12-14/17-2007 Otello

Lesson:
Collected the white “close reading” sheets and the “Iago’s Bestiary” sheets that were homework for today.

Shakespeare’s Insults and a modern Iago Speech:
We shared insults and Iago's paraphrased speech


Complete the “Othello Objective” reading reactions sheets. If absent it is found on the assignments link. The reading logs will be collected next class. A list of the logs can be found on the assignments sheet.

HMWK: Read 2.2 & 2.3
Othello Objective
• Logs will be collected next class.
• One log option could be to find places where Iago is telling a lie.

12-11/12 2007 Shakespeare insults and a close reading of 1.3

Lesson:
“And I Loved Her That She Did Pity Them”
I stamped reading logs, if absent make sure you get yours stamped.
I collected the word search.

We finished Dramaturgy Reports

We went over Shakespeare’s Insults and did a close read instead from 297 to 386.
It starts after Othello and Desdemona have left and Iago and Roderigo are alone.
You will need to pick up this form if you were absent.

Iago’s Bestiary
Fill out the bestiary sheet, then create a modern paraphrased version of this speech (365-385).
Be exhilaratingly wicked with the language Avoid obscenity and come up with pungent contemporary expressions that are the modern equivalent of Iago’s.
Otello
You will need to pick up the bestiary from a friend or from the bakc of class if you were absent.
If absent, you will have to make up a quiz on the first Act
Homework
Read 2.1
Write in your log….your choice. Use the opposite pages with activities for some guidance. Any of these activities will work!!

12-7/10 Othello Word Search

Lesson:
If absent:
Write differences and similarities you have seen in the movie Othello which you viewed last class and your own acting they have done in class.


1. To what extent do the actors look like, or sound like, the characters they have imagined? Who would they cast differently?

2. What impression do you have of Desdemona? Why?

3.Judging only from what you saw and heard in this scene, how do Dedemona and Othello feel about each other? How do you know?

4. If you were the director, where would you place Iago in the section of the scene that follows his reentrance with Desdemona? Why?

5. If you were the director is there anything you would have had the actors do differently?


Dramaturge Reports:
Three student groups will be reporting today on the Turks, the Moors, and Venice.
If absent, look these up on your own to make sure you understand these in the play.

What may have accounted for Elizabethan dislike for foreigners, and, possibly, what causes natives of a country to regard foreigners as a threat?

Othello Word Search:
See the Othello word search sheet on the assignments page.
If absent, complete the word search activity.

HMWK: Finish Othello word search and read the rest of Act 1, Scene 3

VERY IMPORTANT TURNITIN.COM INFO!!!!

Hi,
For some reason my original account is not working.
Please submit your paper by creating a new account using this info.

Sophomore Projects Turnitin.com instructions

Go to www.turnitin.com

Click “Login Page” at the top of the turnitin.com homepage.
Click “New User” at the top of the login page.
Follow instructions to create a user profile.
Your Class Name is: great minds
Enter class ID is: 2107247
Your class password is: great

You will be asked to enter your email address, create your own password and register and answer your own security question. Please keep a record of these somewhere.

After you have created a user profile, go back to www.turnitin.com

Go to login page.

Enter your email address and password.

You will get your “student homepage”. It will have the class “great minds” on it, underneath “enter a class”. Click the name of this class.

You will see your assignment, which I have named “great papers”. Next to “great papers”, click submit. Follow directions, browse for you paper and upload it.



That should let you set up a new account.
Mr.K

12-5/6 2007 “Keep Up Your Bright Swords"

Acting Companies performed 1.2

First Impressions: If you were absent answer the following questions and turn them in next class.

We saw Othello for the first time in this scene--is he what you though he would be? Is he respected by his associates? How do you know?

What contrasts are there between the way Iago, Roderigo, Brabantiohave described Othello and the way he looks and behaves when he actually appears?

Do you notice basic differences in attitude between Cassio and Iago in their short conversation (1.2.60-65) following Othello’s exit?
Why is Brabantio convinced that Othello must have used witchcraft on his daughter? Why does he have difficulty believing his daughter could run to Othello’s “sooty bosom”?

Dramaturges Reports: Venice and Cyprus (If absent, please look these places up on-line)
Film: We watched the first 20 minutes (through Act 3 of the film version of Othello

Homework
Read 1.3.1-342
Complete log entry including:
Describe Othello as you see him in your imagination. Say which actor, or type of actor, you would choose to play the role. Find a picture on-line or in a magazine that resembles your idea of Othello, or draw your own.
Iago swears in line 38 “By Janus.” Janus is a Roman two-faced god. Give examples of Iago’s two-faced behavior. How might an actor convey this?

