Things Fall Apart Day 1

Today we will learn about Nigeria, the country that is the setting of Things Fall Apart, a novel by Chinua Achebe.

As you read, think about these ideas:

Africa was known as the "dark" continent. The author wrote the book in response to the racist depictions of Africa that he had read as a child in Nigeria.

White authority figures feared the end of Western Civilization and did not respect the cultural traditions or government of the Ibo people.

Examples of Igbo Cultural Concepts and Traditions:

Bride price
Dry Season
Egwugwu ceremony
Engagement ceremony
Funeral ceremony
Evil Forest Feast of the New Year
Kola-nut ceremony
Palm-wine tapping
Polygamy
Rainy Season
Titles
Week of Peace

Please read the following excerpt and write examples of racism or prejudice in your notebook.
And between whiles I had to look after the savage who was fireman. He was an improved specimen; he could fire up a vertical boiler. He was there below me, and, upon my word, to look at him was as edifying as seeing a dog in a parody of breeches and a feather hat, walking on his hind-legs. A few months of training had done for that really fine chap. He squinted at the steam-gauge and at the water-gauge with an evident effort of intrepidity--and he had filed teeth, too, the poor devil, and the wool of his pate shaved into queer patterns, and three ornamental scars on each of his cheeks. He ought to have been clapping his hands and stamping his feet on the bank, instead of which he was hard at work, a thrall to strange witchcraft, full of improving knowledge. He was useful because he had been instructed; and what he knew was this--that should the water in that transparent thing disappear, the evil spirit inside the boiler would get angry through the greatness of his thirst, and take a terrible vengeance. So he sweated and fired up and watched the glass fearfully (with an impromptu charm, made of rags, tied to his arm, and a piece of polished bone, as big as a watch, stuck flatways through his lower lip), while the wooded banks slipped past us slowly, the short noise was left behind, the interminable miles of silence--and we crept on, towards Kurtz. But the snags were thick, the water was treacherous and shallow, the boiler seemed indeed to have a sulky devil in it, and thus neither that fireman nor I had any time to peer into our creepy thoughts.

2Next
Go to these websites and write your observations of Nigerian culture, traditions, challenges and successes in the comments section of the blog.

http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/index.html

http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/toc/countries/Nigeria.html

http://mccoy.lib.siu.edu/jmccall/jones/ibibio.html

Research Day 1

Students who attend the 3 on 3 basketball games and miss our time in the library are responsible for doing this as well. Please have this work in your notebook for class Monday, May 18th. Email me with questions.

Global Symposium Day 1
Directions: Please take careful notes from books and online sources. Be sure to note the sources for your bibliography.
1. Name of country
2. How and when was the country colonized?
3. By which country?
4. Why?
5. How was the country governed as a colony?
6. Did the colonizers have indigenous collaborators?
7. What was the impact of colonialism on the the indigenous cultures and the environment of the colony?
8. How did the native people resist colonial rule?
9. How and when did the country become independent?
10. Was it a violent uprising, a peaceful process, or a combination?
11. Who were the main figures in the independence movement?
12. How has the country fared since independence?
13. Who have been the main leaders in the post colonial era?
14. What organizations or political parties have been influential?
15. How do the leading economic indicators regarding health, education, the economy, sanitation, and political rights compare to other countries?
16. What are the main successes and challenges in the country today?
17. What are the lasting legacies of colonialism?

Symposium

Annotated Bibliography assignment
Annotated Bibliographies
Please write an annotated bibliography that will equal 50% of your total grade for the Symposium. You must have a minimum of 5 sources and at least 2 sources must be from print texts which can be reference books, works of literature, etc. The annotations are to be 1 paragraph in length.
DefinitionsA bibliography is a list of sources (books, journals, websites, periodicals, etc.) one has used for researching a topic.
An annotation is a summary and/or evaluation.Therefore, an annotated bibliography includes a summary and/or evaluation of each of the sources.Summarize: Some annotations merely summarize the source. What are the main arguments? What is the point of this book or article? What topics are covered? If someone asked what this article/book is about, what would you say?Assess: After summarizing a source, it may be helpful to evaluate it. Is it a useful source? How does it compare with other sources in your bibliography? Is the information reliable? Is it this source biased or objective? What is the goal of this source?Reflect: Once you've summarized and assessed a source, you need to ask how it fits into your research. Was this source helpful to you? How does it help you shape your argument? How can you use this source in your research project? Has it changed how you think about your topic?Why should I write an annotated bibliography?To learn about your topic: Writing an annotated bibliography is excellent preparation for a research project. Just collecting sources for a bibliography is useful, but when you have to write annotations for each source, you're forced to read each source more carefully. You begin to read more critically instead of just collecting information.FormatThe bibliographic information: Generally, though, the bibliographic information of the source (the title, author, publisher, date, etc.) is written MLA format. For more help with formatting, see OWL's MLA handout at this location: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource.The annotations: The annotations for each source are written in paragraph form.
Good research websites: http://perso.univ-lyon2.fr/ and http://library.thinkquest.org/ http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-52739/vietnam http://www.fordham.edu/halsal/mod/modsbooks.html#india , http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/uu29me/uu29me03.htm
Posted by Ms. Grady at 2:23 AM 0 comments
Labels: this page is adapted from the Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University
Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Colonialism & Independence Symposium
This month, you will work in a group on a country selected from the list to analyze nineteenth and twentieth centuries and the movements that helped colonies become independent. You will share what you learn with your classmates in an academic "symposium" (a large meeting about a specific subject) about colonialism and independence. The Symposium will take place on May 27th and 28th.The countries you may choose from are:
South Africa
Afghanistan
Dominican Republic
Vietnam
Brazil
Each group will have to research the following questions about its chosen country and provide answers in your presentation at the Symposium:
1. How & when was country colonized? By whom? Why?

