Click here and read this article regarding Mali women.
Using a minimum of five of your eight vocabulary words, respond to this article.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
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!!!
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
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?
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?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
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!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Monday, November 26, 2007
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...
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!
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!
Monday, September 3, 2007
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...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Choice ____________________________
Why do you want to read this book? Be specific.
Second Choice ________________________________________
Why do you want to read this book? Be specific
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Choice ____________________________
Why do you want to read this book? Be specific.
Second Choice ________________________________________
Why do you want to read this book? Be specific
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
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...
Friday, March 9, 2007
THIS WEEKEND'S EVENT: REACH OUT TO DARFUR @ UCSD
Here is the flyer with all pertinent info for today's event!
Click here for short, concise explanations of the Darfur conflict. More to come, obviously.
One of the best articles I've read that clearly explains what's happening.
About Darfur
The Basics
Key Facts, Videos, Photos, Maps
NIGHT: Dialectic Journal Entries
Post three dialectic journal entries as you read the text.
Tuesday: Post 1
Wednesday: Post 2
Thursday: Post 3
Tuesday: Post 1
Wednesday: Post 2
Thursday: Post 3
Sunday, March 4, 2007
DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 9: Perils of Indifference
This is an exerpt from the speech "The Perils of Indifference".
"What is indifference? Etymologically, the word means "no difference." A strange and unnatural state in which the lines blur between light and darkness, dusk and dawn, crime and punishment, cruelty and compassion, good and evil. What are its courses and inescapable consequences? Is it a philosophy? Is there a philosophy of indifference conceivable? Can one possibly view indifference as a virtue? Is it necessary at times to practice it simply to keep one's sanity, live normally, enjoy a fine meal and a glass of wine, as the world around us experiences harrowing upheavals?"
Answer Elie Weisel's questions to the best of your ability. Use your heart, your mind, your understanding of human nature, and historical evidence. A minimum of 300 words is expected.
Click here for the online version of this speech.
"What is indifference? Etymologically, the word means "no difference." A strange and unnatural state in which the lines blur between light and darkness, dusk and dawn, crime and punishment, cruelty and compassion, good and evil. What are its courses and inescapable consequences? Is it a philosophy? Is there a philosophy of indifference conceivable? Can one possibly view indifference as a virtue? Is it necessary at times to practice it simply to keep one's sanity, live normally, enjoy a fine meal and a glass of wine, as the world around us experiences harrowing upheavals?"
Answer Elie Weisel's questions to the best of your ability. Use your heart, your mind, your understanding of human nature, and historical evidence. A minimum of 300 words is expected.
Click here for the online version of this speech.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Please respond...
Nelson made a really interesting comment on his blog. He wrote...
"Today, during class we had a class discussion about All Quiet on the Western Front and war in general. We talked about different aspects of war, we talked about WWI, WWII, Desert Storm, and wars in general. After the discussion I came to the computer to write my reflection (about a subject that I already forgot) and Lucien told me that he was pretty annoyed about the fact that everytime we talk about war it goes back to past crimes and leaders. He told me that he was pretty annoyed about us not talking about wars NOW; it always goes back to Alexander, it always goes back to Hitler; WWI. Me, I believe he is right in the sense that war is NOT a thing of the past. War is currently waged in the Middle East, and in Africa, but for some reason we talk about Hitler and not Bush (or the US senate for that matter). We talk about the Holocaust and not Darfur, and even though the Holocaust was bigger, Darfur is present. And even though history is important; I believe that the present is more so."
Do you agree or disagree???
"Today, during class we had a class discussion about All Quiet on the Western Front and war in general. We talked about different aspects of war, we talked about WWI, WWII, Desert Storm, and wars in general. After the discussion I came to the computer to write my reflection (about a subject that I already forgot) and Lucien told me that he was pretty annoyed about the fact that everytime we talk about war it goes back to past crimes and leaders. He told me that he was pretty annoyed about us not talking about wars NOW; it always goes back to Alexander, it always goes back to Hitler; WWI. Me, I believe he is right in the sense that war is NOT a thing of the past. War is currently waged in the Middle East, and in Africa, but for some reason we talk about Hitler and not Bush (or the US senate for that matter). We talk about the Holocaust and not Darfur, and even though the Holocaust was bigger, Darfur is present. And even though history is important; I believe that the present is more so."
Do you agree or disagree???
Friday, February 23, 2007
End Reflection on the Novel
Now that you have finished reading All Quiet on the Western Front, please discuss these three questions with your critical friends. Post a response to one of these questions on your blog. Be sure to integrate the responses of your critical friends in your answer...
1. What is ironic, or dramatically unexpected about the novel's ending?
2. What images of the novel are lingering in your mind? Explain why these images made a lasting impression on you.
3. Do you think Paul can claim to speak for an entire "lost generation" when he speaks of the effects of war? In Paul's opinion war ruins those who survive as must as those who die. Do you think his fellow soldiers felt the same way about war?
1. What is ironic, or dramatically unexpected about the novel's ending?
2. What images of the novel are lingering in your mind? Explain why these images made a lasting impression on you.
3. Do you think Paul can claim to speak for an entire "lost generation" when he speaks of the effects of war? In Paul's opinion war ruins those who survive as must as those who die. Do you think his fellow soldiers felt the same way about war?
