Writing Across Cultures

This morning, after our pop quiz on The Handmaid's Tale (see homework below!), please complete your portfolios today in lab. Save about 20 minutes (9:10) for a discussion/question session and instruction from Ms. Jordan. Clip #1: Bella: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTM1irjA9Es Answer question #1 now. Clip #2: Buffy:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZwM3GvaTRM Answer question #2 now. HOMEWORK: We do not have classes next week. Please use this time to complete your reading of The Handmaid's Tale. Be prepared to discuss the book and take a test on it when we return from mid-term break.

This is a reprint from early September and November: I will be using the following rubric when assessing your portfolios. A portfolio is due each quarter and comprises the major part of your quarter grade (along with attendance, participation/homework, reading, quizzes/tests, presentations and class activities like discussions and so forth). 4 = Exemplary 3= Accomplished 2= Promising 1=Beginning 0=Failing Exemplary : Thoroughly and artistically 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 in a compelling way. Has few errors in spelling punctuation, syntax, and usage. Sentence structure and overall effect of the work is artistic. Format is carefully and correctly followed. Work incl...

After our quiz on The Handmaid's Tale, please work on your portfolio today in class. You should have at least the following assignments in your portfolio this quarter: A. The Fairy Tale Poem Draft Please select a fairy tale you would like to work with and retell it as narrative poetry. You are more than welcome to do several of these as a poem cycle if you wish. Look here for examples of stories from the Brother's Grimm. Pick a story, read it, then rewrite it as poetry in verse. Use Anne Sexton as a model. B.  Gloria Steinem: "If Men Could Menstruate" Women Against Feminism (Rush Limbaugh) "Who's Oppressing Who?" by Barbara Kay Judy Syfer's essay: "Why I Want a Wife" (1971) Camille Paglia: "The Modern Campus Cannot Comprehend Evil" (2014) Please read the five articles linked above and compare/contrast the ideas presented therein. Which article speaks loudest to you, and why? Please respond in a thoughtful short e...

After a discussion on the first few chapters of The Handmaid's Tale, let's go back to examining some fairy tales with poet Anne Sexton. See previous post for details. A refresher: The Archetypal Fairy Tale • Stories, often told to children, to entertain, instruct or teach • Often used to illustrate the problems that children and young people face as they become adults • The characters in fairy tales represent part of our own “psyche” or inner self Common themes in fairy tales include: • Metamorphosis • Transformation • Imprisonment • Love • Good versus evil (overcoming obstacles) • Death or transition • Illusion or misunderstanding • Rules or authority There are often  boy  and  girl  fairy tales. These differ in  plot . • Boy fairy tale plots focus on exploration, discovery, and include a climax which separates the boy from his childhood. Usually by the end, the boy has grown into a man. • Girl fairy tale plots focus on discovery as wel...

This morning, after reading our class responses and reflecting, we will read selections from Anne Sexton's poetry book Transformations (1971). As you will see, she takes standard fairy tales and rewrites them (often with a feminist flair). In the lab, to be included in your portfolio, please select a fairy tale you would like to work with and retell it as narrative poetry. You are more than welcome to do several of these as a poem cycle if you wish. Look here for examples of stories from the Brother's Grimm. Pick a story, read it, then rewrite it as poetry in verse. Use Anne Sexton as a model. After reading some poetry, we will be picking up The Handmaid's Tale and taking a look at the first chapter. As we read the first chapter together, notice how Atwood creates setting and tone to hook the reader. HOMEWORK: Please read the first 53 pages for Friday. (Parts 1-3) Also, see below for other homework and notes.

  "In my heart, I think a woman has two choices: either she's a feminist or a masochist." —Gloria Steinem "The day will come when men will recognize woman as his peer, not only at the fireside, but in councils of the nation. Then, and not until then, will there be the perfect comradeship, the ideal union between the sexes that shall result in the highest development of the race." —Susan B. Anthony "In passing, also, I would like to say that the first time Adam had a chance he laid the blame on a woman." —Nancy Astor (British Politician) Feminism  is the theory that men and women should be equal politically, economically and socially. Notice that this theory does not subscribe to  differences  between men and women or  similarities  between men and women, nor does it refer to excluding men or only furthering women's causes. Most other branches of feminism do. Why you believe in feminism and what your ideas are to make feminism a reality is ...

