The Thompson Reader 

Fall - 2024

Part I

+ Read "Disconnected Urbanism"  639.  Answer "Entering the Conversation" #1  should be 1-2 pages comp book

• Discuss responses small group then large group

+Read Chapters 1 & 2 (pages 3-24)  STOP: Using Images in Your Writing

• Outline in Composition Book  (see above)

Part II

+ Read Chapter 3 - Entering the Conversation (32-39 bottom)

• Outline in Composition Notebook

^ Read "When a Crop Becomes King" 630

       + Write a 1 page reaction to what you have learned and how YOU have "entered a conversation"

       + Now write a list of questions or comments you wish to discuss (3-5)

• Divide into groups.  Each group is assigned a topic:

       + Corn fed vs grass fed animals, pros vs cons

       + What are health benefits of milk for adults?

       + The life of the dairy cow

       + Methane pollution from domestic livestock (especially cattle)

       + Chicken production in USA (and world)

       + Acquisition of precious metals for cell phones

 GROUPS:  Each member will find and record a different source, read it, and jot down 10 facts.  Also, parenthetical MLA bibliographical information needed.  Each group will discuss, compile, and prepare to "teach" class about what was learned.  

^ Read Chapter 4 - "Engaging in Research and Inquiry"  (45-53)  Outline learned knowledge

GROUPS:  Will reconvene and analyze sources from above research.  Small group and large discussion.

Part III - Class Engagement in Conversations (prep for essay 3)  All articles will be read.  Responses written.  Seminars help (casual conversations at least).

• Read "Pursuing Happiness in Our Time" page 686.  Exploring the Issues #3 plus drawing in events of last 20 years

• Read "Fat and Politics: Suing Fast Food Companies" page 608.  Exploring the Issues #1

• Read "In Praise of Woodie Guthrie" page 369.  First, look up the subject.  Second, compare/contrast the lyrics of the two songs via Wikipedia.  Entering the Conversation #2.  

• Read "In America, It's Work First and Never Play" page 650.  List questions in teacher version for students to prepare for discussion.  

• Read "The Tyranny of the Majority" page 412.  Answer question 2 for a class discussion

Part IV - Race and Us.

^ Read "Black Like I Thought I Was.".....2nd

+ Label (post its) three profound/thematic statements

+ In class, write a question (AP Test) centered around one note

^ Assign "American Dreamer" 114 and "The Girl with the Red Dot." 121 (LABEL ELEMENTS OF TONE-2 EACH)

.....Also, list and define 10 words from "American Dreamer"

+ "What is an America" Tag 1st 2 with themes, close read Crevecoeur. (WILL BE DONE IN CLASS)

+ Is America still the great melting pot as seen by Crevecoeur? Why? Why not? (WILL BE DONE IN CLASS)

+ Evaluate the difference in tone among the three pieces (WILL BE DONE IN CLASS)

Part IV

1. Read and thematically tag "You will know him by his Labors" pg 93

+ Explore the Issue #1

2. Read and thematically tag "Crossing the Border without Losing Your Past" pg 110

+ Understanding the Text #1 and Entering the Conversation #1 (OWP - 1/2 page)

Part V

Read - "The Library Card"....1st pg 135 

1. Understanding the Text 1 and Exploring the Issues 2.....2nd

Part VI

Read - "Graduation"....1st pg 156 

^ Tag the tone throughout the piece

^ Writing - evaluate the tonal shift throughout the piece by Angelou

^ OWP - As a "blank" America, what do you personally see as your place in American culture