CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!

I can't believe it's this time of year AGAIN! Congratulations to all of you, and best of luck for next year. This is an exciting time and a time of big transition.

I want you all to know that although I wasn't with you the entire year, I REALLY enjoyed this years' AP class. Each of you are such unique and interesting people. AND you were such good sports during HAMLET!!!!

I would be interested in hearing about your future successes, accomplishments, etc. so please stay in touch. Also, it has been my privilege to write recommendations for several of you, and if I can be of help in any way down the road.....please let me know.

I enjoyed getting to know all 17 of you. Congratulations and have a great summer!!!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Harl

HAMLET POSTED!

Our version of Hamlet is posted at the following link:

http://www.evscicats.com/terry/classes/hamlet.html

I thought you were all awesome! (Especially considering we had NO IDEA what we were getting into when we started!)

The actors, editors, musicians, and camera people.......great job!

I'll include the link below under "Helpful Links."

There is still more to add, which I'll work on from home. Check back for updates.

Colten, are you still working on bloopers? Even a short version of that would be fun to add.

FINAL EXAMS

Final exams are approaching. Your offical review day is Tuesday, May 12. Your final is on Thursday, May 14.

Although the offical review day is a couple of weeks away, I am working on your review now and hope to have it posted to my teacher web page (not the blog....the page found through the Reitz web site) by the end of the week.

If you'd like to get an early start, go to my teacher web page and print a review sheet over the weekend.

The exam will be 100 questions covering Oedipus, Death of a Salesman, R and G are Dead, The Stranger, and various literary terms.

The review will contain ALL of the final exam questions, so be sure to complete it! There won't be any surprises on the final.

Hope you are all getting excited about graduation!

BABY TIME!

John Patrick Dimmett arrived on Tuesday, April 21. (We are still in the hospital because it was a surgery).

Here are a couple of photos. Mom and baby are doing great. Tired, but great.

Hope you are all doing well and coming along with your scrapbooks.

Expect a final exam review sometime next week. It will contain all of the final exam questions and quotes (only without the answer choices), just like first semester.

Also like first semester, the final will be all multiple choice, matching, or quote identification.

HOW DID HAMLET TURN OUT?

Hello All,

I check into the hospital tomorrow for the week, so naturally I'm wondering about ..........Hamlet! What else????

How did it turn out? Have you all had a chance to watch it? Can anyone burn me a DVD? It seems like we spent A LOT of time on it, so I would love to see the end result and hear what you guys thought after seeing it (if indeed you've seen it!)

I'm very out of the loop, so fill me in. I need something to distract me when I'm up all night with a crying baby:)

Hope you all are doing well.

POETRY READINGS

Don't forget that your main assignment now (besides creative projects due Thursday) are your poetry readings. These are worth 40 points, and you need to take plenty of time to prepare.

POETRY READING TIPS:

1. ALTHOUGH IT IS CONSIDERED A "READING," YOU NEED TO KNOW THE POEM (S) SO WELL THAT YOUR WRITTEN POEM IS ONLY THERE FOR AN EMERGENCY. You should not have your face plastered to the poem during your presentation. It's important to look at your audience.

2. USE YOUR CLASS TIME WISELY. You are being given class time to prepare, so if you bring other things to do or work on homework from other classes, Mr. Gladdish sees that you are not using your classtime to prepare. This is unacceptable. Use your class time wisely!

3. PRACTICE YOUR READING NUMEROUS TIMES! As you probably remember from the oral interp assignment or Hamlet project, it's one thing to feel prepared when your giving your reading in your room at home in front of NO ONE! It's another to perform in front of your classmates. Preparation will go a long way to solving this problem.

4. BE CREATIVE WITH PROPS, COSTUMES, VISUAL AND AUDIO AIDS, ETC. It's obvious when thought and effort is put into this, and your grade will reflect your effort. Also, your classmates will notice whether you've put effort into it or not. It's awkward to watch presenters that aren't prepared and don't have the proper materials.

5. PRINT YOUR OWN COPIES OF THE POEMS FOR YOUR READING. DON'T TRY TO USE THE ANTHOLOGY. IT'S A BIG, AWKWARD BOOK AND WILL GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR PRESENTATION.

6. AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR READING, TELL THE CLASS THE NAME OF THE POEM, AUTHOR, AND PAGE NUMBER WHERE THE POEM CAN BE FOUND SO THEY CAN FOLLOW ALONG.

7. ALSO BEGIN YOUR READING WITH A THOROUGH EXPLANATION OF WHAT THE POEM IS ABOUT. This will help your audience understand your reading.

8. YOU ARE WELCOME TO POST ANY QUESTIONS HERE, BUT SINCE MR. GLADDISH IS DOING THE GRADING YOU DEFINITELY WANT TO DIRECT THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO HIM.

LITERARY ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT

Don't forget your literary analysis is due tomorrow.

Also, come prepared to sign up for you poems and work on your poetry readings......that means YOU MUST BRING YOUR ANTHOLOGIES TO CLASS!

Also, creative projects are due Thursday.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS!!!!!!

FOR ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NOT TURNED IN THE MOST RECENT LITERARY ANALYSIS AND TIMED WRITING.......THIS IS FOR YOU:

1). I am almost finished grading your literary analyses over either Oedipus or Death of a Salesman (whichever play you chose for your essay).