While I'm out doing the district's work, please follow the instructions I gave the sub. I'll be back Wednesday. Please turn in any work you have to the sub. If you were absent last class, please complete the writing assignments from last class. See our previous blog post for details! After reading and responding to the articles today, please go to the lab and work on your portfolio. Your portfolio is due next Wednesday, January 21. Remember that you will want to show some revision in your portfolio (and yes, you should have a quarter reflection!) HOMEWORK: None.

Please turn in your response and analysis of the fairy tale assignment from last class. In the lab today, please answer the following prompt and write a paragraph describing the perfect man and the perfect woman. You will have at least 2 paragraphs: one to describe the perfect traits of a woman, and one for the perfect traits of a man. Traits can be physical, mental, social, or personality. Try to imagine the ideal woman and the ideal man and describe these figures or archetypes with your own viewpoint, description, and opinion. After writing, please hand in your work. We'll use these articles next class. Then: Please read the philosophical articles on Mary Wollenstonecraft, Simone De Beauvoir, and Julia Kristeva. Identify their main points and compare how each is different or expands on the theme of feminism. Then as a more contemporary viewpoint, please read the article by Ariel Levy on "Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture"--how does Levy's argument fit in...

Archetypal Theory or Myth Criticism The Collective Unconscious , is a collection of latent images, not in one’s personal unconscious but from the ancestral past, as well as pre-human or animal ancestors. Not inherited, the Collective Unconscious belongs to all of us in a certain culture and time. Latent images manifest from our unconscious minds so that we can recognize patterns and symbols in an icon or persona. It is these primal symbols and concepts that create the tropes we use in story telling. A full list of tropes can be found here . C.G. Jung :  Psychology of the Unconscious Here's a link referring to  Jung's theory of Archetypes J.G. Frazer :  The Golden Bough: a Study in Magic and Religion Arche = original Typos = form Patterns, as those found often in literature, originate in the  collective unconscious. Both  plots  and  characters  of literary works can be examined for archetypal patterns. In literary criticism, the f...

Continue reading Equus in class today. Analyze one character using the psychological theories and concepts we have covered so far in class. HOMEWORK: If we don't finish in class, please complete the play and analysis of 1 character to turn in when you return from break. Have a nice Holiday!

Peter Shaffer's  Equus Equus , like  Oedipus Rex , uses the motif of "eyes." As you read the play notice how the playwright uses this motif. You will likely find many examples of "seeing" or "eyes" or "vision." Try to find other motifs when you see them. Also, look for archetypes and psychological concepts. What should you do with this information? When examining a novel, poem, play or film, a certain image or line may repeat an idea, theme, object, etc. Taken together, this object, event, or idea becomes a motif and/or a symbol representing something larger than itself. As viewers or listeners we need to be aware that this is occurring so that we understand what the author intended -- it works the same way in visual art. A viewer must be able to decode the visual symbols the artist creates in order to understand the message or meaning of the work. As writers, we can utilize this technique to strengthen our writing. Try it by choosin...

What is happiness? Why can't we be happy? Why can't we be loved? Why can't we love others? This morning, please read Erich Fromm's theories about why our lives are filled with powerlessness and anxiety. How might we correct that and live fulfilling lives? Read and find out. Take notes on the graphic organizer. Fromm sets forth personality types: Receptive people Exploitative people Hoarding people Marketing people Necrophilious people Productive people Write a short 1-3 page dialogue (script, film, or fiction) today in the lab, choose 2-4 of the types from Fromm and "play that role" to build conflict in a scenario/scene. You may work with a partner if you'd like, alternating the writing of lines (consider using Google Docs).  During period 2, please read the article by Carl Rogers and Virginia Satir. Those of you thinking about social work, therapy, or other health related fields may be interested in this kind of psychotherapy.  With...

More Freudian Theory Here's a bit more information about  Freud's theories . Feel free to research this as much as you'd like. To learn more  about Freud  as a person and historical figure, click there. Mental Defenses Repression : When painful memories or anxiety or negative thoughts occur, repression is the process of pushing or keeping them out of the mind. Be aware a person is not AWARE of Repression, as it is a subconscious event. The goal in psychoanalysis is that these repressed memories or thoughts break through to the conscious level where they can be worked on and resolved. Suppression : Similar to repression, except that this is in the conscious mind. A person chooses not to think about a desire, wish, etc. instead of seeking for it. (Puts it out of the mind). We do this often when we want to change the subject of a conversation because its too difficult to bear, or if the topic makes us uncomfortable. Projection : when someone consciously experienc...

