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  I would like you to have a separate notebook for this class.  I recommend that it be the type that has multiple sections.  I would also like you to have a folder for English.  You will receive many handouts through the course of the year.  You will want an easy method of filing and locating these.

 

Thursday (1/03/08)

 

         I presented an overview of the semester to students as to the content and direction of this course.  I presented two pages of notes about the development of drama.

         Assignment:  Read the preface to Antigone (p. 1018) and develop a family tree for Antigone.

 

Friday (1/04/08)

 

            The family tree for Oedipus was presented on the board.  Students are responsible to have this in their notes.  I presented the entire story of the events that occurred prior to the opening scene of Antigone.

Assignment:  From your class notes you are to write into your English notebook the entire story of the events leading up to the opening scene of Antigone.

 

Monday (1/07/08)

 

            I checked student summaries from Friday’s lecture material.  I presented a Power Point slideshow about Antigone and Greek drama.  Students may make copies of these notes if they wish.  I presented the five basic themes that will be addressed in the drama.  Students were given a worksheet, which is due this Friday, on which they will record quotations that identify the character traits of each character.

            Assignment:  Review your notes.  Quiz tomorrow on the characters in Antigone and the terms used in Greek drama.

 

Tuesday (1/08/08)

 

            Students listened to a professional reading of Antigone.  During this time, each identified phrases that show character traits of the various characters.

            Assignment:  Begin filling out your worksheet using those phrases identified during the reading.  Study for the terms and who’s who quiz, postponed until Thursday.

 

Wednesday (1/09/08)

 

            Students completed a quiz covering the terms used in Greek theatre and drama.  I paired students into study groups.  Each pair worked on a worksheet which sequenced the events of the first part of Antigone.

            Assignment:  If you did not complete your worksheet during class, complete it.

 

            Thursday (1/10/08)

 

            Students used their worksheets to review the events of the first half of Antigone.  These were graded and turned in.  Students then listened to the professional recording of the second half of Antigone.  During this time each was marking phrases that identified the character traits of the characters.  This helped students understand the importance and meaning of key lines in Antigone. We identified how of much the thought that may be seen in this play applies to today.

            Assignment:  Complete your worksheet for the six major characters listed on it as to the phrases you have found that demonstrate the character traits of each.

 

 Friday (1/11/08)

 

            Students reviewed, corrected and turned in the quotations sheets which identify the character traits of each character.  Students completed a short quiz on the characters in Antigone.

Assignment:  Reread the second half of Antigone.

 

Monday (1/14/08)

 

            Students worked in pairs on a study sheet for the second half of Antigone. 

            Assignment:  Complete the worksheet.

 

Tuesday (1/15/08)

 

            Papers and worksheets were returned.  Part 2 worksheet was corrected.  Students reviewed the play for themes and application to today’s society.

            Assignment:  Test tomorrow on Antigone.

 

Wednesday (1/16/08)

 

            Students completed a short multiple choice and essay test on the contents and ideas in Antigone.  No assignment this evening.  Students are encouraged to use this time to complete make-up work.

 

Thursday (1/17/08)

 

            Students read the Russian farce drama by Chekov.  Emphasis was placed on identifying those elements that enable or promote the farce.

            Assignment:  Read pages 287 – 300.  Write complete answers to questions 6, 7, and 9 on page 300.

 

Friday (11/18/08)

 

            Students discussed the storyline, contents and applications of farce as demonstrated in The Bear.  Students began work on a worksheet for The Bear.

                                                                                  Assignment:  Complete the worksheet.  Review the story.  There will be a quiz on the story and its vocabulary either Tuesday or Wednesday.

 

Tuesday (1/22/08)

 

                                                                                  Students reviewed The Bear.  Students turned in weekend homework.  Students completed a short quiz on The Bear and its vocabulary.  We discussed a few ideas for research and the upcoming paper.

                                                                                  Assignment:  Determine a topic for your research.

