Forgot...

I'm out on Monday (darn StuCo)...Vocab and Journal check on Tuesday...we'll also finish practicing Sentence Errors and keep inching toward Franklin/Zinn).

Journal #14: Reaction to these comments &/or issues

Two Lesbians Raised A Baby And This Is What They Got

Two Lesbians Raised A Baby And This Is What They Got

Silly Costal! Forgot I'm not gonna be here!

Your Columbus rewrites will be due MONDAY! Also, you have vocab quiz that day.

Smiley & West Poverty Tour Part 2

Watch The Poverty Tour Part 2 on PBS. See more from TAVIS SMILEY.

Formal Essay #3

Simply stated: Columbus: Hero or villain? Use Howard Zinn Chapter 1 and this Ayn Rand Foundation article to back your claim. Use specific reference to both or either text. As part of the argument, also acknowledge and dispute one of the key claims made by the other Also, feel free to utilize the Oakcrest databases or any other credible sources to back your point.

Be specific. Be innovative. Bring good people to your knife fight!

UC Davis Pepper Spray Incident

Journal #13

Time Magazine article

Assignment: Essay 2: Due Monday, November 14th

Here's some resource from the pro-war side.

 War Is Sometimes the Only Answer

Tour on Poverty Introduction

Tour on Poverty Part One

Watch The Poverty Tour   Part 1 on PBS. See more from Tavis Smiley.

Monday, November 7, 2011 - In Class Resources

War...What is it good for?  The previous link is to the official video for Eddie Vedder's song "No More War."

NPR piece about wounded marines. 

A CBS news article on why America can't shake war. 

Journal #12: After watching You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train, there seems to be only one truth left to uncover: can war really be eradicated? Is war a cruel reality, or an antiquated notion that can be overcome?

No More War by Eddie Vedder

Dr. Cornel West (Princeton) discusses why he went on a "poverty tour"

Watch Princeton professor Dr. Cornel West on PBS. See more from Tavis Smiley.

Scarlet Letter Symposium Feedback

Scarlet Letter Symposium: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly:


Family 1: The Good: Enjoyed the scary story motif. Nice job emphasizing the pink ribbons. Janistie's points really stood out as the most intricate...I very much enjoyed her analysis of the difference between "supernatural" and "emotional" elements.

The Bad: Faith does not equal Hester, YGB does not equal Dimmesdale. It seemed that you guys were forcing the connection between the works, should've focused less on characters. Large points of story missed.

Article for Costal absence day -- Tuesday, November 1st

If you guys get this before tomorrow's class. Please print out a copy of the article found at the link below and write the next journal on it. Also, symposiums will be pushed back to Wednesday. Sorry for the inconvenience.

http://www.npr.org/2011/10/26/141699537/as-it-turns-10-patriot-act-remains-controversial

None of this is due tomorrow...so don't sweat it

Journal #10 - Reaction to this piece on NPR news.



And this is link to today's video.

Army Ranger Dies During 14th Deployment - ABC News

Army Ranger Dies During 14th Deployment - ABC News

This is not the journal assignment...just for you to read.

No Nukes...for real

Saw this in the news today...pretty relevant to today's lesson.

Your moment of zen

More Occupy in the News

Here.

The Tea Party

Do a NY Times topic review of the Tea Party and react to what you learned in Journal #7.

Occupation of Wall Street

The blossoming national news item of this week comes from the Occupy group protesting on Wall Street....to become familiar with all aspects of this issue, check out the NY Times topic page...read a little of all or all of a little, but try to become versed on this issue and prepare for discussion tomorrow. React as Journal #6.

Review of Family Introductions

Poke People: I could not believe that there were issues with this team until right before it presented. Sera and I really appreciated your stick-to-it-ness. Really pulled a great presentation together. Loved the Poke cards! Ideas were very creative and interesting.

The Name: Would've been better if it involved more family members. Watch "like" in speech. Parts were great, but overall, it lacked cohesion. Goals were solid.

Flying Phoenixes: Your intros seemed to trail off a bit. Watch how often you guys say "like" when presenting. Loved the power point and shield. Really loved the idea of learning from mistakes!

Cornell Method

http://www.uvu.edu/learningstrategies/read/cornell.html

Essay One: Due Friday

Essay # 1 How American do you feel? Explain.


Due Friday, October 7th

In a brief essay, approximately two pages, please craft a response to the above question.

• Perhaps you are a first generation American (like me) and feel more aligned with a home country and culture (unlike me).