2. How was the country governed as a colony? Direct/indirect rule? Did the colonizers have indigenous collaborators? What was the impact of colonialism on the indigenous cultures and the environment of the colony? How did the native people resist colonial rule?

3. How and when did the country become independent? Was it a violent uprising, a peaceful process, or a combination? Who were the main figures in the independence movement?

4. How has the country fared since independence? Who have been the main leaders in the post-colonial era? What organizations or political parties have been influential? How do the leading economic indicators regarding health, education, the economy, sanitation, and political rights compare to other countries? What are the main successes and challenges in the country today? What are the lasting legacies of colonialism?Helpful websites for current statistics: http://who.int, http://un.org
Posted by Ms. Grady at 4:07 AM 0 comments
Labels: May assignment

Global Symposium in 9 Steps
Steps Due Dates
tep 1: Picking & Choosing May 6th & 7thForm a group of 3 or 4 classmates. Choose a country to investigate from the list of possible topics. Decide who will lead which sections of the team's presentation. Divide the primary and secondary sources each of you will read in class and at home.

Step 2: Become informed May 6th & 7thRead the primary and secondary sources in class and at home. Look for information about your presentation topic and information that will be useful for presentations. Mark up your sources. Take notes. Ask questions.

Step 3 Compile notes and annotated bibliography May 16thAfter Ms.Grady has approved your sources, write the first draft of your answers to the questions in your section and your annotated bibliography.

Step 4 Revise notes and complete annotated bibliography May 23rdReview the feedback from Ms.Grady. Revise the rough draft of notes. Type your notes. Revise the annotated bibliography. Turn in notes and annotated bibliography.

Step 5 What is the story? May 19thFigure out a way to tell your country's story that will be interesting to your audience. Do not kill us with boredom. Choose interesting images, graphs, short audio/video clips that will enhance your presentation (without becoming your presentation). Prepare your powerpoint if you plan to use one. Email notes to Ms.Grady

Step 6 Meet with Ms.Grady May 23rdDiscuss your ideas for your presentation. Let me know if you are stuck or are having issues within the group. Let me know about A/V equipment you will need.

Step 7 Practice May 23rdPractice the presentation. Give your team members constructive criticism about how their sections can improve and praise what is good. Practice enunciation, projection and eye contact. Ask yourselves: Does this story make sense? Is it interesting? Have we answered questions thoroughly? Do we have evidence to back up what we are saying?Step 8 Present! May 27thStep 9 Reflection May 30thReflect on your work and your classmates. Write about the bumps along the way and how you and the group handled them. What did you learn from the group and the presentation about colonialism and independence that surprised you? What do you want to know more about? What could your team have done differently/better? Fill out the group and self assessment rubrics and give them to Ms. Grady.
Posted by Ms. Grady at 3:55 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Research Paper

In a well-written paper of multiple drafts, write a persuasive essay defending a position on a current social issue. Include evidence from 3 sources, including good websites, literary works or non-fiction. Your essay must be 500 words or more not including the Works Cited page. All drafts are due April 9th.

Use this document to get started.

TIPS FOR WRITING A STRONG THESIS
(Written by Jennifer Selvin, Gateway High School, San Francisco, CA)

1. A thesis should take a definite side. It shouldn’t be wishy-washy or vague.
Weak thesis: Gateway students are good at some things and bad at some things.
Strong thesis: As demonstrated by their negotiations with their teachers and administrators, Gateway students have powerful argumentation skills which they use to negotiate changes in the curriculum and classroom policies.

2. A thesis should not simply restate facts. A good thesis is one that someone could argue against.
Weak thesis: Gateway is located on Seventh Avenue in the Sunset District.
Strong thesis: While some students at Gateway dine daily at Burger King, Gateway’s location in the Sunset District offers students healthier eating options than those available to students at other high schools in San Francisco.

3. A thesis should center around one main idea. Decide on one topic and support it well rather than presenting two separate ideas.
Weak thesis: The music class at Gateway should perform in a Golden Gate Park drum circle and students should be able to park their cars in the school parking lot.
Strong thesis: Although some students may feel shy about performing in public, Gateway music students should hold a drum circle in Golden Gate Park to show off their talents and musical training.