 

Wednesday (1/23/08)

 

                                                                                  I presented students with a three-page handout containing 118 possible topics for the research paper.  We discussed several of these in class.  Students identified many topics that they felt strongly about and which side of the issue they support.

                                                                                  Assignment:  Select a topic that you and your partner mutually agree to debate.

 

Thursday (1/24/08)

 

                                                                                  I reviewed with students many idiomatic expressions and the intended meaning. 

                                                                                  Assignment:  Read and study all idiomatic expressions (672 – 677).  Preview the mixed pairs sections.

 

Friday (1/25/08)

 

                                                                                  Students signed up with a partner for a research topic of their choice.  We began the unit on mixed pairs.  I explained various methods of remembering problematic pairs.

                                                                                  Assignment:  Study pages 678 – 685 and complete exercises 1 – 4.

 

Monday (1/28/08)

 

                                                                                  I presented material to students on the proper use of who vs. whom and lie vs. lay.  I presented notes on adjective and adverb clause recognition.  We reviewed the correct answers for exercises 1 – 4.

                                                                                  Assignment:  Students are to complete exercises 5 and 6 in their usage packets.

 

Tuesday (1/22/08)

 

                                                                                  I gave students three exercises for extended practice with clause identification, who vs. whom, and lie vs. lay.  We worked the first five examples in each practice.  We corrected and reviewed the usage exercise 5 and 6.  I presented notes on the rest of the usage material in the packet.

                                                                                  Assignment:  Exercises 7, 8, 9, and 10 in the packet.

 

Wednesday (1/30/08)

 

                                                                                  Periods 1 and 3 researched topics in the lab focusing on school databases.  Other periods worked on usage and mixed pairs.  Friday will be a research day after the usage test.

                                                                                  Assignment:  Work on narrowing the topic and complete exercises 7, 8, 9, and 10.

 

 

Thursday (1/321/08)

 

            Students reviewed the use of who and whom, also lie and lay.  We reviewed clause identification and extended this into comma application and labeling.  I presented additional usage notes about the following groups:  adverse/averse, canvas/canvass, disinterested/uninterested, eminent/imminent, feint/feign/faint, and lose/loose.  I distributed a practice pretest for student practice and review.

            Assignment:  Study for the usage test.  It will be either Friday or Monday.

 

Friday (2/01/08)

 

            I introduced students to a website for guidance in several areas f or the research and writing of their papers.  Students worked in the lab investigating this site and researching EBSCO, SIRS, and LRS for information in their individual areas.

            Assignment:  Research these databases for an hour or more and read articles.  Prepare for the test on usage and terms, which will be Monday.

 

Monday (2/04/08)

 

            No school – weather.

 

Tuesday (2/05/08)

 

            Students completed a test on confusing words, their meanings and use.   I distributed a research paper overview for the first two sections of the paper.  Students worked in the lab for the remainder of the class reviewing the writing of numbers and the necessary elements for effective documentation of electronic documents.

            Assignment:  Study page 658 in your grammar packet and complete the exercise to the right of this.

 

Wednesday (2/06/08)

 

            Students worked in the computer lab researching articles for their position papers.  Students worked with electronic documentation and electronic note taking. 

            Assignment:  Bring to class 3 – 5 articles for use in your paper.  More than this will be helpful.

 

Thursday (2/07/08)

 

            I presented to students seven methods to overcome writer’s block.  I distributed a handout with ideas to consider as to the problem and present situation issues of this position paper.  Students read researched material and began writing the rough draft of the position paper.

            Assignment:  Rough out your outline and complete writing the rough draft of your position paper.

 

Friday (2/08/08)

 

            To see a sample research paper with citation notes click on the following:  http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/p04_c08_s5.html   and then click on sample papers.  To see samples of how to correctly document any particular type of source whether electronic or hardcopy, click on the following:  http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/p04_c08_s2.html 

            Today, students worked in the computer lab researching, reading, and writing.  The completed, rough draft is due Monday.

