MLA format? What? It stands for Modern Language Association and it is the most commonly used format in liberal arts colleges. It is used to help create standards for formatting papers--in other words so that all your Humanities teachers want the papers to look the same way --same font, same style, same conventions, etc. There is also an APA format often used in science writing. There is also the Chicago Style manuel used in journalism and publishing. If you are totally fascinated by this, you can learn more about it by visiting here
If you need an online web site which spells out all the rules for you, use this one.
There is a sample of what a first page should look like in addition to a whole host of other useful information. See the section on the right called "General Academic Writing" for lots of how-tos.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Essay Prompt for "The Storm,"
Write a well-organized essay in which you discuss which literary techniques Chopin uses in order to develop the emotional storm of the characters in the story. Some suggested tools are imagery, metaphor, and setting.
Short Story "The Storm"
"The Storm," By Kate Chopin, is a heaving-bosomed dramatic short story about a woman who has an extramarital affair. It is here for you to read online
For those of you wanting a little biographical information on Kate Chopin, you can find here.
For those of you wanting a little biographical information on Kate Chopin, you can find here.
Monday, February 23, 2009
10 Important Reminders
Things Fall Apart
Typed revisions due Friday with originals attached. Please adhere to MLA guidelines.
General Notes for Class:
1) Introductions—stick to your thesis statement. If you promise you are going to write about setting, imagery, and point of view, that’s what you need to write about. Don’t go off topic UNLESS you are using the subtopic as a means to prove your thesis statement.
2) Novels are underlined, short stories get “”quotations. A novel is “entitled.”
3) Not a bad idea to start off the intro with the quote and then paraphrase its meaning and then explain how it is related to TFA.
4) Avoid 2nd person pov when possible
5) Don’t be afraid to take a stand in your essay. This book has an agenda –to show you the African pov, don’t be afraid to vehemently articulate this.
6) Citations must be in the proper, MLA format. “ blah blah blah,” (Achebe, 62).
7) Try to neatly embed your support rather than an awkward insertion.
8) Pay attention to your verbs. If you are using lots of helping verbs,--there is a hint that your verbs aren’t strong enough.
9) Choose a tense and stick with it. Generally, the present tense is stronger.
10) Don’t forget to address the ambiguities and the complexities. Nothing is simply black and white in a text. Achebe is both a powerful warrior and a misogynist. The Christians destroyed a culture in the belief that they were “saving” it. Be sure to define your terms and the questions those terms may provoke.
Typed revisions due Friday with originals attached. Please adhere to MLA guidelines.
General Notes for Class:
1) Introductions—stick to your thesis statement. If you promise you are going to write about setting, imagery, and point of view, that’s what you need to write about. Don’t go off topic UNLESS you are using the subtopic as a means to prove your thesis statement.
2) Novels are underlined, short stories get “”quotations. A novel is “entitled.”
3) Not a bad idea to start off the intro with the quote and then paraphrase its meaning and then explain how it is related to TFA.
4) Avoid 2nd person pov when possible
5) Don’t be afraid to take a stand in your essay. This book has an agenda –to show you the African pov, don’t be afraid to vehemently articulate this.
6) Citations must be in the proper, MLA format. “ blah blah blah,” (Achebe, 62).
7) Try to neatly embed your support rather than an awkward insertion.
8) Pay attention to your verbs. If you are using lots of helping verbs,--there is a hint that your verbs aren’t strong enough.
9) Choose a tense and stick with it. Generally, the present tense is stronger.
10) Don’t forget to address the ambiguities and the complexities. Nothing is simply black and white in a text. Achebe is both a powerful warrior and a misogynist. The Christians destroyed a culture in the belief that they were “saving” it. Be sure to define your terms and the questions those terms may provoke.
Homework for the week of February 23, 2009
Monday:
In class, we will try to cover the major errors found in your essays. We will also show you a sample index card.
For homework, please update all of your index cards for any novels, poems, or plays you have read which might be applicable to the AP exam.
