Talk to me this fall.....in Thailand

http://candcthaifactory.blogspot.com/

6-6-2008 Lagaan begins (Sheldon Only)

Lesson:
Watch the first part o' Lagaan. It's rad.

HMWK:
Movie due on the 10th (sheldon ONly)

6-4/5 2008 Passage Analysis

Lesson:
We completed a group passage analysis worth 20 points and completed our own for another 20 points for homework. I do not have an electronic copy of the assignment so if you were absent make sure you see me or a friend to make sure you get this assignment.

HMWK:
Passage analysis
Eurasian essay due Friday for Sheldon
"Mark of the beast" due Wednesday for Churchill

6-3-2008 Laagan begins!

Lesson:
Laagan started today. If absent, rent the film and watch the first 83 minutes. You will also be filling out a theme chart for the film that you can pick up from me next class.

HMWK:
Finish Nectar in a Sieve

6-2-2008 SHELDON ONLY

Lesson:
Quiz on Nectar in a Sieve
Read The Mark of the Beast out loud as a class
If absent, get the story from me next class and answer the questions on your own



HMWK:
Read Ch 27-30
Films due June 10th!

5-30-2008 CHURCHILL ONLY

Lesson:
Quiz on Nectar in a Sieve
Read The Mark of the Beast out loud as a class
If absent, get the story from me next class and answer the questions on your own



HMWK:
Read Ch 27-30
Films due June 11th!

5-29-2008 SHELDON ONLY

Lesson:
Namaste!
If absent, complete the following for credit.

Respond to two of the following in complete sentences.

Say what you think the author’s opinion of the statement might be, based on the novel.
Indicate your own personal opinion and why you think as you do.


Topics:
1. Ira’s husband can’t be blamed for bringing back a barren wife.
2. There are times when the pace of life should be slowed.
3. In many ways, Kenny is right: These peasants are ignorant fools.
4. Arjun and Thambi did the right thing in speaking up in favor of the strike.
5. Business is business. Biswas and the landlord have a right to make a profit.

We also shared scripts and worked on our films.

HMWK:
Read Nectar in a Sieve
Chapters 27-

5-28-2008 Churchill Only

Lesson:
Namaste!
If absent, complete the following for credit.

Respond to two of the following in complete sentences.

Say what you think the author’s opinion of the statement might be, based on the novel.
Indicate your own personal opinion and why you think as you do.


Topics:
1. Ira’s husband can’t be blamed for bringing back a barren wife.
2. There are times when the pace of life should be slowed.
3. In many ways, Kenny is right: These peasants are ignorant fools.
4. Arjun and Thambi did the right thing in speaking up in favor of the strike.
5. Business is business. Biswas and the landlord have a right to make a profit.

We also shared scripts and worked on our films.

HMWK:
Read Nectar in a Sieve
Chapters 24-26

5-27 2008 Sheldon Only

Lesson:
Adia presented on her trip to South America
We shared our scripts in groups

HMWK:
Read Chapters 18-23
Quiz next class
Final Script due next class (only need one per group)

5-22/23 Screenplay!

Lesson:
Dance off at Sheldon
We took a YIRTB quiz for Nectar (missed at Sheldon. We'll take it next time)
We then went over how to write a screenplay
Please see the assignment page for directions on how to write a screenplay

HMWK:
Screenplay due next class

5-20-2008 Sheldon Only- Bhangra Dancing

Lesson:
We learned how to dance. It ruled.

HMWK: Read ch 14-17 in Nectar
Pitch and poster next class

5-12/13 2008 Impromptu Hulabaloo

Lesson:
We turned in our study guides for the story
We gave impromptu speeches

HMWK:
Read Nectar in a Sieve chapters 1-3
Quiz next class

5-1/2 2008 The Great Leap Forward

Lesson:
Sheldon:
We finished our discussion on privilege and discussed the Great Leap Forward in China.
If absent, please look up the great leap forward and write a half page regarding what happened.

HMWK: Read Red Azaleas. No study guide.

4-29/30 2008 White Privilege Socratic Seminar

Lesson:
We had a class socratic seminar on the Peggy Mcintosh article: "Unpacking the Invisible knapsack"
If absent, reread the article and write a one page response to how this affects you and your world everyday.

HMWK:
Read "Daughter of the Yellow River"
Answer study guide questions on the assignments page

4-25/28 2008 Beauty Standards Across Continents

Lesson:
We had a YIRTB quiz on “Bound Feet and Western Dress”
“Bound feet” study guide collected.
Projects homework was collected at Sheldon.

