Writing Across Cultures

As we prepare for our trip around the world, there are a few issues to discuss. I'll be lumping these things together in class. 1. Technology (we've discussed this a bit, but here's the rest of it) 2. Gender (we'll continue to discuss this throughout the world) 3. Race (Race is really part of a larger idea concerning culture...that's what this course is about.) HOMEWORK: Please read Song of Solomon . Prepare to complete this novel by the time you return from the winter break. Take one of the ideas you wrote about today and flesh it out into an essay, poem, short story, play, comic strip, graphic-design poster, memoir, film, zine, etc.

Please consider the influence of Nietzsche's theories on "Jennifer Government" and your superhero comic books. More Nietzche to follow. Keep working on portfolio material and reading, research, etc. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) Some basic beliefs: The individual is important and can develop into something "super". The person able to reach this superior position is a " Superman "(ubermensche) The purpose of thinking is so that we can get along in the world. Nothing is objective. All is subjective. "There are no facts, only interpretations" Nietzsche created the concept of " transvaluation ": giving an old idea new significance. Most people belong to " the herd "; the herd mentality prevents people from creating new ways of thinking and acting. Being part of the herd makes for a dull life. The superman can resist the herd mentality and take control of his/her life; The superman is able to live for himself on his own ...

Please work on: 1. Portfolio 2. Research comic book culture/prepare speech 3. Read Jennifer Government

Please begin reading Jennifer Government . To start off, check out Max Barry's website here . To start off, please take the first 5 minutes of class to read the article: "Snap! Crackle! Plot!" by Roy Rivenburg. After reading, please respond in writing. Then, let's take a look at some advertising techniques. As you watch the slide show, please take notes about advertising strategies. Creative Advertising Techniques . What do you think? Then check out the 2010 Oscar award winning animated short film: Logorama . I think it captures the events in Jennifer Government pretty well. After viewing, let's respond. Please make a list of things you'd like to buy if you were given a blank check and the sky was the limit. Now annotate the list with brief explanations for why you want each item. --How much of what we buy is who we are? --How does what we buy help us connect, compare, or create homogeneous groups (hegemonies). --America: why are we ...

Work on your portfolio and comic book informational speech. The portfolio , like last time, should include a variety of class projects in various genres. Required pieces include: Trekkies film review, the television writing piece (see oct. 21 post) and the 1984/V for Vendetta piece (see Nov. 5 post). All other pieces and revisions or drafts of earlier portfolio work can be included in the portfolio as well. For a rubric check out the September 7 post. Also, begin researching your comic book subject. As stated below, you should find out a variety of information about your topic. The list is NOT limited to: The original author/artist The history of the comic The origin of the character The popularity of the comic The influence the comic had on society Major events and issues going on in society that might have affected how the comic was received or imagined Ideas for visual aides: Brochure Newsletter Flyer Powerpoint presentation Remember that visual aides are NOT your speech. They are u...

Please research any one of the following to give a short presentation (informational speech) to the class: Early comic book history & the Golden Age: 1. Comic books: "Famous Funnies" & Harry Wildenberg 2. Comic books/serials/tv/movies/lunchboxes: "Buck Rogers" 3. Comic books/serials/movies/lunchboxes: "Dick Tracy" 4. Comic books/serials/t.v/lunchboxes: "The Lone Ranger" 5. Comic books/serials/t.v./lunchboxes: "Flash Gordon" 6. Comic books: "Detective Comics" 7. Comic books: "Action Comics" 8. Comic books: "Marvel Comics" 9. Comic books: "Captain Marvel" 10. Comic books/animation/t.v./movies/lunchboxes: "Superman" 11. Comic books/animation/t.v./movies/lunchboxes: "Spiderman" 12. Comic books: Jack Kirby "King of Comics" 13. Comic books/animation/t.v./lunchboxes: "Archie" comics 14. Comic books: "Samuel Maxwell Iger" or "Jerry Iger" ...

Writing idea: using the packet handed to you last class, create a script for a graphic "novel" or "short story". Panels: Unless you are using a splash page (to include the title and writing/illustrating credits), most graphic novels use approximately 5-6 panels per page. When you set your script up, note that you should keep track of which panels (and how many) should be included on a page. The bigger the picture (more important the panel) the fewer panels you will likely have on the scripted page. After our test today, you will have some time to write and plan a script, if you'd like.

