In the last few days, we've worked on the relationship between conflict and theme. First, we considered several conflicts in the novel - internal and external (notes are posted on the side). A conflict that I have been interested in is the incompatibility of real freedom and superficial happiness.
Today I showed you how you can extrapolate the conflict into theme. Conflict is specific; it deals with characters and their experiences. Theme is generalized, and it looks at big ideas and questions about life. Notes are on the side.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Unit Test
As I have mentioned several times in class, our Brave New World unit test is coming up on Thursday, April 1. The format will be paragraph responses. This Thursday, I will give you a list of 10 possible questions. 6 will appear on the test and you will need to respond to 4 of them; each will be assessed on a 6-point scale. They will be assessed for content and quality of expression; that is, you will need to follow writing conventions for a paragraph (introductory and conclusion sentence), and make sure you are discussing the text with evidence and examples.
You will be allowed to refer to the novel during the test, but no other outside materials.
Big thanks to today's presenters! I'm looking forward to the presentation taking place tomorrow.
You will be allowed to refer to the novel during the test, but no other outside materials.
Big thanks to today's presenters! I'm looking forward to the presentation taking place tomorrow.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Discussion Question 2
Some of you have suggested that Brave New World is thematically inappropriate for English 11... Was this book a good choice to study? Why or why not?
Discussion Question 1
Do you think we are at risk of heading towards a Brave New World-like society? In what way(s)?
Group Presentations
As I hope you are all aware, Monday is go-time for presentations. The following equipment is available:
-hookup for iPod
-laptop and projector for Powerpoint (please make sure your powerpoint is a .ppt file, not a .pptx - not a problem if you've worked at school), with DVD and CD playing capability
-overhead
If you need anything else please post it as a comment below.
As I said in class on Friday, the individual presentation report is now optional. You will want to take advantage of the option if you feel that your level of understanding and knowledge is better than you will be able to show in your group presentation (that is, you feel that your group is working at about a C level, and you think you are at an A or B).
Everyone will complete a participation self-assessment on Wednesday.
-hookup for iPod
-laptop and projector for Powerpoint (please make sure your powerpoint is a .ppt file, not a .pptx - not a problem if you've worked at school), with DVD and CD playing capability
-overhead
If you need anything else please post it as a comment below.
As I said in class on Friday, the individual presentation report is now optional. You will want to take advantage of the option if you feel that your level of understanding and knowledge is better than you will be able to show in your group presentation (that is, you feel that your group is working at about a C level, and you think you are at an A or B).
Everyone will complete a participation self-assessment on Wednesday.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Back to school.
Today we worked on comparing and contrasting the Savage Reservation and the World State. Huxley writes about two extreme societies and comparing how they are alike and how they are different is engaging work. Comparing and contrasting is higher order thinking; that is, you need a deep understanding of a text to successfully complete it.
Some highlights of the discussion:
Important similarities - the WS and SR are constricted societies, intolerant of outsiders and new ideas, and major release is extreme religious behaviour. No one in either society has very much freedom.
Important differences - each society's behaviour in relationships and family is of course extremely different. WS is technologically advanced and the SR is very primitive. Despite much more difficult lives, people have more freedom in the savage reservation (irony alert!)
This week you will have Wednesday and Friday (entire classes) to work on your group projects. Please come prepared and use the time well. Presentations are due on Monday.
Some highlights of the discussion:
Important similarities - the WS and SR are constricted societies, intolerant of outsiders and new ideas, and major release is extreme religious behaviour. No one in either society has very much freedom.
Important differences - each society's behaviour in relationships and family is of course extremely different. WS is technologically advanced and the SR is very primitive. Despite much more difficult lives, people have more freedom in the savage reservation (irony alert!)
This week you will have Wednesday and Friday (entire classes) to work on your group projects. Please come prepared and use the time well. Presentations are due on Monday.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Discussion Question 2
All the people in the World State have been heavily conditioned, and are controlled by society. Do you think they are able to learn and change, or are they stuck in their beliefs?
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