4. A thesis should be specific. Narrow broad thesis statements to focus on a particular issue or problem.
Weak thesis: Teenagers have a lot of problems.
Strong thesis: Many teenagers have difficulty establishing their independence because, although they are approaching emotional and physical maturity, they remain financially dependent on their parents.

5. A thesis should be clear. The reader should be able to accurately understand the author’s intent by reading the thesis.
Weak thesis: The students at this school have creative cerebrums that, when applied to activities with guidance from an artiste, manifest great and colorful products, that sometimes are paper mache and sometimes are TV shows.
Strong thesis: Gateway students have creative talents which, with the guidance of an experienced teacher, allow them to produce high quality artwork in a variety of media.
THESIS STARTERS:
Although (insert opposing argument), …
While (insert opposing argument),…
As evidenced by (insert evidence)…
As demonstrated by (insert evidence)…
As shown by (insert evidence)…
Because (insert reason)…..



THESIS LINKERS:
...shows that…
…demonstrates that…
…proves that…
….reveals that…
…represents…
…illustrates…
….parallels…. (develops in a similar direction or way like parallel lines)

College Essay/This I Believe Essay

Here are some links to articles about current events and social issues:

High School "drop-outs" in Massachusetts http://www.wbur.org/news/2009/83046_20090209.asp

Homeless teens
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/nyregion/10homeless.html

Domestic violence
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/fashion/19brown.html?scp=1&sq=teens%20domestic%20violence&st=cse

Also see npr.org for these stories and more:
"Police shootings shake Oakland"
Pope Benedict and condoms in Africa
Challenges black males face despite Obama's success
Madoff in prison
joblessness in California

Weekly Assignment due 3/4/09

Choose 1 of the following for this week's assignment. As always, see me with any questions.

1. Write a journal as if you are the protagonist. You will get to know the character, how he thinks and sounds. Use the style of speaking that he does.

2. Graphic Novel: Use your artistic skills to re-create the story in a graphic novel or comic book style. Tell the highlights of the story and include an introduction explaining the work.

3. Formal essay: See weekly paper assignment options for A Tale of Two Cities and follow the format.

4. Teach the class: Lead a discussion on the themes and topics of your book. Use visual aids such as handouts or a power point presentation. Write a follow-up on what you set out to accomplish, how you think it went, and what you learned from the experience.

5. Publish a newspaper: Create a newspaper that is 3-4 pages in length. Use formatting that helps the paper look professional. Use Publishing or some other software.

6. Create a cyberguide or blog.

These ideas are adapted from Jim Burke's The English Teacher's Companion book.

See me if you have another idea. I will let you know if you have permission to try it!

February Weekly Paper

Please follow directions for writing a weekly paper (check this blog for instructions).

This weekly paper will be a review of your independent reading book, whether you have finished your book or not.

A book review has the following components:

• author's name and book title
• clear and powerful statement of your opinion of the work (ie. thesis statement)
• summarize the important points of the work (plot, characters, setting and theme)
• quoted and paraphrased material included to support the points and reactions to the book
• comparisons and connections with other similar work
• a sense of whether your audience will want to read the book
• has been proofread

Please email me at mgrady@boston.k12.ma.us if you have questions about this assignment.

The due date is Monday, February 23rd. No late papers will be accepted. Please bring the typed paper to class.

Revisions of Last Week's Papers

Please revise your A Tale of Two Cities weekly paper for a higher grade.  Check the original weekly paper assignment on this blog for instructions.  Also use the rubric as a checklist before you submit.  

This counts as your first weekly paper for Term 3.  

Remember, 1 weekly paper = 5 homeworks.

Revised papers are due Monday, February 2nd.

Weekly Paper January 12th

Directions: Choose 1 of the following and submit it on Tuesday, January 20th. It must be 250 words minimum, typed and proof-read. Please see me or email me with any questions.

Topics for A Tale of Two Cities Weekly Paper

1. Write a brief essay on Dickens’s use of foreshadowing in A Tale of Two Cities. In the topic sentence of your essay, briefly define foreshadowing as a literary technique and indicate the uses of foreshadowing that you will analyze. Then discuss your examples in a logical order.

2. Write a brief essay on a character who is interesting to you. In your topic sentence, indicate the main idea of your essay. Then develop this main idea with well-chosen examples or reasons in a logical order.


3. Write a brief paper on Dickens’s use of chance or coincidence in A Tale of Two Cities, relating the technique to the theme of fate in the novel. In your topic sentence, state the main idea of your essay. Develop this idea with well-chosen examples. In your conclusion, restate the main idea as effectively as you can.

4. Write a brief essay on the theme of doubles in the novel. In your topic sentence, indicate what you think Dickens’s purpose may have been in developing this theme. Then develop this opinion with well-chosen examples and reasons.


5. Write a brief paper in which you trace the development of a symbol throughout the novel. In the topic sentence of your essay, indicate the symbol you have chosen and state its most important figurative meaning.