The preface to my edition of The Great Gatsby asserts the following:
"The Great Gatsby does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politicaly correct; it does not reveal how to solve the problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece."
To what exent to you agree/disagree with this quotation? Feel free to comment on one small piece or on the overall sentiment of the passage. Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Final Gatsby Discussion: Chapters 8 and 9
This is your last chance to offer interpretations and pose questions about The Great Gatsby, so get your ideas out there!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Live Blogging: The End of The Awakening
If you have been in the inner circle very little (or not at all!), make an effort to participate today. We want to hear your voice!
This is our last discussion of The Awakening, so let's make it happen.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Live Blogging: The Awakening (Chapters 9-12)
I've been enjoying your discussions so far. Keep up the strong work, and remember that you're aiming to make at least five strong comments.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Live Blogging: "The Yellow Wallpaper"
Please aim to participate at least five times, either through the blog, in the inner circle, or through a combination of both. Take your time both reading and writing comments, and enjoy!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Twain: The Final Fishbowl
Today we will have our final fishbowl discussion of Pudd'nhead Wilson. Please try to break away from live blogging at least once to enter the inner circle (the water is just fine!).
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Human Classification in 2008
Throughout our discussion of Puddn'head Wilson, we've analyzed race from a comfortable distance by keeping the novel situated squarely in the 19th century. Do you think that our society today still faces the same issues of race and classification that Twain questioned and satirized in his works? Is our sociey better off? Worse? The same? Can you think of any specific examples to support your opinion?
Feel free to address not only Puddn'head Wilson but also Ethnic Notions, Social Darwinism, "freak shows" and human circuses, and any other issues that have coincided with our study of the text.
Before you respond, please read a short article published today by clicking here. You may use this article in your response if you wish, but please don't feel limited by it (you may address other, non-related topics as well).
As always, remember that this is a conversation; be sure to read and comment on each other's posts.
Feel free to address not only Puddn'head Wilson but also Ethnic Notions, Social Darwinism, "freak shows" and human circuses, and any other issues that have coincided with our study of the text.
Before you respond, please read a short article published today by clicking here. You may use this article in your response if you wish, but please don't feel limited by it (you may address other, non-related topics as well).
As always, remember that this is a conversation; be sure to read and comment on each other's posts.
Roxy in 2008
Throughout Puddn'head Wilson, we've explored issues of race from a comfortable distance by keeping the novel situated squarely in the 19th century. Do you think our society today is still facing the issues of race and social classification that Twain questions and satirizing in
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Live Blogging: "The Damned Human Race"
As you live blog, please remember the following:
1. Keeping hitting the F5 key to refresh the page and view new comments.
2. Type in Microsoft Word first to make sure you have proper spelling and grammar.
3. Aim to make at least five thoughful comments.
3. Keep the discussion focused and academic. Today's topics are Social Darwinism and Mark Twain's "The Damned Human Race."
1. Keeping hitting the F5 key to refresh the page and view new comments.
2. Type in Microsoft Word first to make sure you have proper spelling and grammar.
3. Aim to make at least five thoughful comments.
3. Keep the discussion focused and academic. Today's topics are Social Darwinism and Mark Twain's "The Damned Human Race."
Monday, January 7, 2008
Learning Reflections
Consider how your learning has changed from your 8th grade year until now:
What have been the most important changes you have experienced?
What role has technology played in these changes?
How would you describe your learning style in English this year, and how is it different from past years/other classes?
What have been the most important changes you have experienced?
What role has technology played in these changes?
How would you describe your learning style in English this year, and how is it different from past years/other classes?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Your Vision
What are three characteristics that would be part of a "perfect school" five years from now? Think about the roles of the student, teacher, and technology as you describe your ideal learning climate. As you consider this question, you might also think about what you might look for in your ideal college.
Please consider this question seriously and realistically, as your responses will form part of a presentation to the 21st century learning community of teachers this week.
Please consider this question seriously and realistically, as your responses will form part of a presentation to the 21st century learning community of teachers this week.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Drawing Electricity from the Sky
Examine Benjamin West's painting, Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky (1805). You may access this painting via the following link: http://www.frankelec.com/west_fullsize.htm. After spending a few moments with the painting, please respond to one or more of the following questions:
1. What do you think the artist is trying to achieve in this painting? Consider the sometimes clashing roles of science and religion and how they function in this painting.
2. What are your reactions to the elements of this painting? Do you think it's Romantic? Rationalist? Explain your response.
3. What do you think Benjamin Franklin thought of this portrait of himself?
1. What do you think the artist is trying to achieve in this painting? Consider the sometimes clashing roles of science and religion and how they function in this painting.
2. What are your reactions to the elements of this painting? Do you think it's Romantic? Rationalist? Explain your response.
3. What do you think Benjamin Franklin thought of this portrait of himself?
Monday, October 29, 2007
Live Blogging: "The Minister's Black Veil"
This is last live blogging session, so let's make it happen, people!
Remember to proofread carefully before publishing your comment. Enjoy!
Remember to proofread carefully before publishing your comment. Enjoy!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Tell-Tale Heart: Live Blogging
Please post your fishbowl comments here; remember to refresh the page frequently by hitting F5. The same rules for writing apply to live blogging:
1. Always proofread and use standard spelling and grammar.
2. Use complete sentences, not IM language.
3. Read others' comments before posting your own, and focus on having a conversation with each other.
Enjoy!
1. Always proofread and use standard spelling and grammar.
2. Use complete sentences, not IM language.
3. Read others' comments before posting your own, and focus on having a conversation with each other.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Please click on this link to read about one of the most controversial experiments of our time: The Stanford prison experiment. Read meticulously, as some of the most fascinating (and disturbing) elements of this experiment are in the little details.
When you have finished reading, I'd like you to use the blog to respond to what you have read. I'm not going to give you guiding questions this time; instead, I'd like you to ask your own questions and offer your own, authentic responses. Tomorrow in class we will be connecting this experiment to The Crucible.
Remember that the blog is space to have a conversation, so read others' comments, respond to others' questions, and react to others' reactions.
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