Friday, December 20

Freshmen: We took a vocab exam. Your final exam review guide is posted on the blog, so prepare for it if you wish. Have a nice break.

Sophomores: We took a vocab exam. Your final exam review guide is posted on the blog, so prepare for it if you wish. Finish up your This I Believe Project. Have a nice break.

CNF: Today we had a seminar. Your final exam review guide is posted on the blog, so prepare for it if you wish. Have a nice break.

Compelling Non-Fiction First Semester Final Exam Review Guide

Your final this semester will be an essay. While you will be allowed to use the books we've read, you cannot use any notes or anything like that on the exam. However, I want you well-prepared, so this is exactly what the exam will look like. Let me know if you have questions.

Compelling Non-Fiction First Semester Final Exam

Directions: Choose one of the following essay prompts to answer. Support your answer with evidence from four different sources: Both texts we read this semester, at least one of the films we have viewed, and your own personal experience.

Possible Prompts:

1. Is the statement that “Morality represents how we would like the world to work; economics represents the way it actually does work” a true statement?

2. What ethical obligations must constructors of non-fiction texts adhere to?

3. Is conventional wisdom wisdom? Or is it folly?

4. How can we use our knowledge of incentives to encourage moral behavior and make the world a better place?

5. Which method of thinking that we studied this year – Blink-style thinking or Freakonmics-style thinking – is more effective?

Thursday, December 19

Freshmen: Today we shared your Grandparent Projects - good job; they look great. Read for 20 minutes and remember Chapter 7 vocabulary is due tomorrow.

Sophomore: Today we concluded viewing The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Do your reading over the break and remember we have vocab due tomorrow.

CNF: Today we finished up our reading and will have a seminar tomorrow.

CNF Extra Effort Opportunity

Since we don't have time to view either of these films, for extra credit, watch one or both over the break and write a page reaction that ties the film into what we've read. The film options are Murder on a Sunday Morning or The Thin Blue Line.

World Literature Semester Final Exam Review Guide 2013 2014

Hi. Your final is going to be very straight-forward. There will be an approximately-thirty-question objective exam (true and false, multiple guess... I mean choice, fill in, etc.) with each question counting for one point, followed by an essay exam that's worth 100 points. As you can see, the essay is the major part of the final. The entire final is worth 20% of your semester grade, with the other 80% split between the two quarters.

You have two essay prompts to choose from. I will allow you to use one page of hand-written notes on the essay portion of the final only. I will also allow you to use the novels we've read this semester, as well at the Tao te Ching, on the essay portion of the final. The prompts for the essays are listed below:

1. Explain how Taoist principles and ideas are present in several of the novels we read this year.

2. Choose at least three characters (each from a different novel) that we have read about this semester and explain a common belief they all share and how that belief manifests itself in how the characters live their lives.

All essays must have the following components:

-An interesting title at the top.

-Correct use of a lead and conclusion technique we studied this semester, with those techniques listed in the header.

-Double spaced, except when using a blocked citation.

-Numerous, correctly done citations from multiple books.

-Neat and easy to read.

-Free from most conventions errors.

Good luck, and see me with questions.

Sophomore Extra Effort Opportunity

Hi. If you'd like to earn up to 50 points extra credit, listen to the following interview: http://www.onbeing.org/program/bodys-grace-matthew-sanfords-story/185

Write an essay that examines what Matthew Sanford's ideas are about our relationship with our bodies and how his beliefs manifest themselves in some of what we've read, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, obviously, but also other texts like Life of Pi and Siddhartha. This is due the Monday after the break.

Tuesday, December 17 and Wednesday, December 18

Freshmen: Today our focus was on writing an essay using description, illustration, and example. Read for 20 minutes tonight and tomorrow; your Grandparent Project is due Thursday; Chapter 9 vocab is due Friday.

Sophomores: Today we watched a few scenes from The Diving Bell and the Butterfly so that you can better understand Jean-Dominique Bauby's point of view. Continue to read; vocab is due Friday.

CNF: Today we continue reading both Gladwell and Freakonomics.

Freshmen English First Semester Final Exam Study Review Guide

Freshmen English First Semester Final Exam Study Review Guide:

Your final exam is 20% of your semester  grade (the other 80% is split between your first and second quarter grade). The test will consist of an objective exam about 65 questions long (each worth a point) and an essay worth 100 points. So, the total exam is going to be worth about about 165 points, with the major weight falling on the essay.

The following is a list of things to study and know for the objective exam: Principles of free verse poetry; the seven step essay process; lead and conclusion techniques we have studied; various essay genres; key quotes about writing; and all related pieces of information.

For the essay, you will be assigned a rhetorical device (a mode or genre), but you will choose the topic. The essay prompt will read:

Essay prompt: You are to write a ________________ essay. Your grade will be based on how well you write in this particular mode. Additionally, all essays should have the following components:

a. be easy to read (neat, double spaced, etc).

b. have a clear thesis.

c. be free from most conventions errors.

d. use one of the lead and conclusion techniques we’ve studied this year and identify the techniques used in your header.

e. have a compelling title at the top.

In the blank space, your assigned genre will be written. You will be asked to write either a narrative essay, a compare and contrast essay, or a descriptive/illustrative/example essay, so you should put some thought into potential topics for all three. Good luck, and see me with questions.

Monday, December 16

Freshmen: Today we looked at another essay that uses examples, illustration, and description. Your homework is to finish up your Grandparent Project, due Thursday, and vocab, which is due Friday. Read for 20 minutes tonight as well.

Sophomores: Today we began The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. We're going to have a seminar on the book when we get back from Christmas break, on Monday, January 6. To prepare for the seminar, I want ten short reflections, scattered evenly throughout the book (there's 29 chapters total). These should be brief (a paragraph or so), have the title of the chapter upon which you're reflecting at the top, and focus on what you are thinking or feeling and should not summarize the chapter.

CNF: Today we began a study of why crime dropped, reading from both Gladwell and Freakonomics.

Friday, December 13

Freshmen: Today we focused on how a particular author used description in a particular essay. Read for 20 minutes; due Thursday is your Grandparent Project and vocab Chapter 7 is due Friday.

Sophomores: Today we had our final seminar on Siddhartha. Be working on your final project.

CNF: Today we watched a Ted Talk by Steven Pinker about the decline in crime through the centuries.  Next week we'll begin a study of theories as to why crime dropped in the 1990s.

Thursday, December 12

Freshmen: Today we focused on an essay that used illustration, description, and example well. Due Thursday is your Grandparent Project; due next Friday is Chapter 7 vocab.

Sophomores: Today we focused on six word stories. Due Friday is Siddhartha. Due next Friday is Chapter 7 vocab.

CNF: We concluded Kicking It.