Previous key concepts/questions to consider... Sigmund Freud  (1856-1939) and a  video on him . Freud in a nutshell: Freud created "Freudian Psychology" (psychoanalysis): interpreting what people say and do in order to figure out what their root problems are. Freudian psychology is used by literary critics using psychoanalytical criticism. In order to use this type of criticism, you need a basic understanding of Freud's key concepts. Freud believed that psychological desires influence the forming of a personality. Theory of Unconscious : The part of the mind that thinks and feels without you being aware of these thoughts and feelings is called the UNCONSCIOUS. The UNCONSCIOUS is comprised of 3 sections: The Ego, the Id, and the Superego. 1. The Ego is the self 2. The Id is the animalistic or primitive side of the unconscious. 3. The Superego is the control Dreams are one way of communicating with the unconscious. They are coded messages mailed to you...

This morning, please watch the following video: Intro to Psychology . As you watch please take notes on key points in the video. What is psychology? The science and/or philosophy that attempts to understand human behavior and development.  Psychology studies environment, culture, how we think, learn, and remember; how we communicate, and how we differ from one another in personality and abilities. It often uses experimental and observational science to measure and observe behavior. It is not simply the study of mental illness, but a scientific approach to understand the human mind. Like philosophy, there are various branches of psychology where each type attempts to address questions or problems in a specific way. The major branches of psychology include: 1. Abnormal psychology : examines abnormal behavior and mental disorders. Counselors and clinical psychologists often study this branch of psychology. 2. Behavioral psychology (Behavioralism): popular in the early 20...

Indonesia Indonesia Geographic Challenge (video) Only in Indonesia (video) Indonesia news Indonesia & Java History/Culture (video, 23 minutes) Research: Indonesia & the Philippines Papua New Guinea Please read one (or more) of these articles, using anything found in them for ideas for stories, poems, plays, etc. Papua New Guinea: National Geographic Article Papua New Guinea: Witchcraft Papua New Guinea: Trail of Murder & Revenge From your notes and inspiration from poetry exercises, please use the time in the lab to research Indonesia, the Philipines, and Papua New Guinea. HOMEWORK: Begin reading your psychology novel. Write.

During period one, please use the time in the lab to work on your original writing. See posts below for inspiration concerning a story, poem, scene, play, essay, etc. set in or dealing with Australia and/or institutions. During period two, please return to 238 to read the short story "Descent" and begin reading the play The Sum of Us by David Stevens .  Please get into groups of 4-5 and begin reading the play The Sum of Us together. As you read, please complete the handout discussion questions with your group members names. Next class you will spend your time reading (and completing) this play and answering more discussion questions. NOTE: Thursday is our fall coffeehouse at 7:00 in the Ensemble Theater. HOMEWORK: None. Please bring your play scripts back with you to class on Thursday.

Use these resources and research ideas for stories, plays, poems, essays, articles, etc. Information about teenagers can be found here ... Read this article about Australian FAMILY here ... Government & Families (taxes/welfare information)... Family Facts & Figures Australian education system Australian parliament (government) Australia: popular children's names (great resource for character names!) Mira Jacobs (author)

Our coffeehouse is Nov. 20 at 7:00 in the Ensemble theater. We are now in Quarter 2. There will be a portfolio due this quarter and we'll increase the reading requirements. Toward this end then, please set a deadline of at least 1-2 pages of writing to be completed each week. If you set this deadline, you will find coming up with ideas not too difficult (although see my advice concerning issues with portfolios below). You will also want to make sure you have the time to workshop, revise, and edit your work! We have a masterclass this afternoon from 7-8 period. All students are excused from their 7-8 period classes. Please bring your notes/journals, a writing utensil, and questions about how to make it as an author or other author-type questions you'd like answered. Before we get to our main event today, please spend 5 minutes reflecting about your field trip. How is a college culture different or similar to a high school environment? Discuss with a partner, and jot down...