Writing Across Cultures

This morning a short story from Italy, some Italian poets, and Mathilda will speak to us about her homeland. Then, it's off to the lab to work on your portfolio and to uncover some Norse literary treasures as we examine Iceland, Finland, Denmark, and Norway. Today, a smorgasbord of Norse and Eastern European culture: Finland , but seriously:  Finland's Education System Explained , and a  comparison to U.S. Education here . Informative article about  Finish writers can be found here  and a link to some  poetry samples . Iceland  and some writers from Iceland: Halldor Laxness  won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955 and since we're studying mysteries and crime fiction, here's a little icelandic culture and music ... A page devoted to  Icelandic Crime Writers  and an article about  Icelandic Poetry . Click on their links and learn about them on your own time.  Our focus will briefly be on: Norwegian Culture Dan...

Let's go practice. Start class in the Ensemble theater. Then go back to room 238 to discuss Italy/Greece. Italy: 10 Things Italy Does Better than Anyone  (2 min.) Visit Italy: 10 Things to Shock Americans  (10 min.) Racism in Italy (14 min.) Learn Italian Hand Gestures (4 min.); or  Top 20 Italian Hand Gestures (4 min.) How to Be Italian (20 rules) (8 min.) How to Date an Italian (8 min.) Umberto Eco (writing exercise): How to Essay. This morning please read the short essay "How to Travel with a Salmon" by  Umberto Eco  in class together. In pace requiescat. As writing exercises, try your own hand at writing a short "How To" essay. This should be short 1-2 page in length (400-600 words, for example) and deal with "How to" do something. Some ideas are: How to Pass a _____ Class, How to Cheat on your Boyfriend/Girlfriend, How to Buy a Dress for Prom, How to Survive Senioritis, How to Eat Unhealthily, How to Train a Dog, How to ... you ...

French writer Pierre Pairault , who wrote science fiction (SF) as Stefan Wul (1922-2003) was a  dental surgeon by trade. He published eleven SF novels between 1956 and 1959 that achieved cult status. Only one of these was translated into English during his lifetime:   Le Temple du Passe  (1957, as   The Temple of the Past , 1973 by Seabury Press), but two others are well known from their adaptations as animated films:   Oms en Serie   (1957), which gave birth to Rene Laloux's   La Planete Sauvage   (aka   Fantastic Planet , 1973), with graphics by Roland Topor, and   L'Orphelin de Perdide   (1958), which inspired   Les Maitres du Temps   (1982), also directed by Laloux, with graphics by Jean "Moebius" Giraud.  Wul wrote one more SF novel,   Noo , in 1977, and retired from dental surgery in 1989. He remained a presence on the French SF scene, and his books were often reprinted, with an edition of his complete wo...

Bonjour! Today will begin our 2-day journey through France and French culture. Let's start off with a few videos: What is Life Really Like in France? Lost in Francelation Now let's find out what you found out. Going around the room (or one at a time) show us what you found about French culture. What is the thing you researched or brought in to show us? How does it fit into French popular culture? How is this thing, object, idea, etc. different from our culture? Let's explore! Look! The history of French Bread ! After presentations, let's take a look at Raymond Queneau (Post Modern French author in the Oulipo school or tradition). Information on  Raymond Queneau  can be found at the link. He's the co-creator of the Oulipo school. Oulipo as a cool meta-fiction style can be found here . Look here for ideas for Oulipo writing exercises ! Exercises in Style: 1. Write a short succinct story about "modern" life. This should be nothing more than ...

The History of English The Difference Between The United Kingdom and Great Britain An Introduction to Britain Top 10 Facts About the United Kingdom 10 Things The British Do Better Than Americans  British poetry: let's take a look at some key British poets/poems.... British Actors Reading Poetry English Literature from Shakespeare to Jane Austen British fiction : let's take a look at some short fiction too... British Pop Culture There's no easy way to boil down over a hundred years of British films, directors, and entertainment. Instead, I'll pull a few bits and pieces together that you may find interesting. Alfred Hitchcock : before he emigrated to America, Hitchcock cut his teeth in several well directed British suspense and mystery films. Here are a few clips of his best. The Man Who Knew Too Much  (1934, trailer) The 39 Steps  (1935, full film) The-lady-vanishes  (1948) (the entire film) Frenzy (1972) Shlocky Horror in Hammer Studios throug...

