For break my mind awaits, but still, there's work...

Hi gang,

That's right, you read correctly - that line is written in iambic pentameter style - da dum, da dum, da dum, da dum, da dum - with 10 syllables.

And, it's true we are all ready for a break. And, we all deserve a break. Let's finish with a bang, not a flop. We still have 5 tasks to complete!

1) You will present your play parts on Friday December 11!

2) You should turn in your reflection paper no later than Friday December 11!

3) We will finish reading Macbeth. This will happen probably on Tuesday December 15. We will also finish Polanski's movie on Tuesday. I suggest you read the modern English version (see sparknotes) ahead of time if you have trouble understanding the language.

4) You will write your own sonnet - same style as Shakespeare - in iambic pentameter, 14 lines, same rhyme scheme. This should be turned in on Thursday December 17!

5) You will have one more informal essay on Shakespeare's Macbeth - you will have 4 options:

-Is Macbeth a moral play? Does it teach a lesson? If so, what is it?

-Shakespeare uses a technique called elision in which certain key events take place off stage (ex. Duncan's murder, the battle scene). Why might have Shakespeare used this? What are the advantages/disadvantages of using this?

-Who is the hero of the play? Is there one? Is Macbeth the villain? Discuss.

-Do the aparitions, the witches trick Macbeth? Are Macbeth's actions his fault or were they caused because of something greater than him?

This final paper should be 1-1.5 pages in length, 12 size, Times New Roman font, single spaced. Use text support when needed.

Finish up the year with a bang, folks. Next Thursday you will receive your winter reading - Obama's Audacity of Hope.

Peace

It's been a while...

Hey gang,

With regard to our study of Shakespeare tonight we are going to read a few of his sonnets. First, reserach, what is a sonnet. Why might have Shakespeare written these?

Visit Shakespeare's sonnets and select 3 to read. Select three that you like. Discuss the theme and tone of each. Turn this in on Monday on loose-leaf paper.

Remember Wednesday we will present our plays and Friday we will finish Macbeth in class.

I have decided to postpone the book talk projects until after the winter holiday. I will give you more details soon.

Moodle muddles my mind...

Foul is fair and fair is foul...

Man, moodle be trippin'...In past Moodle-Philen battles, Moodle has always prevailed. And, today folks, Moodle prevailed once again.

I need some serious Jappale with Moodle...So, here are you essay topics:

1) Discuss how Shakespeare sets the tone in Act one.

OR

2) By the end of Act 1, who has "control" of the plot? Is it Lady Macbeth? the witches? the king? Macbeth? Fate? Who do you think Shakespeare would want us to believe has control? (The movie and my preaching were quite different if you were close attention this was evident).

OR

3) How do stage directions differ between movies and plays? Think about both movies and plays that you have seen. How would you change the play Act 1 of Macbeth to become a movie?

These short essays are due on Friday. They should be between 1 and 1.5 pages in length, 12 font size, Times New Roman font, single spaced. No late essays will be accepted.

I'm OUT!!!

there are ethics involved here...

Hey gang,

Here's a timeline for the week:

-Wednesday: I will return 3rd essay drafts. You will make final adjustments and hand in the final on Friday!!!!

-Friday: In class we will wrap up our study of philosophy. I will give you some info on aesthetics.

Also, on Wednesday we will finish the movie The Shawshank Redemption. I'm curious about your thoughts, opinions, reactions to the movie. Post a comment on this blog.

Next, you will research a recent sports news item. This is about a conservative radio host who expressed interest in buying an American football team. Because of his political beliefs he received wide criticism.

First, research Wikipedia about Rush.

Then, check out the following articles covering the story.

1
2
3
4

On loose-leaf paper:

1 - Discuss the situation. What sides are there?

2 - Share your ethical opinion.

Please do this in paragraph form.

See you in class on Wednesday!!

What do we know anyway?

Hi gang,

First of all, I would like to apologize for my tone with some of you in class. I found myself very frustrated with the fact that many of you did not turn in work on time. However, as I took a step back and a breather, I realized I was only getting worked up because I allowed it to get me worked up. I realize we are all busy with a lot of school work and tasks going on and it's important that we all try not to let it get to us - otherwise the stress will eat at you, like a virus...and now, I'm babbling.