Basketball: Today we're at home against Mountain Crest at 6; we've got shoot around at 3, study hall at 4:00, film at 4:30, and pregame at 5:15.

Tuesday, December 10, and Wednesday, December 11

Freshmen: Today our focus was on using illustration, example, and description, and reinforcing those things through the form of the essay; incidentally, we also focused on using short, specific words. Your homework: Read for 20 minutes tonight and tomorrow; work on your Grandparent Project and vocab.

Sophomores: Today our focus was on the word "AUM", as it factors into Siddhartha in a crucial way. The novel is due Friday; vocab is due next Friday.

CNF: Today we began our conclusion of the study of the notion of "making it to the top" via Kicking It.

Monday, December 9

Freshmen: We began a study of the rhetorical devices illustration, example, and description. Read for 20 minutes; Honors students, we have a meeting tomorrow morning at 7:30; Letters to the Editor are due Thursday; due Thursday, December 19 is your Grandparent Project; Chapter 7 vocab is due the 20th.

Sophomores: Today we took a vocab exam; your next one is December 20. Siddhartha is due Friday, December 13.

CNF: We finished Hoop Dreams; for those of you who want to know what else happened with William and Arthur, there's a new invention called Google that might be of service.

Friday, December 6

Freshmen: Today we took a vocab exam and looked at Langston Hughes's poem "Mother to Son." For extra credit, you can write a response from the son's point of view. Remember what we talked about regarding titles of creative responses, as well as the principles of free verse we covered the past few weeks. This is due Monday; read for 20 minutes this weekend; honors students, don't forget our meeting on Tuesday; all students, don't forget about the letter to the editor due next Thursday.

Sophomores: Today we had a seminar about the first half of Siddhartha. Due Monday is vocab; due Friday is the rest of Siddhartha. Be working on your semester project. Honors students, remember our meeting on Thursday.

CNF: We almost finished Hoop Dreams.

Basketball: We're at Sunnyside until 5:30 tonight, and at Judge from 10:50-1:30 on Saturday.

Extra Effort Opportunity

Hi. Check out http://judgememorial.com/content/2013/11/dec-19-guide-surviving-finals
Attend, and write a half page summary of what's covered for up to 25 points extra credit. The write up is due 12/20 for credit.

Thursday, December 5

Freshmen: Today we shared your Letters About Literature and some of your poems. Your homework is to read for 20 minutes; vocabulary Chapter 6 is due on Friday. Due December 12 are your letters to the editor. Honors students, keep working on your compare and contrast assignment; we're meeting on Tuesday, December 10.

Sophomores: Today our focus was on sharing your Letters About Literature. Review the blog for the reading that's due tomorrow; vocabulary Chapter 6 is due on Monday.

CNF: Today we continued Hoop Dreams. Will Marshall beat King? Come to class tomorrow to find out.

Basketball: Nice win last night; we're at Sunnyside the next two days until 5:30.

Tuesday, December 3 and Wednesday, December 4

Freshmen: Today we covered the final free verse principle we're going to cover for a while, that of using figurative language. I'd like you to revise your previous four poems for this principle, and write a fifth original poem that intentionally uses figurative language well. It should also adhere to the previous principles. On Thursday, you should come to class with all five of your poems. Your work will be assessed based on how well you adhere to the principles we covered. Also due Thursday is your Letter About Literature and your entry form. Due Friday is Chapter 6 vocab. Read for 20 minutes Tuesday and Wednesday night.

Sophomores: Today we began working on the Letters About Literature project. See http://www.read.gov/letters/ and click on "Rules and Guidelines" for more details. Your Letter About Literature is due on Thursday along with your signed entry form. See the blog for what's due on Friday with the reading; we will have a seminar on that day and move the vocab back to Monday.

CNF: Today we continued Hoop Dreams, looking at how it's constructed and how it's an example of "winning the tournament."

Monday, December 2

Freshmen: Today we began working on an essay for the Letters About Literature Contest. Go here http://www.read.gov/letters/ and click on "Rules and Guidelines" for more information. Your letter should be typed and is due on Thursday along with your entry coupon. In order to do well on the assignment, check the website. Read for 20 minutes, and begin working on your Grandparent Project as well; Chapter 6 vocab is due on Friday.

Sophomores: Today we began reading Siddhartha. See the reading schedule on the blog for details. Chapter 6 vocab is due on Friday.

CNF: Today we began Hoop Dreams as we continue to study the idea of "the tournament" or "making it to the top."

Basketball: We are at Sunnyside today until 5:30. We'll see what time the bus gets us there.

Siddhartha Reading Schedule 2013-2014

Siddhartha Reading Schedule 2013-2014

12/2 - Begin book in class. For every chapter, please write a very short reflection. These should be personal and reflective in nature, not summaries.

12/6 - All chapters through and including "Amongst the People" due.

12/12 - Honors meeting and essay #4 due. This is changed from the original date.

12/13 - Book and reflections due. Seminar on this date.

Tuesday, November 26

Freshmen: Today we talked about the concept of effective repetition in poetry; your homework is to revise your previous three poems, and if using effective repetition will benefit your poem, integrate that into your current poem(s); also, craft a new poem that adheres to the previous principles and intentionally uses repetition effectively. All four poems should be brought to class on Monday.

Sophomores: Today we had a seminar on The Alchemist. For homework, you probably ought to be working on your final semester project.

CNF: Today we finished the short film "Judas" and talked about the contents of Chapter 3 of Freakonomics.

CNF Extra Effort Opportunity

Because we're talking about life in the inner city, people trying to make it in life, and so on, if you listen to the following segments from This American Life and write a reflection, you can earn up to 50 points extra credit: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/487/harper-high-school-part-one and http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/488/harper-high-school-part-two. It's due after Thanksgiving.

Monday, November 25

Freshmen: Today we focused on the importance of cutting during the revision stage. You should revise your current three poems based on this principle. Read for 20 minutes tonight. Honors students, continue to work on the compare and contrast assignment with Lord of the Flies.

Sophomores: Today our focus was on the revision assignment you did and recurrent ideas, themes, images, and figures in The Tao te Ching.

CNF: Today we watched a Ted Talk about the info in Chapter 3 as well as a student-made documentary.

Friday, November 22

Freshmen: Today our focus was on poetic form - that is to say, using lines and stanzas to format a poem, as opposed to the standard sentence and paragraph format of prose. Read for 20 minutes this weekend, and revise your three poems so that they adhere to standard poetic form. Also, be sure you have made arrangements to conduct your Grandparent Project interview.

Sophomores: Today we worked on an in class essay in response to the Campbell-Moyers interview we saw. The Alchemist is due on Tuesday with a reflection; your revised film essay is due on Monday.

CNF: Today we continued to read Chapter 3; we will have a seminar on it on Tuesday; you should have a reflection for this.

