Little Things that Make Us Happy

Yesterday, the fact that the right spout of the loveseat water fountain by the bathrooms near the English office showered me with strong water pressure literally made my day (I chose a long sentence because some might consider this to be insignificant. I used a thorough description to give it more substance... ahh rhetoric).

Simply delicious!

Have any small, or what some would consider insignificant, things brought delight into your life lately?

Excellence and Shakespeare

Academics and scholars strive for excellence. You proved that today with our dialogue during the rhetorical prompt discussion. I appreciate your willingness to accept (and conquer) a new challenge!

P.S. I'm reading the lit analysis papers right now... and they're good!

P.P.S. So yeah, Shakespeare strived for excellence (most would agree that he succeeded)... I'm curious to know based upon our in-class writing today ("how does The Scarlet Letter define Hawthorne as a writer?") about how many of you use one of Shakespeare's plays to define him? If so, which would it be, and why? If not, why can't a solitary text serve an author's purpose? The more I think about it, unless the author's purposes change (which they very well may), the more I believe that an advanced writer should be able to convey his/her point succinctly in one text. Agree? Disagree? I anxiously await comments (could be in blog form, email form, or paper form).

Reflections

We talked this week about how important it is to reflect upon our thoughts and actions as we move throughout life. Not only is this a paramount skill (in terms of how some gauge success), but it also helps to create a deeper understanding of an issue. I would encourage you to reflect upon any given day, or any given week, and if you are willing - share it with the class. Your peers are probably going through the same trials as you are, and your perspective might help to build a meaningful connection with a classmate. If you would like to submit a reflection, as I will do here as well, simply click on the comment section. This exercise can work the same as a discussion response and can be used to accentuate your participation in the class in a similar way.

Formerly 308ed (anthimeria)

For all of my former E308 students who have written in... thank you! I can only publish your comments if they pertain to class; however, we could ALWAYS use your insight on past assignments (how to improve, add, omit, condense, etc.). Feel free to chime in on any literary, stylistic, or rhetorical discussions. Agree, disagree, add a new perspective on the reality of the situation (asyndeton).

BTW - the citations attached to your postings were perfect!

P.S. Can you find all three appeals in this post? ... rhetorical waldo

Peace =)

The 1st Day

I definitely enjoyed meeting all of you today while I watched you interact during Star Power. Everyone communicated effectively and adapted to the different conditions of the game. This malleability not only impressed me, but it also confirmed my final summer thought: everyone will succeed this year.

Summer Reading Project

Here is how the Summer Reading Project will break down:

1. Annotation - I will review my expectations with you and give you a chance to enhance your text markings for Monday, August 28th. (40 points)

2. Literary Analysis - As a class, we will begin to discuss what good writing entails and see if those practices can be enacted into your essays. Because you do not know what to expect from me as a grader, your primary goal here is to be as specific as possible. Prove you read the book and are able to support your responses to these prompts with textual evidence. This essay is due Monday, August 28th. (40 points)

3. Rhetorical Analysis (my personal favorite) - We will discuss these particular prompts in depth during class in order to provide you with a better working understanding of rhetorical terms and concepts. Take notes and ask as many questions as possible until you feel comfortable enough to respond to your assigned prompt. The first draft of this essay is due Tuesday, August 29th. I will allow you to revise this aspect of the project until you are satisfied with the outcome of it (1st quarter time restrictions apply).

Q. - Do I have to do all three parts of this Summer Reading Project?
A. - Yes. But don't worry, as incoming Juniors, these assignments are used to gauge your ability; they are preliminary and will be graded accordingly.

You can find the prompts and specific assignment instructions to the entire project here:
http://www.shs.d211.org/English/acclerated%20summer%20reading%20projects.html

Any other questions - always feel free to email me!

Welcome to Junior Year!

In an effort to communicate as effectively as possible, I have decided to try a blog this year to connect with students and parents beyond the classroom. I hope that this interaction will help further the instruction of the E308 experience.