WOS:

Today:

We started class with a quiz on the comedy terms that we defined earlier in the week.

We had a discussion on the lack of stage directions left in the plays.  We speculated why this is.  We used A. Miller as a strong contrast to Shakespeare.  Miller used stage direction excessively, while Will used almost none.  We talked about how this would change the direction.

I let you pick groups between 4-5 students.  You were tasked with picking any 4 pages of script from act I and write stage direction for every 30 sec.  You also had to incorporate 3 examples of physical comedy.

We performed these on stage.

Each group based in their stage direction for a grade.

Comp. Lit. II

Today:

We started class with 15 minutes to prep your debate.

We had a fierce debate that went to the last round.  We ran out of time, but will finish this Thursday.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We started class outlining a Shakespearian Tragedy.  Specifically, we identified the final moment of suspense.

We went outside to the courtyard and enjoyed the last nice day for a long time before the weather turns.  We re-enacted the death of Dunkin.

We took notes on act 1.

HW:  We will have a quiz tomorrow on the language trick terms that we went over last Friday.  They are also posted on the blog for your reference.

Wos:

Today:

Journal prompt:  Today I asked you to daydream and write what you think about.  Open up your imagination and give at least 1/2 page of thoughts.

We watched a great PBS documentary on Shakespeare's Comedies, with specific attention to Twelfth Night.

HW:  Please study your comedy terms.  Quiz on Wed.

Comp. Lit. II

Today:

We did a journal prompt based on an intro activity to Lord of the Flies.  Please see me for the printed assignment.

We finished All My Sons.

We had a debate on whether people are inherently good or evil.

We reviewed Ch 1.

HW:  Please read ch 2-3 in Lord of the Flies.

Examples of Reversed sentence construction, via Yoda.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p44pcTXpPOs

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal Prompt:  Please describe a moment when someone convinced you to do something against your will or convictions.  How did you feel after?  Did you have any regrets?   1 Pg.

We watched some reversed sentence construction done by Yoda.

We worked on act II.

I gave you notes.

HW:  Please study your terms.  Quiz on Wed.

WOS:

Today: 
Journal Prompt:  What is the strangest thing that you have ever done to get someone to notice you?
                                                                                                                                               1 Pg.
We performed your short skits that you worked on from Friday using 5 of the comedy terms.

We did a round of freeze, POP! You had the power to freeze the scene and place a person or object in the scene.  Pictures and video above :-)

We looked at the terms that Shakespeare uses in constructing his plays.  You will have a quiz on these terms this Wed.

HW:  Please finish act I. Also, please find two comedy terms in act I.  Please write down your examples and be ready to pass them in at the start of class.

Comp. Lit. II

Today:
Journal Prompt:  Are people born inherently good or evil?  If there were no laws at all, how would people act?  Please imagine a world without any rules of consequences.  What would it be like. 
                                                                                                                            1 +1/2 pages

We finished watching All My Sons.
I passed out Lord of the Flies.
HW:  Please read CH 1-2

Brit Lit:

Today:

We started class watching a part of a recent PBS documentary following Ethan Hawke and his quest to understand the mind and part of Macbeth.

We defined terms:

1. Personification:

 

2. Metaphor:

3. Simile:

4. Reverse thought:

5. Reverse Sentence:

6. Reverse word:

 

We continued Act 1.

WOS

Today:

We started class reading a recent article suggesting that Shakespeare possible added his talent to other plays.  We debated the merit of this.

I passed back your grief papers.

We went over the comedy terms that are often used by Shakespeare.  I used A Midsummer Nights Dream examples.  Please begin to study the terms for a quiz next Wed.

I asked you to break into small groups and show 5 of the comic terms in action.

We performed these.

Comp. Lit. II:

We took the test on All My Sons.

I collected your books.

On Monday we will begin Lord of the Flies.  Have a good weekend!

Reminder:

Please remind your parent or guardian that parent teacher conferences are between 6-8 tonight.  Please encourage them to come out.  If they have any concerns and are unable to make it, please remind them that I am happy to speak with them at another time.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We watched the battle scene in Braveheart to illustrate what Macbeth has faced in battle as the play begins.

We acted out Act 1 sc 3.

We defined:
Aside
Suspension of disbelief.

After lunch I broke you into 5 groups and had you put together a short skit outlining some of the future themes of the play.

I passed back you papers.

WOS:

Today:
Journal prompt:  Please describe a moment when you presented a false image of yourself.  Why did you do this and what was the direct result?    1pg.

We reviewed act 1 sc 1-2. 
We acted out scene 3

HW:  Finish sc 3-4.  Expect a quiz on comedy notes and sc 1-4.

