Aim: What is rhetoric and how important is it to protest?
Do Now: Select one of the literary works discussed and analyzed in class and give reasons why this work can be considered the best work that represents protest literature.
Resoponse: I believe that the best literary work that represents protest literature is "America" by james Monroe Whitfield because the Speaker explains how he was taken form his very own homeland to work as a slave when he said "To teare the black man from his soil and force him here to delve and toil". The speaker also empahsizes in this same line ghow salvery is misery and thus protest in this work of literature to slavery.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Journal Entry-February 14, 2008
Aim: ...Students will review Proofreaders/Edit Marks
Students will peer edit
Do Now: Please review the handouts before exchanging papers. Proof reading will be done by your peers.
Students will peer edit
Do Now: Please review the handouts before exchanging papers. Proof reading will be done by your peers.
Journal Entry-February 12, 2008
Aim: How can we compare protest literature?
Do Now: Complete the vocabulary handout.
Do Now: Complete the vocabulary handout.
Journal Entry-February 11, 2008
Aim: How can we use a Graphic Organizer to better identify and Compare Equianos similarities and differences to Harper's and Whitfields poems?
Do Now: Compare one of the poems to Equiano's poem
Response: I noticed that in the poem "America" by James Monroe Whitfiel is very similar to Equianso slave narrative because both explain how they were taken form their land and forced to be slaves when in lines 7&8 explain in the poem "America", it says "To tear the black man from his soil and forced him here to delve and toil.
Do Now: Compare one of the poems to Equiano's poem
Response: I noticed that in the poem "America" by James Monroe Whitfiel is very similar to Equianso slave narrative because both explain how they were taken form their land and forced to be slaves when in lines 7&8 explain in the poem "America", it says "To tear the black man from his soil and forced him here to delve and toil.
Journal Entry-February 8, 2008
Aim: ...Students will gain insight into the horrifying conditions facing slaves throughout the ordeal.
Use a variety of reading strategies to comprehend an autobiography
Express and support responses to the text: Critical thinking, Scene sketch
Develop vocabulary and word identification skills.
Analyze literary elements in the work
Draw conclusions by critical viewing.
Do Now: Please complete your KWL chart based on slavery.
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Use a variety of reading strategies to comprehend an autobiography
Express and support responses to the text: Critical thinking, Scene sketch
Develop vocabulary and word identification skills.
Analyze literary elements in the work
Draw conclusions by critical viewing.
Do Now: Please complete your KWL chart based on slavery.
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Journal Entry-February 7, 2008
Aim: What is a Slave Narrative?
Do Now: Explain in one paragraph what you've been taught about slavery in Social Studies. How can slave narratives be form of protest literature?
Response: In my past history education, I was taught that slavery was a crucial turning point in American History. Many people from the Eastern and Southern part of Africa were captured and derrived from a luxiourious life to work in harsh animal like conditions. Families were divided and some died on there way over to the Americas. Many of them got sick and faced a life full of misery and woe. Slave Narratives are a form of protest literature because this type of writting exposes to people the harsh life that they had because they had no human rights.
Do Now: Explain in one paragraph what you've been taught about slavery in Social Studies. How can slave narratives be form of protest literature?
Response: In my past history education, I was taught that slavery was a crucial turning point in American History. Many people from the Eastern and Southern part of Africa were captured and derrived from a luxiourious life to work in harsh animal like conditions. Families were divided and some died on there way over to the Americas. Many of them got sick and faced a life full of misery and woe. Slave Narratives are a form of protest literature because this type of writting exposes to people the harsh life that they had because they had no human rights.
Journal Entry-February 6, 2008
Aim: Students will link their Blog page to my wikispace. Teacher will check for collegeboard.com registration
Do Now: N/A
Do Now: N/A
Journal Entry-February 5, 2008
Aim: How can we integrate technology in this English Course
Do Now: Write a pargraph on how you think technology should be integrated in a English class. What things would you like to do using technology?