We discussed:
What does our own society do to make ourselves more beautiful?
What types of people suffer to look good?
Gender Expectations:Who does what for beauty?
Male
Female
Is this balanced?
Why is there a difference in expectations?
Does social class play a role in this?

Weird transition…..impromptu speeches
Worked on "how do you plan out an impromptu speech?"


Homework
Read “White Privilege: Unpacking the invisible knapsack” reading and answer questions. This is a very thought provoking reading. It changed my life when I read it in college.

You can find the reading at: http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:7LjdYDpSjswJ:www.pcc.edu/resources/illumination/documents/white-privilege-essay-mcintosh.pdf+peggy+macintosh,+white+privilege&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us


You can find the questions on the assignments page.

You must have this completed to take part in next classes fishbowl. Be ready to talk about the issues it brings up…..

4-23/24 2008 Final Day of CIM

Lesson:
We took the CIM!

HMWK: Read "Bound Feet and Western Dress"
Complete study guide on assignment page

4-21/22 CIM testing continues!

Lesson:
Another fun and informative day of CIM writing testing. Wooooohooooo!

HMWK:
Don't fake the funk. Stay in school.

4-17/18 CIM

Lesson:
We started the CIM writing test. Oh joy! If absent, see me to schedule a time to make this up.

HMWK:
Sheldon--None
Churchill--Answer three questions from another person from "Wild Swans"

4-15/16 Confucius and Wild Swans

Lesson:
Ni hao!

We had a YIRTB Quiz

We began our Impromptu Speaking unit

Ground Rules for unit
Take Risks
Have a sense of humor
Be helpful (critique-don’t criticize)
Be willing to take critiques
Be respectful and sensitive of other peoples fears, concerns, and time.
Listen!
Practice


Skills to practice

Organization & Content
Word choice (like, um)
Eye contact
Clear and correct pronunciation
Speed
Volume
Interested!
Gestures
Posture

We then discussed what shaped the values of the grandmother in Wild Swans?

This was followed by the quickest China background ever…..
Confucius 551-479 B.C.E.

His big ideas:
Moderation in all things
Moral education for all
Build harmonious family life
Develop virtues: loyalty, obedience, and a sense of justice
Filial Piety
Ritual
Maxims (no not the magazine)
Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get

At fifteen, I set my heart on learning. At thirty, I was firmly established. At forty, I had no more doubts. At fifty, I knew the will of heaven. At sixty, I was ready to listen to it. At seventy, I could follow my heart's desire without transgressing what was right. Analects, 2:4

Look up a timeline of Chinese history if you were absent to get an idea of what was happening in China from 1880 to 1930

CIM Testing Next Class

Homework:
CIM writing test next class.
Bring your Writer's Inc Book

4-10/13 2008 Wild Swans and values

Lesson:
At Sheldon we had our Eurasian Fashion Show. It rocked!
Quiz on Wild Swans
We discussed value systems in our culture and the culture of the book.

HMWK:
Read chapter 2 of Wild Swans
Compose three strong discussion questions for the reading

4-8/9 2008 Shadow Magic

Lesson:
We finished Shadow Magic

If you missed this film, please rent it or Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and complete the film guide on the assignments page.

HMWK:
Read "Wild Swans" Chapter 1 from your China packet
Complete study guide (found on the assignments page)

4-4/7 Photo gallery and Shadow Magic

Lesson:
We shared our photo essays. If absent, make sure you turn in your essay next class. We began watching the movie Shadow Magic. This is a hard movie to find at your local video store. If absent, you may rent this or Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. You must fill out the study guide on the assignments page to get credit for this assignment.

HMWK:
Complete the study guide as far as you can

4-2/3 2008 Persepolis fishbowl

Lesson:
We turned in our Persepolis books, Ghazal poems, and photo essays (if finished). The photo essay has been extended for one class period but extra credit was given for people who finished it for today.
Fishbowl discussion followed. If absent there is a makeup assignment on the assignments page.

HMWK:
Finish photo essay

Better photo tips link

These links will help you take better photos for your project:

http://www.photo96.com/blog/?p=371

http://www.digital-photography-tips.net/digital-photography-tutor-thirds.html

3-21/4-1 2008: Poetry in Persia

Lesson:
We created our own Ghazal. Here are the basic rules:

Had 5 to 15 couplets (2 lined verses)
The number of couplets is always odd (5, 7,9, etc)
No enjambment between couplets
Has lines of equal length
Follows the rhyme scheme: AA BA CA DA, etc
Ends with a signature couplet that contains the poet’s name or nickname.


