideas/points that support YOUR ideas. As you come to something in a source, highlight it, making a note about where it fits into your argument -- just like you did for paper #1. As for integrating those points, that's what we discussed on Monday -- using bits and pieces from your sources, and explaining the connection (between your ideas and theirs) for the reader. If the author agrees with you, then you say something like, "Smith agrees" or "According to Smith..." wh

I received the information I needed from Thomson Gale today, so you will now have access to those databases. The most useful for this particular project is Student Resource Center Gold, which you can access through the main page login screen (use "river" as your password). There you will find a link to Adventures of Huckleberry Finn under "popular topics." Note also that the results page is organized in to sections indicated by tabs, with headings like Reference, Magazines, Academic Journals, etc. Click on the tabs to view the lists. Again print out what you find and bring to class on Monday, along with whatever you find through the Ouachita Parish Public Library (and elsewhere). Don't forget your note cards.

Below is a list of everything that will be on the final. Remember too that I have copies of your exams and quizzes. If you had come to class on Friday, you could have gotten those from me. Okay, okay, yes I know. The List: Geoffrey Chaucer & The Canterbury Tales Context Info -- when, where, why (the contest) Language of the collection (vernacular, iambic pentameter, couplet) "The Prologue" -- dominant characters and traits "The Pardoner's Tale" -- plot details, allegory "The Wife of Bath's Tale" -- plot details, romantic quest The Renaissance (top of page 200) Rediscovering Ancient Greece & Rome Reformation (rejection of papal authority) Humanism (focus on human life, as well as eternal life) Invention of movable type (Gutenberg) Henry VIII -- Renaissance Man Elizabeth I and her role as patron Renaissance Poets "Whoso List to Hunt" (Wyatt) Edmund Spenser (sonnets, The Faerie Queen) Shakespeare's Sonnets (form and content) M

Your assignment for tonight (and the rest of the week) is to gather sources from the Internet related to your topic. Remember to try a variety of keyword terms; even "Huck" and "Huckleberry" yield different results. If you cannot find something that is directly related to your topic, don't give up. You may to "browse" through titles and read some abstracts (summaries). This will take some time and some work, but if you follow my process, you will get it done. This week (and next) bring what you find. We will evaluate your sources and, if found reliable, we will discuss how to create a bibliographic citation for each. You will need your note cards for this, so please bring them to class. The 4X6 note cards work best. You will need a dozen or so, depending on how many sources you find. Please evaluate each source before printing: Relevance -- Is the source related directly to your topic? How long is the article, more than a page? Can you use th

It's time now that I remind you of the "big picture" -- that is, the process as a whole and how each small assignment contributes to the final product. This what you've done so far, if you're on track: PHASE ONE (1) First, we read and discussed the book together. (2) Second, you picked a topic from a long list of choices. (3) Third, you skimmed the book for details. (4) You took notes and cited page numbers. (5) You created a formal outline of your paper. (6) Finally, you wrote a draft of Paper #1. You've completed Phase One ! General Advice: A strong THESIS is necessary for a strong paper. Introduce the entire paper. Connect your sub-topics to the thesis. Keep each paragraph focused on ONE idea. Use specific details from the text(s). Cite all details and examples. Introduce all quotes with lead-ins. Use topic/transitional sentences. The conclusion should bring the paper to a graceful close, not an abrupt stop. PHASE TWO (1) We will learn to find secondary

Your assignment for this weekend is to do the following: (1) Go to POETRY 180 . (2) Choose a poem and type it with an MLA heading . (3) Answer the questions below : What do you like about the poem? What is the message or meaning of the poem? (summarize in one or sentences) You will be asked to read both the poem and your response in class next week!

As noted on your assignment sheet, the first paper due is two-three pages long and based on the novel only . The topic you chose is yours now, and only in rare occasions will you be allowed to change it. Commit to it, and the process should be relatively painless. Before we actually begin researching your topic, you will write your first draft using your primary source -- the novel. Please follow these steps: Re-phrase your topic in the form of a question Answer the question; this is your thesis Report both the question and the answer for THURSDAY (typed) Using your notes and study guide, locate information related to your topic. Organize what you find into sub-topics. Create an outline that includes citation of specific evidence . Write your outline for FRIDAY (typed) Paper is due TUESDAY (typed, of course) After the first draft is turned in, we will begin to look for secondary sources .