• Perhaps you consider yourself a hyphenated American (African-American, Italian-American, Latino-American Muslim- American) and have a unique perspective to share.

Scarlet Letter New Deadline

Monday, October 10th

Bring Scarlet Letter to class for Monday, September 26, 2011

ANDERSON: We didn't ask but they're telling anyway - Washington Times#.TnlE_d5VI68.blogger

This is an op-ed piece for the Washington Times that is against the repeal discussed below.

ANDERSON: We didn't ask but they're telling anyway - Washington Times#.TnlE_d5VI68.blogger

Journal #4: Reaction to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal

Yesterday, the government repealed the controversial 1993 "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law put into place by President Bill Clinton. Here's an Associated Press report on the historic legislation.

There are obviously a myriad of reactions and ideologies flying all around this piece of legislation. To help you establish and voice your own opinion, here is a cross section of opinions from a variety of perspectives. Please cite from at least one of the following sources in your journal.

Here is the official Obama campaign video for the repeal:



This is a pro repeal piece that appeared in the LA Times.


 

Class Note for September 21, 2011

Please bring your copy of Scarlet Letter to class for Wednesday!

When the president speaks...

...please remember that you are in AP Gov!

Reading Assignment

Scarlet Letter must be read by Monday, October 11th.

Pearl Jam is transcendental

Below are a bunch of songs written by Eddie Vedder. Listen to them. Read the lyrics, and write Journal # ___ about them.

 http://youtu.be/byfuvUqIAnk

http://youtu.be/5e7N1tD_JLo

http://youtu.be/9ZKcmBJTVKI

http://youtu.be/gYlgrLbsqAg

http://youtu.be/qqPzS8Y27Ks

Tuesday, June 1st

http://youtu.be/ZVSR4zEJvtg

I am going to cancel today's journal in exchange for you learning more about Chris McCanless, Jon Krakeur and his book. Watch these videos for tomorrow.

http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/6399

The Final Countdown

http://youtu.be/9jK-NcRmVcw

Monday: Research, books, journals, aphorisms, begin Walden

Tuesday: We go into Nature

Wednesday: I will not be here, you can work together on revising research papers or just read Walden

Thursday: Last Vocab Quiz/Last Qualifier

Friday:
COSTABULARY 2011

Honors II/AP Government Research Paper & Project

Read the Introduction provided by Atlantic Monthly: This task will provide us with some important groundwork: A. what is influence? B. Why gauge influence? C. Who are the top 10 most Influential Americans according to the magazine’s panel? D. How do some of America’s greatest writers express influence?

Our task, collectively, will be to discern our person’s influence while also accounting for the areas of influence that may be considered under-rated. The topic will be the thesis of your research paper.

Remember my example of a two sentence, divisive and arguable thesis….

Despite the social madness that was “Beatlemania,” the influence of these four young musicians from Liverpool goes beyond its social significance. The Beatles lasting contributions to rock ‘n’ roll are more clearly seen in their song-writing and album production.

This thesis evinces the extra step I am hoping for you to take by NOT ONLY discussing the author’s two most significant influential offerings, but also by explaining and debunking their social significance.

The project will allow you a minute glimpse in to the awesome power of some of America’s greatest personalities. From politics to entertainment, literature to science, sports to activism…Nobel Peace Prize winners will square off against Academy Award winners. Cy Young Award winners will take on Pulitzer Prize winners in a Battle Royale of American influence waged right in our classroom.

This odyssey will allow you to unlock some of America’s most exciting minds. Analyze some of our country’s defining moments and key players. You will have a unique opportunity to critique valor on the battlefield, in the boardroom or on the stage.

BUT BE SURE TO CRITIQUE…this is not a REPORT! You must include your own arguments about the person’s influence.

Research Essay: Craft a well-developed argument, shape that argument into a good thesis. Remember you are trying to prove influence, not fame or importance. Back your argument with a combination of fact and opinion. Devise claims for your argument based on the different types of appeals. Make sure your sources are credible. Be sure the paper adheres to Hacker guidelines for research (either MLA and APA style).

To get started, develop your research questions. Start to narrow your focus on specific aspects of your person you will choose to focus on. The more you fail to focus on aspects and fall to the entire individual, the more you will run the risk of writing a REPORT, not a PAPER. Find your angle. 

Do lots of PRELIMINARY research (here's where your wikipedias and Googles and all of the crummy sites you WILL NOT include in your "works cited" come into play.

Once you have gained good isnight, THEN turn to the OHS databases and Google scholars to find CREDIBILTY of thrid party sources.

