Overview

Welcome to the online extension of our classroom. This forum is designed to serve as a forum for all English classes to continue those discussions begun during the school day. You will be able to share your observations, ask questions, and respond to classmates' comments in a way that is not confined to a single, 45-minute period. Enjoy!

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Period 7 and 8: Symbols in "Persepolis"

Hey, all!! I hope you're enjoying your break!! I would be remiss if I didn't give you one blog assignment over these twelve days. :-) It'll be due when we get back on Monday, January 4th.

For this assignment, I'd like you to consider Marjane Satrapi's use of symbols in Persepolis, particularly in the chapters "The Sheep" and "The Key." I'd like you to choose one of these two chapters, and discuss both the item's literal meaning and how it applies to the Iranian people's ability to be manipulated by the government.

Please include the following:

  • The literal application of either the sheep or the key to the corresponding chapter in Persepolis.
  • Your opinion of how this item is used as a symbol in the text.
  • At least three specific examples of the symbol's application in the text.
  • Complete sentences
  • Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling
  • Your name
Happy New Year!!

Period 5: Blanche's Sexuality as Power

Hey, all!! I hope you're enjoying your time off. :-) Of course, the break wouldn't be complete without a blog assignment from me. It'll be due when we get back, on Monday, January 4th.

I'd like you to talk about why Blanche flirts with both Stanley and Mitch, why she feels the need to "seduce" these men. What does she get from this? What kind of power does she think this gives her? What does it give her in actuality?

In order to receive credit, please include the following:
  • Your opinion regarding Blanche's flirtation as a means of manipulating men.
  • At least three specific textual examples of Blanche's attempts at seduction
  • Complete sentences
  • Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation
  • Your name
Happy New Year!!

Period 1 and 2: Symbols in "Persepolis"

Hey, all!! I hope you're enjoying your break!! I would be remiss if I didn't give you one blog assignment over these twelve days. :-) It'll be due when we get back on Monday, January 4th.

For this assignment, I'd like you to consider Marjane Satrapi's use of symbols in Persepolis, particularly in the chapters "The Sheep" and "The Key." I'd like you to choose one of these two chapters, and discuss both the item's literal meaning and how it applies to the Iranian people's ability to be manipulated by the government.

Please include the following:
  • The literal application of either the sheep or the key to the corresponding chapter in Persepolis.
  • Your opinion of how this item is used as a symbol in the text.
  • At least three specific examples of the symbol's application in the text.
  • Complete sentences
  • Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling
  • Your name
Happy New Year!!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Happy Holidays!!

It's Christmas Eve, and I just wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday, whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc. Enjoy your vacation, and may the new year bring you health and happiness!!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Period 7 and 8: Post 2: Marji's Understanding

Hi, all.

Please write a response in which you use textual references to draw inferences as to whether or not Marji truly understands the many ramifications of the Islamic Revolution in Persepolis.

Please include the following:
  • An opinion regarding Marji’s understanding
  • At least three specific textual examples
  • Complete sentences
  • Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling
  • Your name

Enjoy your weekend!

Period 5: Post 2: Amir the Kite Runner

Hey, everybody!

Please comment on the ending of the Kite Runner, and discuss the significance of Amir’s use of the line: “For you, a thousand times over.”

Please include the following:
  • An opinion regarding the line’s significance
  • At least three specific textual examples
  • Complete sentences
  • Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling
  • Your name

Have a great weekend!

Period 1 and 2: Post 2: Marji's Understanding

Hi, all.

Please write a response in which you use textual references to draw inferences as to whether or not Marji truly understands the many ramifications of the Islamic Revolution in Persepolis.