Response: Based on this E6 class I would like for most of our work to be posted on our blogs, except for the graded work because than other people could copy l;ike in the previous semester. I would prefer for my work to be graded first and then posted, that way my teacher would know what kind of work I did. I would also like to see how we can use technology to post our resumes on our blogs. Also for our 'Do Nows' we should be able to use the computer to find our response and maybe even possibly do podcast again.
Do Now: Write a pargraph on how you think technology should be integrated in a English class. What things would you like to do using technology?
Response: Based on this E6 class I would like for most of our work to be posted on our blogs, except for the graded work because than other people could copy l;ike in the previous semester. I would prefer for my work to be graded first and then posted, that way my teacher would know what kind of work I did. I would also like to see how we can use technology to post our resumes on our blogs. Also for our 'Do Nows' we should be able to use the computer to find our response and maybe even possibly do podcast again.
Journal Entry-February 4, 2008
Aim: How prepared are you for college?
Do Now: Please answer the aim.
Response: I am not very prepared for college, but I have been looking at college majors and I know what I will do in general, business possibly. I also know what some of the scholarships are out there but I haven't quiet looked at them to the fullest extent.
Do Now: Please answer the aim.
Response: I am not very prepared for college, but I have been looking at college majors and I know what I will do in general, business possibly. I also know what some of the scholarships are out there but I haven't quiet looked at them to the fullest extent.
Journal Entry-February 1, 2008
Aim: Introduction to Course, Classroom policy, Attendance, Contact/Index Cards (name, address, parent(s)/guardian, phone, email). This will be done electronically.
Do Now: N/A
Do Now: N/A
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Letter to Author of "Ambush": Tim O'Brien
Lourdes Vicuna
86-32 Dragner St
Apt. 6G
Bayside, NY 17528
February 12, 2008
Dear Speaker :
(indent) Not too long ago, in fact just this week, I was reading “Ambush” from Things they Carried, and I must say that I admire your distinctive form of writing. Not every one can write in a way in which concrete imagery makes their writing so unique.
(indent)You started off by giving the reader a basic exposition of what was happening. You then introduced the reader to where the climax was found at, but slowly brought the reader to a common territory, the conclusion. Anyone can explain what happened, but you used concrete imagery such as in paragraph 3. Two thirds into that paragraph you explained as follows: “He wore black clothing and rubber sandals and a gray ammunition belt. His shoulders were slightly stooped, his head cocked to the side as if listening for something. He seemed at ease. He carried his weapon in one hand, muzzle down moving without any hurry up the center of the trail. There was no sound at all---none that I can remember. In a way, it seemed he was part of the morning fog, or my own imagination but here was also the reality of what was happening in my stomach. I had already pulled the pin on a grenade.”
(indent)With that being said, was it because you sensed peril in the upcoming events that you got ready to pull the grenade? Yes, I know that we all have immediate reactions, but don’t you think that your immediate reaction was a bit too harsh? Were you thinking of how this would affect you later: either by bringing remorse feelings to you or feelings of pride because you would be seen as a hero when you returned home?
(indent)I also remember reading on how you were still affected by what you did. The very last paragraph reads as follows: “In the ordinary hours of life I try not to dwell on it, but now and then, when I’m reading a newspaper or just sitting alone in a room, I’ll look up and see the young man coming out of the morning fog. I’ll watch him walk toward me, his shoulders slightly stopped, his head cocked to the side, and he’ll pass within a few yards of me and suddenly smile at some secret thought and then continue up the trail to where it bends into the fog.” I know that when something is bothering me, the best way to remove that feeling is by talking about it. So have you ever tried talking about it? This may sound dumb, but when you talk about it you feel like a burden has been lifted from your shoulders, open yourself up and see for yourself how great it is. Remember that it is never ok to keep all your feelings to yourself because there is only so much your heart can hold. Also, going back to the last paragraph in “Ambush”, do you think that the fact you visualize the young man passing by you and without doing any harm to you is a sign that you heart is telling you that you have forgiven yourself but it is only your mind that is denying it? Don’t forget that you mind and heart may disagree many times with each other, but in the end you can still make the right decision. Your conscience may bother you every now and then, but don't condemn yourself.