Based on this research, refine your thesis into a clear, arguable thesis (or answer to your research question).

Put your essay together in three parts: intro, body, conclusion/ must be at least 7 pages

Intro: Include a personal introduction (2 to 3 paragraphs taken from your last essay if it works the way I envisioned it) that explains your connection to this topic and introduces your essay.

End this introductory section with your thesis (or answer to your research question).

Body: Background (the who, what, when and where of your topic)

Then specific paragraphs of support for your thesis. Present information and a few quotations from your sources to support your thesis.

• All information taken from sources needs to be cited (not just quotations)

• Use MLA system of in-text citations (see your Rules for Writers)

• Use quotations sparingly. Better to summarize information in your own sentences and phrasing. Introduce all quotations with signal phrases

• Each paragraph should have a topic sentence and show unity.

• Each paragraph will contain at least two citations identifying where you got your information.

• This is your chance to SHINE on the fact that our multiple revisions have not been a total waste.

• Include a formal Works Cited page, following the models I show in class and the MLA style sample in your Rules for Writers.

 

Rubric is attached! This paper will be a huge grade for BOTH courses. A double test in English (read: make or break MP4). Be diligent and discerning, please. Do not hesitate to ask questions. DO NOT CHEAT! DO NOT PLAGARIZE! DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! We will spend the balance of the course intermittently discussing research strategies and techniques.

Paper is due Wednesday, May 25th

Journal #44: Birtherism and Racism

Journal is to comment on The New Yorker article.

My Favorite Political Event of the Year

http://youtu.be/n9mzJhvC-8E

http://youtu.be/7YGITlxfT6s

Check out my article for Constitution Daily

It would be awesome if you would comment on it as well. Thanks. Click here to see the article.

Awesome!

For Tuesday...

Read "Rip Van Winkle" on page 153 of the text. Annotate by pointing out one example of Irving's use of satire, slapstick and hyperbole. As well as examples of emphasizing setting or time.

Debate Topics: Debate Four

In the virtual video game "Fallout 3," creators depict a post-apocalyptic Washington DC, where landmarks like the US Capitol and Lincoln Memorial lie in ruins. Maybe feeling threatened, Capitol Hill has used the game as a catalyst for re-opening the video game/free-expression debate. With video games so obviously marketed to young people (who have more time on their hands), many believe that artistic freedom and the First Ammendment that has protected video games as art thus far, should be reconsidered. Congress is proposing a bill that would create movie-like ratings for video games, and therefore make it illegal for people under the age of 17 to buy certain games. Games that make millions, like "Grand Theft Auto" and "Bully," claim that such restrictions violate their rights and would cripple their industry.

Debate Topics: Debate Three

Despite the current technological revolution, the

American public at large is still rather confused and shocked by the extent to which their private data is used online. In light of The Social Network, much has been made about the ways in which Facebook sells and extends user data to companies that in turn market to its billions (or something) of users. It raises questions about all of the myriad of ways in which companies can use personal data compiled on-line. As the internet creates a more personalized, more convenient service (moreover, as people become addicted to such things), the privacy debate may wind up in the Supreme Court.

FOR: Users should be able to make their own decisions about online privacies. Some people enjoy the services such experiences provide. Users get a lot back from Google and Facebook, for instance, because they are unregulated.

Debate Topics: Debate Two

Affirmative action, an issue most hotly debated in terms of collegiate admissions, is a state-held law that allows for "limited consideration of race in terms of creating more diverse communities." In other words, it allows colleges, employers and other such entities "some" ability to provide opportunities to individuals within certain minority groups.

The largest examples of such opportunities include minority based achievement scholarships and specialized programs. By contrast, "quotas," an old employment law that mandated work forces "had to" have an equal distribution of ethnic diversity have been outlawed. 

FOR: Affirmative action in New Jersey is necessary and should be upheld.

AGAINST: Affirmative action in New Jersey is reverse-discrimination and should be illegal.  

The Debate Topics: Debate One

Chapters 2 & 3 of A People's...deal with racism. Specifically, his thesis addresses the contrived and government-motivated nature of relations among colonial American white Europeans, African blacks and continental natives. Whether or not you agree with the nuances of Zinn's position, and they are certainly debatable, the consensus should hold that part and parcel to the story of America are atrocities toward African Americans, Native Americans, and let's face it, most dark skinned human beings in general.

This point is NOT debatable. But some modern discussions in race relations, many of which contain relevance to early America, are.

For Nick Murphy

A better answer than mine.