Basketball: We are at Sunnyside until 5:30 today.

Thursday, November

Freshmen: Today we focused on how to conclude a free verse poem. Your task is to revise your two current poems for this principle, and then to craft a third free verse poem based on a first hand experience that adheres to all the principles we've studied thus far: use I and avoid participles, begin inside the experience, and conclude strongly. Read for 20 minutes tonight as well.

Sophomores: Today our focus was on concluding the Campbell interview and applying his concepts to things we've read in class. Remember to work on your end of the semester project, your essay revision (due Monday), and finishing The Alchemist for Tuesday.

CNF: Today we began Chapter 3, which we'll finish for a seminar on Tuesday.

Extra Effort Opportunity

For up to 25 points extra credit, you can do this:

http://stosselintheclassroom.org/essay_contest/?source=INB20

Sophomore Honors Essay and Meeting Schedule Adjustment

Hi. Because I moved one due date back a few weeks ago, I need to shift the others. I hope this doesn't cause any problems for anyone. Here is what I would like to do: 

Essay #4, about Foster's book and Siddhartha, will be due on 12/12. We will have our morning meeting at 7:30 on this date.  

Essay #5, about Foster's book and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, will be due on 1/8/14. We will have our morning meeting at 7:30 on this date.

Essay #6, on Foster's chapters 26 and 27, will be due on 1/13/14. We will not have a meeting on this date due to upcoming semester finals.

Thank you. I am sorry for adjusting the schedule. Let me know if you have any questions.

Tuesday, November 19 and Wednesday, November 20

Freshmen: Today we focused on the next principle of free verse poetry, beginning inside the experience. Revise your first poem based on this principle and write a second, original free verse poem that adheres to the principles we have covered so far; so, you will have two poems in class on Thursday. Read for 20 minutes Tuesday and Wednesday. Keep working on your Grandparent Project.

Sophomores: Today we introduced our final project of the semester. We also finished the essays about how one of the books we've read this semester is a parable. Honors students, remember we have a meeting on Wednesday morning; your revised, annotated essay is due on 11/25; finish The Alchemist for 11/26.

CNF: Today we finished So Much So Fast and had a seminar on information asymmetry.

Friday, November 15

Freshmen: Today we focused on using "I" in free verse poetry. You are to finish and type up the poem you began in class and bring with you on Monday. Read for 20 minutes, and remember, I postponed the vocab quiz until Tuesday.

Sophomores: Today we took a vocab exam. Remember the honors meeting is on Wednesday, and you should be done with the chapters from Foster's book and have your essay then. Due 11/25 is a revised, annotated copy of your essay and on 11/26 what is due is The Alchemist and a seminar prep.

CNF: Today we continued our focus on information asymmetry.

Thursday, November 14

Freshmen: Today we began a study of free verse poetry. Remember that Chapter 5 vocab is due tomorrow; you need to work on your Grandparent Project; you should also read for 20 minutes tonight.

Sophomores: Today we had a seminar on the first half of The Alchemist. I also gave you a sample essay of a successful essay from our last assignment. Your task is to go home and read the sample essay, read the essay you turned in to turnitin.com, and then reread the sample essay. Then, revise your essay based on the comments I have left you and using the model essay as your guide. Print your revision out, annotate the changes, and hand it in by 11/25. Due 11/15 is Chapter 5 vocabulary. Due 11/26 is the rest of The Alchemist and a reflection for that day's seminar.

CNF: Today we concluded Sicko and will continue to study the concept of information asymmetry.

Extra Credit Opportunity

Don't forget, if you attend How to Succeed in Business here at school and write a review, you can earn extra credit for that, too.

Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13

Freshmen: Today we began The Grandparent Project. You have a handout that details all the important elements and you can see examples on this blog. Read for 20 minutes tonight and tomorrow; due Thursday is the list of questions you're going to use in your interview; due Thursday for honors students is a letter to the editor; due Friday for everyone is Chapter 5 vocabulary.

Sophomores: Today we studied Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers's The First Storytellers and applied it to what we're reading. Due Thursday is the first half of The Alchemist along with a reflection. Due Friday is Chapter 5 vocabulary.

CNF: Today we continued studying information asymmetry. If you want extra credit attend http://www.judgememorial.com/content/2013/11/nov-20-free-screening-sugar-babies and write a short reaction.

Monday, November 11

Freshmen: Today we focused on more examples of compare and contrast; your homework tonight is to write a post on the blog in response to the following prompt: Using compare and contrast well, write about a topic in an interesting way. You can use the piece we started in class today if you wish, revising as you go.

You also have 20 minutes of reading, and honors students should remember Tuesday's meeting and Thursday's deadline for the letter to the editor; also due Friday is vocabulary Chapter 5.

Sophomores: Today our focus was on making predictions as readers. As you wrap up the first half of The Alchemist, try to predict what will happen next, based on what you know about the plot, characters, and theme of the story and touch on those in the reflection that is due for Thursday's seminar; also due Friday is vocabulary Chapter 5.

CNF: Today we looked at a film that is a great example of information asymmetry and will continue it this week.

Thursday, November 7

Okay, I am nervous to say it, but I have to take a shot: Utah 31, ASU 27.

Freshmen: Today we had an interesting seminar on Speak. Your homework is to read the interview with the author at the back.

Sophomores: Today we focused on the concept of irony. Be on the look out for verbal, situational, and dramatic irony in The Alchemist, and if possible, address it in your reflection.

CNF: Today we began Chapter 2 in Freakonomics. This, along with a 1 page reflection, is due for Monday's class.

Tuesday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 6

Freshmen: Today we looked at a ton of essays that use compare and contrast as their primary mode. Remember, Speak is due on Thursday with your seminar prep.

Sophomores: Today we began The Alchemist. See the reading schedule posted yesterday.

CNF: Today we concluded our study of cheating.

The Alchemist Reading Schedule 2013

Hi. Here's our schedule for The Alchemist: 

Tuesday, 11/5 or Wednesday, 11/6 - Begin book in class.

Thursday, 11/14 - Be to page 83. Reflection due this date.

Tuesday, 11/26 - Final seminar. Reflection due this date.

Monday, November 4

Freshmen: Today we introduced the idea of compare and contrast; we'll continue to focus on this idea over the next little while. Your homework is to read for 20 minutes as you prepare to finish Speak for class on Thursday.

Sophomores: Today we had our final seminar on The Power of One. If you have a copy of our next book, The Alchemist, bring it tomorrow.

CNF: We continued our film on cheating and will conclude it Wednesday.

Thursday, October 31

All students: Remember that you must pay your tax on candy to Mr. Baird on Monday, November 4 - that is something really good, chocolate only (Twix, M&Ms, etc.). 10% of your total trick-or-treating haul is standard.