Please take 10-15 minutes to prepare for your reading quiz on Mythology. Take the quiz, then go to the lab and work on your portfolio. IN THE LAB: Myths. Watch the following short videos concerning mythology (particularly if you have not yet done so...). W hat makes a hero ? Anti-hero of One's Own A Host of Heroes Use the time remaining in the lab to write a story, poem, play, script, essay, etc. involving the myths you have read (see packet & reading selections). Incorporate what we've learned in some aspect of your work. Retell the myth in a short story or poem. Feel free to change the POV, time period, setting, names, or any other aspect of the myth if you'd like or use one of the myths to allude to in your story/poem. Create a draft. Some videos concerning writing tips: A nti-social skills for writers Definition of Comedy How to write descriptively How to Build a Fictional World HOMEWORK: None. Continue writing for your portfolio.

This morning, please view and take notes on various mythologies. You may want to use what you learn in a creative project for your portfolio. (See previous posts for details) Tyshay Allan Karla Marie Shai Jaymee Jacob Mitchell Austin Grace Aleah Mathilda Zoe When we're done, we will take a moment to discuss/examine the Baghavad Gita from Peter Brook's Mahabharata and some poetry--then it's up to the lab to write. HOMEWORK: Read and prepare the myth cycles from the handouts for your test on Wednesday.

Myths. Watch the following short videos concerning mythology. W hat makes a hero ? Anti-hero of One's Own A Host of Heroes Due at end of class , please complete your mythology Prezi project.  You should know the major gods/goddesses of your chosen mythological subject. Create a slide or two where you discuss/list who are the major gods/goddesses in your chosen mythology and what they represent You should know the creation myth that goes with that tradition. In a few slides tell the story of that creation myth through videos, pictures, text, etc. [note: most cultural mythology traditions have more than one creation myth. Pick the one you'd like to use.] You should identify key cultural traditions/beliefs that are represented in the myths of this culture: for example: arête (strength) is a common cultural quality examined in many hero myths. Find examples of some others. At least one slide should include the cultural tradition--note that this slide could come before ...

This morning, please view your peers' 3-minute videos. Take notes on key concepts, ideas presented in the films and turn these notes in as participation credit. Jacob & Grace: Thomas Acquinas Allan & possibly others: Erasm us Zoe & Tyshay: Erasmus Shai: Karl Jaspers Mathilda: Hannah Arendt Austin & Mitchell: Richard Rorty Aleah, Karla Marie & possibly others, George Santayana Karla: John Locke future tips for videos: always add a works cited page to indicate where you took ideas or words, and give yourself credit. This can be done as a title page or ending credits, but please attribute your sources to avoid plagiarism or lawsuits.  After viewing and taking notes (please turn in your notes on main points made in the videos as participation credit to Ms. Sloane!) A word about myths: Myths usually run along cultural lines--embodying a specific world view or belief of that culture. They are often the basis of religion or religious belief....

Your 3-minute philosophy projects are due today. Please use the lab to finish these. When you are done, please upload your work to Youtube and send me the URL address in the comment section below. We will screen these next class. If you finish before the end of the period: Use the time in the lab to conduct research on your mythological topic You should know the major gods/goddesses of your chosen mythological subject You should know the creation myth that goes with that tradition You should identify key cultural traditions/beliefs that are represented in the myths of this culture: for example: arête (strength) is a common cultural quality examined in many hero myths. Find examples of some others. You should identify one hero from this tradition and be able to tell this legend Use the time in the lab to write or rewrite a story, poem, play, script, essay, etc. involving philosophy, or ethics. Incorporate what we've learned in some aspect of your work. A word about m...

Ethics: Secrets of Happiness Ethics vs. Morality Ethics (from a Ted Talk) Can Brands Be Good? Aesthetics: Beauty is NOT in the Eye of the Beholder Writing/reflection time... After our class discussion/seminar on Siddhartha and ethics, please go to the lab to continue working on your philosophy projects. These are due Friday. HOMEWORK: Read the "Introduction to Mythology" if you didn't complete this during class.

During period 1, please work on your 3-minute philosophy projects. These will be due Friday. While in the lab, please choose one of the mythology units--you will be creating a Prezi & giving the class a presentation on this material. Details will follow. Mythology Units: Greek Roman Egyptian Babylonian Hittite Nordic Celtic Australian/Aboriginal Indian Chinese Japanese African Incan Mayan American Indian/Native American During 2nd period, please go to room 238 and complete the quiz & discussion on Siddhartha . HOMEWORK: Read the handout on Moral Philosophy (Ethics). Choose one of the ideas and write a story, play, poem draft for your portfolio based on the idea. 

While AP students go down to fill out endless bubbles for upcoming exams, please work on your 3-minute philosophy projects. If you didn't take the quiz last class on No Exit & Siddhartha (part 1), please do so. HOMEWORK: Read the handout on Moral Philosophy (Ethics). Choose one of the ideas and write a story, play, poem draft for your portfolio based on the idea. Complete Siddhartha . There will be a quiz (you should know the plot, characters, setting, culture, and how the book uses philosophy--who influences Hesse, and how?--and be prepared for a discussion on the book.)