Okay, it's a scrapbook. Whatever. Your assignment is to gather material for a scrapbook that will memorialize the last four years of your life. For each year of high school, you are required to have at least four pages organized into the following categories: (1) Student Life -- life in school (at River Oaks or other) (2) Personal Life -- family, church, sports, trips, etc. (3) Culture -- Pop Culture/Politics/Headlines, etc. NOTE: Two sheets front and back for every year = 16 total pages (8 sheets). You can certainly go over this minimum requirement. Although everyone is required to use these same basic categories, consider them as starting points. You can break each category into sections if you'd like. Use headings and titles for each section. Use copies of photos or printouts for images. You can use text and graphics, as well. You can find pop culture and current events for each year of high school on the Internet. Headings are very important -- print or cut out headings

This weekend is crunch time for your group projects, but if you have done the pre-production work in class this week, then you shouldn't have any major problems. However, there are always unexpected snags in a project like this, so please let me know if you run into any major hurdles. Keep the following in mind, as they are the basis for the grade: Your time limit/requirement is 10 minutes (+/- one minute) Your edited script should be (mostly) memorized Dialogue should be audible (not overpowered by soundtrack) Your production should be relatively free of errors If you have cue-cards, their use should be discreet Your costumes, props and sets should coordinate You must have a title screen and credits (bloopers optional) The video is due Monday, as we discussed. You should have a copy available for viewing, on either VHS or DVD. As soon as I've screened the videos, we'll have a "film festival" in the library.

Remember that your eventual goal is the research paper . Keeping this in mind as you read is essential, as you will need to take good notes. I've encouraged you to "write as you read," taking notes in your book and/or in a notebook. This will be invaluable when it comes to writing the paper. Now that we've read and discussed a good bit of the book, you need to start thinking of what you want to write about. I will soon provide a list of possible topics, and you will write a short letter informing me of your choice. With that topic, you will skim the book for details (record page numbers) develop a thesis create a formal outline of your paper's structure (citations) write the first draft To help you study, and to locate information on your topic, check out this Study Guide . The section headings and questions will help you locate specific scenes and details for reference in your papers. In addition, as you are finishing the book, look to the study guide as a sup

Below are the study questions for chapters 21-29. We're taking a bit of a break from quizzes this week because of ACT prep, but we'll continue next week. Directions: Answer in complete sentences on a separate sheet of paper 1. What contrasts are apparent when comparing Colonel Sherburn and Boggs? 2. What is happening in town the same night as the Duke and King’s performance? How does it affect attendance of the play? 3. What does the Duke change on the handbill to increase attendance of the play, and how effective is it? 4. What do we learn of human nature as a result of the “Shakespeare” con? How does the crowd react to the play? 5. What story does Jim tell about his daughter, and what does it reveals to Huck regarding Jim’s love and humanity? 6. How does the King learn of Peter Wilks’ death (and much more)? What does he learn exactly? 7. Who are the victims of the Duke and King’s con during the Wilks e

FOR MONDAY Freshmen need to learn the Prologue to Romeo & Juliet and begin reading Act II. Juniors need to Read from Life on the Mississippi (669-75) Answer questions #1-5 on 676 Read "The Notorious Jumping Frog..." Answer questions #1-5 on 685 Read Chapters 1-3 in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn We'll start discussing Huck Finn on Monday... Seniors need to Review Act II of Macbeth Answer questions #1-7 on 333 Read Act III Complete "reading check" on 351 Answer questions #1-8 on 351 World Geography students need to Review Ch 18 Read Ch 19 We'll have an open book test on Ch 18 in class on Monday. I'll hand out worksheets on Ch 19 in class

I saw this and had to post it. Click on the pictures on the menu for 360 degree views of Paris landmarks. Navigate back to the main menu for 360 degree views of cities from around the world. Cool.