On that note, please turn in your work as soon as possible. If you know you will not meet a deadline, come see me much before class time and let's chat. I'm open to assist you however I can and if extra time is what you need, we can do that. But, I do ask of you - out of respect for what I do - to see me before class time to discuss this issue.

On Thursday I hope to continue one-on-one conferences with you about your essays. You will have some individual down time. I will ask you to please bring in your November 30 book-talk book to read. (See here if you have no idea of what I'm talking about) I may also play a segment of a movie that relates to Philosophy, but I haven't yet decided on that. If you have an idea, holla at me.

I hope this blog finds you well and at peace and with no stress. See you Thursday and please bring you book talk book to class!

Peace

Okay, but is it ethical?

Holla!

So, class, we are in the middle of Tuesdays with Morrie, the 5 branches of Philosophy, our novel Ishmael, group projects, and now...our formal writing assessment for this unit of study. That is a lot to juggle.

For Thursday: the rough draft of your essay is due - minimum 2000 words. See here for details. We will be doing some in-class writing with this essay, but most of it will be written out of class.

Also, answer the following questions pertaining to the article I gave you, entitled, Time to reconsider the ethics of eating. Answer on loose-leaf:

1) What is the author's point of view? Is he biased?
2) Give a few examples of how animals are treated, according to the author. Does this coincide with what you observe here in Senegal?
3) Is there an "ethical" way to eat? Explain.

Finally, view the following photo and post a comment. Are these ethical? Remember ethics is a question of what is right and what is wrong.


photo 1

Holla back!!

Time to put your money where your mouth is...

Aight gang,

This weekend you were to finish the novel Ishmael. And, your rough draft essay is due Thursday. We will work on this a bit in class on Tuesday, but you are expected to complete this outside of class. (minimum 2000 words)

Once again, here are your choices:

1. You are a politician transformed by reading Ishmael. What laws would you enact in order to turn things around (or promote change)?

2. In reading Ishmael, what did you learn: a) about yourself? b) about the world? c) about learning?

3. What do you feel are the most important themes in Ishmael and why?

4. Can we as a culture identify the bars of our prison, or are we too happy in our captivity to care? is our society really a cultural prison?

5. What are the origins of culture and cultural beliefs, especially yours?

6. Since it isn't feasible for current society to go back to hunting and gathering, what can we do?

7. Write a paper entitled: "How We Should Live."

8. Mr. Rutherford has invited YOU (or Ishmael, you choose) to give the commencement address, write it.

9. Write your own philosophy related to one of the five branches of philosophy.

If you have other ideas, holla!!!

Also, find the rubric and paper info on my website

Time to put your money where your mouth is...

Aight gang,

This weekend you were to finish the novel Ishmael. And, your rough draft essay is due Thursday. We will work on this a bit in class on Tuesday, but you are expected to complete this outside of class. (minimum 2000 words)

Once again, here are your choices:

1. You are a politician transformed by reading Ishmael. What laws would you enact in order to turn things around (or promote change)?

2. In reading Ishmael, what did you learn: a) about yourself? b) about the world? c) about learning?

3. What do you feel are the most important themes in Ishmael and why?

4. Can we as a culture identify the bars of our prison, or are we too happy in our captivity to care? is our society really a cultural prison?

5. What are the origins of culture and cultural beliefs, especially yours?

6. Since it isn't feasible for current society to go back to hunting and gathering, what can we do?

7. Write a paper entitled: "How We Should Live."

8. Mr. Rutherford has invited YOU (or Ishmael, you choose) to give the commencement address, write it.

9. Write your own philosophy related to one of the five branches of philosophy.

If you have other ideas, holla!!!

Also, find the rubric and paper info on my website

Time to put your money where your mouth is...

Aight gang,

This weekend you were to finish the novel Ishmael. And, your rough draft essay is due Thursday. We will work on this a bit in class on Tuesday, but you are expected to complete this outside of class. (minimum 2000 words)

Once again, here are your choices:

1. You are a politician transformed by reading Ishmael. What laws would you enact in order to turn things around (or promote change)?

