Persepolis Blogs: Due Friday March 7

In a minimum of 500 hundred words, discuss the following questions in a written reflection of the text Persepolis. Be sure your reflection has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Be sure to use all 8 vocabulary words in your response. (25 points). Here are two websites that will help clarify questions you may have about Iraq and Iranian History.

http://iran-decal.blogspot.com/2008/02/iran-iraq-war.html
http://students.hightechhigh.org/~cyorysh/Iraq/Homepage.html


1. What is the historical context for the story Persepolis? Discuss the entire history of Iran as told in Persepolis.

2. What are the experiences Marji endures in the text and how do those experiences shape her perceptions of her family, her country, and herself?

3. What do you think happens to Marji when she heads to Vienna? Write the remaining story of her life up unto the time she writes this text in 2002.

AS WE BEGIN PERSEPOLIS...Vocab Quiz due Tuesday!

Please read the following articles celebrating an Iranian female freedom fighter and the status of female education in Iran and use a minimum of seven vocabulary words in your response. I would like to you read, annotate, and respond on your blog for homework! Be prepared to have a class seminar on these articles!

Article 1
Article 2

Seminar Reflection- You're 16, You're Beautiful and You're a Voter

Today's seminar in the morning went fairly well. Rather then give you my opinions, please reflect on a minimum of ALL following questions in this homework post. Be sure to write your post in complete sentences, paragraphs, and insure it is well balanced.

1. Evaluate your performance during seminar today. How did you prepare for seminar? What points did you make today and how did other's respond? What inhibited you from talking? What do you need to do better?

2. Which of the author's arguments do you agree with and why? Which arguments do you disagree with and why?

3. What was the most interesting idea someone raised today in the conversation and what are your thoughts surrounding that particular issue.

The Year of the Youth Vote?

I received an email from Shanelle yesterday. For your vocabulary test, use a minimum of 7 vocabulary words to respond to this email and this question: Is this the year of the youth vote? Be sure to use evidence from the article in your response. Click here to access the Time Magazine article entitled "The Year of the Youth Vote".

I finished reading the article and it made me want to listen and observe Barack's speeches
(No wonder a lot of students are pumped up over voting and making a difference, Barack Obama has that effect on youth. I never cared about politics but Barack has a way with words that make you want to make a difference.)

I found a music video that goes along to Obama's speeches;
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY <--- music video.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Fe751kMBwms <---- the original speech.

I enjoyed two quotes from that speech;
"We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no
matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can withstand the
power of millions of voices calling for change."

and

"It's not just about what I will do as president, it is also about what you, the people who love this country, the citizens of the United States of America can do to change it. That is what this election is all about."

2008: Youth apathy or empowerment?

Hey all!

So, welcome back to your second semester of your freshman year. I have to say, you did a phenomenal job in the MOCK PRIMARIES and I was quite impressed with your position papers! Nice work!

We are going to have a Socratic seminar centered around the idea of youth civic engagement in the US. In preparation for the seminar, we will survey a variety of sources. The seminar's essential question is: Is 2008 the beginning of a new era with regards to youth civic engagement in America?

First we are going to take a survey evaluating your civic engagement. Click here to access the site. You will get ten free dollars at itunes as well.

1. WEDNESDAY. FEB 13: Watch this video and be prepared to discuss the interviewee's thoughts on youth apathy. Click here for the link.


2. THURSDAY, FEB 14: Survey statistics of youth voter turnout. Be prepared to discuss and share your ideas regarding these questions: What are the trends you observe? What inferences can you make with regards to 2008's youth voter turnout? Do these statistics support or negate the idea of lowering the voting age?

a. Civic Youth.org's interactive Map
b. Youthvote.org's Overview on Youth Voter Turnout

3. FRIDAY FEB 15: Mock Seminar and Vocab Quiz- Friday. After reading this article regarding the surge in youth civic engagement, prepare yourself as you would for a Socratic Seminar. Annotate your texts, come prepared with questions, comments, and discussion topics. Be sure to identify quotations of interest, and prepare to stay close to the text in seminar. Click here for the article.


4. FOR TUESDAY, FEB 19: Over the weekend, read this NY Times article entitled: "You're 16, You're Beautiful and You're a Voter". Annotate and prepare questions for seminar. After seminar, post a response to seminar citing sources, conversations, and seminar comments and be sure to evaluate your participation in seminar.

CURRENT EVENTS and VOCAB

Read one article on the NY Times website

Summarize the article from either the National, International, or Opinion section of the newspaper and discuss your opinions using a minimum of 6 vocabulary words.
Post to your BLOG.

Fairy Tales and Gender Roles-Due Friday

http://www.purdue.edu/UNS/html4ever/031111.Grauerholz.tales.html

Post a response to this article and use details from your own childhood and movie-watching experiences to affirm or negate this point...

