Friday, May 31

Freshmen: We had a few presentations today; study for the final and gather your research for your essay.

Sophomores: Today we did an HCPP entry and talked about some of the issues Mitch and Morrie discuss; keep up with the reading that is due on Monday.

CNF: Today we talked about a number of things, including whether or not someone is virtuous or viscous, based on their thoughts and actions.

Sophomore Western Traditions Final Exam Study Guide

Hi. There will be three parts to your final exam. First, there will be a vocab exam on Chapter 15. You will have to show me your book as a part of this grade. Second, there will be a 63 question objective exam on concepts we have studied this semester, ranging from Greek tragedy to archetypes to the monomyth to the four stages of the hero. Finally, there will be an essay exam based on the Hero Catch-Phrase Project notes you have taken this semester. Please bring those notes with you - you will need them in order to perform well on the essay. Good luck, and see me if you have questions.

Good videos of Morrie Schwartz

Hi. If some of you are interested, you can go to Youtube and see some of the interviews with Morrie and Ted Koppel referenced in Tuesdays With Morrie. Go to http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=morrie+lessons+on+living You might enjoy listening to Morrie speak and hearing what he has to say.

Wednesday, May 29

Freshmen: Today we had a few more presentations; honors students, we will meet tomorrow morning at 7:35 - bring The Count of Monte Cristo with you then. Begin studying for the final exam.

Sophomores: Today we did a HCPP entry, saw a little film about Lou Gherig and his famous speech, and read from Tuesdays With Morrie. Please keep up with the reading schedule so that we can have the necessary discussion tomorrow.

CNF: Today we finished Chapter 1 from Batman and Philosophy, but came to no consensus on issues such as whether or not good outweighed right, the relative morality of killing to prevent future killing, and so on.

Tuesdays With Morrie Reading Schedule 2013

Hi. Here's our schedule for Tuesdays With Morrie. If there's one book that I think it's really important that you have read this year, it's this, so please keep up and do the reading:

Tuesday, May 28: Begin book in class.

Wednesday, May 29: The Curriculum, The Syllabus, The Student, The Audiovisual, The Orientation, The Classroom, and Taking Attendance due (pages 1-47).

Thursday, May 30: The First Tuesday, The Second Tuesday, The Third Tuesday, and The Audiovisual Part Two due (pages 48-72).

Friday, May 31: The Professor, The Fourth Tuesday, The Fifth Tuesday, and The Sixth Tuesday due (pages 73-109).

Monday, June 3: The Professor Part Two, The Seventh Tuesday, The Eighth Tuesday, The Ninth Tuesday, The Tenth Tuesday, and The Eleventh Tuesday due (pages 110-159).

Tuesday, June 4: The Audiovisual Part Three, The Twelfth Tuesday, The Thirteenth Tuesday, The Fourteenth Tuesday, Graduation, and Conclusion due (Pages 160-192).

Tuesday, May 28

Freshmen: We had some good presentations today; we will continue tomorrow.

Sophomores: Today we began Tuesdays With Morrie; please see the reading schedule on the blog.

CNF: Today we began a chapter in Batman and Philosophy that focused on utilitarianism and deontology, which we'll continue tomorrow.

Thursday, May 23

Happy Birthday, Sarah!

Sophomores: Today we listened to an incredible podcast from This American Life: "Act V." We then discussed the rest of the play, Hamlet's transcendence of all archetypes, and the life-wisdome contained in the play and set down for all eternity in your Triple Entry Journal. As for the play, good night, sweet prince, and flights of angles sing the to thy rest... and don't forget to bring Tuesdays with Morrie next Tuesday.

Wednesday, May 22

Freshmen: Today we had a few more presentations; honors students, we meet next Thursday - finish The Count of Monte Cristo by then. Start preparing for your final exam.

CNF: Today we focused on where OBL was hiding between 9/11 and when he was caught.

Tuesday, May 21

Freshmen: Today we had some more presentations; your homework is to read for 20 minutes and your letter to the editor is due on Wednesday.

Sophomores: Today we finished our overview on the monomyth and began talking about Hamlet's archetype. Speaking of the monomyth and my main man Joseph Campbell, we also started an essay today. Here is the assignment:

Write an essay that analyzes the presence of Joseph Campbell's monomyth in Shakespeare's Hamlet (note: every element of the monomyth is present there, so don't try the old excuse of "This part wasn't in the play..."). Describe how each element of the monomyth is evident in the play, using description of plot and character to make your argument, and particularly by citing lines from the text that are emblematic of each stage. Remember that these elements are not necessarily sequential, meaning that they do not have to necessarily appear in the order that they are listed on your graphic organizer (speaking of which, here's the website we used in class: http://orias.berkeley.edu/hero/). In addition to elegant writing, your essay should have a clear thesis, great title, list the lead and conclusion technique you are using in your header, be free of most conventions errors, and use paragraphing well. Submit it to turnitin.com by 8 AM on Tuesday, May 28.