2. In reading Ishmael, what did you learn: a) about yourself? b) about the world? c) about learning?

3. What do you feel are the most important themes in Ishmael and why?

4. Can we as a culture identify the bars of our prison, or are we too happy in our captivity to care? is our society really a cultural prison?

5. What are the origins of culture and cultural beliefs, especially yours?

6. Since it isn't feasible for current society to go back to hunting and gathering, what can we do?

7. Write a paper entitled: "How We Should Live."

8. Mr. Rutherford has invited YOU (or Ishmael, you choose) to give the commencement address, write it.

9. Write your own philosophy related to one of the five branches of philosophy.

If you have other ideas, holla!!!

Also, find the rubric and paper info on my website

Time to put your money where your mouth is...

Aight gang,

This weekend you were to finish the novel Ishmael. And, your rough draft essay is due Thursday. We will work on this a bit in class on Tuesday, but you are expected to complete this outside of class. (minimum 2000 words)

Once again, here are your choices:

1. You are a politician transformed by reading Ishmael. What laws would you enact in order to turn things around (or promote change)?

2. In reading Ishmael, what did you learn: a) about yourself? b) about the world? c) about learning?

3. What do you feel are the most important themes in Ishmael and why?

4. Can we as a culture identify the bars of our prison, or are we too happy in our captivity to care? is our society really a cultural prison?

5. What are the origins of culture and cultural beliefs, especially yours?

6. Since it isn't feasible for current society to go back to hunting and gathering, what can we do?

7. Write a paper entitled: "How We Should Live."

8. Mr. Rutherford has invited YOU (or Ishmael, you choose) to give the commencement address, write it.

9. Write your own philosophy related to one of the five branches of philosophy.

If you have other ideas, holla!!!

Also, find the rubric and paper info on my website

Who's wise and what is wisdom?

Yo,

I truly enjoyed our discussion in class of what it means to be wise...are all old folk wise? what about leaders? what about religious leaders? These questions I must say...I can not answer for you...

I also really enjoyed the presentations - Aristotle - who probably had something to do with killin' Alex the Great - and - Lao Tzu - who brings new meaning to the words Pu Pu...ha, Mr. P is so wise!

Here you go:

First, answer the following questions on loose-leaf paper based on chapter 9:

1. What is the difference between Leavers and Takers (166-168)?

2. Ishmael helps the pupil see the story of Cain and Abel in a new light - what is the new understanding the pupil has about the story?

3. Based on this new understanding can you make any real-life connections? Think about how peoples are viewed or perceived by others.

Second, read the article that I gave to you in class. Post a comment on the following two statements:

1) Are the leavers exotic? Think about what the author of this article notes about the connotations to the word "exotic"

2) Do the victors always write the history books? If so, why do we study history? How do we typically study history in school? Is our way of study of history messed up?

On Friday we will continue discussing the novel - chapter 10 - in groups. Also, we will explore Ethics. Please continue to brainstorm your essay options - you should have a clear idea of what you want to write about. If not, revisit the last post for the options. If you have ideas outside the options I have provided, please let me know.

On another note, check out this spoken word segment (incredible): saul williams

What's with the rabbit?

Hey gang,

I love the artwork...A plus for everyone, except Mr. Philen. What was his point anyways? So, enjoy Lampool! We'll have a hype time!

So, for Monday you should read through part 7. Also, I want you to find at least 3 important/significant quotes from this part of the reading. Please write them down and be prepared to share these with the class for discussion.

Also, begin to think about the essay topic you will choose. Here are some of the choices:

1. You are a politician transformed by reading Ishmael. What laws would you enact in order to turn things around (or promote change)?

2. In reading Ishmael, what did you learn: a) about yourself? b) about the world? c) about learning?

3. What do you feel are the most important themes in Ishmael and why?

4. Can we as a culture identify the bars of our prison, or are we too happy in our captivity to care? is our society really a cultural prison?

5. What are the origins of culture and cultural beliefs, especially yours?

6. Since it isn't feasible for current society to go back to hunting and gathering, what can we do?

7. Write a paper entitled: "How We Should Live."

8. Mr. Rutherford has invited YOU (or Ishmael, you choose) to give the commencement address, write it.

9. Write your own philosophy related to one of the five branches of philosophy.


Have a great weekend!!!

the truth and nothing, but the truth...