Friday, February 16, 2007
Seminar Thursday, February 22
Make sure you allocate time in advance to prepare for this!!!
Our seminar will be focused around the central question:
Read the packet on WWI, review your journal entries from All Quiet on the Western Front, review your notes, and specifically read the Christmas Truce articles and answer the seminar prep-questions.
You will be partnered up with your playwrite partner (inner and outer group model).
Packet and questions I will hand out today and will be posted on my dp.
Our seminar will be focused around the central question:
Read the packet on WWI, review your journal entries from All Quiet on the Western Front, review your notes, and specifically read the Christmas Truce articles and answer the seminar prep-questions.
You will be partnered up with your playwrite partner (inner and outer group model).
Packet and questions I will hand out today and will be posted on my dp.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
EASY TOOLS FOR FORMATTING YOUR SCRIPT!!!
So, Final Draft is the best program for writing scripts. There is a trial you can download here. Let me know if you have problems. It is PC/MAC compatible from what I can see.
http://www.freesoftwaregifts.com/dest?id=156&promoid=100748&pid=1900000666&cid=86&lid=1118
Cinergy Script Editor is a free application and will also make your lives 100 times easier when formatting your scenes...This is mostly used for movie scripts, but it can be used for our purposes too.
http://www.mindstarprods.com/cinergy/preview.htm
Here is another option. It is a Microsoft Word Application that you can download for free too!
http://www3.sympatico.ca/mbelli/sm.htm
http://www.freesoftwaregifts.com/dest?id=156&promoid=100748&pid=1900000666&cid=86&lid=1118
Cinergy Script Editor is a free application and will also make your lives 100 times easier when formatting your scenes...This is mostly used for movie scripts, but it can be used for our purposes too.
http://www.mindstarprods.com/cinergy/preview.htm
Here is another option. It is a Microsoft Word Application that you can download for free too!
http://www3.sympatico.ca/mbelli/sm.htm
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Performance Day: FRIDAY 2/16...Create a 3-5 Minute Historical Dramatic Scene
So, Friday you will be reading your dramatic scene to your classmates. I will be collecting the following components of this project. In addition, they all should be posted to your blog.
1. Character Bios (5 pts)
2. Abstract (5 points)
3. Scene (20 points)
And your reading will be worth (5 points)
In your reading, you must do the following:
a. Project your voice (level 3)
b. Connect emotionally to the text
c. Use the space in the room to establish your setting
d. Have at least one prop
e. Be professional. SO practice before you perform!!!
Tomorrow I will hand out and post the rubric for grading criteria of this assignment under PROJECTS on my DP.
HAVE FUN! Remember, drama is an often exaggerated expression of OUR HUMANITY.
1. Character Bios (5 pts)
2. Abstract (5 points)
3. Scene (20 points)
And your reading will be worth (5 points)
In your reading, you must do the following:
a. Project your voice (level 3)
b. Connect emotionally to the text
c. Use the space in the room to establish your setting
d. Have at least one prop
e. Be professional. SO practice before you perform!!!
Tomorrow I will hand out and post the rubric for grading criteria of this assignment under PROJECTS on my DP.
HAVE FUN! Remember, drama is an often exaggerated expression of OUR HUMANITY.
Monday, February 12, 2007
DIALECTIC JOURNALING: DUE FRIDAY 2/16 & TUESDAY 2/19
Read through chapter 10 by Friday, and complete the text by Tuesday, Feburary 19. Be prepared for an assessment of the entire text next week.
Write a minimum of two dialectic journal entries and comment on two student posts. Choose one salient quote and:
1. Explain what the quotation means in the context of the text
2. Why it is important/interesting to you.
Write a minimum of two dialectic journal entries and comment on two student posts. Choose one salient quote and:
1. Explain what the quotation means in the context of the text
2. Why it is important/interesting to you.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Reflection on Today's Class Discussion
In the afternoon, our seminar discussion focussed on themes from All Quiet on the Western Front. In particular, I was most impressed with the connections you were all making between the text and historical events of the past and the present.
I mentioned this on Carolina Jiminez' blog, www.carolinaj.blogspot.com , but I believe indifference to be one of humanity's most dangerous instincts. We respectfully argued in class whether or not indifference is in fact a human instinct.
Emily, www.specklefish.blogspot.com , has drawn some excellent connections on her blog between the nature of animals and the nature of humans, particularly in times of war. I encourage you to post comments on my blog and each other's blogs this weekend and keep the class conversation alive! Have a great weekend. See you Monday.
I mentioned this on Carolina Jiminez' blog, www.carolinaj.blogspot.com , but I believe indifference to be one of humanity's most dangerous instincts. We respectfully argued in class whether or not indifference is in fact a human instinct.
Emily, www.specklefish.blogspot.com , has drawn some excellent connections on her blog between the nature of animals and the nature of humans, particularly in times of war. I encourage you to post comments on my blog and each other's blogs this weekend and keep the class conversation alive! Have a great weekend. See you Monday.
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