Your next major assignment is to plan a budget-minded trip to Europe. You'll be there (hypothetically) for 10 days , including air travel to and from your destination. Imagine you host a travel show, and the network is paying for the air fare (you'll pick the time and place); you've been budgeted $1000 ($100/day) to cover everything else. Please include the following in your report: Cover Page -- Include a title, your name, the course, and the due date. Introduction -- Summarize your trip in an introductory paragraph, and include a map of the area you plan to travel. Trace your route with a highlighter. Itinerary -- Include a list of dates, locations, transportation, and lodgings. Attractions/Activities -- Include a description of at least six sites you will visit. Write a paragraph, and use maps, illustrations and/or photos to aide in your description. Budget -- All money spent should be accounted for. Include an itemized list of expenses. Include at least th

Because the song was mentioned in class, I though it would be helpful to have a copy of the lyrics. The song was first published as a poem in 1937 by Lewis Allan, the pen-name of a Jewish schoolteacher from the Bronx. It was first performed by Billie Holiday in 1939. Here are the lyrics: Southern trees bear strange fruit, Blood on the leaves and blood at the root, Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze, Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees. Pastoral scene of the gallant south, The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth, Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh, Then the sudden smell of burning flesh. Here is fruit for the crows to pluck, For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck, For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop, Here is a strange and bitter crop. From Wikipedia: The "strange fruit" referred to in the song are the bodies of African American men hanged during a lynching. They contrast the pastoral scenes of the South with the ugliness of racist violence. The

Your assignment is to write a poem of at least 10 lines, using the following: At least one of Whitman's 1st lines I hear America singing... I sit and look out... Now I will do nothing but listen... I celebrate myself... At least one of Whitman's techniques catalogs repetition parallelism

Your assignment this weekend is to set thirty minutes aside for yourself. I want you to go outside for at least thirty minutes, without your cell phone, without a friend, without your ipod...just you and your backyard. If you can go somewhere outside of town, or by some water, or into the woods, even better. I want you to spend that thirty minutes observing nature. Listen, smell, touch. Use your senses. See what you can see. After about the first ten minutes, something odd will happen. You'll start to notice things you haven't noticed since you were a kid. You might want to take a notepad with you (not your laptop) and jot down down some things. When you come back inside, to civilization, write me a page response telling me what you think. What did you see that you hadn't noticed before? What did you hear? Smell? Was it natural or artificial? Were you able to "escape" technology for a bit, or was that all you heard? What were you thinking? Were yo

I hesitate to say that Walden is one of my favorite works of literature only because I want you to experience it on your own, without thinking of it as something that you have to read. But it is one of my favorite books, and I certainly won't be offended if you don't like it or appreciate it. However, I invite all of you to read with an open mind, and perhaps you'll give the whole book a read, and maybe it will affect you in the same way it has me. It's the kind of book that you can read in chunks or open at random. It's about the big questions, really -- what life is, what life's purpose is, what life's purpose should be. Believe it or not, the book has changed many people's lives. Oh, and here's a link to an annotated version of the whole thing and to The Thoreau Reader , a site from the Thoreau Society about the author and his works.

We are reviewing Part One of To Kill a Mockingbird this week, and I thought I'd recommend a website. One of the best sites I've seen for the book is the Student Survival Guide from Nancy Louise Rutherford (a fellow high school teacher). It is well-researched, geared to the student, and includes sections on Vocabulary , Allusions , and Idioms . Remember that the first vocabulary test is Friday. We'll start reading Part Two this weekend, and we will also watch some more of the film as we progress through the novel.

Your assignment is to write a poem describing a someone from contemporary society. Refer to the " General Prologue " to The Canterbury Tales as your model. The character should be someone who does a particular job or serves some specific purpose in our society. Your poem should be at least 14 lines, in rhyming couplets. Please include the following: description of the person's job/position character traits -- personality, temperament, morals, etc. physical description -- including uniform/clothing The poem is due on Tuesday 1/16.

Overview Your next major assignment is to write a two-three page essay defining "American." The essay's thesis should attempt to answer the question, "What does it mean to be American?" The essay should be typed, double-spaced and formatted according to MLA . Your Topic The word is used to describe our culture, politics, food, style, music -- even ourselves. But what do we mean? Usually the connotation is positive, but the question applies to the negative use of the word, as well; if we call someone or something un-American, or anti-American, what exactly do we mean? What is the "American Dream," and in what ways do we pursue it? Do terrorism and illegal immigration threaten our "American Way of Life"? If so, then how is that defined? Could you make a list of "American Values." What is American food? American music? Process The process for this paper has already begun. First, you read part of de Crevecoeur's essay , a