Freshmen: Today we had a seminar on Speak. Finish the book, with a seminar prep, for next Thursday. Due on Friday is Chapter 4 vocab. For those who didn't respond to the blog in a timely manner regarding your feedback on your most recent essay, if you view the comments (which I can see via an icon on turnitin.com), you can earn some credit. This is due by Friday, November 1.

Sophomores: Today our focus was on Peekay and how his personal beliefs have changed and evolved since we first met him. Vocab is due Friday; also due Friday is submitting your essay to turnitin.com; due Monday is finishing The Power of One, along with your seminar prep, your Echoes, and your Triple Entry Journal.

Sophomore Honors students: Please read and study the essay I gave you by Joe Stokes about The Power of One. That's what an A paper looks like for honors.

CNF: Today we began Bigger Faster Stronger. 

CNF Extra Credit Opportunity

Based on what we viewed in class, you may find this interesting: http://freakonomics.com/2011/07/07/hey-baby-is-that-a-prius-you’re-driving/

If you want to listen to it and write a one page reaction based on what we viewed, you can get extra credit. Get it to me by 11/4, let's say.

Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30

Freshmen: Today our focus was on narrative essays. Due in class on Monday is a narrative essay of your own. We focused on the elements of thesis, narrator, problem and solution, and conflict. In addition to these elements, you need to have a good title and identify the lead and conclusion technique you're using in your header. Follow all seven of our steps for writing good essays.

Other things you need to do: the first two marking periods of Speak and a seminar prep are due for Thursday's class; due for Friday is Chapter 4 vocabulary; and tonight you need to log into turnitin.com and read through the comments on your Seven Step Essay; then write a comment on this blog post that explains what you learned about writing from the feedback on your essay. If you want, for extra credit, you can revise and annotate the improvements and hand it in on Friday. Additionally, I have extended your proof of submission of this essay to Thursday.

Sophomores: Today our focus was on Ken Rand's 10% Solution. You are to take your film compare and contrast essay, 10% it, and submit a copy of it to turnitin.com by 8 AM Friday, November 1. As a final reminder, your essay should list the lead and conclusion technique you used in your header, have a great title, cite your sources numerous times correctly, have a clear thesis that you then prove using evidence from the texts. Review the handout I gave you on the assignment to be sure you touch on all the bases.

Additionally, Chapter 4 Vocabulary is due Friday, and you should finish reading The Power of One by Monday, November 4.

CNF: Today we finished Who Killed the Electric Car? and figured out was responsible (spoiler: it was Lizzie).

Crystal Caves

Sophs: Check it out - http://www.weather.com/tv/tvshows/weather-films/destination-uncharted/spectacular-caves-world-photos-20130626?pageno=1
Not sure if one is Doc's, but you never know...

Friday, October 25

I don't know how, I don't know why, but it'll be Utah 24, USC 21. We then beat ASU, WSU, and Colorado, plus a bowl win, which means we get an 8 win year. Mark it down.

Freshmen: I hope you had a good day at the Rosary Rally. Be sure you stay current on your reading.

Sophomores: Our focus was primarily on the Tao, both the echoes we see in the texts we're reading as well as some of the themes, figures, images, and ideas that are recurrent in it. Remember, you need to have your essay complete for our next meeting, and should have both a hard copy and access to an electronic copy. You should be through Chapter 22 as well for next class.

CNF: Today we began a documentary, Who Killed the Electric Car?

Thursday, October 24

Freshmen: Today we focused on spelling and its importance. You should read for 20 minutes tonight, as you attempt to meet the due date for Speak. Also work on your seminar prep and vocabulary.

Sophomores: Today we wrote about whether it's possible to separate who a person is from what that person does, using Geel Piet as our model. Your homework is reading, working on your seminar prep, vocabulary, your Triple Entry Journal, and your film essay. Remember that tomorrow, I will collect your Echoes of the Tao assignment.

CNF: I thought we had a very interesting seminar. If you would like to earn some extra credit, view this Ted Talk about education and write a short reaction, say half a page to a page typed. It doesn't have to do with cheating, but it does touch on many of the education-related topics you all brought up in the seminar today: http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_how_to_escape_education_s_death_valley.html. I do need this by Friday to count on this quarter's grade.

Tuesday, October 22 and Wednesday, October 23

Freshmen: Today we began the novel Speak. Check the reading schedule on the blog; remember this reading does count for your in-class and at-home reading. Chapter 4 vocab is due November 1.

Sophomores: Our primary focus was on a seminar on The Power of One. Keep up with the reading schedule, which can be found on a September post. Honors students - we have a meeting tomorrow. Continue working on your essay, and remember, Chapter 4 vocab is due November 1.

CNF: We began Chapter 1 from Freakonomics.

In-text and Blocked Citation Example from The Power of One

Prompt: Using a few entries from your Triple Entry Journal, write about something you learned about life from The Power of One.

In Bryce Courtney’s The Power of One we learn that “A man is only free when he is free in his heart” (196). Doc tells the main character, Peekay this, while imprisoned during the second World War, his only crime that of being German. Doc asks Peekay in a letter:

What is a German?... Does it tell you if he is a good man? Or a bad man? No, my friend, it tells you nothing about a man to say he is German. A man must think what he is on the inside. What he is on the outside? How can this matter (182)?

                  This is something Peekay incorporates into his understanding of the power of one, and is something that shapes how he views everyone, especially Geel Piet, a life-long criminal he meets inside Barberton Prison. When discussing this man with Morrie, whom everyone else sees only as a kaffir and a criminal, Peekay says, “It’s not what a man does, it’s what a man is that counts” (353).

Key technical points:
1. The in-text citations all are a part of a larger sentence; quote marks set them off from the rest of the text, and the page numbers are in parentheses at the end of the sentence before the terminal punctuation mark.
2. The blocked citation is single spaced and therefore does not require quote marks to set it off from the rest of the text. It also has a page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence before the terminal punctuation mark.

Monday, October 21

Freshmen: Today we finished viewing Spellbound and analyzing the filmmaker's use of the various rhetorical devices we will study from here on out. Please post a comment that's a paragraph or so where you explain how a rhetorical device or two were used. Please read students' responses, and feel free to comment on what they've said, while at the same time adding insights others have not. Read for 20 minutes and bring Speak to class tomorrow. The Freshmen Honors meeting has been postponed to 11/12. The other dates for this semester are going to have to be adjusted as well.

Sophomores: Today we focused on how to cite from a text, learning about both in-text and blocked citations. Review the reading schedule for the next period's due date. Keep working on your film essay as well.

CNF: Today we concluded our analysis of the data from our cheating survey. We also began Chapter 1 from Freakonomics. 

