Fiction Review - Final Project

Update:
7 JUNE 2012 - Thursday - PORTFOLIO DUE (Includes the Daily Assignments)
8 JUNE 2012 - Friday - REVIEW PARAGRAPH DUE

Review Paragraph -
Part I.
You must attach a photo copy of a review of the book you finished reading.
You must annotate the review - take notes - mark it up - argue with the reviewer on the paper!
You must have a review from a respected source (such as The New York Times, Newsweek, Time Magazine, etc.)
- The review needs to have a clear opinion by the writer as to whether or not the book is good, bad, worthy of reading, should be avoided like the plague, etc.

Part II.
Paragraph -
A. Summarize - briefly - the argument of the professional reviewer. (Be sure to note - if they back up their claim with examples.)
B. Take a position on the reviewer's claim.
 -- Do you agree with the reviewer? Why or Why not? Back it up with cited evidence from your book

Final Project - Notes and Reminders

INDEPENDENT READING PROJECT

IMPORTANT DATES

MAY 23 -- BOOK DUE: IN CLASS - NO LATER!
JUNE 4 -- YOU SHOULD BE FINISHED READING!
JUNE  6 -- PORTFOLIO DUE (Includes the Daily Assignments)
JUNE 7 -- REVIEW PARAGRAPH DUE: (You Must Attach a photo copy of a review of the book you are reading - on which you have based your paragraph response. It must be annotated.)

NOTE -- You have to be in it to win it! These are the assignments - in class. How can you expect to earn the daily points if you are missing class with an UNEXCUSED absence?
ASSIGNMENT #3 AND #4
30 MAY 2012 (WEDNESDAY) -
In Class -- "Beginnings" and "Motivation and Actions" (10 pts each) -- 20 pts
HW -- Read

ASSIGNMENT #2
29 May 2012 (TUESDAY) -
In Class - "Thought #1" Handout -- 10 pts
HW -- Read

ASSIGNMENT #1
23 May 2012 (Wednesday) -
In Class - Bring Book In and Create Folder -- 10pts
HW -- Read over the nice long weekend (Pace Yourself)
 
REMINDER
To close out our time together, you are to bring in an Independent Reading Book. It must be:

1. Contemporary (1945 to NOW)
2. Fiction
3. A Quick Read
4. Fun (Dang Nab It!)

- You are to bring your book to class every day.
- You are to pace yourself by reading in class - and at home. You need to be finished reading by June 4th
- You will be given daily assignments based upon the book.
- You will be creating a comprehensive portfolio of your book.
- You will be directed to obtain one review of the book you are reading - from a reputable source (The New York Times, etc.) - summarize the reviewer's argument and take a position on it.

O.P. Response #2 AND IND. READING BOOK

1. ORDINARY PEOPLE RESPONSE #2

DUE: IN CLASS - TUESDAY MAY 22, 2012

PROMPT
What is the significance of the title Ordinary People as it relates to this story and explain which work (the novel or the film) best portrays the meaning behind the title. Explain WHY (with appropriate balance between your opinion and evidence - either viewed or read ).

TASK
You are to craft a well-developed 1 (ONE) paragraph type-written response that addresses the above prompt. Be sure to explain the significance of the title (with what do we typically associate when we say 'ordinary'  -- yet, as it relates to this story - what is the deeper meaning that 'ordinary' takes on?) and to explain which work (meaning the novel or the film) more effectively portrays this 'deeper meaning.'

BE SURE TO
Use MLA format and Heading
Times New Roman - 12pt - Double Space

2. INDEPENDENT READING PROJECT

BOOK DUE: IN CLASS - NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY MAY 23, 2012

To close out our time together, you are to bring in an Independent Reading Book. It must be:
1. Contemporary (1945 to NOW)
2. Fiction
3. A Quick Read
4. Fun (Dang Nab It!)