11-3/4 Othello: "I am not what I am"

Lesson:
We shared log #1. The question for this can be found on the last blog entry.
We chose hats for our characters and assigned topics for Dramaturges. Many professional acting companies today have dramaturges, consultants who are responsible for providing directors with all kinds of historical and literary information pertaining to the play. You will become this for our journey through Othello.
Presentations should be about 5 minutes and be both informative and interesting.
Dates for presentations:
December 5/6: Venice and Cyprus
December 7/10: Moors and Turks
January 8/9: Ira Aldridge, Paul Robeson, and Recent Othello Productions
January 10/11: Epilepsy
Make sure, if you were absent, to see me to be assigned a project.
We then broke into acting companies to read and perform scenes from 1.2. If absent, complete an extended log entry. Label it "Absence make-up entry". Thi sentry will be worth double the points.


HMWK:
Read 1.2
In addition to your log entry, do this free-writing exercise. Write about a time when you resented someone who received an honor you were hoping to get. How did you feel about the person who received it, and how did you feel about the one who chose the other person instead of you?

Projects:
Best Draft is due 12-6 on turnitin.com
Code for our class on turnitin is: 2099300
Best draft turned in during class on the 6th

11-29/11-30 Othello

Lesson:
We went over the basic plot and themes of Othello.
We then created an Acting Circle to workshop and perform a scene form Act 1, Scene 1
If absent, check out the book from the library/ textbook window

HMWK:
Read Act 1, Scene 1 (1,1)
Complete your second log entry
Log Entry: Log Question (answer at least two of the following questions)
1) Why do Iago, Roderigo, and Brabantio hate the man they are discussing?
2. What reasons does Iago give for continuing to follow his master?
3. What kind of person do you except the man they discuss to be? How do you imagine him? Count the number of times the word “Moor” is used in 1.1. Can you draw any conclusions?

Projects:
Best Draft is due 12-6 on turnitin.com
Code for our class on turnitin is: 2099300
Best draft turned in during class on the 7th

11-27/28 2007 O Brother Comparison

Lesson:
We finished the movie O' Bother Where Art Thou.
We wrote comparison outlines in groups between the movie and the Odyssey.
If absent, please look up comparison papers in you Writer's Inc book.
If absent, write an outline (you can find a blank one on the Greta Minds website) comparing one aspect of O'Brother to one aspect of the Odyssey.

HMWK:
Comparison Outline

11-21/26 2007 O' Brother Where Art Thou?

Lesson:
We viewed the movie O' Brother Where Art Thou?
There is also a study guide to prepare you for our comparison paper.
If absent, please rent the film on your own and complete the study guide.

HMWK: Study Guide

11-19/20 2007 Odyssey infomercials

Lesson:
We performed our infomercials today. If absent, you will need to record a short skit based on your theme park for your grade.

HMWK: None

11-15/11-16 2007 Infomercials

Lesson:
Vocab test
We had the rest of class to prepare for your final presentations next week.

HMWK: Presentation

Projects:
Intro and updated work cited due next Tuesday

11-13/11-14 ODyssey Final and practice

Lesson:
We took the final for the Odyssey. If absent, make sure you schedule a time to make this up.
Second half of class was for finishing touches to our skits.

HMWK:
Finish brochures
Practice skits
Performances and brochures due next class

11-7/ 11-8 2007 Odyssey Final Group Work Day

Lesson:
We had a book quiz. Please make this up if absent.
We used the entire class to refine our brochures and infomercials.

HMWK:
Finish the Odyssey
Complete brochure requirements (Final due Thursday for Sheldon, Friday for Churchill)
Begin studying vocab part 3

11-5/6 2007 My Hero

Lesson:
We took a vocab test for part 2

We read accounts of different heroes form the 20th century. If absent, please get these readings from me.
We then discussed the evolution of the heroic ideal in groups. Please get make-up assignment form me next class if absent.

HMWK:
My Hero (found on assignments page)
Study vocab 3
Outline due next class

11-1/ 11-2 2007 Revenge!

Lesson:
If absent read "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allen Poe. You can find the full text through the link below:
http://www.amlit.com/twentyss/chap5.html

Then, answer the following questions:

What, according to the narrator, constitutes perfect revenge?
Does the narrator achieve that?

What is retribution in the time of the Odyssey?
What happens when Odysseus upsets the gods?
What must Telemachus and Odysseus do with the suitors?

Is revenge ever okay?
How has retribution changed today? How did we get here?
Draconian Law

Where is revenge still prominent in our world today?