Below, please find various examples of how to interact with Orwell's novel. Examining some of this will also prepare you for the test on 1984 on Monday. Use any of the following genres to write: short story, poem cycle (at least 3 connected thematically poems or a poem in at least 3 parts), creative non-fiction, script, graphic novel script, or other. Use a quote from the book to write about our own situation/culture, etc. "People shouldn't be afraid of their governments; governments should be afraid of their people." -- V for Vendetta "Nearly all children nowadays were horrible. What was the worst of all was that by means of such organizations as the Spies they were systematically turned into ungovernable little savages, and yet this produced in them no tendency whatever to rebel agains tht ehdiscipline of the Party. On the contrary, they adored the Party and everything connected with it...it was a sort of glorious game to them." - 1984 , pg. 24. "You ...

Please check out and begin reading the novel: 1984. As you read, please take a look at any of these links: Having trouble understanding the book or you are lazy and cannot read the entire book and need to know what happens in a certain chapter? Look here . You have lost or forgotten your book and you want to read the text. Look here . An animated discussion (with George Orwell's voice, talking about his book). You'd like to see part of the film adaptation of the book with actor John Hurt as Winston. Look here for: Just the trailer . Part 1 of the film . Part II of the film . Part III of the film. Part IV of the film . Part V of the film . Part VI . You can find the other sections from Youtube. Some of the sections of the film have been deleted because of "copyright" -- or perhaps because the government doesn't want you to see them. Creative student films using 1984 as starting material. 1984 Postmodernism in 1984 (lecture). Famous essay: Shooting an Elephant (in...

Take one of your favorite shows and write about it. Your "writing" can be any of the following, the point is that the piece examine various issues and reflect a bit about how TV (this show in particular) influences our culture. 1. Create a documentary! With a camera or microphone, record peers and teachers attitudes about your show! 2. Non-fiction essay: you know how these things work now. Write one and reflect! 3. Poem 4. Short story 5. Play/movie/tv script (for TV script format look here .) Draft 1 due by the end of the week (no later than Monday, Oct. 26)

Love it or turn it off, TV has changed us. Look here for information about the history of TV. Take a few notes about TV history. Examine how TV has insinuated itself into American culture. Television Without Pity is a website that provides detailed recaps of select television dramas, situation comedies and reality TV shows, often by mocking them. In 2007 the site was purchased by the Bravo unit of NBC Universal. The site is notable for its wide usage of the word "snark" to describe its typical style of sarcastic review. The site's mascot is Tubeelzebub (a portmanteau of tube and Beelzebub - "Tubey" for short), a demonic television set replete with horns and a pointed tail. Please view the site: Television Without Pity . Read a few critiques. Try writing a critique of your own based on your favorite TV show list. Also take a look here. Greatest T.V. Controversies . Review these sites and make notes or brainstorm ideas for fiction/poetry, TV scripts, or non-ficti...

The original Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry, debuted in 1966 and ran for three seasons, following the interstellar adventures of Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the Federation Starship Enterprise. These adventures were continued in an animated television series and six feature films. Four more television series were produced, based in the same universe but following other characters: Star Trek: The Next Generation, following the crew of a new Starship Enterprise set several decades after the original series; Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager set contemporaneously with The Next Generation; and Star Trek: Enterprise, set in the early days of human interstellar travel. Four additional feature films were produced, following the crew of The Next Generation, and most recently a 2009 movie reboot of the series featuring a young crew of the original Enterprise set in a parallel universe. Check here for the "official" Star Trek website. Some fans hav...

The portfolio is due today (Thursday, Oct. 8). While in the lab, please finish any last minute touches on your work. Proofread and prepare a 1-2 page reflection on your writing. Discuss each piece you select for the portfolio and explain what you feel still needs to be worked on, what you found to be working in the piece, and where you might want to take the project given a second or third draft and more time. If you turn in the portfolio early, check this blog--make sure you have read the appropriate articles, completed homework, etc. Continue reading and completing your non-fiction book. Finish this over the long weekend. Check out these clips. Use any of these ideas to create a poem, short story, non-fiction narrative, film, play/script, comic strip, etc. of your own: Captain Capitalism cartoon In Debt We Trust Maxed Out (2006) What Would Jesus Buy? - clip #1 What Would Jesus Buy - clip #2 Consumer Island (short) Consumerism - the musical Embodiment of the American Way (satire)...

You know it. You love it. It's the right thing to buy and will make your life complete. Welcome consumerism. Consumerism can be defined as the theory that a progressively greater consumption of goods is economically beneficial. We use the term also to refer to an attachment to materialistic values or possessions. Recently, it also refers to a movement seeking to protect and inform consumers by enacting laws that affect honest packaging, advertising, and safety and quality issues. Culturally, America is often blamed for rampant consumerism. Recently, the government encouraged Americans to "go out and buy" stuff to help the economy. But does this really help? And what is it doing to us as a hegemonic group of people and our culture? Please read the following articles and view the clips. For each article, jot down a brief summary of the article. Prepare to discuss the articles on Tuesday, Oct. 6. To hand in: write a question you want to ask about the points made by these au...