(indent) Maybe if you start to write about other things rather than war, it would get your mind away from it. I hope to hear soon from you with responses to all of my questions.
Sincerely,
Lourdes Vicuna
86-32 Dragner St
Apt. 6G
Bayside, NY 17528
February 12, 2008
Dear Speaker :
(indent) Not too long ago, in fact just this week, I was reading “Ambush” from Things they Carried, and I must say that I admire your distinctive form of writing. Not every one can write in a way in which concrete imagery makes their writing so unique.
(indent)You started off by giving the reader a basic exposition of what was happening. You then introduced the reader to where the climax was found at, but slowly brought the reader to a common territory, the conclusion. Anyone can explain what happened, but you used concrete imagery such as in paragraph 3. Two thirds into that paragraph you explained as follows: “He wore black clothing and rubber sandals and a gray ammunition belt. His shoulders were slightly stooped, his head cocked to the side as if listening for something. He seemed at ease. He carried his weapon in one hand, muzzle down moving without any hurry up the center of the trail. There was no sound at all---none that I can remember. In a way, it seemed he was part of the morning fog, or my own imagination but here was also the reality of what was happening in my stomach. I had already pulled the pin on a grenade.”
(indent)With that being said, was it because you sensed peril in the upcoming events that you got ready to pull the grenade? Yes, I know that we all have immediate reactions, but don’t you think that your immediate reaction was a bit too harsh? Were you thinking of how this would affect you later: either by bringing remorse feelings to you or feelings of pride because you would be seen as a hero when you returned home?
(indent)I also remember reading on how you were still affected by what you did. The very last paragraph reads as follows: “In the ordinary hours of life I try not to dwell on it, but now and then, when I’m reading a newspaper or just sitting alone in a room, I’ll look up and see the young man coming out of the morning fog. I’ll watch him walk toward me, his shoulders slightly stopped, his head cocked to the side, and he’ll pass within a few yards of me and suddenly smile at some secret thought and then continue up the trail to where it bends into the fog.” I know that when something is bothering me, the best way to remove that feeling is by talking about it. So have you ever tried talking about it? This may sound dumb, but when you talk about it you feel like a burden has been lifted from your shoulders, open yourself up and see for yourself how great it is. Remember that it is never ok to keep all your feelings to yourself because there is only so much your heart can hold. Also, going back to the last paragraph in “Ambush”, do you think that the fact you visualize the young man passing by you and without doing any harm to you is a sign that you heart is telling you that you have forgiven yourself but it is only your mind that is denying it? Don’t forget that you mind and heart may disagree many times with each other, but in the end you can still make the right decision. Your conscience may bother you every now and then, but don't condemn yourself.
(indent) Maybe if you start to write about other things rather than war, it would get your mind away from it. I hope to hear soon from you with responses to all of my questions.
Sincerely,
Lourdes Vicuna
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Wik-elements
Note To Reader: Here you will find a list of literary elements with their definitions along with examples from any literary text.
(#1-5 correspond to
1. Genre- of or pertaining to a distinctive literary type.
example:
2. Symbolism- something that represents something/idea larger than itself.
example:
3. Imagery- the use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas.
example:
4. Plot- sequence of events.
example:
5. Characters- a person portrayed in an artistic piece, such as a drama or novel.
example:
6. Setting- time and place.
example:
7. Conflicts- A psychic/mental struggle, often unconscious, resulting from the opposition or simultaneous functioning of mutually exclusive impulses, desires, or tendencies.
example:
8. Point of View- the position of the narrator in relation to the story, as indicated by the narrator's outlook from which the events are depicted and by the attitude toward the characters.
example:
...still under construction...