Speak Reading Schedule

Hi. Here is our reading schedule for Speak. You can use your 20 minutes of reading homework time to meet these due dates, as well as our in-class reading time; if it takes you more time than that to meet these due dates, then you'll need to read more, and if it takes you less and you finish early, read from something else.

10/22 - Begin Speak in class.

10/31 - First and Second Marking Period due. You should have a seminar prep consisting of a dozen items, both questions and comments, for this date. Your seminar prep should capture what you were thinking about as you read.

11/7 - Book due. You should have a seminar prep consisting of a dozen items, both questions and comments, for this date. Your seminar prep should capture what you were thinking about as you read.

Compelling Non-Fiction Extra Credit Opportunity

Hi. If you want to hear an incredible story, go to This American Life's website (http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/507/confessions) and listen to the podcast "Confessions." Act I deals with an incredible story that is, essentially, a story about how Blink-like thinking went terribly wrong and it took some Freakonomics-like thinking to set things write (in some ways, the opposite scenario as what Gladwell chronicles in his story about the Getty). If you'd like to listen to it and write up a page-long reaction, you can earn up to 50 points extra credit.

Wednesday, October 16

You all took your school-wide tests today, but of course are curious about my prediction: Utah 38-Arizona 21. Mark it down.

Tuesday, October 15

Freshmen: We continued to study rhetorical devices used in both documentary film and essay; read for 20 minutes Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and the weekend.

Sophomores: Today our focus was on Geel Piet. Be sure you are reading every night to stay current in our text and start workin on your film and essay project.

CNF: Today we studied cheating in sports, including sumo, and curuiously, the illegal recruitment of animals for major D1 basketball programs and the use of magical phantasams by at least one major leaguer (and you know if one's been caught, dozens are doing it).

Monday, October 14

Just to be clear, I did have the score Utah 24, Stanford 21 written on the board in my room - I didn't want to put it here for fear of jinxing things. That said, Saturday the score will be Utah 38, Arizona 24.

Anyone who attends the fall music concert tonight can write a one page, typed, review of it for extra credit.

Freshmen: Today we previewed the various rhetorical devices we will study and learn as writers of essay by studying how documentary films are the cinematic equivalent of the essay, analyzing how documentary films use the same sort of techniques that essay writers do. Read for 20 minutes tonight as your homework.

Sophomores: Today our main focus was on discussing Chapters 10-12 from The Power of One. We've got quite a bit of reading due for the next due date, so make sure you are checking the blog and keeping up.

CNF: Today we looked at the data from the survey on cheating and figured out the story it was telling.

Friday, October 11

Freshmen: Today wrapped up our Seven Step Essay Process by talking about publishing, which of course can take many forms - you've already done this twice with this piece by submitting it to me and sharing it with a classmate. You need to find an outside source to publish your work, too, and submit it to them. You have two weeks - proof of submission is due on 10/25. This can be a publication, a website, a newspaper, etc. Your grade is based only on the attempt, not the actual publication of it. Also, read for 20 minutes this weekend.

Sophomores: Today we started talking about different lead techniques to try with your upcoming essay project. Check the reading schedule; you should finish Chapter 12 for Monday's class.

CNF: Today we began studying the first sub-topic addressed in Freakonomics: cheating. We took a survey, listened to a Ted Talk titled "Our Buggy Moral Code", and listened to Act Two and Three of This American Life's "Getting Away With It."

Thursday, October 10

Freshmen: Today our focus was on Step Seven of our Seven Step Essay Process. Tonight you need to edit it for grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and polish it for format. Then you should go to easybib.com and create your bibliography or works cited page. Attach this to your essay. It should be your final page, separate from the rest of your essay. Submit this to turnitin.com before 8 AM Friday morning and bring a paper copy of your essay to class tomorrow. Read for 20 minutes tonight.

Sophomores: Today our primary focus was on making progress in the reading. Please check the blog schedule.

CNF: Today we read the Explanatory Note and Introduction to Freakonomics.

Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9

Freshmen: Today we finished learning about The 10% Solution and started revising your essays based on it. You should finish revising the essay based on The 10% Solution tonight and bring a revised copy to class on Thursday. Read for 20 minutes Tuesday and Wednesday and remember, your letter to the editor is due on Thursday.

Sophomores: Today we finished Cry, the Beloved Country and wrote a short in-class essay regarding how South Africa is portrayed in the film. We also began a film and essay project; the essay is due on 10/29. See the reading schedule so you know what is due for Monday.

CNF: Today we concluded Blink with an essay and discussion. We will start Freakonomics on Thursday.

Monday, October 7

Freshmen: Today we started to learn about Ken Rand's 10% Solution. You need to be able to access an electronic copy of your essay tomorrow in class. Read for 20 minutes tonight.

Sophomores: Today we took a quiz, did a bit of writing, and had a seminar on The Power of One.  Check the reading schedule for your homework.

CNF: Today we finished Blink.

Integrating Citations Into a Journey Narrative Example

                  Laura and I stood at the ticket counter, somewhat daunted by what we had just heard. Our plane back to Salt Lake was delayed for at least five hours. We were simultaneously disappointed to be stuck at the Los Angeles airport and thrilled that this trip - our first together - would be extended.

                  “I guess we’d better call Summer,” Laura said. Summer was her best friend, and had agreed to pick us up after our trip to see Jimmy Buffet play at the Hollywood Bowl for our first anniversary. We set off in search of a pay phone.

                  It wasn’t long before a young man stopped us, inquiring where we were from. When we told him, he said, “Ah, yes - Shawn Bradley. He is very, very tall.” All I could do was nod - BYU’s starting center was, at seven-foot-seven, very tall indeed. That seemed to comprise the young man’s total knowledge of Utah. He went on: “You want to buy book? I am Hare Krishna - here you buy this book.” He handed something to me and I fumbled in my pocket, pulling out a bill, which he took from me and disappeared back into the crowd.

                  “What just happened?” I asked Laura. “I think I gave that freak twenty dollars!” We sat down and started to leaf through the book, which appeared strange and unfamiliar. “Great,” I said, tossing it aside, “there’s money I’ll never get back.”

                  We got up and continued searching for a phone, and every Hare Krishna I saw looked like a shyster who would pick my pocket given half the chance. It wasn’t until much later that I came to understand that, as Yann Martel writes in Life of Pi, “Hindus, in their capacity for love, are indeed hairless Christians, just as Muslims, in the way they see God in everything, are bearded Hindus, and Christians, in their devotion to God, are hat-wearing Muslims” (50). All I knew at that moment was some bald dude took the money I wanted to spend on pizza.  

Friday, October 4

Freshmen: Today we took a vocab exam. You need to be able to electronically access your revised, best copy of your essay. Read for 20 minutes this weekend.

