February 26, 2015

Class Work

For homework, you were to locate and analyze a work of art. Please locate the picture on your computer and share with the others at your table. 10 minutes

Each table will select one ambassador to share with the class. Here are the questions:
Looking at Art -

• What is the title of the work? How does the title help you to understand the message? What is the message?
• What is the most obvious image in the work. To where is your eye drawn?
• Look at the colors. Are they symbolic? Would the message be different if the colors were different? Explain.
• Study the shading and shadowing. How do these elements impact the overall message?
• Who is the artist? When was the work created? Is the artist's message about a specific event in history? What was going on in the world when the work was created? Is the art universal - speaks to people of all times and in all places, or is it limited to the audience for whom it was created.
• How does the work relate to us in 21st century America?

Whole class presentations: 10 minutes

 

New Material

 

Activity #1:  Think back. What experiences have you personally had with the gadget of your choice? You will be writing a personal anecdote.

Here are five easy steps: http://classroom.synonym.com/write-personal-anecdote-4714.html

Step 1: Make sure the "story" supports your point of view on the use of technology. It must have a point.

Step 2: BRAINSTORM - Create a mind map.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/brainstorm_clustering.htm
Here are some samples: http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0LEVxVwbvpSVwgAv19XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTB0dGM5cmsxBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkA1ZJUDMxOV8x?_adv_prop=image&fr=ytff1-yff25&va=mind+map Yours does not need to be this colorful or exotic, but it does have to explore the possibilities associated with your story and your chosen topic. A simple chart created in WORD will suffice if you are not artistically inclined.

Next: See the link above for steps 3, 4, and 5.

In addition, here are some samples. Read several to get the feel. We will do one or two together in class. An anecdote is short, but it has a point. Your anecdote should do the same. http://canuwrite.com/anecdotes_main.php

 

Homework: Write the anecdote and post it and the mind map in CANVAS. Both are due on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. (50 pts.) 

*****************************************************************************

Activity #2:

Using numbers to support your point of view - Let's practice.

How much is a bottle of soda, coffee, or water here at EMCC?
How often do you purchase soda, coffee, or water each week?
How much do you spend each month?
How much do you spend each year?
What else in your life costs that much? Are you making a good investment?

If you started with the larger number and need a smaller number, show that one is only spending ______ amount per day. It might sound like a good deal!

Tips: : http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/statistics/


Now let's look at charts and graphs.

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/672/01/

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

1. Review the movies/short stories . . . "The Veldt"and "A Sound of Thunder"

•  How real is too real?

• If you could take a trip on a time machine, would you? If so, to where and when would you go? If not, why not?
• If you could take a sip of something that would help you to make good choices the rest of your life, separate good from evil, would you do it? What are the benefits of a “utopian” society? What are the drawbacks?
• For homework, react to one of these questions. Write a one page response. Post in Canvas by Thursday. (25 pts.)

 

2. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde  - Do you know the story?

Concerns:

• Convenience
• Cost
• Safety
• Societal impact
• Religious worries
• Moral/ethical concerns

Let's watch a few scenes from some very old movies!

 

3. Let's talk in pairs- talk about each topic for one minute then move on to the next partner and topic. (Speed talking) Listen for the signal to move! By the end of the speed discussions, you will have listened to and shared many new ideas!  

1. Technology and health.
2. Technology and safety.
3. Technology and communication.
4. Technology and war.
5. Technology and exploration.
6. Technology and driving.
7. Technology and parenting.
8. Technology and . . . (Let's continue the brainstorm!)

Today we are going to look at art. How do artists view your chosen technological item?  Find a sculpture, painting, drawing, or photograph and answer the following:

 

. Looking at Art -

• What is the title of the work? How does the title help you to understand the message? What is the message?
• What is the most obvious image in the work. To where is your eye drawn?
• Look at the colors. Are they symbolic? Would the message be different if the colors were different? Explain.
• Study the shading and shadowing. How do these elements impact the overall message?
• Who is the artist? When was the work created? Is the artist's message about a specific event in history? What was going on in the world when the work was created? Is the art universal - speaks to people of all times and in all places, or is it limited to the audience for whom it was created.
• How does the work relate to us in 21st century America?

Here is an example. Suppose I had selected clocks or watches or time travel as the focus of my study, this might be an excellent choice.  