- You are to bring your book to class every day.
- You will be given daily assignments based upon the book.
- You will be creating a comprehensive portfolio of your book.
- You will be directed to obtain one review of the book you are reading - from a reputable source (The New York Times, etc.) - summarize the reviewer's argument and take a position on it.

O.P. WRITING RESPONSE

PROMPT
- In many school districts, Ordinary People is a "banned" book. What do you think might be the reason that a school district might use to justify banning the novel? Is this reason an understandable criteria for a school district to ban the book? Explain why/why not.

TASK:
- You are to create a type-written well developed ONE (1) paragraph response that addresses the prompt.

DUE:

18 MAY 2012 (Friday)
- Typewritten / MLA Headings / 12 point font / Times New Roman / Double Space

Ordinary People

Ordinary People is Judith Guest's first novel. Published in 1976, it tells the story of a year in the life of the Jarretts, an affluent suburban family trying to cope with the aftermath of two traumatic events.

Although it won critical praise and awards upon its release, it is best remembered today as the basis for the 1980 film version, which won four Academy Awards including Best Picture.

Study Guide Note: The discussion questions in the study guide are for multiple chapters. Consider answering them as you go, or all at once when you've finished the last chapter in the section.

11 May (Friday)
- Test & Study Guide DUE

10 May (Thursday)
Discuss Questions

9 May (Wednesday)
- In Class - Read Epilogue
HW Questions

8 May (Tuesday)
- In Class - Read CH 29-30
HW Questions

7 May (Monday)
- In Class - Read CH 27-28
HW - Questions
4 May (Friday)
- In Class - Read 25-26
- HW - Complete Novel and Questions

3 May (Thursday)
- In Class - Read CH 22
- HW - Read CH 23-24

2 May (Wednesday)
- Quiz CH 12-21

1 May (Tuesday)
- CH 16-21 Questions
- HW Study - Quiz Wednesday CH 12-21

30 April 2012 (Monday)
- Read 21
- Questions CH 16-21

27 April 2012 (Friday)
- Quiz
HW- Read 19-20


26 April 2012 (Thursday)
- In Class - Discussion CH 13-15
- HW - Read CH 16-18 and STUDY for QUIZ CH 1-11 (Open Book/Note)

25 April 2012 (Wednesday)
- In Class - Discussion
- HW 14-15

24 April 2012 (Tuesday)
- In Class - Discussion
- HW - Read CH 12-13

23 April 2012 (Monday)
- In Class - CH 8-11
- HW - Finish Questions

20 April 2012 (Friday)
- In Class - Discussion

19 April 2012 (Thursday)
- In Class - Discussion of CH 1-5
- HW READ CH 6-8

18 April 2012 (Wednesday)
- In Class - Read CH5 --
- HW Questions CH 1-5 (Discussion on Thursday)

17 April 2012 (Tuesday)
- In Class - Read CH2 / Discuss
- HW - Read CH 3 & 4

16 April 2012 (Monday)
- In Class - Read CH 1

The Universe of Obligation: Roger & Me

Roger & Me is a 1989 American documentary film directed by Michael Moore. Moore portrays the regional economic impact of General Motors CEO Roger Smith's action of closing several auto plants in Flint, Michigan, costing 30,000 people their jobs at the time (80,000 to date) and economically devastating the city.

This non-fiction film continues our discussion of "The Universe of Obligation."