Sophomores: Today we took a vocab exam. Chapters 6-9 and a seminar prep that reflects what you are thinking as you read is due for Monday's seminar. Keep working on your 3EJ and your Echoes assignment as well. We also talked about how to integrate citations from a novel into your writing. This weekend, access the comments regarding your journey narrative on turnitin.com and revise your essay based on this lesson and the comments I have left you. Print your revised (i.e. improved) essay, and annotate your improvements on the page. Bring this printed, annotated version of your essay to class on Monday. I have posed an example of how to integrate citations on the blog.

CNF: Today we read Chapter 6 and the Conclusion of Blink.

Oh, and - let's go, Aggies! 35-14 over BYU in the state's JV game.

Thursday, October 3

First of all: Let's Go, Utes! Prediction: Utah 35, UCLA 28. Trailing 21-28 to start the fourth quarter, we'll have two great drives and two stops and win the game.

Second of all: Rachel and Rachel, how's it going?

Freshmen: Today we focused on Step Six of our Seven Step Essay Process. You are to continue revising your essay, and it should be done for Friday's class. Be sure it is saved electronically in a way it can be access from school. Read for 20 minutes and remember Chapter 3 vocab is due on Friday.

Sophomores: Today we continued Cry, the Beloved Country. Remember Chapter 3 vocab is due on Friday, and that Chapters 6-9 from The Power of One and a seminar prep is due for Monday.

CNF: Today we began reading Chapter 6 and the Conclusion from Blink.

Exclusive Extra Credit Opportunity

Hi. We are running dangerously low on tissues in the classroom and cold season is approaching. So, as an exclusive offer for those people who actually check the blog, if you'd like to bring a box of tissues, I'll give you ten points extra credit. Bring it in in the next week or so and write your name on the box.

Tuesday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 2

Freshmen: Today we concluded Step Four and began Step Five of our Seven Step Essay Process. Your task today was to order your information and then write your essay. The requirements for your essay are as follows: Use a lead and conclusion technique we studied; have a clear thesis; arrange your information in a clear and logical way that proves your thesis; use the three techniques covered in the first three chapters of They Say I Say - respond to what others say about your topic, summarize someone's position from your research on your topic, and cite from your research at least three times using templates from They Say I Say; and, lastly, format correctly. You should take your handwritten essay and type it up and bring it to class on Thursday. Read for 20 minutes the next two nights and remember Chapter 3 Vocab is due on Friday.

Sophomores: Today we continued our exercise in close reading and the method of observe-induce-thesis by viewing part of Cry, the Beloved Country. The idea is to build some background for the people, place, and time period of The Power of One. You should finish Chapters 6-9 for next Monday and remember Chapter 3 Vocab is due on Friday.

CNF: Today we had a seminar and began Chapter 6 and the Conclusion of Blink.

Monday, September 30

Freshmen: Today we continued Step Four of our Seven Step Essay process, focusing on different conclusion techniques to try. Your homework is to read for 20 minutes tonight and to get ready for the Chapter 3 vocab quiz on Friday. Please bring your copy of They Say I Say to class tomorrow, as well as all your material for your essay.

Sophomores: Today we finished our exercise in close reading via the Break it Down exercise, this time focusing on a short film clip. We also had a brief seminar on Chapters 1-5 of The Power of One. Chapters 6-9 are due next Monday with a seminar prep; Chapter 3 vocab is due Friday.

CNF: Today we finished reading Chapter 5 and will have a seminar on Wednesday.

Friday, September 27

Freshmen: Today we focused on Step Four of our Seven Step Essay process, which in part has to do with crafting leads. Your homework this weekend is to write two different possible leads for your essay. Base your decision on which lead techniques to try on your topic, your thesis, and the information you have gathered about your topic.

The leads should be typed, on separate sheets of paper.  Each should have a header which identifies the lead technique you are using. A working title for your essay should be top and center below your header. Each lead should be two to three paragraphs long, with proper format, spelling, punctuation, and so on. These are due Monday. Remember, Chapters 1 and 2 from They Say I Say focus on starting with what others have to say about your topic and summarizing what others have to say about your topic - it's likely either or both techniques will factor into your leads.

You also need to read for 20 minutes and remember Chapter 3 vocabulary is due on Friday.

Sophomores: Today we continued focusing on the thinking skill of observe-induce-thesis. You should be done with Chapters 1-5 from The Power of One for Monday and remember Chapter 3 vocabulary is due on Friday. For Monday's seminar, you also need some sort of seminar prep and ought to have an entry in your triple entry journal.

CNF: Today we read from Chapter 5 in Blink, which we'll finish on Monday.

Tuesday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 25

Freshmen: Today we focused on Step Three of our Seven Step Essay Process. By this point you should have a clear thesis statement (the argument you are going to prove about your topic). Read for 20 minutes Tuesday and Wednesday. Also, if you wish to do an extra credit project, you can write a poem about a time an adult did something kind for you, modeled after "The Gift," which we read in class today. You can also do either or both of the activities at the end of Chapter 2 of They Say I Say. Both assignments are due Friday.

Sophomores: Today we focused on a number of close-reading exercises. Please check the reading schedule for The Power of One. You should be done with Chapters 1-5 for next Monday's seminar. You should have some sort of seminar prep for that day, either notes that you take while you read that reflect what you are thinking as you read in the form of notes and questions, or as a page-long reflection  that captures what you think about what you read. You should also have a few entries on your Triple Entry Journal and probably have one Echo of the Tao.

CNF: Today we did a number of activities in order to get ready for reading Chapter 5.

Monday, September 23

Freshmen: Today we spent time in the library learning how to use our school resources to conduct research. You should come to class tomorrow with your sources and answers to your questions written on your index cards. Read for 20 minutes tonight, using it to read Chapter 2 from They Say I Say.

Sophomores: Today we began The Power of One. Finish Chapter 1 (or more) for our next class and check the blog for the reading schedule - it's on there.

CNF: Today we had a discussion on Chapter 4 from Blink.

Friday, September 20

Okay, my prediction didn't go so well last week, but this one has to count for two years' worth. That being said, there's only one score to go with: Utah 34, BYU 31. And, I think USU gets USC 31-17.

Sophomores: Today we took a vocab exam and talked about evidence of Taoism in Life of Pi. Finish up your Echoes of the Tao assignment if you haven't already.

Freshmen: See yesterday's post.

CNF: Today we finished reading Chapter 4 from Blink. If you're not done, finish it this weekend. We will have a seminar on Monday.

The Power of One Reading Schedule 2013-2014

The Power of One Reading Schedule 2013-2014
Here is your schedule for The Power of One. Please be sure to make time to read each night. When a set of chapters are due, that means all the chapters listed should be read for that due date. When we have a seminar, you need to have either a set of notes, consisting of a dozen items, that record your thoughts as you read in question and comment form (e.g. you write them as you go, not at the end), or a one page reaction or reflection that you write after having completed that chunk of chapters.
9/23 - Begin The Power of One.