HMWK:
Finish Perseplois
Finish Ghazal
Photo Essay due next class

3-17/18 2008 3 Cups of Tea final discussion

Lesson:
We turned in our thank you letters and final book assignment for 3 Cups of Tea.
We completed a final in-class graded discussion. If absent, please complete the final discussion on the assignments page.

HMWK: None

3-13/14 Thank you and finish the book

Lesson:
We collected final drafts of interviews. You should staple your final draft in this order:
Final
Rough Draft
2nd interview notes
1st interview notes

We wrote a thank you letter to the person you interviewed.

HMWK:
Finish book (pgs 297-331)
Final 3 cups discussion sheet (see assignments page for acopy)
Thank you letter with stamped/ addressed envelope due next class

3-11/12 2008 Fine tuning

Lesson:
Today we worked on fine tuning our rough drafts. See below for some tips for your final draft. You must show revisions for your final draft.
Weak verbs drive weak sentences
Get rid of:

be being is am are was were

Use brushstrokes…
Paint with participles
• The player dribbled through the defense to make the winning basket.

• Slicing and dicing, the player dribbled through the defense to make the winning basket.

Paint with absolutes (a two-word combination--a noun and an ing or ed ending verb.

• The surfer braved the cold water.

• Lips trembling, knees knocking, the surfer braved the cold water.

Paint with appositives (a noun that adds a second meaning to the preceding noun).

• John surprisingly voted for the Republican candidate.

• John, a democrat, surprisingly voted for the Republican candidate.

Paint with adjectives shifted out of order

• The sleek, long red automobile was beautiful.

• The red automobile, sleek and long, was beautiful.

Practice
_____________, I drove my car to the beach.
_____________, I drove my car to the beach
_____________, I drove my car to the beach

I drove my car,_____________, to the beach.
I drove my car, _____________, to the beach.
I drove my car, _____________, to the beach.

I drove my car to the beach, _____________.
I drove my car to the beach, _____________.
I drove my car to the beach, _____________.


HMWK:
Final Draft
Read to page 297 for extra credit

3-6/10 2008 Trick up yo' writing, fool!

Lesson:
We wrote and revised. It was rad.

If absent, write a one page writing piece about a scar you or someone else has.

HMWK:
Rough Draft of interview literary non-fiction
Read 100 "missing pages" for extra credit

3-4/5 Writing literary nonfiction continued!

Lesson:
We had a book quiz.
Homework was checked off.
We discussed Three Cups of Tea
We reviewed the lessons from last class.
Literary nonfiction
We read three examples of stories more the size you will be creating. If absent pick these up from class next time and complete an observation sheet.


Homework
Read pages 154-183

EXTRA CREDIT (and to make this less of a shameful reading experience): Begin reading pages 183-297

Second interview needs to be completed by next class and you must bring in proof and typed notes

2-29/30 2008 Literary Non-fiction

Lesson:
We took a YIRTB quiz
We looked at different samples of literary non-fiction.
If you were absent, see me next class to get a sample of this and to write a response.

HMWK:
Answer the questions from your first interview
15-25 new questions for the second interview
Read pgs 125-153

2-25/26 2008 Faceoff

Lesson:
We talked about our perceptions vs. reality and how that played out for Greg Mortenson.
We did a writing exercise describing someone in class's face. If absent, write a one page detailed description of someone's face using similes and metaphors. You can find an example of this on page 27 of Three Cups of Tea.

HMWK:
Do your first interview
Read pages 70-97

2-21/22 2008 It's all in the questions

Lesson:
We had a book quiz.
Today we wrote questions and practiced interview techniques. If absent, there is a tip sheet on the assignments page.
We then watched clips from a Pakistan travel diary to give us a sense of what Pakistan is like.

HMWK: Read pgs 34-69
Bring 10-15 questions to class

2-19/2-20 2008 3 Cups of Tea

Lesson:
We previewed the book 3 Cups of Tea
The interview project was explained further
You received credit for showing that you had scheduled an interview.


HMWK:
Read pgs 1-33

2-14/15 2008 Gilga-art!

Lesson:
Gilgamesh Scratch Art (if absent, see me to make this up)
We discussed the interview project. If absent, get info from the assignment page.