A couple of you HAVE NOT TURNED THEM IN! Once I record grades, you will see that a 0 out of 50 does bad things to your overall grade.

After I have the baby, I will not be grading any more essays. THEREFORE, if you want any sort of credit for this assignment, you must turn it in NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, APRIL 10. Sooner rather than later would be good. I could be on my way to the hospital any day now, and we are WAY past the due date for the essay, so don't wait to turn it in if you want some credit.

2). It has come to my attention that several of you were absent on the day of The Stranger timed writing (Friday before Spring Break). I am also grading those papers, and again......NO GRADING ONCE THE NEW PERSON ARRIVES! That means, you MUST MAKE THIS UP ASAP if you missed it.

You have enrichment this week, as well as workdays during 1st period so there's no reason this shouldn't be made up immediately. Don't forget that if you miss class, you are responsible for setting up a time to make up timed writings, quizzes, or anything else you missed! Don't make Mr. Gladdish chase you down.

Use your time wisely in class this week!

LITERARY ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT

I posted the handout detailing the literary analysis assignment you will work on next week. Mr. Gladdish will have a copy on Monday, but if any of you want to look at it or print it before then, you can go to my teacher web site.

1. Go to my teacher web page (click on the link on this blog, under "helpful links," that says "Reitz Web Page."

2. Click on "Faculty and Staff."

3. Click on "Teacher websites."

4. Click on my name and hit "go".

5. Click on "Courses."

6. Click on your course (English Lit CAP).

7. Click on the link that says "choice novel literary analysis assignment (2 page handout)."

Let me know if you have any trouble accessing the handout. Have a great weekend, and read those novels! Take notes as you go!

Wednesday, April 1--reminders and info

***Mr. Gladdish said everyone worked hard on their scrapbooks yesterday. Keep up the good work! Don't forget that you must have 25 COMPLETE pages by the end of the period on Thursday.

***Also, creative projects are due in TWO WEEKS. Don't wait until the last minute!

***I will post info on the blog AND on my teacher website by the end of the week (Friday) about your literary analysis for your choice AP novel. I'll try to put something on my teacher site that you can print out and keep as your handout. You'll have all next week in class to work, but you'll probably need to work on the reading and writing outside of class as well.

***I will try to make it up to school next week sometime to return and go over graded papers. Don't be shocked when you see me!!!!! I'm three weeks away from my due date and this baby has seriously grown!!!! (I'm blaming it all on the baby, of course). I am scheduled to check in the hospital on April 21, so I'm hoping this child doesn't get ideas about showing up early. I'd like to be able to come and see the finished HAMLET!

***I have some photos of you all working on Hamlet in full costume that are pretty good. I will post those in the next couple of days.

***Hope you are all doing well! Can you believe graduation is almost here??? Is everyone ready?

SCRAPBOOKING AND READING DAY TOMORROW

Don't forget to bring your scrapbooking materials AND your choice AP novel for tomorrow's class. You are receiving points (15 and 10 respectively) just for bringing these materials, so TAKE ADVANTAGE OF an easy 25 points just for bringing materials to work on.

7 of you (Tamara----it's time to choose one of those "leftovers":) ) still need to post your novel on the blog under the appropriate heading, "Choose your novel."

Also, don't forget that your creative projects are due on April 16 in 2.5 weeks! Enjoy the breathing room you are getting this grading period, and take advantage of the work time to get your best grade ever. Resist the temptation to slack because your workload is slightly easier.

BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE SCHEDULE FOR DUE DATES. YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THESE DATES VERY ACCURATE THIS NINE WEEKS SINCE WE AREN'T TRYING TO SQUEEZE IN NEARLY AS MUCH AS IN THE FIRST THREE GRADING PERIODS.

REMINDER

A few of you have still not claimed your novel that is DUE TUESDAY IN CLASS! Please post which novel you will be reading ASAP.

Hope you had a great spring break and that you are all doing well!!!!!

HAPPY SPRING BREAK! (And FINISH YOUR BLOG POSTS)

I hope everyone will have an enjoyable week!

A couple of reminders:

1. please claim your choice novel and purchase or check it out from the library over break.

2. If you haven't yet made your 4 discussion posts over the Stranger, please do so on the post below. I didn't put that as homework for Friday, so I'll give you all a couple of extra days to finish posting. DON'T FORGET TO COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT!

Have a relaxing Spring Break!!!

THE STRANGER DISCUSSION ONLINE--REQUIRED POST (20 POINTS)

Now that I will no longer be attending class, we will need to finish our Stranger Discussion online.

HERE ARE THE GUIDELINES:

1. You must post (substantively) a total of FOUR times, worth 5 points each.

2. Posts will be graded on the SUBSTANTIVE nature of the response (be sure to include supporting examples from the text) and adherence to the posting guidelines provided here.