Tuesday:
In class, we will take an AP multiple choice test
For homework, you will grade yourselves and circle the answer explanations which you found to be the most helpful. Please also take the time to mark which questions were the hardest versus the easiest. Finally, label the TYPE of question each question represents--for example, theme question, definition question, grammar question, etc.
Wednesday:
In class, we will learn how to address syllogisms and how they work in the context of English and grammar.
For homework: Read Chopin's story, "The Storm," and the setting intro. Prepare discussion questions.
Thursday: In class, discussion of "The Storm,"
Homework: Essay outlines for practice timed essay test on Friday.
Friday: In class essay practice Revisions for TFA essay test due.
Weekend homework: Read O'Connor's, "A Good Man is Hard To Find," and answer study questions online.
In class, we will try to cover the major errors found in your essays. We will also show you a sample index card.
For homework, please update all of your index cards for any novels, poems, or plays you have read which might be applicable to the AP exam.
Tuesday:
In class, we will take an AP multiple choice test
For homework, you will grade yourselves and circle the answer explanations which you found to be the most helpful. Please also take the time to mark which questions were the hardest versus the easiest. Finally, label the TYPE of question each question represents--for example, theme question, definition question, grammar question, etc.
Wednesday:
In class, we will learn how to address syllogisms and how they work in the context of English and grammar.
For homework: Read Chopin's story, "The Storm," and the setting intro. Prepare discussion questions.
Thursday: In class, discussion of "The Storm,"
Homework: Essay outlines for practice timed essay test on Friday.
Friday: In class essay practice Revisions for TFA essay test due.
Weekend homework: Read O'Connor's, "A Good Man is Hard To Find," and answer study questions online.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Essay Topic for Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe repeats a great proverb that goes "until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter." Write an essay illustrating how Things Fall Apart is an attempt to give the lions their say (to carry on with the metaphor).
Be sure to address the literary techniques the author uses as a means to convey the larger themes of the novel.
Want to brush up on your history to see what the Brits did and when? check out this entry on Nigeria
Be sure to address the literary techniques the author uses as a means to convey the larger themes of the novel.
Want to brush up on your history to see what the Brits did and when? check out this entry on Nigeria
Monday, February 09, 2009
First Visit Response
Enter into the Village of Umuofia from the WMU Literary Worlds Portal. To simply visit Umuofia you can enter at a "Guest." Proceed first to the Things Fall Apart Room from which you can enter into the "Village Square."
You will want to visit every "room" in the village. For this it may be helpful to study the Village of Umuofia Map. You will also want to look at all of the objects and images in each "room." Learn how to use the "say" command."
Choose three images of people, places, or objects that interest you, carefully study them, and write at least a paragraph about each one. Your paragraph can address these questions:
What do you notice in the image? What questions do you have about what you see? What might be the "back story" to this image? How does the image compare with what you might have imagined from reading Things Fall Apart?
If you enter the Village of Umuofia at the same time as other students you can share your comments with them using the "say" command.
Some of the "rooms" or objects play traditional West African Music by Yaya Diallo.
What role does music play in the novel, Things Fall Apart? What can you learn from the internet about traditional African music? Do you like this kind of music? How has it influenced music around the world?
You will want to visit every "room" in the village. For this it may be helpful to study the Village of Umuofia Map. You will also want to look at all of the objects and images in each "room." Learn how to use the "say" command."
Choose three images of people, places, or objects that interest you, carefully study them, and write at least a paragraph about each one. Your paragraph can address these questions:
What do you notice in the image? What questions do you have about what you see? What might be the "back story" to this image? How does the image compare with what you might have imagined from reading Things Fall Apart?
If you enter the Village of Umuofia at the same time as other students you can share your comments with them using the "say" command.
Some of the "rooms" or objects play traditional West African Music by Yaya Diallo.
What role does music play in the novel, Things Fall Apart? What can you learn from the internet about traditional African music? Do you like this kind of music? How has it influenced music around the world?
Homework for the Week of February 9-13, 2009
Monday:
In class: We will be discussing the role of the protagonist and his complexities.