The Waiting Room-Due Monday

Now that we have completed the play and had many fruitful conversations and some fantastic laughs, here is your opportunity to get your thoughts out on paper.

Post a blog answering the following questions in the form of a reflective essay.

1. What are the key messages of this play?
2. What social commentaries does Lisa Loomer make about today's society? (Be sure to discuss at the very least beauty, health, and gender roles)
3. How do each of the three main female characters evolve/regress as the play progresses? Discuss each one in detail and use at least one quotation to exemplify your argument.
4. What is the function of Ken and Larry in the play? What commentary is Lisa Loomer making about the pharmaceutical industry and the government's role in protecting American's health.
5. Why did Lisa Loomer, playwright, conclude her play in the manner she did? Does it work well? Are there any unresolved issues you would wrap up differently? Explain in detail!!!


EXTRA CREDIT!!! Script ACT III!!!

PLEASE ADD THESE BLOG ADDRESSES

http://jymmia.blogspot.com/
http://yleanacueva.blogspot.com
http://wilsonraley.blogpsot.com

OOPS!!! Post to your Blog...NOT to BBC website! DUE WEDNESDAY!!!

Hey all,

Sorry, but the posting feature on the BBC website is not available because the article is from several years back I suppose. SO, here is what is expected of you!!!

Post a blog in which you:

1. Respond to both articles discussing your thoughts. Be detailed and use at least 1 direct quote from the article in your response.

2. Evaluate your class' seminar discussions. Be specific in discussing what you learned, what interesting points were made, what you think about those ideas proposed during seminar.

NOTE: Vocabulary word for the week is "FACTITIOUS" ...Thanks Kathleen E!!!!

Mali Women and Skin Bleaching...

Click here and read this article regarding Mali women.

Using a minimum of five of your eight vocabulary words, respond to this article.

SEMINAR MONDAY AND TUESDAY!!!

On Monday and Tuesday we will conduct a Socratic seminar on the Youtube commerical and the two articles below. Be sure to print them, annotate them, and come prepared with questions to pose to your classmates. Moderators will be assigned on the spot, so be sure to come ready for that responsibility!!!


Is Beauty In the Eye of the Beholder? -Monday

Morality of Fat - Tuesday. Be sure to read the comments below the article and be prepared to discuss those comments as well!

Have a great weekend!!!

DUE FRIDAY: YOU TUBE COMMERCIAL RESPONSE

Check out the Youtube video I linked to the left under SOCRATES CAFE'. Watch it and do the following:

1. What were your gut reactions to this commerical?
2. What do you think about the central message of the commercial? Be specific and give examples to support your ideas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epOg1nWJ4T8

DUE THURSDAY: WOMEN IN ANCIENT GREECE!

Read and research women in Ancient Greece and post a blog answering the following questions:


1. How did women's roles in society differ from Athens and Sparta?

2. If the Greeks are considered so advanced, so culturally elite, why do you believe gender equality (equality between men and women) was not established?

3. Based on your understanding of women in Ancient Greek society, how do you think women were depicted by artists at this time?

beauty

Tolerance and acceptance are most definitely two ideals I characterize with beauty. To me, diversity is all around us. The jungles, oceans, deserts, and other realms of nature seem to embrace differences and strive for balance and cohabitation. Clearly, there are disruptions to this process, but balance and harmony are so intrinsic in nature. I believe tolerance and acceptance, in the human form, to be universals that exemplify the optimal balance and beauty attainable amongst the human race. Intolerance is not innate. I believe, as Ben Harper says in one of my favorite songs "Burn One Down" that "when I was a baby I was not prejudiced...this was something that I learned in school. Something they taught us to do". Regardless of where it is learned, it is learned, and as long as the fight exists, I will continue to usher tolerance and acceptance as I carry on my journey through this life of mine. I choose to teach tolerance, to model acceptance, and to hopefully leave my blueprints on my students and all those who I encounter.




Click here to read about the UN's efforts to promote tolerance. The international DAY OF TOLERANCE just passed on November 16th.

DUE WEDNESDAY: YOU, PLATO, SOCRATES and some youthful truth!!!

Hey all,

SO, I may be out today so you will run the class as follows:

1. Book Club
2. Post responses on one another's blogs to each other's differing views of beauty
3. Define vocabulary words
4. Read the bios of Plato and Socrates (links to the left under SOCRATES CAFE") and then begin to wOrk on your next blog due tomorrow. Posting below.
5. Be productive!!!
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This selection from Plato's writings highlight a viewpoint of Socrates' on beauty.


Answer these questions on your blog and be prepared to discuss them with your classmates. Write, elaborate, express yourself, and have fun!


