March 12, 2015

Class Work

This was the homework:

Write about a personal experience that included a barrier or wall. This can be a physical or metaphorical wall. One page - just "quick write" and share the story. Due in CANVAS by Thursday. (25 pts.)


Let's share a story or two . . .

• Table sharing
• Someone at another table sharing
• Whole class sharing

So, do "good fences make good neighbors," or not? That is the basis of the topic of our next essay. 

Now, let's think bigger. What kinds of walls or fences exist that are not necessarily tangible? (Discuss)



Go for the lyrics or for a poem - here is an example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKY-smJ6aBQ
A winter's day 

In a deep and dark December; 
I am alone, 
Gazing from my window to the streets below 
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow. 
I am a rock, 
I am an island. 

I've built walls, 
A fortress deep and mighty, 
That none may penetrate. 
I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain. 
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain. 
I am a rock, 
I am an island. 

Don't talk of love, 
But I've heard the words before; 
It's sleeping in my memory. 
I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died. 
If I never loved I never would have cried. 
I am a rock, 
I am an island. 

I have my books 
And my poetry to protect me; 
I am shielded in my armor, 
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb. 
I touch no one and no one touches me. 
I am a rock, 
I am an island. 

And a rock feels no pain; 

by Simon and Garfunkel

As you look at the lyrics, what words and phrases create a "picture" of this personal "wall?"



Now, find your own song lyrics! Are there any lyric writers in the house? Feel free to write your own lyrics.



If you are having trouble finding song lyrics about fences or barriers, look for a poem or write your own.



Here is a chart to use to help you figure out what to include in your next essay. Let's talk first.
Gather ideas over the holiday. Fill in the spaces in this chart. Keep track of your sources. Bring a paper copy to class on March 24, 2015

Walls/Barriers: Do good fences make good neighbors? Prove it!

Quotations about walls or barriers.
Famous poems or song lyrics about walls or barriers. Are there any famous walls in movies? Name and explain.
Facts about walls, yours specifically.   A.      Time to build B.      Cost both in money and human effort C.      Size D.      Etc. You have much of this on your “wall” report.
How effective is your wall? How effective are walls in general? In short, are they worth the effort? Prove it with facts/statistics.
What is your personal experience with walls/barriers?
Do you recommend walls/barriers either physical or methaphorical? Explain.

Ballads

http://www.poetrysoup.com/poems/Ballad
 
Quotations about walls: http://www.quotesoup.com/quotes/search.aspx?category=walls


Let's have some fun. Take an object out of the box. Let you brain explore. In what ways can this object be a wall or barrier? Can you think of any stories? Have you had any experiences?


Quick-write - post in CANVAS.