3. It is preferred that you DO NOT POST TWICE IN A ROW...... (As in, you've waited till the last minute and now must post everything all at once. This isn't in the proper spirit of the assignment:) )

4. AT LEAST ONE (preferably two) of your postings MUST BE IN RESPONSE TO THE COMMENTS OF SOMEONE ELSE.

5. You must answer/respond to at least TWO of the questions provided below.

6. DUE DATES:

*THE FIRST POST IS DUE BY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 BY 7:40 A.M.
*THE SECOND POST IS DUE BY THURSDAY, MARCH 19 BY 7:40 A.M.
*THE FINAL TWO POSTS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY MARCH 20 BY 7:40 A.M.
*3 BONUS POINTS TO ANYONE WHO MAKES THEIR FIRST POST BY TUESDAY, MARCH 19 BY 7:40 A.M. Please feel free to begin posting at any time. No need to wait until the due dates.

QUESTIONS

The Stranger questions part II (Page numbers may vary according to the publication you have).

1. Explain the title of the novel. Why is this the title, and where do we see evidence of this in the novel?

2. Explain Meursault’s statement “I realized then that a man who had lived only one day could easily live for a hundred years in prison.”(79).

3. Describe Meursault’s trial. What did you find significant or noteworthy about it? What absurdities exist during the trial and how could they be a metaphor for life?

4. Explain Mersault’s statement “it doesn’t much matter whether you die at thirty or seventy, since in either case other men and women will naturally go on living—and for thousands of years.” Do you agree with his attitude towards life and death? Explain why or why not.

5. The chaplain asks Meursault “And do you really live with the thought that when you die, you die, and nothing remains.” Meursault replies “yes.” How might such a belief (as opposed to a belief in some kind of life after death) alter the behavior and decisions of a person, if at all?

6. What other aspects of the novel stand out to you? What else do you find "discussion-worthy?"

CHOOSE YOUR NOVEL

I'm taking reservations for AP novels due after Spring Break. Stake your claim here! Once you've posted, no one else can choose your novel.

You must choose a novel YOU HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY READ.

Be sure to then check local bookstores or libraries to get a copy.

THE STRANGER BONUS POINT DISCUSSION (up to 15 points)

I thought it would be nice to offer some bonus points here at the end of the grading period, so if anyone happens to check the blog today or tonight.......feel free to participate.

We will be discussing the first few chapters of The Stranger during Thursday's class, so here's the bonus offering:

THE RULES:

1. UP TO 5 BONUS POINTS FOR EACH SUBSTANTIVE POST IN RESPONSE TO ONE OR MORE OF THE QUESTIONS BELOW
2. IF YOU POST MORE THAN ONCE, YOU MUST RESPOND TO THE POST OF A CLASSMATE
3. YOU MAY POST UP TO 3 TIMES FOR A TOTAL OF UP TO 15 BONUS POINTS (DEPENDING ON THE SUBSTANTIVE NATURE OF YOUR POST)
4. YOU MUST INCLUDE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES FROM THE NOVEL TO SUPPORT STATEMENTS IN YOUR POSTS
5. YOU MAY POST UP UNTIL THURSDAY MORNING'S CLASS

Here are the questions:

1. What does Meursault notice during the wake/funeral? What strikes him as "absurd"?

2. What do you think Meursault's behavior in response to his mother's death says about him as a person?

3. Explain the nurse’s statement in chapter 1: “If you go slowly, you risk getting sunstroke. But if you go too fast, you work up a sweat and then catch a chill inside the church.” What larger concept is Camus trying to illustrate here?

4. Characterize Raymond—note irony in his stated values and judgments. What are similarities and differences between him and Meursault?

5. What "absurditites" have been presented in part I so far? Explain.

6. What stands out to you so far about the novel and the characters. Provide your opinion and observations, but support with examples.

A FEW ITEMS

Mr. Gladdish indicated that there was some concern over grades from the judges on Senior Project Presentations. This is the case every year, in large part because some of the grade depends on whom you get for a judge.

I am more than happy to take a look at any of the presentation grades you felt were unreasonably low. We can look at how it will affect your letter grade for the 9 weeks and go from there. Although presenting in front of judges is an important part of the "Senior Project Experience," it is not a system without its flaws.

Also, you have several things due on Thursday, and I am tempted NOT to give you the reading quiz over the next four chapters until next Monday, so you can focus on your essay and reading "Myth of Sisyphus." Mr. Gladdish said you didn't have a lot of work time because of the shortened schedule, so would anyone be terribly upset if we pushed back the reading quiz?

Post any questions here. I'll see you on Thursday.

TUESDAY'S AND THURSDAY'S CLASSES

On Tuesday, you will do the following:

1. take a quiz over chapters 1-4 of The Stranger
2. go over returned timed writings over "The Secret History"
3. receive lots of graded papers

4. Have the rest of the period for working on one or more of the following:

***reading The Stranger (quiz Thursday over chapters 5 and 6 from part I and 1 and 2 of part II)

***annotating Camus' "Myth of Sisyphus" (you need to mark/include at least 10 questions and/or comments ON the handout for our discussion on Thursday)

***preparing your essay over Death of a Salesman or Oedipus (you have a choice) that answers the AP prompt question I gave you two weeks ago. (Mr. Gladdish has extras). This essay is due Thursday and must be typed, but you can prepare/braintorm/draft for it during class if you choose.


On Thursday, we will do the following:

1. take a quiz over chapters 5,6 and 1,2 of the Stranger
2. go over returned timed writings over the e.e. cummings poem
3. Discuss Creative Projects and the last grading period schedule
4. Discuss Myth of Sisyphus and The Stranger


If you have any questions, please post those here.