Your portfolio for WXC is due Oct. 8. Today, work on finishing your 2 (or more)drafts of writing. If you finish early you have various options. 1. Workshop with another friend who is also finished. 2. Revise and create a second draft of one or both of your 1st drafts. 3. Read your pop-culture book. 4. Take an idea from your pop-culture book and write a poem, creative essay, script, or short story involving the topic. 5. Work on your evaluation for this marking period. The Evaluation should be a 1-2 page (double spaced, 12 point font) discussion about what you did this marking period. It is SELF reflective. You do not need to whine, but examine what you surprised yourself with, what you liked about your writing, what you think you need more assistance on, etc. Talk about each piece of writing in specific terms (use literary language and vocabulary).

Earlier this past week, you were asked to respond to the question: "why did you choose the popular culture topic you did for your project?" this assignment should have been written down, typed preferably, and composed as a first draft. Thursday, you were asked to go through your journal and examine the various writing responses we have made regarding the reading assignments in class. Choose one of these journal entries and expand the article to create a first draft. Monday, we will be visiting the lab to do any of the following: 1. Finish your work. 2. Edit, strengthen, rewrite or revise these two pieces. 3. Read your pop culture book. 4. Research your pop culture topic. Please collect and record sites you use on your works cited page. 5. Complete the fictional letter exercise started in class. All your writing and research at this point should be kept in your portfolio. The portfolio will be collected and graded next week. In it you should have a variety of writing pieces. T...

For our course (and to prepare you for college), we will be conducting MLA/APA format and collecting resources and recording the sites and material that helps us conduct the appropriate research needed for a variety of writing assignments. To start us off, today in the library we will show you how to do this. With time remaining, please begin reading and researching your chosen book. Please keep the handout about responding as a personal/critical film analysis/and an open-ended analytic assignment. This is a sample and model for your own writing. Please read and keep this packet, as you will be able to refer to it later when you write your own creative work. Homework : Read your book. As you read, list questions, comments, or relevant information about topics that need to be examined further regarding your topic. This will prove helpful as you continue the writing exercises to come. Please bring your book with you to next class.

Link to the Pop culture webzine "Pop Matters." Read 1 FEATURE article, read 1 COLUMN article, and read 1 other article of your choice from music, to blogs, to books, to movies, to television, to any other article posted on the zine. For each article (3 total): 1 FEATURE, 1 COLUMN, 1 Personal Choice, please prepare the following: 1. Summarize the article. Be prepared to summarize the gist of the article to the rest of the class. Please make sure you note the author and title of the article. 2. Analyze the article. In your opinion is the article well written, correct, insightful, relevant, important, etc.? Then answer WHY? 3. Explain what drew you to read and analyze this article. Choose 1 of your three articles and prepare a "writing exercise" for it. 4. Suggest what might a writer do with this article. Why would the topic make a good subject, story, character, plot, setting, theme, genre, poem, non-fiction essay, play, film, editorial, performance art piece? How mig...

4 = Exemplary 3= Accomplished 2= Promising 1=Beginning/developing 0=Failed Exemplary: Thoroughly developed characters, plot, structure, conflict, theme, and setting. Uses vivid description, effective diction and word choice, tone or voice, POV, imagery, and compelling dialogue throughout portfolio. Uses a variety of effective literary devices. Writing can be considered “art,” effectively communicating issues central to the human condition. Has few errors in spelling punctuation, syntax, and usage. Work includes evidence of several revised drafts. Work included in portfolio reflects a wide range of styles and genres. There is more than ten full typed pages of new work. Uses lab and class time to full extent. Participates consistently and insightfully in class discussions. Accomplished: Well developed characters, plot, conflict, theme, and setting. Uses good description, diction, dialogue, voice, POV, imagery, etc. but work may not be as insightful or artfully constructed. Uses some lite...

Culture Scientists and Anthropologists define culture as learned behavior acquired by individuals as members of a social group. According to Edward Tyler in 1871: culture includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and other capabilities or habits acquired by a group. Culture is a learned behavior. Culture is also used to refer to a highly cultivated person versed in art, philosophy, etc. Culture includes insignificant behavior such as behavior traits, etiquette, food habits, as well as refined arts of a society. Culture can also be considered as the sum total of human knowledge and acquired behavior of humankind. Habits or behavior is generally transmitted from members to the young or outsiders until the outsider is also an insider, part of the group. Language : common way of communication. Language is a system of verbal and nonverbal symbols used to communicate ideas. The study of these symbols is what is known as semiotics . Taboos : strict mores or behavior that is looked...