Odyssey Final Project deadlines
Schedule:
November 5-6: Heroic ideal. Some class planning time.
November 8-13: Final on the Odyssey. Half class planning time.
November 14-15 Final work day with groups
November 16-19 All brochures due. Begin presentations
November 20-21 Finish presentations
November 22 Gobble Gobble



Homework:
Read the summary of 13,14 and 15 carefully so you're sure you're getting everything
Read books 16-17
Study Vocab 2--Test next class

10-30/10-31 2007 Has Odysseus changed?

Lesson:
We learned a new comma rule:
Non-restrictive clauses
Commas are used to enclose non-restrictive clauses or phrases. Non-restrictive clauses and phrases are those not essential to the basic meaning of the sentence. Restrictive phrases or clauses are essential to the sentence because they restrict or limit the meaning of the sentence. They are not set off by commmas.

Here are some examples:
This woman, whose hands were once large enough to hold my entire body, does not now reach as high as my daughter’s shoulder.
-Kim Cherin, In My Mother’s House
My hair, which is already prickling, began to rise on my head.
-Mary Renault, The Bull from the Sea

Most Muslim women who come here change like me and become more liberated.
-Fariba Nawa (student writer)
The man who strikes first admits that his ideas have given out.
-Chinese Proverb

We then had a debate and created topic sentences and a thesis answering yes or no to the question:
Does Odysseus change over the course of his journey?
If absent, please create an outline with specific examples arguing either way.

HMWK:
Read Book 12 of the Odyssey

10-27/ 10-29 The Land of the Dead

Lesson:
We took a book quiz (if absent make it up)
We studied epithets. Look this up on-line and write one for yourself.
We worked with groups to create a Land of the Dead for our trips/ amusement parks
Please fill out the sheet on the assignment sheet about the land of the dead to get credit if you were absent

HMWK: Projects Outline due next class

10-24/10-25 2007 Odyssey and outlines revisited

Lesson:
We took a vocab test today
Checked out Writer's Inc
We also worked with peers and our outlines
We looked at the story of the Cyclops in groups

HMWK:
Read books 10 &11
Outline complete for next class

10-22/10-23 Odyssey and Outlines

Lesson:
Reading quiz (make up if absent)
Created an outline in our groups about the Odyssey thus far
Went over how to write an outline for the Great Minds paper
Writing workshop on outlines in class
Went over comma rules for lists

HMWK:
Vocab and comma test next class
Read books 8 & 9 for next class

10-18/10-19 So begins our Odyssey

(We had weird schedules at Sheldon and Churchill this week so look to your respective campus for your assignments and lessons)

Sheldon Lesson (1/2 day):
Went over thesis and Homeric Similes

HMWK:
Read books 5 & 6 (if you haven't already)
If absent, complete the Homeric Simile assignment on the assignments page

Churchill Lesson:
Went over the first 4 books and discussed the reading
Went over Homeric Similes

HMWK:
Read books 5 & 6
If absent, complete the Homeric Simile assignment on the assignments page

10-18/10-19 So begins our Odyssey

(We had weird schedules at Sheldon and Churchill this week so look to your respective campus for your assignments and lessons)

Sheldon Lesson (1/2 day):
Went over thesis and Homeric Similes

HMWK:
Read books 5 & 6 (if you haven't already)

Churchill Lesson:
Went over the first 4 books and discussed the reading
Went over Homeric Similes

HMWK:
Read books 5 & 6

10-16/10-17 Odyssey first books/ Thesis

(We had weird schedules at Sheldon and Churchill this week so look to your respective campus for your assignments and lessons)

Sheldon Lesson:
Went over the first 4 books and discussed the reading
HMWK:
Read books 5 & 6

Churchill Lesson (1/2 day):
Went over thesis statements

HMWK:
Thesis statement for Great Minds

10-11/ 10-15 Toga Party/ Intro to the Odyssey

Lesson:
We introduced ourselves in character today and got the background of The Iliad (the prequel to The Odyssey. We then started reading books 1-4 of the Odyssey in class.
If you were absent, go the assignments page and get a character chart. Look on-line to find brief descriptions of each character. You will be able to use this sheet in class for quizzes.

