GENERAL - "Tragedy"

Identify one work of storytelling art (movie, play, book, fairytale, etc.) that you think is a tragedy. Why do you believe it fits the definition?

GENERAL - Waking Up from the American Dream

Dear Students,

We've looked at the Average American. We've looked at the American Dream. Why is the Average American so far from achieving the American Dream? What's the real problem here? Is the American Dream a lie? Is it totally unattainable? Now look at your American Dream. Does it match the American Dream of others? Is your American Dream attainable?

Let me know,
Rolapp

GENERAL - AP English Composition

What is the AP English Composition Exam? Do a little web research to find out, and write your finding here. Then, think about it: should our class begin prepping for the AP English Composition Exam? Is it worth our time? Is it worth our money? What are the pros and cons?

Happy hunting!

GENERAL - Opening Survey

Dear Students,

Welcome new and returning members to 11th Grade Honors American Literature. Please answer all the following as a starter exercise:

• What does the term "American Drama" mean to you?
• Are Americans inherently dramatic?
• What does the word "dramatic" mean in the first place?
• Should we consider changing our class name to 11th Grade Honors American Dramatic Literature? How would this change the focus of the class?
• What kinds of plays would you like to see/read in this coming term?
• If our class was going to put on a play, would you be the director, an actor, or a designer? Why?

Don't forget to sign your postings!

GENERAL - Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Both Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are well-known Civil Rights activists. But that's not all they have in common. Do some quicjk web research to find at least five things they have in common (really, at least FIVE, count 'em!). Then find five other things that they do not have in common. Once you've listed your ten items, then I want you to make an evaluation: which of the two, Malcolm X or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., had a more lasting effect on the world? Why?

Round Characters - "El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz"

For instructions, please see the agenda for January 11 or 12.

Round Characters - "Malcolm X"

For instructions, please see the agenda for January 11 or 12.

Round Characters - "Detroit Red"

For instructions, please see the agenda for January 11 or 12.

Round Characters - "Malcolm Little"

For instructions, please see the agenda for January 11 or 12.

GENERAL - Elijah Muhammad - Job or Icarus?

Now that you've read chapter 16, you are aware of how Elijah Muhammad has also had a "fall." (If you haven't read chapter 16, now might be a good time to do so.) We've studied how Alex Haley has made allusions to both the Bible and Greek Mythology, comparing Malcolm to Job and Icarus. Now, I'd like you to draw some parallels of your own. How does Elijah Muhammad's story relate to the stories of Job and Icarus? Think hard and draw some deep parallels. Answer in at least two fully formed paragraphs.

Enjoy!

GENERAL - Allusion: Icarus

Now that we're more comfortable identifying and analyzing allusions, let's look together at the title of chapter fifteen of Malcolm X. This chapter is called "Icarus." Who was Icarus in classical mythology? To whom does this allusion apply in the book? (More than one answer may be corret here.) How well does the allusion fit? Is Alex Haley justified in giving the chapter this title?

As before, you'll need to do a little web research in order to make an informed decision and to support your opinion. Wikipedia may be a good start, but there are many other sources that will provide the required information. Be sure to craft your answer into a well-constructed paragraph of at least six sentences.

GENERAL - Malcolm and Job

In Chicago Elijah Muhammad publicly likens Malcolm to the biblical figure Job. Do you agree or disagree with this comparison? Why?

In order to make an informed decision and to support your opinion, you'll need to do a little web research on Job. You may use either primary or secondary sources. Craft your answer into a well-constructed paragraph of at least six sentences.

GENERAL - Letter to Malcolm

By the end of Chapter 9, Malcolm is a verified mess. He's an addict. He's a criminal. Some might even say he's a monster. Imagine that you are a childhood friend of Malcolm's. Imagine that you've run into Malcolm in Boston and seen his state. Write a letter to Malcolm calling him on his nonsense. Tell him exactly what you think of him. Warn him about the direction in which he's heading. Tell him what he needs to do to get his life back into shape. Remember to use techniques that will make him actually listen, not just turn away. Be sure to sign off with your name.

GENERAL - "White Flight" and "Gentrification"

What is "white flight?" What is "gentrification?" Which was occuring in the New York Times Article? Which is happening in your neighborhood today? Is either one a good thing? Or are they both inherently racist? How?

GENERAL - MX Chapter 4 Quiz

In Chapter 4, Malcolm begins two love relationships: Laura and Sophia. Assume the persona of Malcolm and write a love letter to one of his two love interests. In this love letter, be sure to praise the recipient for her virtues, address the problems facing your relationship, and suggest a future meeting in a place and time logical for the character. Please keep your letters P.G.

GENERAL - MX Chapter 2 Quiz

Please answer one of the following prompts in a complete paragraph:

1. Why does Malcolm say he feels like a "pink poodle?" Have you ever felt that way before? Tell me about it.

2. Imagine what would have happened to Malcolm if he had followed his white friends' advice and attempted to date white women. How would it have affected Malcolm? The women he tried to date? His friends? His sister Ella?

3. In spite of enjoying his time in Roxbury, Malcolm decides that it is a good thing when he leaves. Why? Have you ever been forced to leave a place you've loved, only to later realize it was for the best? Tell me about it.

GENERAL - Oxymorons

What is an oxymoron? Use your web surfing knowledge to find out. Then, once you understand what it is, post at least one example here. Happy surfing!

GENERAL: Just a Check-in

Hey students,

What a day! Please use this blog entry as a general free-write. You may write on any subject you wish. If you're lost, you might begin just by telling me how you're doing. You might want to muse on some current events. What's going on in the world? In your life? What's going on in school? In this class? How on track are you for graduation? What are your college plans?

Or... you can feel free to talk about something else.

Happy writing,
Mr. Rolapp

CHARACTERIZATION: TGG Chapter 4 Reading Quiz

Choose either Gatsby or Wolfsheim. For each character, provide three quotes directly from the text. One quote must be something the character says about himself. One quote must be something the author says about him. One quote must be something another character in the novel says about him. After providing the quotes, sum up your chosen character in one original sentence.

DICTION: Same Story, Different Words - Part 3

Who are you? You just discovered you have a long lost relative living in Antarctica. Other than you, she is not aware that she has any living relatives anywhere in the world. Describe yourself in four sentences. In this posting, use diction that will give the truest sense of who you really are.