            Assignment:  Complete the handwritten rough draft of the position paper, the outline and the works cited page.

 

Monday (2/11/08)

 

            Students worked in the lab typing the position paper from the rough draft. 

            Assignment:  Position paper in final form with the works cited page and the outline.

 

Tuesday (2/12/08)

 

            Students placed all preliminary writing and writing materials in their writing folders.  Contents should include overview page, outline, rough draft, typed rough draft including showing improvements, and works cited page.  Students proofread each other’s papers. 

            Assignment:  Revise and turn in your paper by 4:00 today.  No assignment overnight.  Bring your usage packet to class tomorrow.

 

Wednesday (2/13/08)

 

            Students reviewed the writing of numbers.  Students were divided into groups.  Students read, discussed and highlighted material in the writing packet #590 – 597.  In addition, students studied the use of brackets (#644) and completed the accompanying exercise.

            Assignment:  Create 10 – 20 multiple choice questions for the material studied.  Do one or more for #658, #644, #590, #591, #592, #593, #594, #595, #596, and #597.  These questions are to be typed.

 

Thursday (2/14/08)

 

            Students worked in groups, as assigned, reviewing comma rules # 608, #610, #612, #614, and #616.  Upon completion of the review of each set of rules and examples, students completed exercises #609, #611, #613, #615, and #617. 

            Assignment:  Write one or two multiple choice questions for each rule bank (608, 610, 612, 614, and 616).

 

Friday (2/15/08)

 

            No school – snow.

 

Monday (2/18/08)

           

            No school – snow.

 

Tuesday (2/19/08)

 

            Students worked on semicolon and colon rules.  Students completed exercises #619 and # 621.  Students worked in small groups developing m/c questions reviewing these rules. I returned papers and discussed improvements with students.

            Assignment:  Complete your questions.

 

Wednesday (2/20/08)

 

            Students turned in revised papers.  Students will have a test this Friday on punctuation (commas, colons, semicolons, brackets) and numbers.  Students worked in the lab on completing their 17 – 34 questions over punctuation and writing techniques.

            Assignment:  Bring to class one copy of your questions.  Be certain you know the correct answers and can prove you are right.  Finish all exercises in the packet that have been assigned.  Bring a copy of your position paper to class to give to your partner.

 

Thursday (2/21/08)

 

            We corrected comma exercises and reviewed all rules in class.  We did the same for semicolons, colons, brackets, and the use of numbers in writing.  Students exchanged practice questions and completed these.  Students gave a copy of their position paper to their partner.

            Assignment:  Test tomorrow.  Study.

 

Friday (2/22/08)

 

            Students completed a test on commas, colons, brackets, numbers, and semicolons.  Students worked in the computer lab researching material for their rebuttal papers.

 

Tuesday (2/26/08)

 

            I presented to students seven areas to address in the upcoming paper which develops the ideas of the previous paper.  These are:  1) challenge assumptions,  2) challenge claims,  3) question evidence,  4) address areas of disagreement,  5) present new arguments,   6) extend on old arguments,  and 7) present new evidence, facts, quotations, statistics.  The new due date for this paper is next Wednesday.  Students worked in the lab researching articles.

            Assignment:  Continue your research at home.

 

Wednesday (2/27/08)

 

            Students received a study guide for questions to consider for the refutation of their opponent’s arguments.  Students are to attach to this paper the complete works cited page.  Students worked in the lab analyzing the opponent’s paper for weaknesses and arguments to attack.  Students researched additional information to enlarge and enhance the arguments of that support the argument in their paper.

            Assignment:  Bring to class articles to either read or work with in the writing of the draft of this paper.

 

Thursday (2/28/08)

 

            Students used today to read articles found during yesterday’s research.  I advised students to first reread their position papers, then reread their opponent’s paper, then follow this with a reread of articles they used in the first paper to see whether or not additional information is therein to expand and support their arguments, and finally, to read those articles found yesterday, or not yet read, for additional support and arguments for the final paper.

