river oaks [english]

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.