"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friday, August 31, 2012

Welcome, AP English Students!

To let me know that you've logged in, please answer the following question:

Who is your favorite literary character?  Why? (Be concise.  Respond in 30 words or less!)

Sunday, November 6, 2011

The Great Mate Debate: NO! Two Creatures? BIG MISTAKE!

In chapter 17, Frankenstein’s creature asks Victor Frankenstein to make him a female companion. They proceed to argue about the wisdom of the choice. Eventually, Frankenstein relents and agrees to make the companion, only to reverse his decision a few chapters later.



Refer to the arguments (quote at least one directly) that VF and the Creature offer for and against making a female companion. Can you think of any additional reasons for or against making a female companion? Whose side do you feel more sympathy for? What do you think VF should do?
Post your response here, then be sure to read your classmate's postings, as well. Respond to at least ONE member of the class -- someone who disagrees with you, that is... When you respond, please begin your response, "In response to ____________'s comment,"

If you have questions, send me a quick email. karri_landeis@bismarckschools.org

The Great Mate Debate: Yes! This monster needs a mate!

In chapter 17, Frankenstein’s creature asks Victor Frankenstein to make him a female companion. They proceed to argue about the wisdom of the choice. Eventually, Frankenstein relents and agrees to make the companion, only to reverse his decision a few chapters later.

Refer to the arguments (quote at least one directly) that VF and the Creature offer for and against making a female companion. Can you think of any additional reasons for or against making a female companion? Whose side do you feel more sympathy for? What do you think VF should do? 

Post your response here, then be sure to read your classmate's postings, as well.  Respond to at least ONE member of the class -- someone who disagrees with you, that is...  When you respond, please begin your response, "In response to ____________'s comment," 

If you have questions, send me a quick email.  karri_landeis@bismarckschools.org

Monday, October 17, 2011

Journaling Expectations

JOURNAL WRITING


Journal writing is an important step in following the plot, but more importantly it is a time to attach insight (commentary) to what you are noticing as you read. This will also make your essay writing easier as your thoughts and commentary are already merging. Below you will find some ideas for keeping a journal, which you must do after every scene. Beyond a chronological sequence of events of the play, your journal may include

1. a character development journal (noting traits, changes, interaction with other characters, interaction with the themes of the play, the character's use of language). Examine characters in terms of their loyalties.

2. a close watch on one or more of the themes of the play (how they are interpreted by Shakespeare, and how they are developed). List recurring themes that develop as you read. Add notations of act and scene (or page numbers in novels) to serve as a guide for later reflection and writing.

3. writing about symbols found throughout the play (selecting one symbol, blood for example, and listing each quote in which it appears and discussing how the symbol furthers the development of plot, character, and theme).

4. a vocabulary* journal (listing and defining words of literary and dramatic importance)

5. a response journal (writing about your personal interaction with the play)

6. reflections on imagery, motifs, and theme—Shakespeare's use of imagery develops many themes, list these as they appear in the play. For example, the use of clothing begins with "borrowed robes" (I,ii) and continues with clothing representing a disguise of "false face" (I,vii) being repeated many times. Other examples include: flowers/planting, omens and unnatural events (superstitions), darkness, water/cleansing, blood, weather, and sleep/death.

7. Quote Analysis*—Analyze quotes reflecting the development of plot, character, and theme.

Be sure to include the

A. Speaker

B. To whom the character is speaking

C. The situation (and its significance to plot development)

D. Interpretation (include any literary devices, etc.)

For example:

If you can look into the seeds of time,

And say which grain will grow and which will not,

Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear

Your favors nor your hate. (I,iii)

ANALYSIS

1. Banquo

2. To the witches

3. The witches have given Macbeth the good news that he will be king

4. Banquo expresses a curiosity to hear his own future (the metaphor of the "seeds of time") but, unlike Macbeth, shows neither fear nor great desire to receive special concessions from these women.



USING YOUR JOURNAL

Don’t let journaling be something you have to do and don’t let it be just busy work — Use your journal writing to develop an essay about how a character acts as a foil in order to expose flaws or themes, use it as an examination of how a theme has developed, a study of how symbol or imagery or motifs furthered the theme. In your writing, like always, incorporate direct quotes from the play that are complemented by your insight and commentary — something which should have been done in your journal.



“Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more; it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing." Macbeth (V,v,17-28)

Friday, October 14, 2011

The Plan...

Greetings, AP Scholars ~

After considering the number of absences we will have next week, I have revised our plans. If you have further questions, let me know by posting a comment here, or if you would like a faster reply, email me directly at karri_landeis@bismarckschools.org. My school computer locked up on me, but I will do my best to post the necesary handout on journaling just as soon as I can. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.


Schedule
Monday 10/17: Those students who are present will finish their Biblical presentations.

Tuesday 10/18: Those students who are present will have all of class to read Frankenstein. The "letters" are due for Monday, 10/24, and all of Part I will be due on Tuesday, 10/25. JOURNALING IS REQUIRED FOR OUR STUDY OF THIS NOVEL. JOURNAL AS YOU GO! (see handout on journaling as soon as I get it posted)

Wednesday 10/19: We should all be back, so we will finish the mythological/Biblical presentations and clean up any last details of the week. Over the weekend, prepare for a test on allusions and myth for Monday, 10/24. You should also be reading Frankenstein over the weekend. Again, the letters are due on Monday, 10/24, and Part I will be due on Tuesday, 10/25. REMEMBER TO JOURNAL.


Thursday 10/20 - Sunday 10/23: ENJOY YOUR BREAK!


Monday 10/24: Quiz/Test over allusions and myth followed by discussion of the letters.

Tuesday 10/25 - Wednesday 10/26: Discuss Part I of Frankenstein

Thursday 10/26: PAIRED PRESENTATION, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MARY SHELLY (Jenny and Madeline)

Friday 10/27: Poetry Interludes - Robyn and Becky

* Part II of the novel due on Monday, 10/31... Happy Halloween!

*Please note: This week is only a rough sketch. Expect additional assignments/details to be announced in class.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Reviewing Compare Contrast

As promised, here is the link to access the essays I shared with you in class.
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/2002.html

Once you click on the link, select the 2010 Form B, Question 1.

Happy Preparing!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Into the Wild and Transcendentalism

Would Emerson and Thoreau find Chris McCandless to be a worthy transcendentalist? Why or why not? Please cite at least one passage from your transcendentalist reading in your response ("Nature," "Walden," or "Self-Reliance"). Do you think his actions were noble? Foolish? Is there anything to be admired or reprehended in Chris McCandless?

To leave a comment, first sign in to your Google account. If you don't have a Google account, create one. You MUST use your actual name so that I can identify you when you post a comment.