HMWK:
Parent signature form
Pick a person to interview. Schedule the interviews by next class.

2-12/13 Gilgamesh Continued

Sheldon Lesson:
Finished Gilgi quiz
Began scratch art

HMWK: Letter to Mr.K(found on assignments page)

Churchill Lesson:
Gilgamesh quiz in class (if absent, complete Gilgamesh final on assignments page)

HMWK: Letter to Mr.K (found on assignments page)

2-8/11 Gilgamesh continued

Sheldon Lesson:
Final Discussion and quiz on Gilgy in class
If absent, complete the Gilgamesh Final Discussion questions on the assignments page
HMWK: None

Churchill Lesson:
We turned in our Othello final and began Gigamesh

HMWK: Finish Gilgi

2-7/8 Curse you snow day! We are still off. Read directions for your campus!

Sheldon Lesson:
We read Gilgamesh.

HMWK: Finish Gilgamesh with class quiz next class.
Study guide found on assignments page


Churchill Lesson:
Othello outline and start of rough draft in class

HMWK:
Type Othello Essay. Due Monday

1-31/2-5 Check your campus-Activities are different

Sheldon Lesson:
In-class essay final. You must type what you have written in class for homework but may not make substantial changes to the structure of the essay.

HMWK: Type your essay

Churchill Lesson:
We watched the ending of Othello and began our essay prep in class for the final essay.

HMWK: Outline due by next class

1-29/1-30 That snow day messed us up...but it was awesome!!

Lessons are different for each campus so check out what we did closely.

Sheldon Lesson:
We prepared for our in-class essay in groups. If absent, look over the following prompts and have them thought out s you may write an essay next class.

HMWK:
Outline for your essay

Churhcill Lesson:
We performed our scenes for our final.

HMWK: Log entry #5 (Reflection on acting and essay prompts)

Othello Logs: Part 2

Log #1: Add subtext to the “Temptation Scene” 3.3
Log #2: “To Act or not to act” on assignments page.
Log#3: Log entry of choice from the book
Log Entry #4: Whoops, I told you to practice. There is no log entry #4
Log Entry #5 Reflections on your acting and respond to 6 assertions below.
Othello’s real problem is his own jealousy.

It is very important to the play for Othello to be black.

Desdemona is not a spineless woman. She has good sense, stubbornness and courage. She can stand up to Othello for the sake of what she thinks is right, even when he is in a dangerous mood and few people would care to face him.

Desdemona is not angelically pure. The potential for unrestrained desire must be in her character in order for the drama to work.

Iago is not a “motiveless malignity” as he has been called – a devil who does evil for its own sake. He has a thirst for power and the wit to contrive a way to get it. Desdemona’s death is a side effect he did not really intend.

Iago’s cleverness is not total. He builds into the intricate structure of his plot a piece of terrible stupidity; he fails to understand his wife.

Log Entry #6: Reflections on the film version.

1-23-08 Final Othello Staging

Lesson:
We performed our final scenes

HMWK: Final log entries:
Log #5: Acting Reflection Name:_________________

Part One:
Write one page reflecting on your experiences in the final scene you acted out. Please explain strategies you used to workshop the scene, how you contributed to the group, and explain some of the choices your group made in the production. Focus on at least three sections of your scene that were well thought out for the performance.

Part Two:
Write a short statement (about a paragraph) responding to each of these assertions:

1. Othello’s real problem is his own jealousy.

2. It is very important to the play for Othello to be Moorish (of African descent).

3. Desdemona is not a spineless woman. She has good sense, stubbornness and courage. She can stand up to Othello for the sake of what she thinks is right, even when he is in a dangerous mood and few people would care to face him.

4. Desdemona is not angelically pure. The potential for unrestrained desire must be in her character in order for the drama to work.

5. Iago is not a “motiveless malignity” as he has been called -- a devil who does evil for its own sake. He has a thirst for power and the wit to contrive a way to get it. Desdemona’s death is a side effect he did not really intend.

6. Iago’s cleverness is not total. He builds into the intricate structure of his plot a piece of terrible stupidity; he fails to understand his wife.




Log #6
Movie comparison. Compare the scene your group performed with the scene in the film version of Othello. Pay particular attention to emphasis, staging, and delivery. This will be due after you have viewed the film.