- If you are not attending class resulting in your missing the viewings and discussions - you may want to make sure you have the required handout and rent the film. I found it available for $1.99 -- http://www.youtube.com/movie?v=XDl6Bt6uO5c&ob=av1n&feature=mv_sr

05 April 2012 (Thursday)
- Finish Discussion & TURN IN Study Guide

04 April 2012 (Wednesday)
- Complete the Questions in the Study Guide - DISCUSS

03 April 2012 (Tuesday)
- Part IV - FINAL View / Discuss -

02 April 2012 (Monday)
- Part III View / Discuss - Desperate times cause for desperate times.

30 March 2012 (Friday)
- Part II View / Discuss

29 March 2012 (Thursday)
- Part I View / Discuss

All My Sons - Arthur Miller

All My Sons by Arthur Miller is the sad Post-World War II story about the Kellers, a seemingly “All American” family. But the father, Joe Keller, has concealed a great sin. During the war, he allowed his factory to ship faulty airplane cylinders to the U.S. Armed Forces. Because of this, over twenty American pilots died (About.com)

29 March 2012 (Thursday)
- DUE FRIDAY:
1. Study Guide
2. Choose Journal #4 or #7
- Reflect and Respond
- 1 Paragraph
- Use evidence to back up your opinions
- Typed - Times New Roman - Double Space - 12 pt font

28 March 2012 (Wednesday)
- Test on whole play (20 Questions MC)
- Read Pages 17 & 18 and respond to questions on Page 18

27 March 2012 (Tuesday)
Discuss ACT III

26 March 2012 (Monday)
- In Class - READ ACT III
- HW - ACT III Questions

23 March 2012 (Friday)
- In Class - Discuss ACT II Questions

22 March 2012 (Thursday)
- In Class - Groups Read the remainder of ACT II
- HW - Questions for ACT II (Assigned to each group)

21 March 2012 (Wednesday)
- In Class - Read / View - ACT II. pg 41-59

20 March 2012 (Tuesday)
- In Class: Groups Report Out on Assigned Questions

19 March 2012 (Monday)
In Class - Groups Discuss Act One Questions
HW - Finish questions assigned in groups

16 MARCH 2012 (Friday)
- Senior Banq. recovery day

15 MARCH 2012 (Thursday)
- In Class - Read in Groups ACT 1
- HW - Finish ACT 1 reading

14 MARCH 2012 (Wednesday)
- In Class - Discuss Journal 1 & 2
- HW Read Page 5 - 15

13 MARCH 2012 (Tuesday)
- In Class - Discuss concept of Universe of Obligation
- HW: Journal Entry #1 and #2 (found in the Study Guide) - on separate piece of paper











Consider to whom we have obligations. Given the "love triangle" scenarios presented within the opening pages of Act I and the video trailer (below) -- what would you do in a similar situation and why?

CREATIVE WRITING: DEFEND YOUR LIFE! (Due March 16th)

DUE MARCH 16 --

"The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living" - Socrates

TASK:
Imagine you are in front of a tribunal (Judges, etc.), similar to the film, where you have to 'defend' a moment (scene, incident, etc.) from your life.

Choose ONE (1) of the following options:
1. An incident that you feel shows you 'facing a fear' or making a good judgment
2. An incident that you feel shows you not 'facing a fear' or misjudgment

You are to create a no more than 2-page response / reflection paper IN THE THIRD PERSON that develops your incident or scene.

In your response be sure to explain the 'scene.' Be descriptive and detailed to help your reader really see and feel this experience. Include details such as:
- How old you were.
- What you did.
- Why you feel you did what you did.
- What you feel this moment reveals about you (your personality, judgement, etc.)
- What would you do different if you had the chance?
- How do you think this decision might have affected future events?

Note: Will it be a challenge to write about yourself in the third person? Maybe - but are we not the omniscient narrators of our own life? Only you can see into your heart and mind... unless you're using more than 48 percent of your brain! (Plus it avoids having to write "I, I, I" over and over again.)

Besides -- What's more fun to read?
"I was 10 a ten year old nerd. My glasses used to fall off of my head because my head was lumpy. So I took my Dad's staple gun to take care of the situation."
OR
"Johnny was a 10 year old nerd. His glasses taped in many places from years of falling off his misshapened head. It was a warm summer day when Johnny had an idea he thought to be brilliant: staple gun his glasses to his head."