Comp. Lit. II

Today:

We finished the play.

I gave you the essay questions on the test.  You may use one page of notes to outline your thoughts.

We watched the film version as a review.

HW;  Study for the essay questions.  Test is on Friday.

Brit Lit:

Today:
We started class with the Shakespeare insults that you did yesterday.  Even if you do not understand the words, if you know the emotion, you can figure out the meaning.

I gave you notes on the Globe theater

We began Macbeth act 1.

WOS:

Today:
Journal #12:  I played a series of 5 sounds and asked you to use them in writing a first person account of a shipwreck.  5 sounds, length will vary.

We looked at the examples of things that you found/find funny.  We used them to connect to many of the comedy terms defined today:

Comedy Terms in Shakespeare:

 

Verbal Irony - Occurs when the actual meaning is different from the stated meaning.

 

 

Dramatic Irony - Occurs when the reader knows something about present or future circumstances that the character in the story does not know.

 

 

Situational Irony - Occurs when the outcome of the story turns out to be different from what the audience expected.

 

 

Oxymoron - Occurs when words, terms, or expressions appear to be self-contradicting.

 

 

 

Juxtaposition – placing two things side-by-side for the purpose of showing comparison and/or contrast

 

 

Comic Relief - A comical element/situation that relieves the emotional tension in a story.

 

 

Malapropism - The misuse of a word.

 

Slapstick Comedy – Type of comedy that stresses ridiculousness and horseplay.

 

 

 Pun –  a play on words that sound the same but that have different meanings.

HW:  Please read Act I, sc 1-2

 

 

Lit. Comp. II

Today:

Journal prompt #12:  If you could go back in time and change three things, what would you change?  What would be the direct and indirect result of this change?          1pg

We finished Great Expectations and talked about your impression of the story.

We read/acted out act III.  We will be finishing the play Thursday and taking a test on it this Friday.

Brit Lit:

Today
Journal #11:
Please describe your experience with reading/acting Shakespeare.  What did you enjoy?  What did you hate?  1/2 page.

I introduced you to Shakespeare.

We ended looking at the most popular insults in his plays.  I paired each of you up and we read an insult to the other person.

HW:  No formal HW during our time with Macbeth.  We will be doing to play entirely in class.

Wos:

Today:
I collected your Grief papers.

I collected your Hamlet text.

I passed out our next play- The Twelfth Night. 
HW:  Please list 5 things in life that make you laugh.  Please feel free to bring in visuals.

Lit. Comp. II

Today:

Journal Prompt #11:  Please describe a moment when you covered up a mistake.  Did it make it better, or worse?  1 Page.

We finished Great Expectations and talked about the play on Thursday.

We started act III

We will be finishing the play this week and will be having a test on All My Sons this Friday.

WOS

Today:
We took the Hamlet test.

Have a great weekend.

Comp Lit. II

Today:

I passed your journals back. 
1/2 the class went to the field trip.  Those that remain were treated to part 2 of the excellent PBS version of Great Expectations.

HW:  Do something outside and enjoy the nice foliage.  :-)  Have a great 4 day weekend!

New R+J

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_mdm6SafPM

Brit Lit:

Today.

We took the unit test.  Please see me if you were absent to make this up asap.

WOS:

Today:

We had an exciting conclusion to our review game from yesterday.  A noble effort. 
You won the last lock in: A three day extension on a major paper/project.  This can be used any time this semester.

I went over the format of the test.

We watched some more of Mel Gibson's version of Hamlet.

HW:  Please study for the test on Thursday.  You may bring in a page to help you on the essay questions.

Lit. Comp. II

Today:

We started class looking at Arthur Miller's FBI record. 
We watched two clips:  How to spot a Commie, And a 10 minute documentary on The Red Scare and Hollywood.

We had a discussion about how time has the tendency to sometimes make the picture more clear.  We talked about Miller went from plotting communist, to being honored by President Clinton before he died.

We finished Act II.  I suggested that all of Miller's play end with a bang at the end of act 2.  We looked at how All My Sons does this as well.

HW:  Please complete the 10 examples of symbolism worksheet from Act I-II.  For each object, please clearly define what it is a symbol of.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We played a review game for the test.

After lunch we broke into study groups.  You may use one page, single side, of notes during the last 2 minutes of the test.

I gave you the essay question.

HW:  Please study for the test.

WOS:

Today:
We reviewed the end of the play.  We talked about your opinion of the final scene.

I gave you a fake Hamlet facebook page.  I asked you to make a page for one of the characters in the play, and write 10 posts on their wall.  I collected these.