9/30 - Chapters 1-5 due (83 pages - about 12 pages per night). Seminar on this date.

10/7 - Chapters 6-9 due (75 pages - about 11 pages per night). Seminar on this date.

10/14 - Chapters 10-12 due (94 pages - about 14 pages per night). Seminar on this date.

10/22 or 10/23 (Block Day) - Chapters 13-17 due (123 pages - about 16 pages per night). Seminar on this date.

10/29 or 10/30 (Block Day) - Chapters 18-22 due (83 pages - about 12 per night). Seminar on this date.

11/4 - The Power of One due (58 pages - about 10 pages per night); final seminar on this date.

The next period we will begin The Alchemist. 

Thursday, September 19

Freshmen: Today, half of you were gone on retreat. This is what we did today, and will do tomorrow with the rest of the class: We took the vocab exam on Chapter 2 and focused more on Step Two of our Seven Step Essay Process. You are supposed to be doing Step Two as homework all this week - that is, gathering information about whatever topic you have chosen to write about. Information can take many forms, including but not limited to numbers (stats, percentages, etc.), facts, stories, examples, and quotes. Be looking for these forms of information as you gather your research. Your research is supposed to take three forms: the internet, a non-internet print source, and an interview with someone about your topic or a survey of several people about your topic. You need to record the information you find about your topic on index cards and you need to bring your index cards as well as your sources to class next block period. Read for 20 minutes tonight and the weekend, and that can be from your book or from your sources.

Sophomores: Today we wrote a little bit in reaction to Life of Pi and conducted our final seminar discussion about the book. We will take a vocab exam on Chapter 2 tomorrow; you should also be finishing up your Echoes of the Tao assignment for Life of Pi if it is not yet complete.

CNF: Today we began reading Chapter 4 from Blink. We will continue tomorrow.

Sophomore Essay Extension

Hi. I am extending the deadline for your essay to midnight tonight.

Tuesday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 18

Freshmen: Today we covered several things: First, we started with Step One of our Seven Step Essay Process, which we called Defining the Problem. In short, we looked at the list of possible essay topics you generated yesterday and picked one, phrasing the idea as either a statement or a question. We then talked about the second step, Gathering Information, which I want you to do via Question-Based Research Strategy, which we also covered today. This involves considering what questions you and your reader need answered about your topic, listing each question on an index card, and using those cards to guide your research. As you find answers to your question, write brief answers in bullet statement form on the back of the corresponding index card, listing the source as well. Your sources need to consist of three forms: The internet, a non-internet print source, and a survey or interview you conduct. All research is due in class one week from today - bring your cards, your sources, and your survey or interview. Read for 20 minutes each night this week, and this can include reading from your sources as you conduct your research. Vocab is also due this week.

Sophomores: Today we finished Life of Pi. Your essay is due Wednesday, and vocab is due Friday.

CNF: Today we did a bevy of activities in preparation for the next chapter in Blink. 

Features of Effective Essays 2013 2014

Features of Effective Essays (a partial list):

Good essays and essayists…

·      Have great transitions between paragraphs and ideas ·      Use quotes. ·      Use a wide range of vocabulary. ·      Tie all details back to thesis. ·      Have an interesting title. ·      Have a supportable opinion. ·      Provide examples. ·      Compare and contrast. ·      Uses specific details. ·      Arrange facts so they build upon each other. ·      Are 8-19 paragraphs long.

·      Use life experiences – anecdotes. ·      Use supporting facts: Statistics, quotes, experiences, numbers. ·      Have and use opinions. ·      Have a clear thesis (the “so what?”) and purpose. ·      Have a clear reason why the reader should care. ·      Balance paragraph size, yet vary it when appropriate. ·      Wrap the up the essay in the conclusion, which ties back to the thesis, the lead, or the title.

Friday, September 13

Friday the 13th? I hope that spells doom for the Delta Rabbits. Prediction: Judge, 35, Delta 14. Speaking of predictions, I am 2-0 so far, so take this to the bank: Utah 31, Oregon State 17.

Freshmen: Today we wrapped up our study of the features present in effective essays. You can see our list on another blog entry today. Your homework is the following: Read for 20 minutes this weekend (Chapter 1 from They Say I Say is due Monday, and you can do either or both of Exercises 1 and 2 for extra credit). Bring a dozen blank index cards with you on Tuesday. Chapter 2 vocab is due for you either Thursday or Friday, depending on when you have retreat. We also read the poem by Sherman Alexi "At Navajo Monument Valley Tribal School", which can be found at http://www.hanksville.org/voyage/poems/NavajoSchool.html. If you would like, for extra credit, write a poem about a place, based on a photograph. This could be about a real experience, or one that is imagined. The poem should be typed, and refer to Alexi's poem for an example of how to format it. I would want it by the end of next week, I think.

Sophomores: Today we talked about Richard Parker(s). Your homework is: Part II of Life of Pi due Monday (we will read Part III together on the block day), your essay is due to turnitin.com by 8 AM Wednesday morning, and vocab Chapter 2 is due on Friday.

CNF: We finished reading Chapter 3 in Blink and will discuss it on Monday.

Thursday, September 12

Freshmen: Today we wrapped up reading the packet of excellent essays I gave you. Tomorrow we will discuss those things you noticed that made the essays so good. You should read for 20 minutes tonight, and as part of that, should finish reading Chapter 1 from They Say I Say. If you want, you can do Exercise #1 and/or #2 at the end of Chapter 1 for extra credit. It must be typed for credit. Also, because you have retreat next week, the day of the vocabulary test will depend on the day you have retreat. If you're going on retreat on Friday, Chapter 2 vocab is due on Thursday for you and we will take the test that day; if you are going on retreat on Thursday, the test will be on Friday.

Sophomores: Today we focused on a couple of This I Believe essays that tie in thematically with Life of Pi and wrote a practice This I Believe essay from the point of view of Pi Patel. Part II is due this coming Monday; your essay is due next Wednesday; vocab Chapter 2 is due on Friday of next week.

CNF: Today we began reading Chapter 3 from Blink. We're shooting for a seminar on Monday.

Tuesday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 11

Freshmen: Today we continued to articulate what makes an essay effective. Read for 20 minutes Tuesday and Wednesday night; part of this time should be spent reading the Introduction from They Say I Say. Honors students: Your first Letter to the Editor is due on Thursday, September 12.