I will plan to see you on Thursday in class.

DON'T FORGET TO POST YOUR REFLECTION FROM FRIDAY'S DISCUSSION BELOW.

P.S. Some of you have make up quizzes and writings you need to take care of this week!!!!!!

SALESMAN REFLECTION (5 points)

DUE BY TUESDAY, MARCH 10 AT 7:40

Please post your reflection from today's discussion here. You may respond to one or more of the following questions:

**Who said something that made you think during today's discussion? Explain.

**What would you have like to have added that you didn't get a chance to say?

**Did you change your perspective in any way regarding the play or the characters? If so, explain.

DEATH OF A SALESMAN BONUS (AND FRIDAY'S CLASS)

On Friday, we will begin with oral interp, then discuss Death of a Salesman, and then I'll give you introductory info and supplemental reading material over The Stranger.

In preparation for the Salesman discussion, I'd like to ask a few questions ahead of time. Anyone responding (substantively, of course, using examples from the text) on the blog BEFORE Friday's discussion will RECEIVE BONUS POINTS on the discussion grade. Multiple responses here will also count as part of your contribution to the discussion (though it doesn't replace your responsibility for participating in class).

Here are the questions to think about (and hopefully respond to):

1. What do you think is the significance of the play as a whole? In other words, what are Miller's messages/themes? How does he express these messages/ themes?

2. Which characters do you find most and least appealing, and explain why?

3. Do you have any sympathy for Willy or not? Explain specifically why or why not? Do you think Miller likes or sympathizes with any of his main characters?

4. The characters' various speeches at Willy's funeral/gravesite are very different. Charley, Biff, Happy, and Linda all have very different things to say at the end of the play. Which of the characters' dialogue stands out to you the most, and what do you think the words say about the characters themselves?

5. Did you like this play? Why or why not? Explain your thoughts using specific examples from the text.

You may respond to one or more of the questions, and as always you are encouraged to respond to each other as well. If you have a difficult time speaking in class, this is a good alternative way to contribute, THOUGH I SAY AGAIN......IT DOESN'T REPLACE the need to contribute in class as well:)


I hope you guys are having a good week. It has been strange not seeing everyone this week. I am excited to hear about how your presentations went. I've been hearing very good things about them.

WEDNESDAY'S CLASS

Tomorrow (Wednesday) you will finish reading Death of a Salesman, watch the rest of the movie, and take the quiz. Some of you will present your senior projects to the judges.

On Friday, I will be sneaking up to school just for your class to listen to your fabulous oral interpretation, discuss Act II of Death of a Salesman, and introduce Camus' The Stranger.

REGARDING THE INTERP:

1. DON'T FORGET THAT THERE IS A SHORT WRITTEN COMPONENT IN WHICH YOU MUST TYPE OUT WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE PARTICULAR LINES AND WHAT THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IS. This is on the handout I gave you weeks ago. If you lost yours, I left some extras for Mr. Gladish to give you.

2. Also, be sure to bring me a copy of what you're reciting, so I can see if you have it memorized AND I can cue your line in case you forget.

***By the end of this 9 weeks, I will give you a schedule for the rest of the year. It will basically consist of reading one novel of your choice (off the AP list I hand out), writing about it, and finishing your scrapbooks.

***There will also be one creative project. Those who are working on the editing of Hamlet may use that as their creative project.

Any questions, post them here. Otherwise, I'll see you friday. Continue to look for gradebook updates as I grade your work from home.

SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATIONS

Good luck on your Senior Project Presentations this week! I know you will all be great. You did a nice job on your in-class presentations, and most of you only had a couple of changes to make.

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS WHEN YOU PRESENT TO THE JUDGES:

1. WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM, INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND SHAKE THEIR HANDS BEFORE YOU WALK UP TO THE FRONT OF THE ROOM. For example, you would walk in and walk right over to the judges and say, "Hi, I"m Ashley. Nice to meet you." Then shake hands. They will be impressed by this.

2. DRESS PROFESSIONALLY. NO JEANS! GUYS SHOULD WEAR DRESS PANTS OR KHAKIS AND GIRLS SHOULD WEAR DRESS PANTS OR A SKIRT.

3. IF YOU HAVE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES, DON'T PANIC. Most of you are in the IMC (Sorry Max and Kirstie), so you have close access to Mr. Hammonds if you need help.

4. TALK ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU ENJOYED THE PROJECT AND HOW MUCH YOU LEARNED. If you seem passionate and positive about what you did, it will make a better impression.

5. BE CLEAR AND DETAILED ABOUT EXACTLY WHAT YOUR PROJECT INVOLVED. I noticed in your presenations last week, many of you glossed over the details quickly and assumed I had a thorough sense of what went into your project. Remember, these judges are listening to dozens of presenations. BE VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT WHAT YOUR PROJECT INVOLVED.


NOW, HERE'S THE SCHEDULE.

IMC FICTION ROOM: MONDAY, MARCH 2

8-8:15 Coleigh and Alyssa
8:15-8:30 Sara F.
8:30-8:45 Shawn (and Sam)
8:45-9 Rachel and Sarah
9-9:15 Wes and Tyler T.
9:15-9;30 Ben
9:30-9:45 Tyler V.