I read to you the essay questions on the test.  You may bring in one page (front and back) to assist you in answering the essays.

We played Who wants to Win a Pizza Party.  As we ran out of time, we will finish playing the review game on Wed. and move the test to Thursday.

HW:  Please work on your paper.  This is due the Tuesday that we get back.

Lit. Comp. II:

Today:

We went over your reading assignments that I gave you for HW.

We defined symbolism.

We looked at The Sick Rose by William Blake.
I asked you to identify the symbols in the poem.
I asked each of you to define the 5-6 identified words that could be used to represent a bigger idea.  I collected these

We worked on Act II in class.

No HW this evening.  Enjoy the night off

Brit Lit:

Today:

I collected your assignment for the Sir Gawain Video game manual.  These are on time if received by 3pm today.  10 points for each day late.

We began our review for the unit exam.

I broke you into groups of 2 and asked you to write 20 multiple choice review questions.  As a review, here is what we have covered:

The Oral tradition
The seafarer
The Hero's Quest
Beowulf
Ballads:  Sir Patrick Spens, Get Up and Bar the Door, Twa Corbies, Barbara Allen.
Canterbury Tales
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Everyman
Morality Plays
Characterization.

On Tuesday we will be playing a review game called, Who Wants to Win a Pizza Party.  I will also be giving you the essay questions to allow you to prep/study for them.

Wed. Test.

WOS:

Today:
We looked at the formula for act V in a Shakespeare tragedy.
We finished working on our grief assignment outline.

I assigned the following paper:

Hamlet: Grief Session

Directions:  You are a psychiatrist and have begun counseling a new patient recently.  In a 250 word, one page typed paper, please file a report on your findings.  Please use specific examples from Acts 1-4 to support you end recommendations.  You are required to look at all of his soliloquies and dialogue, which should be used as direct conversations given in his therapy sessions.

 

Please follow the following rubric:
 

1.)  Start with an opening paragraph which needs to state your overall opinion of Hamlet’s mental state.                                                                           20 points

 

2.)  In your body, please detail 4 examples which support your thesis.   

40 points

 

3.)  Please end with a final paragraph restating your diagnosis.  Please end your report with your recommendations.                                                                        20 points

 

4.)  Paper is typed, with proper grammar and punctuation                 20 points     


We read act V. 

HW:  Please finish the play for HW.  Expect a quiz.
   

Lit. Comp. II

Today:

We started class watching a 3 minute video/cartoon outlining the American Dream.
We had a class discussion on whether the American Dream is still obtainable.

We did a short writing assignment:  Please describe how you family fits into the American Dream.    1 pg.

We looked at a character sketches for a real production of All My Sons. 

I broke you into 4 groups and assigned you the task of performing a part of act 1 in front of the class.
We performed these and I collected your script.

I passed out an outside reading packet.  Please read the following for HW:
New York Times article on All My Sons, Feb. 23, 1947
American Industry during WWII
Curtailing War Profits
Aircrafts produced during WWII
The Truman Committee
Miller's Inspiration for All My Sons.

Morality Play Rap

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHzIE-GV_as

Sir Gawain, orig. printing

Brit Lit:

Today:

I broke you into 5 groups and tasked you with writing a modern morality/miracle play.  They had to include the following:

10 Characters that have no real description, but are identified by just their name.  These could be connected to a virtue, a sin, or something associated with the basic idea of good vs. evil.

The point of the story to save ones soul.

2 pages (on sheet/ front and back)

Must connect to the modern world.

Extra credit to perform these after lunch.

Wos

Today:

We reviewed act III and I answered your questions.
We took a quiz on act III.

We looked at the lines between Gertrude and Hamlet and had a discussion on wether the lines suggest the interpretation by some that she is suggesting a physical relationship with her son (gross, I know...)

We read act IV.  We looked at the two missing words in Claudius dialogue.  I asked you to submit two words that not only fir the scene, but would dramatically change the scene.

HW:  Please finish act IV.  On Friday, we will be playing a small review game called Three strikes and you get a quiz.  The aim is to avoid a quiz by having everyone read.  So read!  You don't want to be the kid that strikes out and forces a quiz on the class.

Lit. Comp. II

Today:

I passed back your Animal Farm tests.  Great job everyone!  Average class grade on these = 87.

We finished act I in All My Sons.

We had a good discussion on hiding the truth to protect people.  Should we always be honest, or are there things in life that are so dark, they are best to cover up?  How does this connect to the American Dream?

Sir Gawain

Brit Lit.

Today:

We went to the computer lab for the first 30 min to research 14th c weaponry.  This will be a part of your video game project.  This is due Monday.

After lunch, we finished reading Everyman.