(#1-5 correspond to
1. Genre- of or pertaining to a distinctive literary type.
example:
2. Symbolism- something that represents something/idea larger than itself.
example:
3. Imagery- the use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas.
example:
4. Plot- sequence of events.
example:
5. Characters- a person portrayed in an artistic piece, such as a drama or novel.
example:
6. Setting- time and place.
example:
7. Conflicts- A psychic/mental struggle, often unconscious, resulting from the opposition or simultaneous functioning of mutually exclusive impulses, desires, or tendencies.
example:
8. Point of View- the position of the narrator in relation to the story, as indicated by the narrator's outlook from which the events are depicted and by the attitude toward the characters.
example:
...still under construction...
Wiki-cabulary
Note To Reader: Here you will find a list of vocabulary words which will be continously updated throughout this Spring Semester 2008.
1. pestilential- morally harmfull; Deadly.
2. avarice- excessive desire for wealth or gain.
3. inhabitants- one that occupies a partitcular place regularly, routinely, or for a period of time.
4. apprehension- the act or power of perceiving or comprehending.
5. clamour- a loud uproar, as from a crowd of people.
(#'s 1-5 are from Olaudah Equiano's Slave Narrative)
1. pestilential- morally harmfull; Deadly.
2. avarice- excessive desire for wealth or gain.
3. inhabitants- one that occupies a partitcular place regularly, routinely, or for a period of time.
4. apprehension- the act or power of perceiving or comprehending.
5. clamour- a loud uproar, as from a crowd of people.
(#'s 1-5 are from Olaudah Equiano's Slave Narrative)
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Olaudah Equiano
Comprehension Check Questions:
1.For what crimes were slaves punished? And what was the punishment?
One of the crimes that the slaves where punished for was running away as mentioned in the excerpt. When ever the slaves had the chance to run away, the would do so even if it meant throwing themselves in the water. As a result, the slave traders would stop the boat and go after the fugitives. Some would then die from suffocation, hunger and illnesses.
Critical Thinking Questions:
2.Interpret: Why does Equiano blame the illness aboard the ship on the “improvident avarice” of the traders?
Equiano blames the illness aboard the ship on the "improvident avarice" of the traders because if it weren't for the traders ambition to have money than the Slave Trade would have been unnecessary. That is why he says "This produced copious perspirations, so that the air soon became unfit for respiration, from a variety of loathsome smells, and brought on a sickness among the slaves, of which many died, thus falling victims to the improvident avarice, as I may call it, of their purchasers" knowing that it all has to so with money.
Support from the text:
3.How can you tell that Equiano has a great zest for life despite his assertion that he wanted to die?
Despite all the harships that exist in life, you could tell that Equiano has great zest for life when he describe what he saw in Barbadoes whit great excitement such as the horses. His excitement shows the reader how optimistic he is about life.
4.Infer: What does this passage reveal about the author?
This passage could probably refer that the author was a slave who was going through all of this, as he is telling the story. This passage could also refer to the negativity that exists in slavery.
5.Draw conclusion: Explain what a variety of languages indicates about the slave trade.
The fact that there are so many languages spoken in one country or that the community is very diverse in the physical sense, indictaes that the Slave Trade had a great part in this. Because of the Slave Trade, many people from different cultures migrated and thus stayed at this new place. Therefore the diversity we may see in our community is due to the Slave Trade. A great example of this is the Carribean, where ancestry goes as far as Africa.
Thematic Focus:
6.When one culture dominates another, what troubles might society face?
When one culture dominates another it creates tension and cruelty. The dominant country we be overflowed by it's power and will soon become corrupt. This could even lead to rebellion as seen in the past in Haiti, the greatest Slave Rebellion ever.
1.For what crimes were slaves punished? And what was the punishment?