Please include the following:
  • An opinion regarding Marji’s understanding
  • At least three specific textual examples
  • Complete sentences
  • Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling
  • Your name

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Period 7 and 8: Monday's Class

On Monday, December 7th, I shall be chaperoning a trip to see Elektra at the Metropolitan Opera. Periods 7 and 8 will meet in the library. I shall leave work for you, and ATTENDANCE WILL BE TAKEN.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Period 7 & 8, Post 1: Marjane the "Celestial Light"

Hey, guys!! Welcome to our inaugural posting!! I hope that this is an enjoyable experience for us all. :-)I'd like for us to continue our discussion about religion and spirituality. In Persepolis, we see Marjane's strong faith in her God at the beginning. Then, with the advent of the Islamic revolution, her belief is shaken. How can this apply to us?In order to receive credit, your assignment must include:
  1. Is your family religious? Were you raised to believe in a specific religion? If so, which?
  2. Are you religious now? Why/why not?
  3. By examining your answers to the previous questions, and evaluating them in conjunction with Marjane's character, how do external conflicts influence internal ones (i.e., how can things that happen around you cause you to doubt yourself and your beliefs)?

Period 5, Post #1: Amir's Redemption

Hey, guys!! Welcome to our inaugural posting!! I hope that this is an enjoyable experience for us all. :-)

I'd like for us to continue our discussion on Amir's redemption in The Kite Runner. Amir has begun to atone for his sins through his search for Sohrab and his confontation with Assef. But his journey is not yet over. Will he ever truly be able to redeem himself, for what he has done to Hassan?

In order to receive credit, your assignment must include:

  1. What does it mean, when you say that you are sorry for what you have done?
  2. What does it mean, to forgive someone? What does it mean, to receive forgiveness?
  3. Why is forgiveness important? Do you forgive for the benefit of the receiver, or for yourself? Explain.
  4. Are there certain things for which you can never atone? Why/why not? If so, what things? If you cannot be forgiven, then are you "doomed"? Explain.

Period 1 & 2, Post 1: Marjane the "Celestial Light"

Hey, guys!! Welcome to our inaugural posting!! I hope that this is an enjoyable experience for us all. :-)

I'd like for us to continue our discussion about religion and spirituality. In Persepolis, we see Marjane's strong faith in her God at the beginning. Then, with the advent of the Islamic revolution, her belief is shaken. How can this apply to us?

In order to receive credit, your assignment must include:
  1. Is your family religious? Were you raised to believe in a specific religion? If so, which?
  2. Are you religious now? Why/why not?
  3. By examining your answers to the previous questions, and evaluating them in conjunction with Marjane's character, how do external conflicts influence internal ones (i.e., how can things that happen around you cause you to doubt yourself and your beliefs)?

How to Comment

At various times, you will be asked to reply to posts on this blog for projects/homework. Doing so can be quick and easy as long as you follow a few simple steps:

1. Write all comments into Word (or a similar word processing program) before posting them to the blog.

Nothing is more frustrating than typing out a really long comment and then losing it because your computer freezes or the site times out. Make sure to write out and save your comment before posting it to the blog so you can avoid this.

2. Click on the text that says "Comments" in the bottom lower right corner of the post.

3. Under the "Comment as" tab, select "Name/URL."Type your name in and then press "Continue."

4. Type your comment into the comment box, then press "Preview."If your comment appears the way you want it to, the press "Post." If there are errors (or you want to change something), click the "X" in the top right corner of the preview box, in order to edit the comment again.

Rules for Participation

This blog acts an extension of our classroom discussions, so please be sure to maintain an appropriate level of decorum. If you are unsure whether or not something would be appropriate and it has not been addressed in the following rules, DO NOT POST IT BEFORE CHECKING WITH ME FIRST.

1. Identify Yourself:

Each time you comment, please identify yourself by name, in order to be published online and to receive credit for your hard work.

2. Use Appropriate Language:

No cursing, slang, or abbreviations. Be sure to use correct spelling and grammar.

3. Be Respectful:

Be respectful, both of your classmates and of me. If you disagree with someone else, please voice your disagreement courteously.

4. Stay on Topic:

Be sure that your comments correspond to the post's question/instructions.

5. Make Sure All Links Are Appropriate:

While it is acceptable to share the links that you find useful with the rest of us, please be sure that these links go to appropriate websites.