HMWK: Read Books 1-4 of The Odyssey

10-9/10-10 Intro to Mythology

Lesson:
We started a new unit on the Odyssey today.
We did a review of Greek myths today by acting some out. If you were absent you can get credit for drawing me a comic book version of one of the following myths:
The Fall of Troy (The Trojan Horse)
The Story of how Hermes became a god
The story of the birth of Athena
How the Trojan War was started

You can do a Google search to find any of these stories. It was a 30pt assignment so you want to be sure to make this up!! A good website to start with is:http://historylink102.com/greece2/index.htm

Homework is to read a packet I passed out in class on the background of the Odyssey (you should try to borrow it from a friend) and to get ready for a Toga Party next class. If absent, I have poster 3 characters you may choose to be on the assignments page. Pick one, dress up, and memorize your blurb. Bring in all things Greek to help us celebrate.
To make your toga, there are some helpful tips at:www.howtomakeatoga.info

Writing Workshop

Lesson:

Had second rough draft stamped
If you were absent make sure you turn these in and get a stamp next class.
Practiced grading CIM. If you want more practice go to:
http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=527
Try grading an example. See how the state grades the imaginative papers.

In class we did peer editing on a peer edit sheet.
The sheets can be found at the "Assignments" link. If you were absent, you find three "trustworthy" people to read your story. This means adults with at least high school educations, classmates, or other students who have gone through this program.
The person grading will fill out the peer edit sheet for one of these categories:
Setting/ Style and Mechanics
Plot with conflict
Characters

Peer editors are allowed to write directly on this draft. They should ask questions to the writer, fix grammar, show where they are confused. Please have them do this clearly and neatly.

The peer edit forms are due, along with all drafts, self edits, and planning sheets next class.

Homework:
Final draft of Power story

Projects homework:
Read

10/2-10/3 Lord of the Flies Final Part II

Lesson:
Vocab test in class today
Took the second part of our final.
If absent, you will have to schedule a time to make this up.

HMWK:
Poopy first drafts (need to pick this up from class)
Self edit sheet and 2nd draft of your story due next class

Projects:
Preliminary sources due next time

9-28/10-1 Themes

Lesson:
We completed the first part of our Lord of the Flies final in a group of two or three. If absent, please complete the activity below on your own. The outline form can be found on the assignments page:

Lord of the Flies
by
William Golding

Final Part One: THEME

The THEME of any work of literature is the main idea or the message the author is conveying about life,
human nature, or the human condition.

One way to determine a novel’s theme is to consider the main conflict(s) presented in the story, and look closely at how the author chooses to resolve the conflict. By examining who or what the author chooses to have “win,” we can usually understand the author’s message.

For this assignment, you will explain Golding’s theme as you interpret it,
and creatively explore whether or not you agree with him.

Step 1: On a separate piece of paper:
∑ write (or type) a brief retelling of the climax of the novel – the high point of the tension where the primary conflict “takes a turn” and we see who/what will “win” (one or two sentences)
∑ quote the passage that you think best represents the climactic moment, and cite it by page number
∑ give a brief explanation of your reasons for choosing this point in the story as the climax
(Hint: remember the definition of “climax” and use it to explain your choice!)
(5 points)

Step 2: Carefully consider the conflicts of the novel, the climax you cited in Step 1, and Golding’s resolution. Who/what “wins” in the story? Based on this, what do you think the author is telling us about human nature? About civilization? In other words, what is William Golding’s main theme?

On the form attached to this paper, outline a five-paragraph essay about Golding’s main theme in Lord of the Flies. This outline can be used as the basis for writing an extra credit essay if you choose.

Step 3: Consider whether or not you agree with Goding. What different theme might you want the novel to communicate to readers? How might Golding have changed the outcome of the novel if he had wanted to convey your message instead?

9-26/27 Masks and symbols

Lesson:
Today we looked at symbols in the novel.
A symbol is something that stands for something else. It is nn element in a story that may represent another meaning, often an abstract idea
If absent,make a list of 8 symbols from the novel. Then, complete the masks assignment on the assignments page. You will need to paint a face and take a picture of it OR come in during lunch to use my face paints. Bring a friend!!

HMWK:
Book test next class
Mask write up due next class
ROugh Draft of story due next class
Vocab test Tuesday (Alpha)/ Wednesday (Omega)

Projects:
Preliminary Works Cited page due next October 3rd. See Great Minds link to access.

9-24/9-25 Freud of the Flies

Lesson:
We took a YIRTB quiz in class
We went over the last readings and over Freud's ideas of an Id, Ego, and Super Ego. If absent, look these up on-line and answer the following questions:
As the boys' stay on the island lengthens and the savagery increases, how is Freud's concept of behavior apparent?
Consider the id, ego and superego for the following characters and describe an example from the novel for each:
Jack
Ralph
Piggy
Roger
Simon

We then did a writing exercise. Reread the start of chapter 10 where Ralph and PIggy talk about the murder of Simon but don't REALLY talk about it. Now you try this:
Choose one of the scenes listed below and write a conversation between the two characters. Use dialogue and characterization only to make the situation clear to the reader, but never state the problem/ conflict directly!!