Due Thursday is Act V; we will start Tuesdays With Morrie after the break.

CNF: Today we started Three Cups of Tea and looked at the controversy and tragedy surrounding this book, as well as the nature and importance of truth.

Monday, May 20

Freshmen: Today we had more Capstone presentations. Begin reviewing for your final exam.

Sophomores: Today we continued learning about the monomyth. Finish Hamlet for Thursday.

CNF: Today we talked about promises; bring Three Cups of Tea for Monday.

Interesting Article and Extra Credit

Hi. You might find this to be interesting: http://redtape.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/17/18322435-students-cant-resist-distraction-for-two-minutes-and-neither-can-you?lite&ocid=msnhp&pos=1

It's essentially about how the internet and other related devices are shaping our mind. For ten points extra credit, read the article and post a comment on this post.

Monday, May 17

Freshmen: Today we had a few more presentations. Read for 20 minutes this weekend; letters to the editor are due soon.

Sophomores: Today we began a study of the monomyth. Act IV is due on Monday.

CNF: Today we finished Waiting for Superman and talked about education. Bring Batman and Philosophy and Three Cups of Tea next week.

Thursday, May 16

Freshmen: Today we had another excellent Capstone presentation. Read for 20 minutes and prepare for your final; remember, your letter to the editor is due in a week.

Sophomores: Today we shared some of your soliloquies and discussed Act III. Act IV is due on Monday.

CNF: Today we concluded Waiting for Superman; bring Batman and Philosophy tomorrow as well as Three Cups of Tea (the book, not literally three cups of tea, as they would probably spill and make a big mess).

Freshmen English 2013 Second Semester Final Exam Review Guide

Hello, freshmen. Your second semester exam will be similar to the one we had first semester. You will have a vocab exam on Chapter 15 only; you will have to show your book to me that day as a part of your exam grade. You will also have a 50 question objective exam covering material we have studied this semester (definition, division and classification, argument, sonnets, haiku, creative response poems, fiction, material covered in They Say I Say) and some key concepts from last semester (e.g. leads and conclusion techniques). Lastly, you will have an essay exam. Here is the prompt:

Argumentative essay: Recently, cell phones in schools have become a hot-button topic, with strong reasons for and against allowing cell phones in schools. Imagine your school is going to ban all cell phones from the campus, even from lockers and backpacks. Anyone caught with one will be immediately suspended, regardless of circumstance. In an essay, argue _______________ this ban, citing evidence that you have collected. You must cite the evidence correctly, either in blocked or in-text citation form, or using a technique from They Say I Say, as you build your case in order to get credit. You also must use one of the lead and conclusion techniques we have studied this year. Give your piece a compelling title when finished.

Where the blank space is, you will be randomly assigned to argue FOR or AGAINST the ban. In order to do this, you must come prepared with research. Therefore, prior to the essay exam, you must look up six facts about cell phones, three of which support a ban on phones in school, and three which support the presence of cell phones in schools. Each fact must be written on a separate index card (so you will come with six index cards the day of the exam). Each index card must have the source where you found the fact. These will be collected and will be a part of your exam grade. Lastly, you will be required to cite all three facts in your essay, either in blocked or in-text citation form, using the templates covered in They Say I Say.

See me if you have questions.

Tuesday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 15

Freshmen: Today we had some great presentations. Read for 20 minutes Tuesday and Wednesday.

Sophomores: Today we focused on some of Harold Bloom's ideas regarding Hamlet and Shakespeare. Act III and your re-envisioned soliloquy are due Thursday.

CNF: Today we focused on education in America and Waiting for Superman. To quote a former President, Childrens can learn.

Monday, May 13

Freshmen: Today we had two more presentations. Your essays must be submitted to turnitin.com tonight to earn credit. Your homework each night is to read for 20 minutes and bring your book to class with you each day.

Sophomores: Analyze Hamlet's most famous soliloquy today, we did. Your task is to rewrite it from another character's point of view (be it a specific character, like Yoda, or a more generic one, like a gangsta rapper). You need to stay true to your character's point of view and voice, while still addressing the ideas Hamlet addresses. Ask yourself, "What would _________ say about this issue?" A typed copy is due on Thursday, as is Act III itself.

CNF: Today we had a seminar on Season of Life and will begin Three Cups of Tea this week.

Friday, May 10

Freshmen: Today we had our first round of Capstone Projects. Good job, presenters!

Period 1, your homework is to write the ending of the short story "The Lady or the Tiger?" Write it in the same style that Stockton wrote the story. Consider what you know about the characters involved when making your decision. Then finish reading Stockton's story - http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/LadyTige.shtml.

Period 4, your task is to read for 20 minutes this weekend.

Sophomores: Today we read an essay about Polonius and talked about Act II. Begin reading Act III.

CNF: Finish reading Season of Life for Monday's seminar.

Thursday, May 9

Freshmen: Today we shared your final Capstone Projects and handed in your drafts and your research. Presentations start tomorrow.