Hi Class,

Great job, thus far. I'm really impressed with the artistic thought yous guys have put forth. I can't wait to see the final project!!!

So, for homework for Tuesday. Make sure you read through section or part 7 of the novel.

Also, check out the following two movie clips:

Video 1

Video 2

Relate these to philosophical thought...How do these clips relate? What growth (personal) occurs?

Finally, for our BIG written assessment you will work to create your own philosophy. In at least a half-page (either written or typed) discuss what you stand for. What do you live for, live to be, strive to be...Don't think of this as professionally, but personally...perhaps, however, they are interconnected.

We will be working to create our own written philosophies.

Have a good weekend!

is it that, or, is it just what i think it is...

Hi students,

Great job today. We battled the omnipresent metaphysics and put some everlasting hurt on it...I truly applaud your in-class writing thus far - very insightful.

So, as I stated today in class, for Wednesday you should read through part 3 of the novel (page 63). Also, I want you to discuss which of the following thought processes makes most sense to you and why. Which one do you most agree with and why?

1)

If God is all powerful and all good then there would be no evil in the world.
But there is evil in the world.
Therefore God is not all powerful or all good.

2)

If there was an infinite chain of causes of the universe then there would be no universe now.
But there is a universe now.
Therefore there must be a first cause of the universe.

3)

Most organisms in the world act for a purpose.
Most organisms are not aware of acting for a purpose.
There must be a superior being directing their purpose.

4)

The concept of a supreme being is of a being with all perfections.
Existence is a perfection.
The supreme being must exist.

Also, remember to work on your project - due in class Wednesday September 16, 2009...See you Wednesday!!!!

doing you a solid...

Hi class,

Today ends (for our class) a great first week. I know I have thrown some complicated issues/topics/subjects at you, but I'm impressed thus far with your insight and "knowledge"...but, what is knowledge, really?

So, I'm doing you a solid. Below, find 20 comprehension questions covering part one and two of Ishmael. It is expected that you turn these in on Monday August 31 after our Moment of Clarity writing task.

1. What does the advertisement ask for and how does the reader react? How would you react to such an add?

2. Define the following words: earnest, indignant, callow, disillusioned, guru, rudimentary, derelict, menagerie.

3. How does the narrator perceive people to life live or what is the "natural" life like?

4. According to page 5, what does the narrator yearn for?

5. What does the pupil find when he arrives at the advertisement's destination? How does he react?

6. What point does the gorilla's sign WITH MAN GONE, WILL THERE BE HOPE FOR GORILLA mean?

7. In chapter 3 discuss in your own words the two life styles that the gorilla speaks of. Make sense of them (explain them).

8. How does the gorilla react when people speak to him?

9. At the end of chapter 3 the gorilla learns a valuable lesson - you are not how other define you, you are as you define yourself. Do you agree/disagree? Explain.

10. What happens to the gorilla when he buys into what the man tells him?

11. To where does Ishmael travel next?

12. Was this beneficial to him in your opinion?

13. In chapter 5 what becomes Ishmael's new job?

14. At one point in part one the pupil states that, "argument of any sort, on any subject, has always seemed like a waste of time..." Do you agree/disagree and why?

15. In part two,what does elevated knowledge or wisdom do to people, according to Ishmael?

16. Who are the takers and who are the leavers?

17. According to Ishmael, what are maps useless?

18. Why do you think Ishmael continues to use the example of Hitler when talking with the pupil?

19. How do you view the pupil? If a friend of yours asked what this pupil was like, what would you say?

20. In the end of part 2 the pupil comes to the realization that the people of his culture, our culture, have no creation myth. I this is true what consequences do you think there are for this? Is it truly important that a culture have a creation myth?

Please answer these fully and in complete sentences? Also, be ready to discuss the novel on Monday in small groups. Bring your questions, concerns, and deep thoughts...just don't hurt yourself...ha...

Remember to begin to work on your project (due on Wednesday September 16)...PEACE OUT...

A New Year...School year, that is...

Welcome Literature Studies students!