Writing Across Cultures

After discussing Hebrew poetry, please enjoy this shlocky adventure film from director Nathan Juran with Ray Harryhausen's fun little claymation monsters. Seventh Voyage of Sinbad (1958)  Portfolio work: write your own Sinbad (or a similar hero) adventure story, film script, epic or narrative poem, play, comic strip (see this link for this) Here's help: the adventure archetype (usable for any story!)

The History of Palestine: Video Please examine and research the links below. There's a lot here (as always), but select some idea or event or information about Palestine and respond creatively in a poem, play, short story, non-fiction essay, film or script, newsletter/journal article, photograph, visual art, etc. This piece should find its way (along with the Hebrew poem exercise) into your portfolio. Palestine History: Time Line   Please read some poetry from Palestinian poets. The side bar also takes you to a variety of visual artists. As a creative response, see if one of these pictures leads you to ekphrastic poetry (or practice your own visual art). Made in Palestine: a website with poetry and visual art Palestinian film is gaining much respect in the modern world. Look and examine this information for film:  Palestinian film & directors

Please watch the following flash presentation on the link below. As you watch, take notes and pay attention to the information you are receiving, as always.  The History of Israel (Flash Presentation)  After learning a little about the history of Israel, please select 2 Israeli poets and research them from the link below. For each poet, you should briefly detail "WHO" the poet is, a little bit about the poet, awards, etc. Then select at least 1-2 poems from the author and read these. Be prepared to discuss at least one of these poets in class next time. (See Homework below) Israeli Poets Here are some links about ancient Hebrew Culture and Jewish culture and history. Please use this information and research to write a CREATIVE response in the form of a reflective non-fiction essay, a poem, a play, a comic strip, a fiction piece, etc. Ancient Hebrew Culture Ancient Hebrew Language Jewish Culture and History. Hebrew Culture Homework: Research 2 Israeli poets. Be ...

Take a look at these two photos. After viewing them, write for 5 minutes in a creative response. Our image of the Middle East often comes from antiquity. We are largely outdated in our understanding of this area of the world and romanticize exotic aspects of this "foreign" land. Arabia (the ancient middle east) has a particularly rich literary history. Today we will examine various pieces from this time period. For your notes and information in regards to research, here's a few links about Arabia. Aspects of Pre-Islamic Arabian Society Pre-Islamic Arabic Culture Stories of 1001 Arabian Nights Catherine Zeta Jones in the Thousand & One Arabian Nights Tales From 1001 Arabian Nights Tale from the 1001 Arabian Nights: The Lazy Donkey

We are finishing the last three presentations today. Afterward, we will be writing in our journals and reading a variety of material from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and various Middle Eastern Areas. A Day in the Life of a Muslim Wife (part one) A Day in the Life of a Muslim Wife (part two) Saudi Arabia: Under the Veil Portfolios: I'm handing these back with a progress report for the 2nd marking period. If you would like me to write additional comments about your work, please hand in the portfolio at the end of today's class.

The Nicki Syndrome by Kadisha Phillips  Mr. P (Comic) by Zach Lohouse Magazine Project: Pop Culture project by Rachel Tobin

Today those of us who have selected to write and perform a speech will be given a few minutes to rehearse (about 10) and then we'll go at it. Speakers should remember to (and be evaluated on): --Make eye contact --Speak clearly & enunciate (no gum chewing!) --Speak loudly enough for the next room to hear you --Use gestures and facial expressions that keep in tone with your speech --Use effective pauses --Speak at a rate that is not too fast or too slow --Research the topic thoroughly to understand and communicate the issue --Write a speech that has a clear purpose that analyzes pop culture & its significance Visual aides should be used to enhance (not act as a script) the speech. Usually they are presented before or after the speech. If you're using a PowerPoint, make sure you are not READING off of the powerpoint. The Powerpoint is only meant to hit your MAIN ideas or themes. The details come from your written speech and knowledge of your subject matter. A...