A. You have just told your best friend that you agreed to go on a first date with this great guy/gal you’ve met. You are ecstatic and can’t stop talking about all the great qualities he has. Your best friend has always had a crush on your new boyfriend/girlfriend, but has never had the courage to ask him/her for a date. She doesn’t want you to know, but it’s difficult for her/him to hide their disappointment.


B. Two teenagers bump into one another in the school halls. He loves her but she thinks he’s very uncool. Show the interaction that occurs between them.


C. You’ve just overheard your friends spread rumors about you to a group of classmates. You are obviously hurt but try to pretend nothing has happened. Your friend has no idea you were eavesdropping. He walks into the classroom for 1st period and sits down next to you. Take it from here…..


Turn this writing in to class next time if you were absent.

HMWK:
Study your 25 vocab words. Write sentences with them.
Finish the book.
ROugh draft deadline has been extended to the 29th (Sheldon)/ Oct 2nd (Churchill)

9-19/9-20 We're going to have fun on this island!!!

Lesson:
We looked at the beginnings of stories that we wrote and what makes a good beginning.
We went over, again, the requirements for your Power Struggle Story.
We went over comma rules for introductory clauses. Get notes from someone if you were absent.
Vocab change……
You will pick your own 25 words form the remaining words in the novel!!!
There will be a test at the end of the novel.
You will be required to use the words in a sentence that gives the definition that proves you know how to use the word.
-----------OR----------------
I will have a test like the last one where I choose out of the 43 words in the last chapters
We had group discussions on the group in place of a quiz. If absent you will have to do this alone. The assignment can be found on the assignments page.

HMWK:
Make your vocab list
Character sheet (found on assignments page)
Read Lord of the Flies Ch 9 & 10
Rough draft for your own story is due September 26th/27th

9-17/9-18 Monsters?

Lesson:
We took a vocab test and a YIRTB quiz. If absent, make sure you make these up.
If absent, answer the following journal prompts:
What are your earliest memories of monsters?
What kinds of monsters captured your imagination?
What was the source of your monsters?
What is it about monsters that attracts and repels us?
What do you know about monsters from other cultures?
Do humans need monsters?
Can people be monsters? How do they become this?

We discussed the beast in Lord of the Flies.
If absent, look up Maslow's Hierarchy of needs and answer these questions.

Which do you feel you need to be on this scale to have a society?
Where are different characters at on the needs scale?
Ralph
Jack
Piggy
Simon
Roger

We then went over the Power Struggle Story assignment. It can be found on the assignments page.

Homework:
Brainstorm five ideas for a power struggle story and write three one paragraph beginnings.
Read Ch 7 & 8
Study Vocab 5-8

Projects:
Four Great Mind Paragraphs
DUE NEXT CLASS!!!!

9-13/9-14 2007 Painted faces and long hair

Lesson:
Turned in island map
Went over vocab words by acting them out
Discussed Chapters 1-4 of Lord of the Flies

HMWK:
Read Ch 5-6
Setting quote assignment
Vocab test next class

Projects:
Collected Great Minds signature slip
4 great mind paragraphs due on the 19th

9-11/9-12 Lord of the Flies Begins!!

Lesson:
Took a Yes I read the book quiz. If absent, make sure to make this up.
Turned in the survey/setting assignment, the parent questionnaire, the signed syllabus, and the Lord of the Flies discussion questions.
Talked about human nature in groups and did an activity to observe this.
Discussed the book using our discussion sheets.
Discussed a bit about William Golding's life.
Received books

Homework:
Study Vocab Chapters 1-4
Read Chapters 3-4
Draw the setting assignment (on assignments page)

Projects:
Signature form due
Choose four great minds. Rank in order. Write one paragraph regarding why you'd choose each one.

Yarrrr! Ye found the blog!!! 9-7/9-10

Introduction to Literature class
About Mr.K and introductions
Discussed savage vs. civilized
Assigned Lord of the Flies and other assignments

You need to click on the link to "Grades" to get to basmati. Click on the South Eugene link and type in your student ID and the code you received in class.

HMWK:
(Copies of all can be found on the assignments page)
Signed Syllabus
Signed Parent Questionnaire
Signed Basmati form and attached printout
Student Questionnaire and setting write up
Passed out vocab for Lord of the Flies. Test on September 13/14 for Chapters 1-4.
Read Chapters one and two of Lord of the Flies
Discussion questions for the first two chapters of Lord of the Flies



Projects Homework:
Great Minds signed instructions (click on the Great Minds link)