Typewritten
MLA Headings
12 point font
Times New Roman
Double Space
DUE MARCH 16 - (Staple handwritten brainstorm / draft)

Defending Your Life

For this work we will bridge the ideas discussed in Tuesday's With Morrie, by viewing a satirical film on the subject of The Afterlife.

The film will be viewed in class, where students will be expected to practice active note taking skills either using the Discussion Question Sheet. The completed discussion sheet will be a quiz grade.

A writing assignment will be given upon completing viewing of the film.

* If you miss a day of class, it will be your responsibility to obtain a copy (rent it, YouTube it, I don't care) and view the film.

Defending Your Life is a 1991 romantic comedy/fantasy film about a man who must justify his life-long lack of assertiveness after he dies and arrives in the afterlife. The film was written and directed by, and stars Albert Brooks. It also stars Meryl Streep, Rip Torn and Lee Grant. Shirley MacLaine has a cameo appearance as herself, acting as the holographic host of the "Past Lives Pavilion", a reference to her publicly known belief in reincarnation. The movie was filmed entirely in and around Los Angeles, California. Despite its comedic overtones, Defending Your Life contains elements of drama and allegory. (Wiki, IMDB)

Here is the First Part which you can Link to the remaining parts if you miss a viewing in class, or need to refresh yourself.

REMINDER

Test on T.W.M on FRIDAY MARCH 2
Study Guide and Vocab DUE Friday March 2

Tuesdays With Morrie!

(EXCERPT FROM RANDOM HOUSE EDITION)

Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, helped you see the world as a more profound place, gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it.

For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly twenty years ago.

Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded, and the world seemed colder. Wouldn't you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you, receive wisdom for your busy life today the way you once did when you were younger?

Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final "class": lessons in how to live.

Tuesdays with Morrie is a magical chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world.

ASSIGNMENTS (FOUND BELOW):
PART I. Reading and Questions
PART II. On Going Vocabulary

PART I.
Read the following Sections and answer the At Home Questions

The Curriculum – The Syllabus
-- Read In Class & Home - Jan 31

The Student – The Orientation
Read - In Class - Feb 1/Feb2
HW - AT HOME QUESTIONS - DUE FOR DISCUSSION FRIDAY FEB 3

The Classroom – Taking Attendance
Read - In Class - Feb 6
HW - AT HOME QUESTIONS - DUE FOR DISCUSSION ON TUESDAY FEB 7

QUIZ ON READINGS ON TUESDAY FEB 7

The First Tuesday – The Second Tuesday
- Quiz Feb 7
- HW Read The First Tuesday through the Second Tuesday

The Third Tuesday – The Professor
- Read In Class and for Homework - Feb 8 & 9
- HW - At Home Reading Questions - Feb 9

The Fourth Tuesday – The Fifth Tuesday
- Read In Class and for Homework - Feb 10
- HW - At Home Read Questions - Feb 10

QUIZ ON READINGS ON FEB 14

The Sixth Tuesday – The Seventh Tuesday
- Read In Class and for Homework - Feb 14
- HW - At Home Reading Questions - Feb 14

The Eighth Tuesday – The Ninth Tuesday
- Read In Class and for Homework -- Feb 15
- HW - At Home Read Questions - Feb 15

The Tenth Tuesday – The Eleventh Tuesday
- Watch Nightline Interview Part 3
- Read in Class and for Homework -- Feb 16

The Audiovisual – The Thirteenth Tuesday
- Read for Homework - Feb 16

The Fourteenth Tuesday – Conclusion
- In Class and at Home - Feb 28
- HW - At Home Reading Questions - Feb 28

DISCUSSION
- In Class - Feb 29
- UNIT TEST on March 1
- Packet and Vocab DUE on March 2

VIDEOS WITH MORRIE!

THE AUDIO - VISUAL PART I.

PART I.


PART II.


PART III.


PART IV.


THE AUDIO - VISUAL PART III

PART VII


PART VIII