Dali's clocks: http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=AwrTcXo9aPpSe_QAZJqJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTIydmpucHZhBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1nBG9pZAMzYjA2MjI0YmUwOWMwOTY0ZTMyMTI2NjE3N2U0YTc3ZARncG9zAzUEaXQDYmluZw--?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dmelting%2Bclocks%26sado%3D1%26n%3D60%26ei%3Dutf-8%26fr%3Dytff1-yff25%26fr2%3Dsg-gac%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D5&w=932&h=679&imgurl=psychopathyawareness.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fclock-melting-clocks.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychopathyawareness.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F15%2Fwhy-do-sociopaths-waste-our-time%2Fclock-melting-clocks%2F&size=94.8KB&name=Why+Do+Sociopaths+Waste+%28Our%29+Time%3F+%C2%BB+Dali+clock+%3Cb%3Emelting+clocks%3C%2Fb%3E&p=melting+clocks&oid=3b06224be09c0964e321266177e4a77d&fr2=sg-gac&fr=ytff1-yff25&tt=Why+Do+Sociopaths+Waste+%28Our%29+Time%3F+%C2%BB+Dali+clock+%3Cb%3Emelting+clocks%3C%2Fb%3E&b=0&ni=288&no=5&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=13bag1tf3&sigb=13tgpml1b&sigi=1295fh3kd&.crumb=KGUpQyW0X15&fr=ytff1-yff25

He is perhaps best known for his 1931 painting The Persistence of Memory, showing melting clocks in a landscape setting.

Find the picture. That is the first task.

Post your picture and answers to the questions in CANVAS. We will share in class on Thursday. (20 for posting = 10 for sharing on Thursday.)

Tuesday, February 17, 2014

Class Work


1. What did you discover?
Who are you on-line? Google or Yahoo or Bing yourself and find out. What can others find out about you? (7 minutes) We will follow with a discussion.

• Did you know that the information was available?
• Did anything surprise you?
• Did anything concern you?
• Did anything make you happy?
• Should you  be worried?

2. How did your personal experiment without techno toys turn out? Talk at your tables.
The person whose birthday is closest to today is your group's recorder. -
The person whose birthday is farthest from today with be your reporter.

• What did you find out about yourself?
• How did your experience compare to the experiences of those at your table?
• In what ways would life be different is the techno "power" were turned off for good?
• Would mankind recreate this time and place? (why/why not)
• Share with the class . . . (Reporter - this is your time to shine!)

3. Does it concern you that you can be tracked/located electronically? Are there any advantages to such tracking?

• Think cell phones
• Think ATMs
• Think credit and debit cards
• Think cameras in parking lots and stores
• Think Google maps
• Think apps like Beat the Traffic
• Others?

4. Keep track of how much time you spend in 24 hours using cell phones, computers, electronic gaming systems, apps, GPSs, etc. Create a chart and post in CANVAS by February 24, 2015.

5. I Can't Think activity (In-class - Open house)
Here is the entire article. If you do not complete your chart in class, read the article and finish the chart on your own.
I Can;t Think
http://www.sharonlbegley.com/the-science-of-making-decisions

6. Also read:
"Is the Onslaught Making Us Crazy?"
http://www.newsweek.com/internet-making-us-crazy-what-new-research-says-65593
Make a list of 10 points from the article with which you agree, disagree, or find interesting.
(10 pts. ) Post in CANVAS



Reminder:  We will NOT be meeting as a class on Thursday. Please watch the videos or read the stories. Respond on CANVAS.

Homework

And now for a few predictions about the future. . .
A. The Veldt 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhOf-CN7xRc (Links to an external site.)

http://sensitiveskinmagazine.com/the-veldt/ (Links to an external site.) (Short Story)

B. A Sound of Thunder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxgbZAwIhVw (Links to an external site.)

 (Links to an external site.) Movie
http://www.scaryforkids.com/a-sound-of-thunder/ (Links to an external site.) Short Story


Watch or read the movies. Think about what you see. Do you agree or disagree with Ray Bradbury and his predictions and fears about our future? Write a one -two page persuasive paper. Convince the reader that Bradbury's fears are founded or that Bradbury's fears are unfounded. Use examples from our day and time to support your response. Due: February 24, 2015.

February 12, 2015 - Thursday

Class Work

1. Print a paper copy of Draft #2.

A. Circle up! This will be a bit of a challenge in this room, but I think we can make it happen

• Each author has the choice of reading either the introduction or the conclusion out loud to the class. If you read the introduction, we will be listening for something that captures our attention. If you read the conclusion, we will be listening for some information that helps us to understand your point.