This morning, after your morning philosophy reading, please take the quiz on Siddhartha & No Exit. Then it's up to the lab to work on your 3-minute philosophy project. If you need help: Read this tutorial from Windows! Watch this tutorial. HOMEWORK: Please read Part 2 of Siddhartha. Apply philosophers and concepts to your reading. Be prepared to discuss how these Western/Eastern cultural philosophies appear in the text. 

This morning, please wrestle with Friedrich Nietzsche's ideas and the Buddha's philosophies. After taking some time to read, we will have a short quiz based on your previous readings. When done, please re-read page 18-23 in Siddhartha and apply what you have learned from Buddha & Nietzsche to the book (and character of Siddhartha). We'll discuss. The Buddha Friedrich Nietzsche During period 2 we will go upstairs to work on our 3-minute philosophy projects. HOMEWORK: Complete part 2; Complete your 3-minute philosophy videos. Both due by Wednesday, April 20.

Please turn in your homework. (See previous post for details!) Start off this morning reading the information in the article on  Sartre . Tnen we'll discuss key points and read the short play  No Exit in small reading groups . Jean-Paul Sartre  (21 June 1905 – 15 April 1980) was a French existentialist philosopher, playwright, novelist, screenwriter, political activist, biographer, and literary critic.  He was one of the leading figures in 20th century French philosophy. In 1964 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, but declined it stating: "It is not the same thing if I sign Jean-Paul Sartre or if I sign Jean-Paul Sartre, Nobel Prize winner. A writer must refuse to allow himself to be transformed into an institution, even if it takes place in the most honorable form."  He is one of last century's greatest existentialists. As you read, consider Sartre's answer. For modern humans, he may be right. What do you think? No Exit  is S...

Your portfolio is due today. Please prepare it. See our previous post for details. When you have completed that, please attend to the 3-minute philosophy project. Several of you did not actually watch these videos. Please do so. If you won't watch, I will have to give you a quiz about the philosophers. 3 Minute-Philosophy Project: Please watch the following videos for your own education and as models for your 3-Minute Philosophy projects (there are a variety of ways to do this project--check these out!): Immanuel Kant Karl Marx Soren Kierkegaard David Hume John Stuart Mill Galileo . Tim : Michel Foucault Clara : John Dewey Hannah : Simone de Beauvoir Ben: Niccolo Machiavelli Nikki: Roland Barthes Carly: Immanuel Kant Gena: Jean Jacques Rousseau Ethan: John Locke Please choose a philosopher & read the handout on your selected philosopher.  Take notes on key or important ideas found in the handout.  Spend some time online fleshing out the ideas and f...

After our quiz, please read the philosophy handout. When everyone has completed the quiz, please use the Socratic Seminar handout to conduct a discussion on the book The Stranger. After our discussion, we will retire to the lab upstairs and prepare our portfolios. What goes in your portfolio? 1. Your writing. What did you write this marking period that was new? a 10-minute play? an article or story involving race? an article or story involving psychology? a revision of something you wrote this marking period--or 1st MP or 2nd MP? Your reflection. Rubric: 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 iss...

Please work on your portfolios and begin your preparations for the 3-minute philosophy project (see below). Keep reading  The Stranger  by Albert Camus--there will be a test  and discussion (Socratic Seminar) on Wednesday for the book. In the lab, take some time to read about Albert Camus and existentialism. Please use the links to take notes on the following questions and answer them for today's participation credit (due at end of class!): Existentialism Albert Camus 1. What are some differences between analytical philosophy and continental philosophy?  2. What is the difference between existentialism and phenomenology?  3. According to the web article, who are some philosophers in the tradition of phenomenology?    4. Jot down a few notes about Camus' life and biography. Answer: who was he, why is he important to Western Civilization. 5. In your own words explain Camus' view on  Absurdity . 6. In your own words explain Camus' vi...

Under the main heading of philosophy, there are several branches. These are divided by the kind of questions they ask. Here are the main ones: I. Ethics : the study of values in human behavior or moral problems: (what is good or right?) II. Aesthetics : the study of what is beautiful or artistic: (is this art? What is beauty?) III. Axiology : the study of value (value theory): (what is at stake or what is of value in a life or human action?) IV. Epistemology : the study of knowledge. (what is truth?) V. Ontology : the study of existence. (what is real?) VI. Metaphysics : the study of extra-normal existence (really a sub-branch of ontology). (what created the world? Do we have a soul? What is God?) VII. Existentialism : also a sub-branch of Ontology--it seeks to answer: What is the meaning of life? Here's an example:  Monty Python sketch from The Meaning of Life (1983) Using the graphic organizer, watch the following video and complete the 3-2-1 portion of the sheet. Wha...