Contemporary Literature Class Information
What I missed.....
Updates are posted each day by 4 PM
Monday & Tuesday - Reviewed for final. Click here for the study guide.
Friday, May 15 - Senior Field Day
Thursday, May 14 - We finished presentations.
Wednesday, May 13 - We began presentations
Monday & Tuesday, May 11-12 - We worked in groups on our projects. They are due Wednesday. Click here for a project checklist.
Friday, May 7 - Journal Project due! We went to the computer lab to do some work on researching our target markets; then, we brainstormed with our groups about our promotion plans.
Thursday, May 6 - We finished the film and reviewed some basics of how to get to market. Click here for the handout. Then, we announced the final project of the semester - the Apprentice Project. Click here for a copy of the assignment; see Ms. Mitchell or Ms. Smith for the group assignments.
Tuesday, May 4 & Wednesday May 5 - We watched a documentary on how organizations use media to market products, services and ideas to us. It is called The Persuaders. You can watch it online at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/persuaders/
Monday, May 3 - We began with our LAST journal of the year. We wrote about our high and low points from high school. Then, we talked about the print ads we had evaluated and created. We began a discussion of the language used in ads and publicity that are geared towards persuasion. Click here for a handout; you will need to get the notes from a classmate.
Friday, May 1 - We took our vocab quiz and then we did some more editing practice (we still need some help here!) We finished our film and will begin discussions about efforts to market products on Monday.
Tuesday, April 28 - We introduced the journal project. Click here for a handout. it is worth 10% of your semester grade and is due Friday, May 8. Then, we watched a film. We meet again on Friday.
Monday, April 27 - We started with our vocab - there will be a quiz on Friday. We wrote sample vocab questions as an opening activity. Then, we received a handout about comma, colon and semicolon use. Click here for a handout. We edited a passage for errors to practice our proofreading and grammar skills. Then we finished our work on looking at print ads - use the handout from Friday to analyze your print ad and then create one for homework.
Friday, April 24 - We wrote a journal about how we would spend $1 million if we had to give it all away. Then we finished our notes from Tuesday. We examined print advertisements for their parts; click here for a copy of the handout. Bring your print ads with you (and your notes) on Monday.
Thursday, April 23 - We finished the film, took a short quiz, and helped Ms. Smith with the Shakespeare festival. Don't forget to bring in a print ad that you feel is targeted to teens....
Wednesday, April 23 - We watched a documentary on marketing to teens. Visit this for a webpage on the film where you can watch the episode online: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/.
Tuesday, April 22- We shared our findings from our group; then we began our final unit of the year, the Media unit. We began by discussing how companies and organizations promote their products, services and agendas. Click here for a handout; you will need to get the notes from a classmate.
By Friday, please bring in a print advertisement that you feel is targeted towards teens.
Monday, April 20 - We broke into small groups and discussed some of the elements of the film.
Weds - Friday, April 15-17 - We watched and discussed the film. Don't forget to bring in your $5 for the Shakespeare Festival!
Tuesday, April 14 - After vocab words, we began our discussion of our last film of the unit, Crash. Click here for a viewing log which will be due at the end of the film.
Monday, April 13- We wrote down our vocab and then wrote a journal about what we did over Spring Break. We had two last student films to watch and then we were done with the film project Yea!
Thursday, Friday - We watched our student films.
Wednesday, April 1 - We had a speaker today; also, I passed out a copy of a check list for the film projects which are due tomorrow. Click here for a copy.
Tuesday, March 31 - We worked in our film groups; films are due on Thursday.
Monday, March 30 - We wrote an in class essay. See a teacher to schedule a time to make it up.
Tuesday - Friday - We did vocab each day and continued to watch the film. On Thursday, we wrote a journal describing our Spring Break Plans.
We will have an inclass writing over the movie on Monday. Click here for a copy of the topics; you may use a 3 x 5 inch note card to complete for prewriting.