B. Return to your seats. Pass your paper to the person on your left.
C. You will be the GUM editor today. Look for:

• FANBOYS and check each side. If a "stand alone" sentence is on both sides of the FANBOY, make sure that the comma is there as well.
• Commas - again, check what is on each side of the comma. If the author has a stand-alone sentence, make sure that a FANBOY accompanies the comma!

Homework: Polish your essay one last time. You probably don't have much to do! Submit the final copy on CANVAS by Tuesday at 8:30 am. (50 points)


Technology-
Table assignment - one paper, please:
Make a list of all of the technology that is available to YOU in your home, car, place of work, an school. (3 minutes)


1. What technological advances have you seen in your lifetime? What exists now that did not exist when you were born? Would you want to go back to the way it was?
2. What is your favorite techno gizmo or gadget? Why? Could you live 24 hours without it? Would you want to?
3. Homework challenge: Go 24 hours without your favorite techno item. Keep a journal of the experience. Post in CANVAS. ( 25 points)


4. Who are you on-line? Google or Yahoo or Bing yourself and find out. What can others find out about you? (7 minutes) We will follow with a discussion.

• Did you know that the information was available?
• Did anything surprise you?
• Did anything concern you?
• Did anything make you happy?
• Should you  be worried?

 5. Do you have any rights to privacy on-line?

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/02/uncle-sam-and-the-illusion-of-privacy-online/385332/

Illusion of Twitter Privacy

Homework: Read this article and respond. Post in CANVAS. (30 points)

• What is the claim?
• What are the reasons?
• What evidence is provided?

6. One last homework assignment - we will do part of this in class today! "There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury.
http://www.gs.cidsnet.de/englisch-online/originals/soft_rains.htm


Audio recording: http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/there-will-come-soft-rains
"There Will Come Soft Rains" by Sara Teasdale
http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/there-will-come-soft-rains


Read the story. List the "technology" that we have today that is like the technology in the story.
Bring a paper list to class on Tuesday.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Class Work
1. Meet your partner . . .
2. Peer editing . . . read your partner's paper and fill in the graphic organizer. Take a look at your partner's graphic organizer as well. See if the paper and the original organizer match up.
3. Let's work on introductions ...
Do not: http://grammar.about.com/od/developingessays/a/Hookers-Vs-Chasers-How-Not-To-Begin-An-Essay.htm
Positive openings: http://grammar.about.com/od/developingessays/a/whack-At-Your-Reader-At-Once-Eight-Great-Opening-Lines.htm
More grand introductions: http://grammar.about.com/od/developingessays/a/How-To-Begin-An-Essay-13-Engaging-Strategies-With-Examples.htm
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/intros.htm
http://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/style_purpose_strategy/intro_conclusions.html
http://www.csuohio.edu/writing-center/introductions-and-conclusions
Sample introductions are at the bottom of this: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/introductions/


4. Use your graphic organizer as a map to the rest of your paper. You should have 3-6 body paragraphs depending on the evidence you located.


5. Writing conclusions:
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/conclude.html
http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/conclude.html
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/endings.htm
A few samples: http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/faculty/donelan/concl.html





Sample conclusions: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/conclusions/



6. Grammar moment . . . Avoiding run-on sentences and comma splices.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/runons.htm

Conjunctive Adverbs: http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/adverbs/list-of-conjunctive-adverbs.html

http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/conjunctiveadverb.htm  (Good examples)

Coordinating Conjunctions: http://faculty.mdc.edu/mcueto/ENC%200025/HANDOUTScharts/F1.HTM (Pay attention to the FANBOYS!)


Homework: 


Rework your draft and post in CANVAS by Thursday. Pay attention to the introduction and to the conclusion. Clean up any run-on sentences or comma splices. (25 pts.)

Class Work

A. Share ads . . .

Review persuasive techniques from ads
http://managementstudyguide.com/advertising-techniques.htm

 

1. Bandwagon
2. Glittering Generalities
3. Statistics
4. Testimonial
5. Star Struck
6. Plain Folks
7. Youth appeal
8. Patriotic approach
9. Sympathy
10. Beautiful Place - ahhh - how relaxing!
11. Health appeal
B. Let's look at one or two Super Bowl 49 ads:
http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/features/super-bowl-xlixs-best-and-worst-commercials-20150202

 

C. At your table, analyze the ads from  magazine or on-line sources.  You should have brought one!

 

What were the most common techniques used?