1. What is so beautiful about youth?

2. We know what "perfect" most likely means to Socrates by looking at ancient Greek sculpture and art and drawing inferences, but he doesn't describe this "perfect" human form. What are your thoughts on the idea of a "perfect" human form today? What is it in your culture for men? women? What are your thoughts surrounding those ideals?

"NOW YOU KNOW, my friend, that I cannot measure anything, and of the beautiful, I am simply such a measure as a white line is of chalk; for almost all young persons appear to be beautiful in my eyes. But at that moment, when I saw him coming in, I confess that I was quite astonished at his beauty and stature; all the world seemed to be enamoured of him; amazement and confusion reigned when he entered; and a troop of lovers followed him. That grown-up men like ourselves should have been affected in this way was not surprising, but I observed that there was the same feeling among the boys; all of them, down to the very least child, turned and looked at him, as if he had been a statue.

Chaerephon called me and said: What do you think of him, Socrates? Has he not a beautiful face?

Most beautiful, I said.
But you would think nothing of his face, he replied, if you could see his naked form: he is absolutely perfect."

Plato's Charmides

is beauty in the eye of the beholder?

We are going to begin a cross-cultural and historic examination of the concept of "beauty". For starters, before we read the great greek philosophers take on this concept, what do you think "beauty" means? It's a loaded question, I know. So let's begin here.

1. Choose two images you believe exemplify the concept of "beauty"

2. Explain why they are beautiful to you.

3. Upload the images and your description on your blog.

4. Post a comment on one person's blog in response to their ideas.

5. Be ready to share tomorrow...

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF BLOGGING

So, today we will embark on the beginning of our journey into the world of blogging. Today you will all create your own blog and make your first posts. Below is a short synopsis you must read before you begoin your journey. Enjoy this new experience and remember, the blog you are creating is attached to your digital portfolio, therefore it is an academic medium for expression. You will not publish anything you wouldn't submit to me...More on this later. Here we go...Read below!----------------------------------------------------------------
BLOGGING ANYONE?

Blogs -- short for Web logs -- are online journals or diaries. Blogs can be public or private, entertaining or educational, eclectic or subject specific.

A blog entry is similar to a traditional journal or diary entry; it usually includes the date, reflections on a topic of interest, and a signature. Students can use blogs to practice writing and communication skills; teachers can use them to post assignments, share thoughts, stimulate classroom discussion, and more.

What are the benefits of classroom blogging?

* Kids love blogging.
* Students who lack the reading and writing skills they need to succeed also may lack the motivation to practice those skills. Many are motivated, however, to chat virtually with their friends.
* Seeing their words published on the Web is a great student motivator.
* Blogs offer an innovative way for students to engage in reflective writing on classroom topics in a familiar medium.
* Blogs represent a democratization of information dissemination, providing each individual with the opportunity to publicly present his or her thoughts and opinions.
* Students who know they have an audience other than their teacher write more credibly, accurately, and carefully.
* Blogs allow others to respond, providing feedback to the authors.

In short, blogs can bring today's students into the world of writing -- even at 2 a.m., even in their pajamas! Best of all, blogs are easy to create and maintain!

LET'S BLOG!

How do you get started? Here's an easy way:

* Go to Blogger.
* Click Start Here or Learn more about it and then click to begin.
* Type in your username, password, name, and e-mail account.
* Fill in a title and description for your blogging Web page.
* Keep the circle by "Host at…."
* Type an address for your blog.
* Click to accept terms of service, and then click Next.
* Select a template and click Finish.
* Type an entry. (Maybe something like, "This is my first blog entry.")
* Choose different formatting if you wish (to bold, italic, etc.).
* Hit Post and Publish.
* Wait a few seconds and then hit View Web Page.

Basically, that's all there is to it!

Book Club Requests

Hey all! I hope you had a great weekend. I have a doctor's appointment so I will be a bit late today. This is a great medium I will use often to communicate with you when I am out of school. You and your partner have 45 minutes to do some research and make a decision on what book you want to read first!!! Copy and paste the below info into openword (the word processing program on the computers) and be prepared to hand this in to Cortney when she arrives. Don't spend this time fixing your DP. There will be time for that. See you soon...


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Name _____________________________
Date _________________

BOOK CLUB REQUEST

Attached to the syllabus is the list of books you may choose for book club. Read a synopsis of each book at http://www.amazon.com. Double click on “Books” and type in each title. Read the synopses and the reviews and decide which text you want to read first. Then, explain what interests you about the book.

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First Choice ____________________________
Why do you want to read this book? Be specific.





Second Choice ________________________________________
Why do you want to read this book? Be specific

New Beginnings

It's been so long since I last blogged. I realize I am a complete hypocti. I encourage my students to use this platform to share information, thoughts, and experiment with different forms of expression. And this is my first time doing it. I plan to do a much better job of it this year. Better get on that...