Monday, March 23 - We wrote down vocab and then began to discuss "the greatest film ever made", Citizen Kane. See a classmate for notes. Click here for the viewing guide you will need to complete by Thursday; it will count as two quiz grades. Help can be found at http://www.filmsite.org/citi.html.
Friday, March 18-20 - We worked in our groups....storyboards turned in on Friday.
Tuesday, March 17 - We discussed blocking and movement of scenes prior to our storyboarding for our film projects. Then we worked in our groups.
Monday, March 16 - After a journal (we wrote about how we think the Stimulus package ought to be spent...), we unveiled the FILM PROJECT. Click here for a copy; see Ms. Mitchell for group assignments.
Friday, March 13 - Teacher workday....read your extra credit novels. :)
Thursday, March 12 - We took our vocab quiz and then discussed story boards, looked at some examples, created our own, etc.. Click here for a handout/overview.
Wednesday, March 11 - We reviewed some of the sentences from our homework in prep for our quiz tomorrow, and then we discussed the tasks associated with the production of a film. Click here for some notes. We watched a short "making of" featurette from a film.
Tuesday, March 10 - We discussed the various genres of films.
Monday, March 9 - After vocab and grammar, we finished our look at the clips.
Friday, March 6 - After our film quiz (which you will need to make up...), we copied down the vocab and then looked at some more film clips.
Thursday, March 5 - After vocab and grammar, we wrote a journal describing the worst movies we've seen. Then we watched some film clips, analyzing them for techniques to help prepare for tomorrow's film term quiz.
Wednesday, March 4 - After vocab and grammar, we finished the film terms and then analyzed a clip of film to see how each of these techniques are present in "action."
Tuesday, March 3 - After vocab and grammar, we turned our attention to our film unit by beginning a discussion of the terminology we will need for the unit. Click here for a handout; you'll need to get the notes to fill it in from a classmate. We have a quiz over these terms on FRIDAY.
Monday, March 2- Snow Day
Friday, Feb. 27 - We finished our short essays on the test and then debriefed on our unit. We are starting the film unit now...so we began with a discussion about our favorite movies. Please turn in your book on Monday (Maus) if you haven't already done so.
Thursday, Feb. 26 - Maus Unit Test. You will make this up tomorrow...
Wednesday, Feb. 25 - We reviewed our work from yesterday. I passed out a copy of some literary criticism about the novel that should help you prepare for the test. You don't need it to take the test, but it provides some interesting critical perspective. TEST TOMORROW! See yesterday for the handout with the short essay topics...
Tuesday, Feb. 24 - After vocab and grammar, we took a short quiz over Chapter 6. Then we broke into groups and analyzed characters. We have our test over the novel on THURSDAY. Click here for a handout.
Monday, Feb 23 - After vocab/grammar, we discussed Chapters 4 & 5. Read Chapter 6 (finish the book) for tomorrow.
Friday, Feb. 20 - We took a quiz over Chapter 4, wrote down vocab words and then discussed what we had discovered in Chapters 2 and 3. Read Chapter 5 for homework; pay special attention to the comic book within the comic book.
Thursday, Feb. 19 - After vocab and our grammar entry, we wrote a journal entry about: What are the very best things about comic books? What are some of your favorite comic book? (Archie? XMen? Batman? Sin City?) If you don’t read comic books, what are your impressions of this comic? Do you like it more or less than a regular book? Why?
Then, we finished the conversation from yesterday. We next did a close reading and analysis of Chapters 2 and 3. Click here for a handout. Read Chapter 4 for homework.
Wednesday, Feb. 18 - After vocab and grammar warm-up, we discussed how to do a close reading of a graphic novel. Click here for a handout with some terminology we will be using. Then we began a close reading for Chapter 1 with a partner. We shared some of our findings with the class.
