Tuesday, February 24, 2015

LGBT Rights

Today we'll be looking at gay rights (or the lack thereof) in other cultures.  American culture may have more room to grow in this aspect; however, we are much more liberal than many other countries around the world.  After watching each video, take five minutes to write a creative response to each.  Later you will be taking these responses and transforming them into a piece of writing of your choice- a poem, a short story, etc.

Videos:

Gay rights in Africa
Discrimination in Russia
Little Britain: Only Gay in the Village

Here are some examples of coming out stories if you need inspiration for your writing.

HOMEWORK: Finish your creative response to these videos for Friday.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Welcome Back From Break!

I hope all of you had a fun-filled February break :)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Here is the trailer to refresh your memory on the novel.

Were the characters believable?
Were the events believable?
Were you surprised by the ending?

Coming of Age

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a great example of a young adult "coming of age" story.  A coming of age story is a genre that shows the growth of characters from childhood to adulthood.  These characters usually have to overcome a series of challenges in order to learn more about themselves and life in general.  These works of literature are focused mainly on the changes that the characters undergo throughout the story.

How have the main characters in The Perks of Being a Wallflower grown and changed from the beginning of the novel to the end?

CLASSWORK: Do the perspective activity about Spoon River Anthology.  Take the rest of class to create a scene rewrite.  The entire novel of TPOBAW is told from the perspective of the protagonist, Charlie.  The reader never sees the events of the novel from another point of view.  Choose one of the following "scenes" that happen in the novel and rewrite it from the perspective of another character.  The events will naturally remain the same, but you will give more insight on the character's thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc.

Scenes

  • October 28th- Charlie's first party (p. 28)
  • November 7th- Patrick & Brad's story (p. 42)
  • December 21st- Secret Santa exchange (p. 65)
  • Any other scene of your choice


Thursday, February 12, 2015

Everyone have a wonderful break!

HOMEWORK: Finish The Perks of Being a Wallflower.  As you read, think about how the characters are portrayed.  Is there any stereotyping?  Is it realistic?

Monday, February 9, 2015

Flashback Drafts

Self-assess your draft using this checklist.  Answer these questions on a separate sheet of paper.  It's okay if you don't have every item; this is something you can adjust on your revision.  If something isn't present in your story, comment on how you might revise the draft.

1.) Does the beginning of my story hook the reader? How?
2.) Do I have a smooth transition into the flashback(s), so my reader understands the time change? (Examine the verb tenses.)
3.) Which literary devices did I use during the flashback(s)? (imagery, metaphor, etc.)
4.) How does the flashback(s) further develop my character?
5.) What can I cut from my story? Make sure that everything you have written contributes to the development of your character and plot.  If it doesn't- CUT IT!

HOMEWORK: A revised (finished) draft of this story is due on Thursday.

Queer Theory
Gay & Lesbian Literature

Read your part of the article and highlight sections where you make a connection to your own life, or a connection with what you see in our society today.

HOMEWORK: Read Part 1 of TPOBAW by Thursday.


Thursday, February 5, 2015

Handmaid's Tale Wrap-Up

Here's the trailer to the movie (I forgot to show it last class, sorry!)

We'll take the test first period and then go up to the lab to finish your short stories.  You should have a draft for me by the end of class today.



Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Welcome to Ms. Jordan's blog! We'll be using this for the next few weeks, while I am here with you.  You can get to it from a link on Mr. Craddock's blog.

Today:

- Discuss The Handmaid's Tale

Margaret Atwood's writing process.

Writing Assignment: Flashbacks

Re-read the first 6 paragraphs in Chapter 41 (p. 343-344).  Who is she speaking to? Why does she need to tell this story even though she doesn't want to?  Offred calls her narrative "limping and mutilated."  Why does Atwood choose to break up her story the way she does?  Is it successful?

Atwood obviously has a passion for feminism, which is why she chose to write about it in her novel.  What are you passionate about?  Take a few minutes to create a list of themes/topics you feel strongly about.

Assignment: Create a short story (3-5 pages) using flashbacks.  Use your list of themes to guide you toward a topic.


Feeling stuck? Here are some prompts:

  • How is life different for your character now, compared to how it used to be?  Did any big, life-changing moments happen?
  • Is your character in a dire situation (falling from a tall building, being held at gunpoint, hanging from a tree branch above hungry bears, etc.) and is remembering a moment in his life that he regrets? Wants to remember?
  • Create a list of two or three new rules in our society that your character must follow (French fries are illegal, students must wear robes to school, etc.).  Have them reflect on how life used to be or what they've had to give up.


HOMEWORK: Bring at least one page of this story to next class.