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Showing posts from February, 2010

Juniors ~ Extra Points Assignment

JUNIORS - If you want to earn some extra points (up to 20), then keep reading.... Choose ONE of the options below, and write at least 500 words, using correct grammar and spelling. The essay should be typed, double-spaced, and formatted according to MLA guidelines. OPTION ONE Discuss the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the writers we studied in class, citing at least three of the authors’ works specifically. OPTION TWO Discuss the Romantics’ view of Nature as both as source of inspiration and destruction/retribution. Cite examples from both “Tintern Abbey” and “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Let me also remind you that if I catch you using anyone’s work as your own – even a relative – then that is considered plagiarism , and the penalty is severe.

Digital Nation

First, here's a link to the Frontline episode we've been watching in class (from PBS): Digital Nation: Life on the Virtual Frontier I've also said that you will each be revising your paper this week. An additional requirement is to include an online source related to your topic. Please make sure the source meets the following criteria: It must be from a reputable/credible site It must be recent (in the last five years) It must be more fact than opinion -- should provide evidence for the information presented Some examples are provided below: A definition of carpal tunnel syndrome from KidsHealth A fact sheet from the National Cancer Institute on the links between cellphone use and cancer risk An AP article on professors' banning of laptops in classrooms An article from WebMD on Internet Addiction An article from Foreign Policy on military training using video games

This Artificial World

Your next essay: Considering the degree to which virtual realities and simulations have become a part of your daily life, and considering the ideas put forth in “Super-Toys,” “I CAN SPEAK®” and “The Age of Simulation,” do you believe that the developments in science and technology of the last few years are mostly positive or negative (or some of both)? Take into consideration the ratio of utility to entertainment in the functions of the various gadgets, games, appliances, household products, food and music that you own and use regularly. How many of these products are meaningful to you? Below is a video discussing the concept of the "uncanny valley," which is directly related to the story we read, linked below the video. Super-Toys Last All Summer Long, by Brian Aldiss (also in your book p665) Refer also to the handouts "The Age of Simulation" by Jeremy Rifkin, and "I CAN SPEAK" by George Saunders. Some additional things to consider: robots, mechaniz

Chaucer's Love Birds

(click on the picture)

Juniors ~ Romantic Poets

We're studying the British Romantics, and we'll start Frankenstein soon. Homework so far: #2-5 on 644 #2-5 on 648 #2-5 on 650 We discussed "To a Mouse" by Burns, and four poems by Blake: "The Lamb," "The Tyger," and the two "Chimney Sweeper" poems. Expect a quiz on these five poems on Tuesday, along with a vocabulary quiz on the last fifteen "words of the day."