Sophomores: Today we took a vocab exam and began reading Act II, which is due tomorrow.

CNF: Today we concluded Go Tigers!

Tuesday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 8

Freshmen: Today we took a vocab exam; today was our final day for working in class; we reviewed all the required components for your project. Your project is due Thursday; also due Thursday are your rough drafts and index cards. Due no later than Monday are your essays submitted to turnitin.com. If you do not submit your essays to turnitin.com, you will not receive a grade for them in your project.

Sophomores: Today we concluded the film version of Hamlet; due Friday is your reading of Act II. Due Thursday is vocab.

CNF: Today we contrasted the football culture depicted in Season of Life with one in Masilon, Ohio.

Capstone Project Writing Rubric - print this if you need a new copy

Freshman English Capstone Project Writing Rubric

Essay Section

Essay 1
Essay fits Intended Genre	/20
Essay Idea is Interesting	/20
Essay is Well-Organized With Strong Lead and Conclusion	/20
Research is Included and Is Correctly Done	/20
Essay is Well-Edited and Easy to Read	/20
Total:	/100
Essay 2
Essay fits Intended Genre	/20
Essay Idea is Interesting	/20
Essay is Well-Organized With Strong Lead and Conclusion	/20
Research is Included and Is Correctly Done	/20
Essay is Well-Edited and Easy to Read	/20
Total:	/100
Essay 3
Essay fits Intended Genre	/20
Essay Idea is Interesting	/20
Essay is Well-Organized With Strong Lead and Conclusion	/20
Research is Included and Is Correctly Done	/20
Essay is Well-Edited and Easy to Read	/20
Total:	/100

Poetry Section

Free Verse Poem 1
Follows Standard Form	/3
Starts in the Middle and Concludes Strongly	/3
Uses Vivid Language	/4
	/10
Free Verse Poem 2
Follows Standard Form	/3
Starts in the Middle and Concludes Strongly	/3
Uses Vivid Language	/4
	/10
Free Verse Poem 3
Follows Standard Form	/3
Starts in the Middle and Concludes Strongly	/3
Uses Vivid Language	/4
	/10
Haiku 1
Follows Standard Form	/3
Uses Strong, Simple Language	/4
Grounded in a Specific Moment	/3
	/10
Haiku 2
Follows Standard Form	/3
Uses Strong, Simple Language	/4
Grounded in a Specific Moment	/3
	/10
Haiku 3
Follows Standard Form	/3
Uses Strong, Simple Language	/4
Grounded in a Specific Moment	/3
	/10
Sonnet
14 Lines	/2
Correct Rhyme Scheme	/3
Correct Meter	/2
Uses Interesting Language	/3
	/10
“Ways” Poem
Looks at Topic in a Variety of Ways	/2
Ways of Seeing are Interesting	/4
Uses Language Artistically	/4
	/10
Response to Art 1
Fits Selected Motif Well	/5
Response to Art is Strong	/5
	/10
Response to Art 2
Fits Selected Motif Well	/5
Response to Art is Strong	/5
	/10
Total for Poetry Section:	/100

Fiction Section

Main Character Questionnaire is Complete	/10
A Plot Plan is Complete	/10
Character is Interesting and Reflects MCQ	/15
Problem is Interesting	/15
Connection to Topic is Interesting and Clear	/20
Paper Conforms to Standard Form	/15
Writing is Stylistically Interesting	/15
Total	/100

Monday, May 6

Freshmen: Today we reviewed how to cite sources one last time, with the emphasis being that any citation should be a part of a larger sentence (rather than a "hit and run quote"), should cite words that are important and can't be said any other way, and include attribution. Your written project is due on Thursday; vocab is due on Tuesday.

Sophomores: Today we had a seminar on Act I of Hamlet. Continue to read.

CNF: We got close to finishing Season of Life today.

Capstone Final Product Rubric:

Capstone Final Product Rubric:

Finished Product:	/20
Cover-letter:	/20
Table of Contents:	/20
Arrangement of Pieces:	/20
Rubrics Included:	/10
Parental Reaction Included:	/10
Total:	/100

Friday, May 3

Tomorrow, is May the Fourth. You know what that means...

Freshmen: Today we picked presentation dates. The calendar is posted on the front board. You written project is due May 9.

Sophomores: Today we talked about a Triple Entry Journal for Hamlet. You should have at least one entry for every Act, with a total of seven overall. Finish Act I for Monday's class.

CNF: We continued with Season of Life.

Thursday, May 2

Freshmen: Today we covered the rubric for the Capstone Project; be sure you include these in your final project. Come prepared with some typed versions of your essay on Monday, as we will review citing sources. Due Tuesday is vocab. Your finished Capstone Project is in one week.

Sophomores: Today we continued with Hamlet; finish Act I for Monday and have a seminar prep. Vocab chapter 14 is due in one week.

CNF: Today we continued Season of Life.