river oaks [english]

First, a HUGE thank you to Dr. Qayyum for his insight into the history of Pakistan (and to Mrs. Qayyum for the samosas!). As we discuss the Middle East these next couple of weeks, as we continue to learn and understand more about the history and current situation, please keep an open mind. I'll try to present information from both sides of these issues. In that spirit, I've given you a handout from Newsweek to read over the weekend that examines the current situation from both sides. Central to the discussion is the "two state" solution. Read the handout and use it as the basis for your current event report over the weekend. Also, I've posted the video we tried to watch in class, from 60 Minutes , which looks at the conflict from the point of view of the Palestinian people (mostly). Watch it and tell me what you think on Monday: Watch CBS Videos Online

Your assignment is to write either a short poem in the style of a mock epic (and based on an argument) or a prose satire piece describing some everyday event. Follow the instructions on page 535, numbers four and five. The writing should be funny, so don't turn into something that's not. Use the techniques for satire that we've discussed in class. The poem should be written in heroic couplets (iambic pentameter) and at least ten lines long. The prose should be at least one page, double-spaced. Again, you have a choice of the two. You do not have to type this assignment, but it would be easier to read if you did.

Obama's Inaugural Address Most of you saw and/or heard the speech LIVE, more or less, and we'll view the speech again in class. I've linked the text above, along with audio from NPR. We will look more closely at the speech in class -- at the rhetoric of the speech, as it relates to past inaugural addresses, and as a piece of history -- and the seniors will write an analysis essay. Juniors, remember to print out your political cartoon (and analysis) for class tomorrow.

We are reading Jonathan Swift, a writer who satirized politics and religion in the 18th century.  Your next paper is to analyze the use of satire in modern political cartoons.   To get us started, you will find one cartoon, analyze it and print it.  Please follow these steps: Go to Daryl Cagle's Political Cartoonists Index and browse Choose one you think is funny and/or clever Copy and paste the cartoon into your Word document Write a 100-word paragraph analyzing the artist's use of appeals, irony, imagery and text to convey his/her message.  Please include a summary of the primary message. Format according to MLA Bring your papers to class on Wednesday, January 21st.

I hope everyone had a great break. Welcome back!