Work for the Week, February 28 - March 4th

This week: Please write your Journals # on the following NPR piece about Iraq. After listening to it, please comment on your feelings on America's "success" in the war. Your comment can focus on something as simple as "do you think we did the right thing by overthrowing the Saddam Hussein regime?"



Also, please listen to the following updates on Libya. Please be sure to come in tomorrow having spent a little time poking around the "Frontline" site on Cairo and the April 6th Movement.








Mon & Tues: SATs

Wed & Thur: Return to revolution in Cairo & writing

Friday: Debate Set-up Day

Next Week: Return of Vocab, Debate in Class Prep & Good Ole' Huck...keep a'readin'

I'm Baaaaaa-aaaaack

Try not to look so shocked...you had to figure I'd be back eventually...right?

For the Revolution in Cairo piece, journal assignments will be plagarized right off some schmoe's college blog. Grab them here (obviously numbers are different).

Vocab tomorrow....Debates set-up will be posted before Monday...Huckleberry Finn read to Chapter 22 by Wednesday, March 2nd.

Monday, February 14, 2011: Huck Finn work while I'm Out

Happy Valentine's Day...the Costal twins get a little stronger everyday. Though Henry is still in intensive care, he is doing much better. Thank you for all your thoughts and well wishes.

For this week, please keep reading Huck Finn through Chapter 13. Mr. Sera will also be intermittingly assigning you work to prepare you for the exam (only two and a half months to go). 

For each day, you will also have a journal to write.

Monday's journal: For Chapters 4 - 6, write about a few instances in which "society" fails Huck, Jim and/or Pap. How does the failure occur, and what is Twain trying to say about the conventions of civilized life?

Tuesday's Journal: Return to Jackson Island. It's baaaaaaaaack...how does the symbolic nature of Jackson's Island different this time around. What does the island symbolize to Huck and then Jim, how is this different than in Tom Sawyer?

Wednesday's Journal: Discuss the episode with Huck and the rattlesnake. What metaphor could Twain be harkening here? Discuss why you think the way you do.

Check the blog everyday for further assignments.

To Keep Track While I am Gone...

By Monday, please read Huck through Chapter Seven. Write a journal in your notebook for each of the following questions:

1. There is a great deal of irony in the interactions among the boys in Chapter 2. Twain tells us a great deal about their perceptions of the world. The way in which they handle Huck's entrance into the gang is especially interesting. He almost "cries." What do their actions and his reactions say about their perceptions?

2. Discuss your impression of the dialect used throughout the novel thus far. Does actually reading the book change your previous stance on the re-write discussion from earlier this year? 

Midterm Study Guide

Three portions of the test: Essays, Short Answers, Reading Comprehension & Annotation, SAT Sentence errors.

Things you need to know (or have read) to do well on the test:

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

People's History of the United States Chapters 1 - 3
All Columbus supplements from the blog and notes taken during Columbus debate
The Scarlet Letter
The Interesting Narrative on the Life of Olaudah Equiano
The Autobiogrpahy of Benjamin Franklin
NPR stories on Haiti and media discussion with Ted Koppel
Active Reading notes & Costal's Keys to Writing

Is that you, Huck?

Provide your opinion as Journal #23...is there a market for this rewrite, or this simply literary blasphemy?

Class Notes & Resources: Week of Jan 3

Info for class on Huck and Haiti stuff.

Tom Sawyer Essay Assignment

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Essay: Your assignment over break was to read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. We will have only two planned discussion periods for the novel, Friday of this week and Monday of next week. All of your questions and comments on the novel will be reserved for those days. On Friday you will hand in an essay discussing one of the following essay questions. Each family will choose one of them (two families may share only numbers 3 & 4). Each should make specific reference to the text and may include 3rd party research.


1. What does Tom learn by the end of the novel. Discuss the ways in which he changes as a person and in society. Be sure your answer reflects not only changes in Tom’s personality, but also in his feelings toward St. Petersburg. How does his conversation with Huck in Chapter 35 reflect this? Be sure to cite instances from the conversations in your essay.

 

2. Write a comparison/contrast essay c/cing the characters of Tom and Huck. In your essay, reference specific instances from Chapters 26, 33 & 35 to support your views.

3. Discuss the role of superstition in the novel. How do the superstitions and beliefs in the supernatural shape the residents of St. Petersburg? What types of comments is Twain making about mid-19th Century America.

4. In what ways is Tom Sawyer a satire? How does Twain use irony to accent his story? Use reference to the character Dobbins or other minor characters to support your thesis.