            Assignment:  Complete all reading of all research materials.  Make a rough, preliminary outline of the intended content of the final paper.

 

Friday (2/29/08)

 

            Students registered for next year’s classes.  If you are absent today, you must register in the office upon your return.  We discussed the following in class concerning the rough draft of this paper.  What should this paper accomplish?  First, it should answer all arguments logically and with evidence.  Second, it should extend on your position and your justification for it.  Third, your documentation should now be of multiple sources for support.  This shows you use of research. Fourth, the paper should arrive at a logical conclusion.  If you want to include a chart, cartoon, graph, be certain to look at the sample paper as reference on how to do this and how to document it correctly.  This handwritten, rough draft is due next Tuesday.  You may find that writing this paper in first or second person will make the job easier.  We will convert to third person for the final typed paper.

            Assignment:  Write as much of your rough draft as you can get done.

 

 

 

Monday (3/03/08)

 

            Today was a shortened day because of ITED testing.  We covered the 20% rule for quoted material in a research paper.  I read Perrine’s guideline and rationale for this to students.  We reviewed the expected contents of this paper.  Students had the option of continued research in the lab or to continue writing their papers.

            Assignment:  Bring to class tomorrow the completed, handwritten rough draft of the second paper.  

 

 

Tuesday (3/04/08)

 

            Students presented their handwritten rough drafts of the second paper to me for confirmation and approval.  Students then proceeded to the lab to revise and type the rough draft.  Points to keep in mind as you revise are objectivity of tone (third person rather than first or second), proper citation of evidence to support any claim or rebuttal argument, complete a works cited page which includes all sources cited in both papers to this point, use transition words and phrases to connect your ideas, and arrive at a logical conclusion.

            Assignment:  Type your paper.  We will peer edit, revise and retype tomorrow.  The paper is due by 3:30 tomorrow.

 

Wednesday (3/05/08)

 

            Students typed, peer-edited, and proofread papers in preparation of turning them in for evaluation.

 

Thursday (3/06/08)

 

            Students read and discussed the rules in their packets for apostrophes, quotations, italics, and parentheses.  This covers #629 – 639.

            Assignment:  Complete the practice exercises in your packet for apostrophes, quotations, italics, and parentheses.

 

Friday (3/07/08)

 

            We reviewed the more complex application of the apostrophe and of commas with quotations.  We corrected the accompanying exercise for each punctuation set.

            No homework for the weekend.

 

Monday (3/10/08)

 

            I returned essays and visited with individual students about their paper.  Students read “The Californian’s Tale” (pp.303 – 314) in class and completed the following analysis:

            A.  Characters involved with brief description

            B.  Setting and plot

            C.  Rising action and climax

            D.  Point of view and its significance

            E.  Conflict and theme

            F.  Other identifiable elements such as foreshadowing, flashback,               allusion, connotation, humor, or irony.

Assignment:  Read “Brigid” (pp. 316 – 369) and complete the above       analysis notes.

 

Tuesday (3/11/08)

 

            I discussed writing issues with individual students as I returned papers.  Students read “Lalla” (pp. 329 – 345) in class and completed the a – f analysis points.  These are on the board in my room and listed above with yesterday’s comments.

            Assignment:  Read “From Love and Marriage” (pp.357 – 363) and complete the a – f analysis points.

 

Wednesday (3/12/08)

 

            We reviewed the first four readings as to theme and application to today’s society.  I checked student’s notes on “Lalla” and “Love and Marriage.”   I previewed “The Pit and the Pendulum.”  Students had class time to read and take notes.

            Assignment:  Complete reading “The Pit and the Pendulum.”  Complete a list of words used in this story that you do not know.  Complete the a – f analysis of the story.

 

Thursday (3/13/08)

 

            I distributed to students a review worksheet for the stories read in this unit.  During class we reviewed each story touching on the elements of the review sheet and more. 