1-18/22- 2008 Othello Final Drama Groups

Lesson:
Today we practiced, practiced, practiced with our acting companies

HMWK: Practice
Final next class

1-16/17 Othello and Feminism

Lesson:
We had a quiz. To make this up look at Emilea’s Speech (4.3.80-99)
What ideas does she have about men? ANswer this question using at least three lines of support from the text.

We were assigned our groups for the final scene. If absent, find out what group you are in and practice your part! See your group for other aspects of the assignment.

Homework:
Prompt book, practice and memorize
Meeting of Great Minds next week Thursday (Churchill)
Semester ends in two weeks!!

1-14/15 2007 Othello's breakdown

Lesson:
• Three acting companies be performed.
• Great Minds Paper Collected (Churchill)
Dramaturgy Report
• Ira Aldridge (Churchill)
• Recent Productions

We talked about how the handkerchief has been passed and acted it out

Gender Issues: Round One (If absent, answer these questions on your own:

Names:____________________
Discuss the “ocular proof” of Desdemona’s infidelity.


In what ways does her encounter with Othello in this scene distress Desdemona?


What different ways might an actor play this distress?


What explanations does she provide to account for his changed behavior?


Why does she feel she must make excuses for him?


Comment on:
• “They are but stomachs, and we all but food; / They eat us hungerly, and when they are full / They belch us”
Do you agree with Emilia?

DO you find her too bitter? Too hard?


What effect does Othello’s fit have on the audience?


How is Iago able to make Othello believe that Cassio is speaking of Desdemona? What would you emphasize as a director?




How, in this scene, does Shakespeare remind us of how far we are from Venice and how much Othello has changed?




Can you find examples of how Othello’s once noble and lofty language is sinking to Iago’s bestial level? Think back to your handout on Iago’s bestiary. Does Othello use the same kind of imagery? Can you find lines in Act 1 and 2 that show Othello’s noble language and analyze the difference?








In 4.1, an important man whom we have never seen hurt his wife before now strikes her in public. Why does he do it? How do the people onstage react? How do you imagine Desdemona responding physically to the blow?






Desdemona is innocent; why doesn’t she defend herself? If you were in Desdemona’s position, would you? If not, why not?







How could this scene be considered part of the great tragedy of Othello?


Homework
• Read 4.2 and 4.3. Complete log entry from the text.
• Quiz next class.
• Volunteers to act next class (possibly sing? And be exempt from the log entry)
• Meeting of the Great Minds-

1-10/11 2008 Relay Performances

The Green Eyed Monster
Lesson:
We had a quiz. Make up if you were absent.

Relay Performances
Dramaturgy Reports:
Ira Aldridge
Paul Robeson
Recent Othello Productions

Read 3.4 and 4.1 and complete a log entry #2 (To act or not to act)found on assignments page.
9 volunteers will perform in three different acting companies (and be exempt from the log)
Great minds paper due on the 15th (Churchill)
Dramaturges report on epilepsy next class

1-8/9 2008 The Temptation Scene

Lesson:
There was a quiz on 2.3-3.2 when the bell rings.
Dramaturge Reports extended until next class!
Dramaturge Reports next class:
Ira Aldridge
Paul Robeson
Recent Othello Productions

We talked about:
“It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it”
Intonation, pauses and body language.

“The Temptation Scene” 3.3 (If absent, pick a section to write about what you would have done with the scene. Explain lines you would cut and how you might stage a section of 3.3 (Choose at least 100 lines)

Homework
Read 3.3 and complete a log of your choice
Quiz next class on 3.3
Practice your scene cutting lines so the pace is rapid. Add subtext to the “Temptation Scene”
Bring a handkerchief
Dramaturgy groups report next class
Great Minds Paper due on the 15th (Churchill)

12-20/21 Sword Fighting!

Lesson:
We performed Othello 2.3
We had a lesson on stage fighting. It was fun.

HMWK:
Have a fun break
Read 3.3
Quiz when you return to class after break
Dramaturgy reports for Ira Aldridge, Paul Robeson, Recent Othello Productions due next class.

12-18/19 “With as little web as this…”

Lesson:
We turned in our logs
Please organize your log in order (clearly mark 1-6 with dates), staple it in order, and turn it in.

We made a list of Iago’s lies (so far)
We read the shortest scene as a class
In groups we blocked the drinking scene

Homework: Come to next class ready to practice some combat and perform your groups scene. Dress appropriately and rehearse. Groups will receive extra credit for memorized lines.

If absent, do a close reading of the scenes 3.1 and 3.2

Read the rest of 3.1 and 3.2. There will be a quiz next class.