The new academic year will begin September 2. Writing Across Cultures will be held in room A240 during 1/2 period. The course syllabus will be provided electronically from this site.

I am wiping links and information from this blog to set up for our incoming senior class. Welcome class of 2010!

Choose a manga. Read it. Report next class about the story, plots, characters, themes, or any other formalist or literary element found in the book. Write a 1 page description of the book. Include your own opinion about the story and your reading experience. What elements seemed foreign or odd to you? Feel free to comment on the drawing or artistic style as well. Be prepared to share this information with the class. You should also form an opinion about Manga and be able to express this to the class - why do you think it is popular? What audiences does Manga seem to reach? Do you feel you are the target audience, why or why not? How might manga influence your own life? For extra credit, those inclined can also check out a manga drawing book. Create and draw your own Manga character. For extra, extra credit, color the drawing.

As we watch Sinbad, please find examples of the Adventure & Quest Archetype. For a writing idea, use the quest or adventure archetype to create a story. The Quest The quest is traditionally a journey about the self. 1. The story starts at Protagonist’s home 2. Protagonist is pushed or spurred into action 3. The decision to ACT leads to the first major event This first event is called a Motivating Incident The main character has both: Intent= to find the goal motivation=reason for wanting to achieve it 4. The protagonist rarely travels alone; helpful characters aid the protagonist 5. Usually the quest includes a series of incidents (actions) that help to develop the protagonist The author must ask: what difficulties would make the most interesting and challenging obstacles for the protagonist. 6 The final act of the story includes a revelation, epiphany, discovery or realization about the main character’s life or personal situation. 7. Often, additional complications arise...

Copy these sites into the address bar. The first is a series of personal blogs from the Middle East. Use any of this material for ideas involving the Middle East/Islam, etc. http://personalweb.about.com/od/middleeasternwebpages/Middle_Eastern_Web_Pages_Web_Pages_From_People_in_the_Middle_East.htm More Blogs - you can find them on the side bar here. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2008/12/saudi-arabia--1.html The third is Time's news-website for information about the Middle East. http://mideast.blogs.time.com Some movie clips to think about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZltyidbP1F4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GulQUBUx65Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgXgpngHf60 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOOWpc5QQ9s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLFYMkQPakE&feature=PlayList&p=2CC6443ED42D429D&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zb2h2Wp0lg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKFtNEM23d8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_A77N5WKWM...

Basic Beliefs of Islam 1. Allah, is the only God, and Muhammad is his prophet. 2. Prophets and Messengers: While Muhammad is the sole prophet in Islam, the religion recognizes many of the prophets from Judaism and Christianity, such as Noah, Moses, Abraham, Jesus, and others. Whereas Jesus is thought to be the final prophet for Christianity, Muhammad is God's last prophet according to Islam. As most prophets, Muhammad is chosen by Allah to deliver his message to humankind. 3. The Guidance from Allah & the Qur'an: Muhammad left behind the Word of Allah, the Qur'an, and his teachings, Hadith, were collected by his companions (similar to Christianity's disciples). The Qur'an and the Hadith are the textual sources of Islamic teachings. The Qur'an (or Koran) is equivalent in importance to the Christian Bible or the Jewish Talmud . 4. The Angels: Thought to be beings of purity and light, the angels do Allah's bidding. Taken from Judaism and Christianity, th...

Please research Albert Camus. 1. Jot down a few notes about his life and biography. 2. In your own words explain Camus' view on Absurdity . 3. In your own words explain Camus' view on Solidarity . 4. Who was Sisyphus and how might this myth be a good example of absurdity? 5. Explain Existentialism. 6. How might The Stranger be considered an example of existentialism? What is Camus' point about the meaning of our lives? 7. What are some basic principals, movements or themes of existentialism? 8. Who said "God is dead." 9. Who said "Hell is other people." 10. Choose a quote from Albert Camus and use this somehow in your writing (either as an epigram or perhaps as a starting point for a story/poem/essay/script.) By the way, the link on the right also has a plethora of other existential ideas. Peruse and use any of these topics to help you create writing. By the way, you CAN also use the photographs on this page inspirationally, perhaps in your poetry, etc. ...

