Monday 12/9--Read Adrienne Rich, "Split at the Root," pp. 640-655 (15 pages) in Lopate.
Tuesday 12/10--Journal entry due.
Possible topics:
What are ways you might feel "split at the root"? Describe a time you felt felt this way and why. What does this phrase mean for you?
Do you ever feel like you've "passed" for something or someone you're not?
Word count: 400 words
Thursday 12/12--Read Richard Rodriguez, "Late Victorians," pp. 756-770 (14 pages) in Lopate.
Friday 12/13-- Response on Rich, Baldwin, and Rodriguez in preparation for the in-class essay on Monday.
Monday 12/16--In-class essay on Rich, Baldwin, and Rodgriguez.
Tuesday 12/17--Please listen to "Just South of the Unicorns" on the following podcast:
Note that the story starts about 7 1/2 minutes into the podcast and lasts 32 1/2 minutes
As you are listening to the story, please note what makes the story compelling (assuming you find it so).
How does the story use traditional storytelling techniques to make the story come alive?
What other techniques make the story a lively one?
How does the addition of sound effects and voices change or shape this story? I.e. how is the experience of hearing a story different from reading it?
In addition to listening to the podcast, please review both essays and be ready to tell me which one you'd like me to comment upon.
Thursday 12/19--Please listen to Acts Two and Three, "My Ames is True" (48 minutes) on This AmericanLife.org:
As you are listening, think about what makes this a successful example of oral storytelling.
Also, please think ask yourself: what is the story or narrative that defines me?
Friday 12/20--Bizarre holiday story: Christmas in 3-D (20 minutes).
Monday 1/6--Journal entry due: 350 words on: holiday horrors! (suggested topic).
Tuesday 1/7--Writing workshop day. For homework, please read the PDF posted below.
Thursday 1/9--Writing workshop day.
For period 5, we'll workshop Jacob's essay today. Please click here: Jacob B's essay
Friday 1/10--Revision of personal essay due. In class, we'll discuss how to end a personal essay.
Please read the two essays below by Patchett (PDF is called "Patchett_Paris_Match_Responsibility")
Think about how Patchett ends these essays and why these endings work (if you think they do).
Please review other essays from earlier this semester. Which endings do you like and why?
Bring the Lopate with you to class.
Monday 1/13--Writing workshop day.
Tuesday 1/14-
Period 4, click here
for review guidelines: midterm-guidelines
for homework: Period 4 review question
Period 5, click here:
for review guidelines: midterm-guidelines
for homework: Period 5 review question
Thursday 1/16--
Please note: midterm review guidelines have been changed to include personal essay choice (see revised guidelines for details).
Please click below for specific information on your period's study assignment:
Period 4: click here (list of texts assigned to students on site)
Period 5: click here
Please note that you will be allowed to bring in a study sheet (8.5" x 11"), one-side only, 8 pt font or larger. I encourage you to find at least one quotation from each of the texts.
Friday 1/17--No class--faculty in-service day.
Finals!