December 1, 2014

Hi folks,
I have a conference to attend with the rest of the English department today, so here's the assignment for class. Students should view the following episode of the ABC show, "What Would You Do?" and respond to the questions from the worksheet left on the desk. See you on Tuesday!

"What Would You Do?" Episode Link

Week 7 Read & Respond (OPTIONAL for EXTRA CREDIT)

Since it's a short week, but one full of important issues, I still wanted to offer a platform for discussion. The following articles/videos are OPTIONAL but will result in EXTRA CREDIT for students who wish to respond by this Sunday, November 30th. If you'd rather your comments stay anonymous for this week, send me an email of your response, specifying that you would like to remain anonymous on the blog and I will post it for you.

Race, class, socio-economics, politics, and the American justice system are among the most important and often difficult issues to discuss in our social circles, but that does not mean we should avoid the topics altogether, and it certainly doesn't mean we should censor ourselves in fear of the opinions of others. Through the practice of respectful dialogue and intense questioning and debate, we can arrive at amazing places of common understanding... places of acknowledged similarities... and also differences.

I'm not sure what to say about the news from Ferguson last night. I like things to be cut and dry, and there's too much left to chance in between those lines where it seems as if most of our conflicts take place. As a nation I think we deserve better for each other, and for ourselves.

If I could ask you to consider a few things as you head towards graduation it would be this: register to vote as soon as you can, and get your friends to do the same, and advocate for change. Support the intelligence of your peers, steady those friends who might be headed off the path to success, and encourage those who are still figuring things out. 

Don't live up to or play into stereotypes. They are there to make you fail. Prove them to be inexcusably wrong.

Video:

           (This is Caitlin Clark. Teenage poet.)

Article 1, from CNN:

Opinion Piece on Announcing Verdict At Night

Article 2, from the New York Times:

Ferguson Grand Jury Faced Mass of Evidence in Decision, Much of It Conflicting

Article 3, from TIME magazine:

Don't Blame Social Media...

Week 6 Read & Respond (TED Talk Edition!)

WELCOME TO THE FIRST R&R OF THE SECOND QUARTER!
Directions: View the 2 videos and respond to the prompt for each. Remember to support your position with evidence from the videos and as always, read and respond to what your classmates have to say!

VIDEO 1:
VIEW the TED clip below, comment on the project, and come up with at least one way a person can improve the community in which YOU live!
How Painting Can Transform Communities

VIDEO 2:
View the TED clip below and comment on Ebrahim's ability to reject a path of violence.
Zach Ebrahim: I am the son of a terrorist. Here's how I chose peace.

"Bartleby the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street" Links

ATTENTION, COLLEGE LIT STUDENTS!

Here are some helpful links to navigate as you analyze Melville's short story.

Hypertext filled with great questions and comments:
"Bartleby the Scrivener" Study Webtext

"There Will Come Soft Rains" Text Analysis!

Here's a GREAT link for clarification on the Bradbury story, "There Will Come Soft Rains." The text is on the left side of the page and analysis is on the right.

ANNOTATED "Soft Rains" Text