We defined morality plays.

HW:  Please work on your Video game manual for Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

WOS:

Today:
We started off class looking at the art of a break-up letter.  I asked you each to write a one page break up letter from Hamlet to Ophelia, or from Ophelia to Hamlet.  I asked you to use words and phrases that we discussed on the Shakespeare insult list.

We then had one person sit on the stool, while 3 people circle them reading each of the sentences of their letter.

We acted out the Mouse Trap play in act 3, focusing in on how the King and Queen would have looked on stage reacting to the play.

We looked at the ample stage direction, which is unusual.

We discussed if this scene proves or disproves Hamlets madness.

HW:  Please finish act III.  Please expect a quiz.

Lit. Comp. II

Today:

We defined the American Dream and had a class discussion if this dream still exists.
We acted out Act 1 in All My Sons.
I collected journals #1-10
I broke you into 5 groups and asked you to draw a character sketch for: Keller, Mother, Chris, Jim and Sue.

Tomorrow I will be showing you some sketches from an actual production of the play.

Welcome!

It was very nice to meet all of you today. I am looking forward to a great year! B Block: Please read Ch 1 in Shakespeare Alive! A and C Block- No HW See you Thursday!

Taming of the Shrew 2013

WOS

Have a warm, restful Summer Tantasqua!

WOS:

Taming of the Shrew....it is a wrap!  We finalized our class production of our final project.  I will post your movie on the blog once the editing is finalized.  I can't wait to see the final product!

Great job guys!

We broke into small groups to review/study for the final.  Reminder, you may bring in one page of notes to assist you in answering the final exam essay questions.

You will take your final this Monday.

Good luck, and thanks for being such a fun class.  I had a blast teaching you!

Brit Lit:

Today your Ghost story assignment was due.  I passed out the rubrics for the grade, and we identified the 5 allusions within your paper.  On the last page I also asked you to list each allusion and explain the specific reference, and how this directly contributed to your story.

A completed assignment consists of the following:
Assignment Rubric
4 page ghost story
Allusion menu, with 10 original allusions.
Original Storyboard

I answered any final questions that you may have had on the final Exam.  A Block takes their exam Friday, D Block on Monday.

I gave out term grades, and your final average before the final exam grade.  Reminder:  You final exam grade count towards 10% of your final year end grade.

As always in life, try and end each stage with greatness....

WOS:

We worked on filming/editing the modern parody of The Taming of the Shrew today.

Brit Lit:

We continued reviewing for the Final.

We read a NYT article on allusions.

We watched 4 examples of Shakespeare allusions in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

We moved the due date of your ghost stories/allusion assignment to this Thursday. 

 I will be afterschool today if anyone would like to review for the final or make up any last minute missing assignments.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We defined allusion and looked at some Shakespeare examples that were used in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

I asked you to list 10 of your own.  5 of these must be used in your ghost story.

We worked on the first draft of your story.  Final draft due Wed.

I passed out a review packet for your final exam.  Please start to look this over and study.

WOS:

Today, we continued filming your parody of the play, The Taming of the Shrew.  Reminder, this is due Friday- so keep it up!

We completed peer reviews on your classmates.

We began to review for the final next Monday.  Please use the following review sheet:

The World of Shakespeare: Final Exam Review Sheet 2013




We read the following: Othello, Hamlet, The Tempest, The Twelfth Night, The Taming of the Shrew, sonnets.



The following prompts are possible questions to consider (hint, hint):



#1 Examine the relationship in terms of a timeline between Desdemona and Othello. Please make sure to examine the end of their relationship, and how specifically Othello believes she has not been faithful. Examine how 4 characters other than Othello are directly, or indirectly responsible for the tragic ending.



#2 Please explain the ending of the 12th Night. Did true love prevail? Were you satisfied with the ending? Why or Why not? Please use specific details in your response.



#3 Talk about what makes a Shakespearean tragedy. Please examine one tragedy in your study group and discuss how it fits the definition.



#4 Please define the following literary devices that Shakespeare uses:

Alliteration, simile, metaphor, reversed word, reversed sentence construction, classical allusion, personification, suspension of disbelief, aside, using language to show class and status in the play. You should have three examples of each term and be ready to explain how they are used.



#5 Character can be defined by how one handles power. Look at 3 characters and discuss how well they handled power.



#6 Discuss the use of comedy in his plays. What ideas and specific plays hold up well and still make us laugh. Please use 3 specific scenes in your discussions.



7. Love, and the quest for love are important themes in many of Shakespeare’s plays. Please examine three relationships and explain in detail how they played out in specific detail using the 3 of the following plays: The 12th Night, Hamlet, Othello.