11:15-11:30 Ashley (and Jenna)


IMC FICTION ROOM: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

8:15-8:30 Kaity
8:30-8:45 Tamara (and partner.....is it Michelle? I'm drawing a blank on her name)
8:45-9 Lauren (and Korrinne (sp?))
9-9:15 Colten (and partner)

ROOM 200: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

8:30-8:45 Max
8;45-9 Kirstie


Good luck everyone! I know you will do a great job. Let me know how it goes.

DON'T FORGET TO POST BELOW FOR DEATH OF A SALESMAN ACT I!!!!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

As many of you already know, Colten's dad passed away yesterday. Visitation is from 2 until 8 on Sunday at Alexander West and Monday from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship Church.

Many of you have already expressed your concern for Colten. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts.

DEATH OF A SALESMAN REQUIRED POST

Respond to one or more of the following questions over Act I of Death of a Salesman. Here are the requirements:

1. You must POST TWICE
2. Posts must be SUBSTANTIVE
3. At least one post must be IN RESPONSE TO THE POST OF A CLASSMATE.
4. The two posts are due by Monday, March 2 at 7:40 a.m.
5. At least ONE POST must be made BEFORE Sunday, March 1.
6. You must use specific examples from the play in each post.

Here are the possible questions:

**What do you think of the characters in the play? You may focus on one character or discuss more than one.

**Discuss/analyze Willy's relationships with his sons. What stands out to you the most about his interactions with them?

**Why do you think Miller includes all the flashbacks in the play? What is their significance on the reading/understanding of the play as a whole?

**What kind of person is Linda? Discuss her relationship with Willy. Would you consider her to be a "good wife?" Why or why not?

** What are some of the quotes in the play that stand out to you (These may or may not be quotes we've already discussed). Why do you find them significant?

**What other aspects of the play do you find discussion-worthy? Explain why.

SALESMAN QUIZ--ACT I

Tomorrow we will have a 25 point quiz over Death of a Salesman Act I. Don't forget to finish reading Act I!!!! It will be multiple choice and quote identification.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25--MY LAST CLASS

Tomorrow is my last day with you all and I want you to know how much I have enjoyed this class! You are all thoughtful, intelligent, and creative people. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of you.

While it is my last official day, I will still be involved in the planning (and unfortunately, some of you may say) in some of the grading for the class.

I will keep the blog up and running, and should you have any questions or concerns.....feel free to ask. I want to make sure your class is taken care of through the end of the year.

You should expect to read the Stranger and one other novel on the AP book list. You will also have a couple more writing assignments AND time to work on your scrapbook. We will also continue to have required discussions and postings on the blog.

I anticipate the last 9 weeks being an easier grading period; however, you will definitely still have work to do.

I just want you all to know what a special group of students I think you are and that I've really enjoyed teaching and learning from you.

See you tomorrow!

SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATIONS ROUND 2

I have Tyler V, Ashley, Max, and the Wes/Tyler T. duo scheduled to present their power points Wednesday morning at 7 a.m.

All must be there BY 7, please.

Nice job on all the presentations today!

SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATIONS

Don't forget you need to have your powerpoint presentations and portfolios ready for tomorrow (unless you signed up for Wednesday at 7 a.m.)

PORTFOLIOS DO NOT need to be in a binder. Just make sure everything is in order, and I'll 3-hole-punch it and put it in a binder for you.

You also have your Hamlet feedback sheets and American Dream objects due tomorrow.

Post any questions here. Otherwise, see you in the a.m.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20--IT'S A WRAP!

THIS MULTI-PART POST DEALS WITH THE FOLLOWING:

1. HAMLET
2. POWERPOINTS AND PORTFOLIOS
3. AMERICAN DREAM OBJECTS
4. ORAL INTERP PROJECTS

PLEASE USE THIS FORUM TO POST ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TOPICS BELOW
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Great job today on finishing Hamlet. I know it's been a LONG project, but so many of you have really stepped up and put a lot of effort in. Though shooting days always seem to be crazy, I think the film itself is going to turn out really well.

Those of you who are editing have some work ahead of you, but I'm already impressed with your efforts so far.

Some of you have been asking when we'll be able to see the finished product. I talked to Mr. Hughes about that, and we decided that the goal would be to view the final play (along with blooper reel) sometime towards the middle of the last grading period. I will come back to watch that, as I wouldn't miss it for anything.

I just want you all to know how much I appreciate everything you've done. It was definitely something different for us. That's for sure!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

On to next week.......

Our big assignment for Tuesday is your POWER POINT PRESENTATION along with your portfolio.

FOR THE PORTFOLIOS: You do NOT need to put them in your own binder. Some people did submit them in their own binders last year, but you don't have to. We have binders that we use for all the portfolios, so if you will just paper clip your portfolio information IN ORDER. I will 3-hole punch the material and put it in a binder for you. Please do a cover page, though.

HERE ARE THE PEOPLE I HAVE DOWN FOR TUESDAY AT 7 A.M.