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - After a grammar warmup and vocab, we turned in our character analysis papers. Don't forget to turnitin by midnight tonight! See the entry for Feb. 12 for a handout if you need it. You will lose a letter grade on the paper if you don't submit it online. We collected the novels and then passed out copies of our next work, Maus. We went through a presentation about the graphic novel as a preface; read Chapter 1 for homework.
Friday, Feb. 13 - Pep rally day. We had a short class competition and then we watched a special film clip. Papers are due Tuesday; don't forget to submit them online as well to turnitin.com.
Thursday, Feb. 10 - We wrote a journal about our best (or worst) Valentine's day. Then we got back our rough drafts. We are giving an extension for the paper. If you turn it in tomorrow, you will get a 5 point bonus; otherwise you may turn it in to us on Tuesday without penalty. YOU MUST TURN IT IN ON TURNITIN.COM as well or you lose a letter grade. Instructions for submitting papers are here; instructions on setting up an account on turnitin.com are here.
Wednesday, Feb. 9 - Rough drafts DUE and we took our unit test. Final drafts due on Friday.
Tuesday, Feb. 8 - We reviewed vocab using our HW assignments and then we reviewed for tomorrow's test. Click here for a copy of the study guide that includes the essay question choices. Study for tomorrow's test and don't forget to bring in the rough draft of your character analysis essay.
Monday, Feb. 7 - We wrote down our vocab words and spent most of the period discussing how to properly incorporate quotes into your paper. You can get a handout when you return. Rough drafts are due on Wednesday. Our unit test over the works covered so far will be on Wednesday as well. For homework, I assigned each student one vocabulary word (if you were absent, pick one from the list); on a white sheet of paper, create a small poster that includes the word, a sentence using the word, and some drawing or picture that illustrates its meaning.
Friday, Feb. 6 - Computer Lab. Click here for the handout. Prewriting and Works Cited page due Monday.
Thursday, Feb, 5 - We began with a journal where we wrote about the things WE would carry if humping around in Vietnam. Then we discussed comma rules. click here for a handout. Lastly, we went over the character analysis paper, which will be due on Friday, Feb. 13th. Click here for a copy. Tomorrow we will meet in the computer lab (E103) to begin work on it.
Wednesday, Feb. 4 - Get the vocab from a friend. we spent a few minutes finishing our writers workshop practice and then presented some of our work. We discussed the importance of annotating text and then read two articles about the novel and annotated them. You will need to get a copy of the article and the assignment to make up as it will be for a grade.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 - After the vocab, we discussed themes from the novel in preparation for our paper...which I will discuss on Thursday. Then we talked about writing introductions and how to cite literary works. Click here for a handout on writing introductions. Then we broke into pairs and wrote practice introductions and body paragraphs. Finish the book!
Monday, Feb. 2 - We took a quick reading quiz and then reviewed the events from the story. We wrote down our vocabulary words and then worked on a short exercise about how to use commas. Then we discussed the book, especially the the conflicts we are feeling about his fictional book being presented as non fiction. Read "Ghost Soldiers" tonight; finish the book for Wednesday.
Friday, Jan. 30 - We began with our vocab quiz and then we broke into small groups to discuss/analyze the stories about Norman Bowker and re-entry. For homework, you should read pages 163-188 (In the Field through Field Notes) There will be a reading check quiz on Monday.
Thursday, Jan. 29 - We wrote down our last two vocab words before our quiz tomorrow (they are kilter and infatuation).
We wrote a journal about our favorite televisions shows of all time, presenting our reasoning behind the distinction. Then we discussed the stories we read thus far and worked further on our examination of the characters from the book.
Wednesday, Jan. 28 - We started with a vocabulary exercise in preparation for Friday's VOCAB QUIZ. Then we discussed the stories How to Tell A True War Story" (and tried to define "true" in O'Brian's terms) and the "Sweetheart of Song Tra Bong" (and what point O'Brian is trying to make with that story). For homework, read "Stockings," "Church," and "The Man I Killed."