#8 Define a Shakespearian Sonnet. What did his sonnets reveal about him that his plays may not have? Pick a sonnet and be familiar enough with it that you could reference it in an answer. Be prepared to write an original sonnet about this class that follows the rules and rhyme pattern of a sonnet. You might wish to write this before the exam and have it on your page of notes.

WoS:

Today:

We went over storyboards
I introduced how to line up a shot list
We discussed costumes
We talked about group eval for the project.

We finished the script for the assignment and I made copies.

We will begin filming this Friday- so please make sure that you have everything that you need and are ready to go!

SHOWTIME!

Brit Lit:

Brit Lit: Ghost Stories


Ghost stories continue to hold our attention. They are easy to write, can be based on semi-factual information, and most people go into them wanting to be scared. We will be writing original ghost/scary stories in class this week.

The story should be as original as possible. It may include your own personal experiences or experiences from someone you know. It must have at least 5 allusions, which you will note (highlighting, annotations, etc.) in your final draft. You will also write a brief paragraph on the Allusions Reference Page explaining each allusion and stating the reason for using it in your piece. Be sure to correlate the allusion in the text to the explanation on the reference page--a simple superscript number or something similar will suffice.

Remember, the story need not be scary, just supernatural. You can tell a funny story, a sad story, an adventure story, etc. Find something that fits your style and run with it! The required length is 4 pages. See the rubric for further formatting instructions.

Drafts of your paper are due on the date below. We will do an in-class peer review on that day where you will work with one of your classmates. They will assess your paper based on the attached rubric, as I will do once you turn in your final revision. Your final revision is due on the date listed below.



Draft Due In Class:____6/17______

Final Paper Due:___6/19_______

WOS:

Today:

We wrote a modern script for acts 2-3.

Brit Lit:

Today we discussed the evolution of horror writing. 

We looked at recent horror movies and stories and had a good glass discussion on whether we were better off as a society when some things were not spoken or written. 

We looked at how this has impacted your imagination.

I gave your time to write your 5 frame horror assignment.

We shared these and discussed the characteristics of a good scary story.

WOS:

Today:

We began the script for your modern version of The Taming of the Shrew

I passed back your tests.  Kudos to Elysia for the highest grade in the class.

Your class script is due this Friday.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We read The Demon Lover, and answered the questions 1-9 on pg. 1021

We defined the characteristics of a ghost story.

Journal Prompt #30:  List three stories that SHOULD have a sequel, but do not.  For each, pitch a sequel idea in 3-5 sentences.

I assigned your last paper.

I will be collecting journals 20-30 wed.  Please have them up-to-date and ready to pass in.

Stay on target- we are almost there....

Wos:

A Shakespeare Movie Project

Over the next two exciting weeks, you will be working to produce a modern/classical version of the classic comedy, The Taming of the Shrew. We will be breaking this assignment into two parts. At the end of each week, I will be asking each group to evaluate their performance, and I will also be giving you a weekly grade based on observations. Translation: If you do nothing your grade will reflect this.

Each group should have the following parts assigned:



Director: Overseas all elements of production.

Actors: Must learn lines, and have acting ability and also write script You may need to play multiple parts.

Camera/filming/sound person, also write script.

Editors (knowledgeable in imovie, Final Cut, or other video editing program)


Week One: June 10-14: Script Construction:

Over the next week, you will have one day to convert each scene and make your master cue-card script. You will be given a large over-sized note board to write your lines. You will need to keep on task to complete this in the week given.


June 10: Agree to parts. Decide whether you are doing a modern or classical version, or something in between. At the end of this class, please submit the list of 25-30 must have scenes.


June 11: Act 1 script construction. You will be given an oversized sticky note board. You must have a script that is followed 100%. You can’t change your script, so make sure that you create a strong one. If you are making these modern, you will most likely need to convert the lines. If you choose to do these with the original language, you will need to decide what to keep and what to cut. Do not cut anything that fundamentally changes the play.


June 12: Act 2 Script construction. Act 1 + 2 due at the end of class.


June 13: Act 3 + 4 Script


June 14: Act 5 script + rehearse All script writing is due at the end of the block.





Week Two: June 17-20 filming:

You will have 2 days to film, and 2 days to edit. Please make sure that you follow a schedule and use your time wisely. You may wish to divide your group, so you can edit and film during the same days.







Final movie Due June 20th

Brit Lit:

Today:

We supported the art department and attended All Arts Day.  Great job to those that had work presented.

Your Victorian Novel paper was due today.  Please remember that you lose 10 points for every day late.  Get these in!!!

We continued looking at ghost stories.