Rachel and Sarah, Tamara, Lauren, Shawn

You will need to all be here AT 7, so we can get started and finished BEFORE class.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ALSO DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR AMERICAN DREAM OBJECT AND BE PREPARED TO EXPLAIN WHY IT IS A GOOD REPRESENTATION.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FINALLY, ABOUT YOUR ORAL INTERP PROJECT......... I am pushing it back to AFTER senior project presentations. We've got too much going on right now to cram one more thing like this in. We will probably do those on the FRIDAY of senior project week (2 weeks from today).

BLOG POST ASSIGNMENT OVER OEDIPUS

For this assignment, you will need to make 3 SEPARATE POSTS (5 points each) due on or before the following dates:

1) due by Friday 2/13 at 7:40 a.m.

2) due by Monday 2/16 at 7:40 a.m.

3) due by Wednesday 2/18 at 7:40 a.m.


Requirements

AT LEAST ONE OF THE POSTS SHOULD BE IN RESPONSE TO THE COMMENTS OF A CLASSMATE

POSTS SHOULD BE SUBSTANTIVE AND INCLUDE EXAMPLES FROM THE PLAY AS WELL AS PERSONAL OPINION

PLEASE AVOID REPEATING SOMEONE ELSE'S ANSWERS. EXAMPLE: IF SOMEONE DISCUSSES DRAMATIC IRONY IN THE PLAY, AVOID A POST THAT BASICALLY SAYS "I AGREE WITH _______________ ABOUT HIS EXAMPLES OF DRAMATIC IRONY."


___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You may respond to one of the following questions, or simply include your own comments or questions:

1. What are some of Oedipus' "tragic flaws" that lead to his downfall? Although his situation is more outrageous than most of us face in our daily lives, what about Oedipus could most people relate to?

(This question takes some thought, but there are probably many commonalities between Oedipus and regular people.)

2. Analyze the role of Fate vs. Free Will in the play. Over what do the characters have control and what is out of their hands. How can you apply the idea of fate vs. free will in your own life ( you may use general or specific examples)?

3. Locate some instances of dramatic irony in the play. How does this affect the overall reading of the play.

4. Compare and contrast the title characters in Hamlet and Oedipus. How are they similar and how are they different? What are your personal thoughts/ observations about each character. Provide personal opinion, but support it with examples.

5. Discuss the theme of blindness vs. sight in the play. How are they related to the theme? Why does Oedipus blind himself instead of joining Jocasta in suicide?

6. Respond to any other themes, etc. from the play.

OEDIPUS

This Monday and Wednesday, we will begin and finish Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. PLEASE BRING YOUR ANTHOLOGIES, since you know my habit is to stop and talk about what's important. If you can mark in pencil parts of the play that we discuss, I believe it will help you greatly on the quizzes.

Friday, we are planning to shoot Act IV of Hamlet (we're over halfway finished)!.

While there is no homework for Monday, you should be working on the following:

1) your two scrapbook sections that will be due very soon

2) Also, ANOTHER REMINDER TO ORDER OR PURCHASE THE STRANGER BY ALBERT CAMUS ASAP!

3) Friday Essay due this Friday......Fate vs. Free Will is the topic

APPLAUSE FOR YOU!!!!

Just a post to say GREAT JOB on our Hamlet production. Shout outs and kudos go to lots of people, but ESPECIALLY the following:

PERFORMERS
First off, those of you performing have been AWESOME! Performers have given up their entire enrichment periods on the blue days BEFORE each shoot to block each Act. They've come up with costumes, memorized lines, rearranged the script when someone is absent, and have done an amazing job overall during the shoot.


SETS AND CAMERA PEOPLE
They have not only taken pictures for sets and brought various props on short notice, but they are now running the cameras and giving up enrichment to edit the film and record the music.

MANY OTHERS of you working on different portions of the project have also contributed greatly as well. Thanks especially to those who are not only working nonstop DURING class, but then are also giving up enrichment time for the project as well.

Obviously, if we did this again there are definitely things we would do differently, but that's the way it works when you're "pioneering" a project. At the end, I will survey you all for suggestions. Of course, I already have a list of changes I would make; however, your input will be extremely valuable.

SPEAKING OF "THE END," it has been suggested that we celebrate the end of this project with another "feast." If everyone so chooses, we can set up a day to have "feast round 2" in the cafeteria.

I WILL POST AGAIN OVER THE WEEKEND REGARDING NEXT WEEK'S CLASS ACTIVITIES.

THANKS AGAIN FOR A GREAT JOB!

PROP NEEDS FOR THURSDAY'S HAMLET

Everyone......after walking through Act III today, the performers realized they need a couple of props for Thursday:

1. a sword for Polonius' stabbing (toy sword please!)

2. a bottle or container to pour poison in the player King Hamlet's ear.

Can anyone help? If props people can help out with this, that would be great; however, if anyone, in any of the groups, has such items, it would be a huge help.

Post here if you can come up with something. This would be a great way to contribute if you still need to find ways to make your contribution!

Thanks!

WOW! WHAT A WEEK!

Here's my family enjoying the winter weather. I, of course, was relegated to watching. People who are 6 1/2 months pregnant are not allowed to sled!!!!!



I hope that you are all staying warm! What a crazy week! I'm sure at least some of you lost power during the week. We lost ours on Tuesday night and it came back on Thursday night. Phone and internet were not back on until today (Friday).