Please check out Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel. You may begin reading this book. When we return from break, we will have a writing assignment due at the end of that week. Aim to complete your reading by 3/1/09, the beginning of March. For a prompt, try creating your own imaginary recipe. Perhaps take an abstract concept, for example (love, solitude, melancholy, etc.), and create a metaphorical recipe. How much jealousy would you require to add to the batter of love? Not to your liking? You may, of course, write a script for a cooking show, sprinkle recipes through a fictional story, or write a non-fiction personal essay discussing the importance of family and food--or pick a prompt from your reading. Let Esquivel inspire you. When we return we will be discussing Magical Realism and Mexican/South American literature. Have a safe and happy break!

Remember your two writing pieces are due Friday! You are being graded on content, form, style, creativity, theme, character (speaker), plot, conflict, literary devices used skillfully, development, and just plain good-ness. High scores of 4 = Accomplished, 3 = promising, 2 = developing, 1 = beginning. Work not turned in receives a zero. Please no late papers. Finish reading The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven . We will discuss the test on Friday.

Please read the rest of the collection (pg. 110-211) 1. Use a series of years (as in Jesus Christ's Half-brother...) as a frame work for a character or a series of characters. Try keeping your prose style as journalistic as possible. As an additional style challenge, end each year section with a distinct image that does not necessarily conclude the "chapter" - you'll notice in Alexie's story, he ends each section with a short concise declarative sentence. Try that. 2. Tell a story about someone telling a story. Change the story style as you go. Perhaps you may want to tell a sci-fi story, then a romance, then an action adventure story, then a realistic drama, etc. Play with tone and voice. 3. Write about your culture. What games or leisure activities do YOUR people like? Write about that. 4. Write about a domestic crisis. 5. Write about people at the edge, not over-the-edge, but people in a desperate situation in their lives -- it is important that you do not ...

Continue reading Sherman Alexie's short fiction. Prompts for poetry, plays, non-fiction, and fiction are below: Read pages: 54-110. 1. Write an unflattering reflection of yourself (or a character who is a composite of unflattering aspects of yourself). 2. Write about a city you would like to get to, or leave. 3. Write about a supernatural talent that an ordinary person wakes up one day to find that he/she can now do. 4. Write about an amusement (something fun that people do). 5. Write about a character you created in the past. Tell a new story with an old character. 6. Choose a small overlooked newspaper article. Change the names and details, but rewrite the article to launch yourself into a story, essay, play, poem, etc. 7. Write about a trial. 8. Write about a medicine man. 9. Search through a history book and select a moment in history. Write down an inspiring or interesting passage or phrase and use this as an epigram before a poem, fiction piece, play, or non-fiction essay.

Please check out the Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven from our library before you enter mid-term week. Begin reading this collection of short fiction. As you read, choose one of the prompts from each group below and write in your journal or type out a short story. These drafts will be helpful to your writing portfolio for the 4th marking period. Please check back periodically during Mid-Term Week for all the prompts. Read: Every Little Hurricane A Drug Called Tradition Because My Father...At Woodstock Crazy Horse Dreams Pages 1-54 Choose any or all prompts: 1. Write about a storm 2. Write about a fight 3. Write about refinding a tradition 4. Write about a drug 5. Write about Jimi Hendrix 6. Write about Woodstock 7. Write about a Dream 8. Write about the man Crazy Horse 9. Write about a father More prompts will be listed later for the next group of stories. Please check back soon!

Pick a decade...any decade. Research the decade to find out various things, details, events, ideology, etc. that occurred during that decade. You may wish to examine: pop culture (from that decade), popular books or literary styles, popular music, food fashions, fashion fashions, historical or political events, economics, religious issues current in the decade, controversy, etc. Log all your details and notes in a journal that you will be expected to work from and turn in for a grade. If you take information from the internet or from books please note WHERE you took that information. Create a "Works Cited" page! This will also be required and turned in! Gather enough info so that when we return from mid-terms, you will be ready for Decade Project - Part II!

Please continue to read (and complete) A Lesson Before Dying or Betsey Brown by next week. Today, please turn in your research notes (1 page looking for allusions/historical references, for Lesson : (the 1940's/1990's) and for Betsey (the 1950's/1980's). Our next writing project will require you to choose a decade or time period in history. Any history. In Betsey Brown , for example, Shange sets her story during the Civil Rights Movement. Before you write, you will be required to take copious notes about history. You should also consult the library and select a book. These secondary sources should be an inspiration and act as resources for your story/play/film script/essay/poem cycle. You will need to include a "works cited" page along with your completed draft of the original writing. More details will be explained in class.