 

D. Persuasive writing - learn all about claims, reasons, evidence. (Take notes - see the board.)

Sample essay: "Cry Wolf."

1. Read the sample essay - "Cry Wolf" http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/crywolf3.htm (Links to an external site.) Pay attention to the comments and notes in red ink in the margins.
2. What was the writer's claim/thesis/point?
3. What reasons did the writer provide to prove his point?
4. What evidence did the author provide?
5. What persuasive techniques were used.

E. "The Yellow Wallpaper"
Your assignment is to convince the reader of ___________________.
Possible topics follow:

• The story is all about the narrator.
• The story is really about John.
• The story is about the house.
• The story is an autobiographical account.
• The story is about the woman in the wall paper.
• The story is about a normal woman who was driven crazy
• The story is about an overbearing husband who wanted to get rid of his wife
• The treatment for the mentally ill  in the early 1900s was barbaric and did little good.
• Treatments for the mentally ill  in the early1900s worked!
• If 21st century psych techniques had been used, the narrator would have recovered.
• Color impacts attitude and actions.
• This story could/could not take place in a modern penthouse (Substitute any type of house you wish)  in the city.
• Life was challenging for men in the early 1900s.
• Life was challenging for women in the early 1900s.
• Women had a life of ease in the early 1900s.
• The next two ideas come from: http://www.shmoop.com/yellow-wallpaper/society-class-theme.html
• What is the effect of the narrator identifying herself and her husband as "mere ordinary people"?
• Working-class women may have trouble identifying with "The Yellow Wallpaper" because the narrator’s story deals very specifically with the problems experienced by women of the upper class.
• Feel free to find your own direction through this assignment.

Or, you may convince the reader of something from "The Story of an Hour."
Possibilities:

• The story could/could not happen today.
• The narrator did/did not have physical heart trouble.
• Brently Mallard killed his wife.
• The narrator was a prisoner in her own home.

Or, consider references both stories . . .
Possibilities:

• Emotional illness is more (powerful, devastating, dangerous - select the word that works for you.) than physical illness. 
• The human soul cannot survive without freedom. 
• Time and location do/do not impact actions and reactions.

 

Homework:
A. Create a "map" of your essay. Note the claim. Answer "because" with at least three reasons. Provide evidence from the story to support each reason. Provide evidence from research to support one of two of the reasons. Keep track of your sources. Post in CANVAS.

 

B. Write Draft 1 . . . Just look at your "map" and write or type your thoughts. Post in CANVAS and bring a paper copy on Tuesday. You may print in the room if you do not have access to a printer. Don't forget your jump drive!

 

 

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Class Work


(We will save the Super Bowl ad review for Thursday.)


A. "Story of an Hour"

http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/hour/


1. You will be given a paper copy. Read it. What happened? Why?
2. Create a mind map for Mrs. Mallard - (Directions will be given.)
3. Play the name game with the names of the characters from "Story of an Hour" and "The Yellow Wallpaper."

• At your table, list all the names of the characters from each story.
• Divide the names - each searching for some, but not all.
• Create a list of names and meanings for each table.
• Note any famous folks or events from history where the names appear. Think. Is there any relation to the characters or events from the story? Explain.

http://www.behindthename.com/
http://nameberry.com/


4. Learn about mallard ducks . . . go to any search engine and search out information about the feathered friends.

• Each person at the table should search a separate site.
•  In what ways are Mr. and Mrs. Mallard like the ducks? In what ways do they differ? Create a comparison/contrast chart at your table. (One per table.)
•  Create a Works Cited page for the table. (Do you know how to use EasyBib?)

5. Author bio - Read and note the aspects of the author's life that might have contributed to the plot and characters in "Story of an Hour." (Class discussion.)
http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/hour/katebio.html

• More about the author . . . read any two - compare to the life of Charlotte Perkins Gilman, author of "The Yellow Wallpaper."

6. Homework: Read the questions at the site listed below. 

•  Answer any 10 in CANVAS . . . Answer each question in complete sentences that clearly show what question you are answering.

http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/hour/storyofhour.html


7. On Thursday, be ready to share either a paper ad or a video ad with your table. In other words, bring the paper or have the URL ready to go.

• Why did you select this ad?
• What do you like about it?
• Why would it convince people to spend money on the product or spend time on the project.

8. Start thinking about the "best" character from "The Yellow Wallpaper" or from "Story of an Hour." Why is the story all about that character. (Creativity will help here.)