Sophomores: Today we focused on some stylistic devices Martel employs in Life of Pi, namely his uses of lists, various sentence structures, and his inversion of ideas and language. We also focused bildungsromans, which are novels about the moral and psychological growth of the character during his or her formative years - what we often call a coming-of-age stories. These almost always involve a journey of some sort, be it inward, outward, or both.

Your task is this: Write a personal narrative essay that describes a journey you have undertaken. This narrative should explore both the inner and the outer journey. At least three places in your essay you should cite from Life of Pi. By cite, I mean, choose passages where Martel’s writing perfectly expresses what you want to say, and therefore quote from the text. Feel free to reference Pi’s story as you tell your own if you wish, but it's not necessary - this isn't a compare and contrast essay. Your essay should be in-depth, have a great title, be free of most conventions errors, be double spaced with indented paragraphs, and you should also mimic Martel’s style in multiple places via the use of lists (micro and macro), inversion (of ideas and words), and sentence structure (a variety of long, complex sentences and several short sentences in succession).

The essay is due to turnitin.com by 8 AM on Wednesday, September 18 (login information about turnitin can be found in a post from August at http://bairdenglish.blogspot.com/2013/08/turnitincom-log-in-information-2013-2014.html). Also, finish Part II of Life of Pi for Monday.

Honors students: Your first essay and first batch of readings are due when we meet at 7:30 AM on Wednesday, September 11.

CNF: Today we took an Implicit Association Test via Harvard.

Want $1000?

You might want to enter this contest: http://www.uesp.org/Bookmark.aspx

Monday, September 9

Freshmen: Today we began an in-depth study of essays, teasing out a criteria for effective essays. This will continue tomorrow. Read for 20 minutes tonight and bring They Say I Say to class on Tuesday; be working on the next vocabulary assignment as well.

Sophomores: Today we discussed Life of Pi and looked at a few more This I Believe essays. Check the reading schedule - you have some reading due on the block day as well as a seminar prep, be it questions and comments or a page long reaction. Honors students, we meet on Wednesday morning, as well.

CNF: Today we had a seminar on Chapter 2 from Blink. 

Friday, September 6

Well, it's tough to get pumped up for this weekend's game, so let's go, Utes (no caps or exclamation point). The score should be something like 49-13.

Freshmen: Today we took a vocab exam and talked about eye fixations. Your homework is to read for 20 minutes, to bring the book They Say I Say to class Monday, and a photograph of a place to class on Friday.

Sophomores: Today we took a vocab exam and looked at some of your favorite essays from This I Believe. You should be done with Chapter 62 by the block day, and done with Part II by Monday, 9/16. You should have either a dozen notes for seminar or a page long reaction/reflection.

CNF: Today we read Chapter 2 from Blink.

Thursday, September 5

Freshmen: Today we concluded our discussion on what writing is. Your homework tonight is to read for 20 minutes; vocabulary Chapter 1 is due Friday.

Sophomores: Today we focused on visualization. Keep reading. Vocabulary Chapter 1 is due Friday, as is your This I Believe worksheet.

CNF: Today we did an exercise in priming as well as the discrepancy between what our conscious mind and our subconscious mind is drawn to.

Tuesday, September 3 or Wednesday, September 4

Freshmen: Today we began focusing on just exactly what writing is, and all the various activities it entails. We will continue this on Thursday. Your homework is to read for 20 minutes twice - once tonight, once tomorrow, and remember Chapter 1 vocabulary is due on Friday. We will have a quiz.

Sophomores: Today we had a seminar on Part I of Life of Pi. For homework, you need to read Chapters 37-45 before Thursday's class (this means finishing Chapter 45 - the activity will center on Chapter 46 and 47). Chapter 1 vocabulary is due on Friday. We will have a quiz. Please also have your This I Believe worksheet done.

CNF: Today we put into practice those things we learned by reading Chapter 1 from Blink; in essence, we practiced thin slicing.

Friday, August 30

Freshmen: Today our focus was on a sample analytical essay about the film More. I encourage you to use it as a model. That's not to say you have to have the same type of structure, or tone, or thesis, but it is useful as a writer to look at what other writers do well and integrate what you can into your own game. Your homework is to read 20 minutes twice over the long weekend and to revise your essay on the film based on my specific comments as well as the general lesson on writing that we had. You are then to print this essay and annotate (that is, write by hand) about your changes on the spot on the page where they occur. By this I mean I mean write about what changes you made, why you made them, how it improved your paper and so on. Also, remember that vocabulary Chapter 1 is due next Friday.

Sophomores: Today we focused on two things: The Tao te Ching as a work of literature in and of itself and some of the recurrent ideas, themes, and structures in it, and Taoism as a concept implicit in our texts via the Echoes of the Tao assignment. Your homework is as follows: Part I of Life of Pi is due for next week's block, as is a dozen notes for the seminar and at least one Echo of the Tao assignment; the This I Believe worksheet and vocabulary Chapter 1 are due next Friday.

CNF: Today we had a pretty interesting seminar discussion about some of the ideas in Gladwell's introduction and Chapter 1. Your homework this weekend is to email me a picture of your room if you haven't already and to take the Big Five Inventory at http://www.outofservice.com/bigfive/. Please print  your results page; as I said before, it might be interesting to have someone close to you - a friend, relative, etc. take the test for you too and compare how you scored.

Thursday, August 29

First off: Let's Go, Utes! Prediction: Utah 24, Utah State 21. The Utes will get the ball back down 17-21 with three minutes left and drive the length of the field, score a touchdown, and win, setting the tone for an 8-4 season, plus a bowl win.

Freshmen: Today we concluded our lesson on How to Write for School. Your task is to revise (i.e. improve) your analytical essay on the film More. In order to do so, you should do the following things: 1. Review the prompt posted on an earlier blog post; 2. Re-watch the film, which can be found on youtube; 3. Revise your essay based on both  the comments I made regarding your essay and the lesson we had the past two days in class.

After you have revised and improved your essay, print it. On the printed page, annotate the changes you made to your essay. This means you should write, by hand, the changes you made to your essay and why you made them on the page, on the spot where you made those changes. You will hand in your revised, annotated essay on Tuesday, September 3.

Remember to read for 20 minutes and that vocabulary Chapter 1 is due September 6.

Sophomores: Today our focus was on concluding the interview between Campbell and Moyers regarding The Message of the Myth. Tonight, post a comment on today's blog that answers the prompt: 

Summarize in a paragraph or so Joseph Campbell’s most important ideas as they relate to stories and what stories reveal about humanity. Read and respond to others’ responses and sign your entry by first name, last initial, and English period.

Remember, Part I of Life of Pi, and your notes for seminar, are due next block period. Your This I Believe Worksheet and

vocabulary Chapter 1 are due September 6.

CNF: Today we finished reading the Introduction and Chapter 1 from Blink. Be sure to have your seminar notes for our discussion tomorrow.