One of the crimes that the slaves where punished for was running away as mentioned in the excerpt. When ever the slaves had the chance to run away, the would do so even if it meant throwing themselves in the water. As a result, the slave traders would stop the boat and go after the fugitives. Some would then die from suffocation, hunger and illnesses.
Critical Thinking Questions:
2.Interpret: Why does Equiano blame the illness aboard the ship on the “improvident avarice” of the traders?
Equiano blames the illness aboard the ship on the "improvident avarice" of the traders because if it weren't for the traders ambition to have money than the Slave Trade would have been unnecessary. That is why he says "This produced copious perspirations, so that the air soon became unfit for respiration, from a variety of loathsome smells, and brought on a sickness among the slaves, of which many died, thus falling victims to the improvident avarice, as I may call it, of their purchasers" knowing that it all has to so with money.
Support from the text:
3.How can you tell that Equiano has a great zest for life despite his assertion that he wanted to die?
Despite all the harships that exist in life, you could tell that Equiano has great zest for life when he describe what he saw in Barbadoes whit great excitement such as the horses. His excitement shows the reader how optimistic he is about life.
4.Infer: What does this passage reveal about the author?
This passage could probably refer that the author was a slave who was going through all of this, as he is telling the story. This passage could also refer to the negativity that exists in slavery.
5.Draw conclusion: Explain what a variety of languages indicates about the slave trade.
The fact that there are so many languages spoken in one country or that the community is very diverse in the physical sense, indictaes that the Slave Trade had a great part in this. Because of the Slave Trade, many people from different cultures migrated and thus stayed at this new place. Therefore the diversity we may see in our community is due to the Slave Trade. A great example of this is the Carribean, where ancestry goes as far as Africa.
Thematic Focus:
6.When one culture dominates another, what troubles might society face?
When one culture dominates another it creates tension and cruelty. The dominant country we be overflowed by it's power and will soon become corrupt. This could even lead to rebellion as seen in the past in Haiti, the greatest Slave Rebellion ever.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Literary Response to Quotes by D. H. Lawrence and Emily Dickinson
"I never saw a wild thing feel sorry for itself. A small bird will drop dead from a bough. Without ever feeling sorry for itself."- D. H. Lawrence
This quote by D. H. Lawrence explains the significance of a pity feeling for oneself and it's results. If something is wild, then this being is very open-minded to almost any thing and is a risk taker. By analyzing this quote I understand the importance of not feeling sorry for everything bad that happens iin my life, but rather moving on to succeed in life and make the most out of a situtation. If something so small like a bird did not feel sorry, than why should a humanbeing? We know that not all the time will situations favor us, but we prove to be who we really are when we move on. I was also able to understand that our attitude has a lot to do with how our life turns out to be.
"I am nobody, who are you?"-Emily Dickinson
I am a person who wants a supperior education than the average person. I am someone who wants to succeed in life and feel grateful for what I have done for myself. I am an honor student who wants to feel satisfation looking back at what I have done. I also am someone who wants to have a career that can help others achieve what they want. It will be difficult, but not impossible. I am what I do. I am Lourdes Vicuna and I am somebody, who are you?
This quote by D. H. Lawrence explains the significance of a pity feeling for oneself and it's results. If something is wild, then this being is very open-minded to almost any thing and is a risk taker. By analyzing this quote I understand the importance of not feeling sorry for everything bad that happens iin my life, but rather moving on to succeed in life and make the most out of a situtation. If something so small like a bird did not feel sorry, than why should a humanbeing? We know that not all the time will situations favor us, but we prove to be who we really are when we move on. I was also able to understand that our attitude has a lot to do with how our life turns out to be.
"I am nobody, who are you?"-Emily Dickinson
I am a person who wants a supperior education than the average person. I am someone who wants to succeed in life and feel grateful for what I have done for myself. I am an honor student who wants to feel satisfation looking back at what I have done. I also am someone who wants to have a career that can help others achieve what they want. It will be difficult, but not impossible. I am what I do. I am Lourdes Vicuna and I am somebody, who are you?
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