            Assignment:  Test tomorrow on these readings and their vocabulary.

 

Monday (3/24/08)

 

            I presented preliminary notes on Wm. Shakespeare.  Each student was given a copy of Hamlet and other related stories.  Students viewed part of a video on Shakespeare’s life and times.

            Assignment:  Review your notes.  Read the critical essay by David Bevington which begins on page 297.

 

Tuesday (3/25/08)

 

            I presented definitions for words used in the essay by Bevington.  This initiated some discussion of the essay. Students viewed the remaining segment of the video on Shakespeare’s life and times.  Students were to take notes while viewing.  I began a review of key notes from the video.

            Assignment:  Begin reading Act I.  Familiarize yourself with the characters.

 

Wednesday (3/26/08)

 

            I presented three pages of notes on Shakespeare’s life, the Globe, and the Elizabethan times.  Students began signing up for characters that they will represent during the reading and viewing of the play.  Each student is to bring to class at least one prop to represent his or her character.

            Assignment:  Finish reading Act I.  Take notes.

 

Thursday (3/27/08)

 

            I distributed a four page handout of important quotations to students with directions.  This is not due until next Tuesday, April 1.  Students signed up for character parts for the play.  Each is to have a name tag and a prop for tomorrow.  We discussed setting, exposition, and costuming as presented by different dramatists. We read scene 1 and part of scene 2.

            Assignment:  Finish reading Act I if not yet finished.  Take notes.  Begin working on your packet.

 

Friday (3/28/08)

 

            Students will view Act I of the Kenneth Branagh enactment of Hamlet.  Notes on the board are to be copied into notebooks.

            Assignment:  Students are to complete the packet of quotations for Act I.

 

Monday (3/31/08)

 

            Students worked in pairs to conference and complete the language and quotation worksheet for Act I of Hamlet.

            Assignment:  Students will complete the Act I quotation packet assigned on Thursday. 

 

Tuesday (4/01/08)

 

            I presented notes outlining the relationships in Hamlet.  I reviewed the events of Act I.  I presented the accurate interpretations of the quotations in the packet for Act I.  Students took notes and were requested to ask questions any time my explanation was not clear or they wanted more clarification.

            Assignment:  Quiz over Act I tomorrow.

 

Wednesday (4/02/08)

 

            We reviewed all of Act I.  We identified and translated to today’s language many more of the key quotations in Act I.  Students completed a practice quiz in class.  We reviewed characters, their relationships, and the sequence of events in Act I.

            Assignment:  Read Act II.  Study for the test on Act I which will be Friday.

 

Thursday (4/03/08)

 

            I distributed two worksheets for Act II.  The first covers the six major points of the act.  The second requires reflection upon the ideas and comments within the act.  We read scene 1 and part of scene 2 in class.

            Assignment:  Complete reading Act II if you did not get this accomplished last night.  Complete the six-question worksheet.  Study for your test on Act I.  Act I test tomorrow.

 

Friday (4/04/08)

 

            Students completed the test on Act I.  Three extra credit projects are available:  design a quilt, build a Globe, or memorize “To be or not to be...”

            Assignment:  Work on your extra credit project and your quotations for Act II.

 

 Monday (4/7/08)

 

            I presented notes and explanation for Act II.

            Assignment:  Complete the quotation worksheet for Act II.

 

Tuesday (4/08/08)

 

            I distributed materials to cover Act III to band members and others missing the rest of the week.  I previewed the reflective questions for Act II.  We had a short question and answer period over the material presented in Act II.  Students viewed part of the video covering Act II.

            Assignment:  Work on the reflective questions for Act II.

 

Wednesday (4/09/08)

 

            Students viewed the remaining segment of Act II. Students worked in pairs to complete the remaining reflective questions on the handout for Act II.  We discussed answers and conclusions for these questions. I distributed a review worksheet for Act II.