I hope everyone was able to make the most of the time off. I know we enjoyed it, although not having power is not a lot of fun.

Regarding our class........We will still have the timed writings on Tuesday, and Act III performers will walk through Hamlet since we shoot again on Thursday. We will begin Oedipus when we can. I had planned to get about half of it read last Friday, but Mother Nature decided differently.

I have enjoyed reading the comments from those of you who have completed the required posts over the timed writing material. If you haven't, you'll need to BY TUESDAY, assuming something doesn't go crazy with the weather again. Those of you who do not have power or internet access, should make sure to find time Monday at school to do your post. YOU ARE WELCOME TO USE THE EXTRA COMPUTER IN MY ROOM AT ANY TIME DURING THE DAY. Each post is worth 5 points (20 points total), so be sure to complete it.

If anyone has any stories from the week to share (loss of power, other calamaties, or fun things you did on your time off), I'd love to hear how your week went. I'm sure others would enjoy your stories as well. Post here with tales from the frozen week or if you have any other questions.

Hopefully, I'll see you on Tuesday of next week!

next to of course god america i--REQUIRED POST #1

DUE DATE FOR POSTS: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 7:30 AM

Respond to the poem by e.e. cummings. Some things to think about include the following:

What is the poet's view of patriotism? On what evidence from the poem are you basing your thoughts?

What literary techniques does the poet use and how do they contribute to the work as a whole?

What IS the significance of the work as a whole? What are the author's themes? In other words, what is he really trying to say?

What stands out to you about the poem?

What confuses you? What questions would you like to pose to the class?

DON'T WORRY ABOUT WRONG ANSWERS!!!! We have to start somewhere to make meaning of works that are presented to us.

***Remember, you need to post TWICE, substantively. One post must be in response to the post of a classmate. 5 bonus points for any postings made on Monday.

THE SECRET HISTORY--REQUIRED POST #2

DUE DATE FOR POSTS: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 7:30 AM

Respond to the passage by Donna Tartt. Some things to think about include the following:

What is the narrator's attitude towards death, and what evidence helped you come to this conclusion?

What IS the overall significance of the passage? What are the themes, central ideas, etc? Ultimately, what is the author's point in writing the piece?

What literary techniques are used, and how do they contribute to the overall significance of the work?

What stands out to you about the passage?

What confuses you? What questions would you like to pose to the group?

***Remember, you need to post TWICE, substantively. One post must be in response to the post of a classmate. 5 bonus points for any postings made on Monday.

BACK TO HAMLET ON MONDAY!

We are SHOOTING ACT II on Monday, so performers please bring costumes and have your lines memorized.

Musicians will record during enrichment, so please also bring your instruments and know what you are recording.

On Wednesday of this week, I will be presenting at a conference in Indy. While I'm going, you will complete.........a timed writing. I will return your R and G timed writings tomorrow and give you the new topics for Wednesday so, you will have a couple of days to think about them and prepare.

See you Monday.

Greek Drama

For Thursday's class, we're taking a Hamlet break and spending most of the class on Greek Drama.

Hamlet Act II performers need to know their lines; we will go through them tomorrow and shoot on Monday.

Musicians: Mr. Hughes can't come to record tomorrow, but can record you on Monday during enrichment.

Right now, the pressure is mostly on the performers; however, those involved with editing........you're time is coming as soon as the shoot is over.

Thanks again for all of your effort. Though this isn't "Masterpiece Theatre," I think we are learning a few things and breaking the monotony of the same old, same old. There's something to be said for that.

ADDITIONAL SCRAPBOOK TOPICS POSTED

We didn't get time to talk about scrapbooks today, but I posted the handout that the 12A students receive on my teacher web page. You can find it under "Links" and "Courses." (Find my teacher web page by clicking on "Reitz Web Page" under helpful links below).

You are welcome to use any of those topics. You have the same basic requirements as 12A, so you can go by that handout as well.

Great job today, everyone on Hamlet! Thanks to the performers, those working the cameras, and to all who helped in other ways. It was a good start. Once we get going, I think it will go faster.

Act II performers need to have their lines pretty well memorized by Thursday. We'll work with that some in addition to discussing scrapbooks and Greek Drama.

This project is definitely an adventure! We shoot Act II next Monday.

GREEK DRAMA QUIZ--helpful hints

The quiz on Tuesday is a reading comprehension quiz, so as long as you have read and taken notes over the assigned introductory pages, you should be ready to go.

QUESTIONS 1-10 are mulitple choice questions that cover information in the introductory pages; I talked about some of the important information as we read last week.

QUESTIONS 11-23 are matching. You will be asked to match the term with the definition.

As I said in class, you are responsible for all the highlighted terms, including the following:

chorus, skene, deus ex machina, prologue, parados, episodia, stasimon, exodus, hamartia, hubris, catharsis, reversal, and dramatic irony (these are the terms on the quiz)

QUESTIONS 24 AND 25 are True/ False covering the general information in these pages.

Make sure to study! It's a 25 point quiz.

Also, tomorrow we shoot Act I. I haven't heard from anyone yet regarding crowns, etc. I'm assuming you all got what you needed. If not, please let me know. Again, thanks for all of your hard work. I was so impressed with those who presented their work last Thursday. You were great!