Tuesday, Jan. 27 - We watched a film clip about Vietnam and wrote a reflection about which seemed more accurate and supported our view with details from the film and text. Read "The Sweetheart of Song Tra Bong."
Monday, Jan. 26 - We read three stories in class ("Friends," "Enemies," "How to Tell a True War Story") from the novel and then answered (in complete sentences please!) some questions. Click here for the handout. Read "The Dentist" for homework.
Friday, Jan 23 - After taking a short reading quiz, we did our sentence combining and vocabulary. Then we finished our work on the primary characters. We then discussed the novel.
Thursday, Jan 22 - After vocab and sentence combining, we finished our discussion of the first story. Next, we broke into small groups to do some research from the book about the ten primary characters. We will be writing a character analysis of the book at its conclusion. Read "On the Rainy River" for homework.
Wednesday, Jan. 21 - After writing down vocab words, we did a short sentence combining exercise. Then we broke into pairs and tried to figure out what some of the acronyms from the book stood for. Then, we worked in small groups to respond to some questions about the first story from the novel. For homework, read "Love" and "Spin" (the second and third selections from the book).
Tuesday, Jan. 20 - We began with a journal where we wrote about the top three initiatives we would tackle if we were being inaugurated today. Then we finished our presentations. We were assigned copies of the novel we will begin to read, The Things They Carried. Get a copy from a teacher tomorrow. For homework, read the first story (the titular story).
Friday, Jan. 16 - After our vocab quiz, we presented the poems.
Thursday, Jan. 15 - We worked in our groups...quiz over vocab tomorrow.
Wednesday, Jan. 14 - We wrote down vocab...for our QUIZ ON FRIDAY. then we did Correctomundo, and discussed our impressions from yesterday's assignment. We continued our exploration of self in a poem from our book. I read it, explicated it and discussed it as a model for a project YOU will be doing. Click here for the handout. Bring your book tomorrow and we will let you know of your group assignment.
Tuesday, Jan. 13 - We took a quiz (which you need to make up) over the story from last night. Then, we wrote down our vocab words for the day and moved on to an activity where we simulated having a particular disability or impairment. We extended our work to understand how our own perception and conditions influences the way we see the world.
Monday, Jan.12 - After vocab and correctomundo, we collected the homework and then discussed the selection we read over the weekend. Specifically, we talked about our preconceptions of what we thought of someone who goes into the dumpster, of the homeless. Then we listened to a clip of a memoir by an man whose father chose to visit dumpsters to be "free" of work and the results that had on his family. We discussed our feelings about his desire for freedom and what we thought about his actions. For homework, read "The Moment the Gun Went off" on page 591 of your textbook. Might be a quiz tomorrow....
Friday, Jan. 9 - After vocab and correctomundo, we wrote a journal on who we felt had it easier - guys or girls. We then finished the documentary and discussed our perceptions of the working poor. For homework, read this essay and respond to the questions at the end of the selection.
Thursday, Jan. 8 - We turned in our homework...after copying down our vocab and correctomundo, we discussed the passage from last night. We then began to watch a documentary from the show 30 Days about living on minimum wage.
Wednesday, Jan. 7 - We began with two new vocab words and wrote down our first editing practice sentence. See a classmate for notes. Then we returned to our discussion about the part of our identity we felt was most dear (gender, name, culture or hopes/dreams) and wrote a short reflection supporting our choice. We discussed the essay from last night. For homework, read the essay "Serving in Florida" and respond in complete sentences to the questions at the end. Click here for a copy.
Tuesday, January 6 - We talked about our breaks, we reviewed the rules and expectations of the class, assigned books and passed out and reviewed the course syllabus. Click here for a copy of the syllabus--you need to get it signed and returned by Monday. We then jotted down a list that described who we believed ourselves to be and discussed our various roles in our lives. For homework, read the essay by Tannen that starts on page 382.