            Assignment:  Complete the review worksheet.  Study for the Act II test which is tomorrow.

 

Friday (4/11/08)

 

            We read parts of scenes 1, 2, and 3 of Act III.  I presented notes and explanations along with emphasizing major elements of the material.

            Assignment:  Finish reading Act III.  Complete the packet for Act III.

 

 

 Monday (4/14/08)

 

            I completed notes on all of Act III.  We addressed themes, plot, and character development, along with important lines.

            Assignment:  Complete the quotation exercise in the Act III packet.

 

Tuesday (4/15/08)

 

            Students viewed the first segment of the Act III video for Hamlet.  I presented three more extra credit projects in conjunction with Hamlet. 

            Assignment:  Complete the quotations in the Act III packet.

 

Wednesday (4/16/08)

 

            Students viewed the last segment of the Act III video.  Students worked in groups of two’s and three’s to identify examples of assigned themes.  Each group reported to the class with its findings.  I worked with students to rephrase any quotations from Act III from their packets that they found confusing.  I emphasized to students that tomorrow’s test will contain questions from Acts I, II, and III.

            Assignment:  Study for your test.

 

Thursday (4/16/08)

 

            Students completed a test on Act III of Hamlet.  We read together scenes `1, 2, and 3 of Act IV.

            Assignment:  Work on your extra credit project.  No other assignment tonight.  I have discussed six possible extra credit projects with students.  The first is the memorization and subsequent recitation of Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” speech.  The second is the building of a scale model of the Globe.  A little research on the Internet will yield specifics as to size, shape, and design.  Students may use any material to as building material.  The third is the designing of a quilt with 36 squares.  Each block must contain a picture, description and dialogue or quotation.  Students again may use any material.  The quilt may be of any material.  The size is generally 6” X 6’.  This is a general guideline rather than a specific measurement.  Often students use squares of construction paper.  All blocks must be tied together to produce a quilt effect for a wall hanging.  The fourth is to create a comic book version of Hamlet.  Students may create a scene, act, or multiple acts.  A great deal of creativity is involved in this.  The fifth project is to modernize and video record a scene or act of Hamlet.  In this project students modernize the language along with the setting.  Knowledge of technical editing is valuable.  The last project appeals to those with musical talent.  This project is to set Hamlet to music, set a soliloquy to music, or to write a song that would apply to a character.  Each of these projects is different to hopefully appeal to students of different talents.  They are all extra credit.  Each applies to our curriculum.  Each will enhance the knowledge of the student in the area of study.  Each is for extra credit and not required.  Students may do more than one project as long as one project is completed and presented before another is attempted.  No extra credit is accepted after students take the Act V test.  No definite date is set for this test.  I project May 1st for this test.

 

Friday (4/17/08)

 

            We read the remainder of Act IV.  Students volunteered to read as characters.  We discussed some of the interpretation.  I offered one more extra credit project.  This is to create a game for the play.  Maybe it could be titled:  Last Man Standing.  Develop the rules to the game.  Identify the goal or what will specify a player as the winner.  This could be an electronic game or a board game.  Determine the size of the game, its shape (maybe a castle or a country), the pitfalls, tricks, or penalties.  You could develop cards that are drawn upon chance or penalty.  How many players will you allow?  Will there be multiple levels or multiple locations to advance to? Must players have to be able to answer questions to advance extra spaces?  Have fun.  Make it complex.  Up to 50 points for this project.

                              Assignment:  Reread Act IV.  Pay special attention to the explanatory notes on the left.  There will be an in-class worksheet on Monday.

 

Monday (4/21/08)

 

            Students worked on a 54 question worksheet which reviewed the contents of Act IV.  This was during class with notes taken while reading and the book.

            No assignment.

 

Tuesday (4/22/08)

 

            I returned the corrected worksheets to students with identified errors.  While viewing the video of Act IV students attempted to identify the correct answer to any errors from yesterday or blank answers.  Worksheets were turned in at the end of the period for cor