Post any questions (Hamlet, Greek Drama, or "other") here. See you Tuesday.

Thursday, January 15

Awesome job on Hamlet today for both performers and musicians. Act I is really coming together! Be sure to keep running your lines for Tuesday's shoot!!!!!

Also, several of you still need costumes. We must have those by Tuesday.

As for PROPS.......here's what we still need:

2 crowns--1 for the king and 1 for the queen (NEED THESE FOR TUESDAY)

2 spears or "spear-like" objects (think broom handles if we get really desperate) (NEED FOR TUESDAY)

2 swords (preferably toy swords......I'm pretty sure we won't be able to have actual swords in school)

A chalice

a skull

shovels for the gravediggers

I'm sure there's more..........it's up to you all to help figure out what else we need.

Please post and let us know who has been able to secure what. SET PEOPLE, if you could help with some of this it would be great. But we can use help from everyone.

The performers are already taking care of much of this by getting their own costumes. Any help from the rest of you would represent a nice team effort. It would be a great way to help out, especially if you know you probably haven't contributed to the project as much as you could or should.

OTHER CLASS BUSINESS

Look for a Greek Drama post this weekend

Arrggghhhh--we still didn't get to the scrapbook handouts. We will do that at the beginning of the period on Tuesday RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS, BEFORE the Greek Drama quiz.

Additional topics for "writes" have been requested. Your request will be granted. I will try to have additional topics for you on Tuesday.

Wednesday, January 14

Tomorrow's class will consist of the following:

HAMLET business
1. run Hamlet lines
2. record Hamlet music
3. discuss the need for Hamlet props
4. performers will perform Act I WITHOUT scripts, but WITH feeling:)

GREEK DRAMA
5. go over important parts of Greek Drama IN YOUR ANTHOLOGIES (be sure to bring those)
6. take notes over Greek Drama and Oedipus
7. prepare for background quiz on Tuesday

OTHER
8. go over scrapbook requirements


***WE ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN SHOOTING HAMLET ON TUESDAY JAN. 20---WE WILL BE USING EVERYONE TO HELP SHOOT THE FILM (CAMERAS, MICROPHONES, ETC.); PLEASE TRY NOT TO BE ABSENT (ESPECIALLY PERFORMERS!)

timed writing tomorrow is over R AND G ARE DEAD

Just a reminder that although the sample free response questions I gave you on Friday include many other texts as possible essay topics, you may ONLY write the essay over Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. I just wanted to make sure there was no confusion.

R AND G ARE DEAD ROUND II

Nice job of discussion today, everyone. It's great to see that when you really put your minds to something---like postponing a timed writing-- you can do it:)

Those that participated did a really nice job of raising interesting and thoughtful points about the play. One interesting point of discussion was Colten's suggestion that the entire film is actually a play produced by the players in the forest.

If you click on the link (under "Helpful Links") entitled "Lecture on Stoppard," Ian Johnston addresses this very thing. It's towards the end of the lecture. I would be interested to hear any responses to what Johnston suggests, comparing it to the idea that Colten raised during discussion.

And SPEAKING OF DISCUSSION..... before I assign a grade for today's discussion, I think I WILL ALLOW ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION TO CONTINUE HERE AND COUNT ONLINE DISCUSSION AS PART OF THE TOTAL DISCUSSION GRADE. If you choose to participate under this post, keep in mind that you may.....

respond to issues discussed today

respond to comments made during discussion that you've had further time to think about

ask further questions about the play or about ideas to include for the timed writing

respond to the posts of your classmates

IMPORTANT: if you choose to participate, make sure your posts are substantive and represent thoughtful consideration of today's discussion and the content of the play. I like the idea of continuing the discussion here, especially for those who feel more comfortable with this format; however, I don't want people to just post minimal substance in order to create the illusion of participation. Don't worry about wrong answers or interpretation; just focus on thoughtful questions, commentary, or response to others.

R AND G ARE DEAD help for the timed writing and DISCUSSION

I have linked a page of quotes which YOU MAY USE on the timed writing under "Helpful Links". I have also linked to this blog a lecture on Tom Stoppard which I think is very helpful. You are encouraged to read the lecture; however, YOU MAY NOT use that printout during the timed writing.

Of course, any notes you take from that lecture or class, can be used.

Please review the handout I provided and think about what you will contribute to the pre-timed writing discussion. Discussion credit will also be given for any comments or questions posted here. I will print the post page and any comments (with substance, of course) or questions will be recorded as discussion points. THIS DOESN'T MEAN YOU DON'T HAVE TO PARTICIPATE in the discussion, but it can certainly be considered part of your participation......especially for those who prefer to post a comment rather than make one out loud. RESPONSES TO POST QUESTIONS ALSO COUNT FOR DISCUSSION POINTS.

SHOULD ANYONE DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE, I'LL START OFF THE POSTS WITH A QUESTION......

TUESDSAY, JANUARY 6

We'll continue R and G are Dead on Wednesday. Please continue to take notes for the timed writing.

Also, don't forget that on Friday you have your "Stream of Consciousness" poem due. See page 220 in your anthology for further explanation about this literary technique. If you have questions, be sure to ask in class tomorrow. And of course, refer to the the handout I gave you on Monday regarding friday essays.

Post any questions here. See you tomorrow.