For homework: 1) You need to complete the "FIRST VISIT" activity for the virtual world we will be exploring later this week. To do this, you need to click hereand click on the part that says "First Visit." This needs to be done by Wednesday. Send me about 300 words describing what you saw and did on your visit.
2) Prepare a list of quotes like the ones we saw in class today about women and men in the society. Look for quotes which illustrate the power in relationships--who holds it in what situation and why.
Tuesday:In class, we will be discussing the role of women and men in Things Fall Apart.
For homework: Prepare a list of quotes which illustrate the changes that occur in the tribe once the colonialists arrive. Be prepared to argue for positive and negative changes and to argue Achebe's perspective.
Wednesday: In class, we will discuss the end of the book and try to look at it as a whole.
For homework: 1) You must have finished your internet "First Visit" for our in class activity on Thursday.
2) Prepare quotes illustrating the best examples of Achebe's devices and how they help illuminate a Western reader's understanding of African tribal life.
Thursday: In class, we will go online to the virtual world of Things Fall Apart.
For Homework: Prepare your outlines for your in class essays.
Friday: In class, we will write an essay on the novel Things Fall Apart. Please note, students without COMPLETE outlines will automatically lose one letter grade from their essays.
Homework: 1) Bring in all the index cards you have created for class. These should include all your literary terms, vocabulary words as well as the review index cards for plays, poems, and finished works you might use on the exam.
2) Write the extract essay using the outline you were given on Tuesday. This will count as a test grade, so please edit it carefully.
In class: We will be discussing the role of the protagonist and his complexities.
For homework: 1) You need to complete the "FIRST VISIT" activity for the virtual world we will be exploring later this week. To do this, you need to click hereand click on the part that says "First Visit." This needs to be done by Wednesday. Send me about 300 words describing what you saw and did on your visit.
2) Prepare a list of quotes like the ones we saw in class today about women and men in the society. Look for quotes which illustrate the power in relationships--who holds it in what situation and why.
Tuesday:In class, we will be discussing the role of women and men in Things Fall Apart.
For homework: Prepare a list of quotes which illustrate the changes that occur in the tribe once the colonialists arrive. Be prepared to argue for positive and negative changes and to argue Achebe's perspective.
Wednesday: In class, we will discuss the end of the book and try to look at it as a whole.
For homework: 1) You must have finished your internet "First Visit" for our in class activity on Thursday.
2) Prepare quotes illustrating the best examples of Achebe's devices and how they help illuminate a Western reader's understanding of African tribal life.
Thursday: In class, we will go online to the virtual world of Things Fall Apart.
For Homework: Prepare your outlines for your in class essays.
Friday: In class, we will write an essay on the novel Things Fall Apart. Please note, students without COMPLETE outlines will automatically lose one letter grade from their essays.
Homework: 1) Bring in all the index cards you have created for class. These should include all your literary terms, vocabulary words as well as the review index cards for plays, poems, and finished works you might use on the exam.
2) Write the extract essay using the outline you were given on Tuesday. This will count as a test grade, so please edit it carefully.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Questions to Answer for Things Fall Apart
In the comments section, please answer the questions as requested below:
Chapter One: Katherine Joyce
1) What do you learn about Okonkwo's character and achievements in this chapter?
2) What do you learn about this father, Unoka? How was Okonkwo been affected by his father's character?
Chapter Two: Estefany Frias
1) What is Okonwo woken by at the beginning of the chapter?
2) Briefly explain the crisis that has occurred between Umuofia and the neighboring village of Mbaino.
3) How is the crisis resolved?
4. We learn on page 12 that Okonkwo's 'whole life was dominated by fear.' What is he afraid of?
5. What do we find out about Okonwo's family in this chapter?
Chapter Three: Christopher Fandino
1) Why did Unoka go to visit the Oracle of Agbala?
2) What message did he receive? Why is this important to our understanding of Okonkwo's character?
3) What do you learn about Okonkwo's early years as a farmer?
Chapter Four: Natalie Bloomfield
1) What is Okonkwo's attitude towards men who are less successful than him?
2) What do you learn about Ikemfuna's role within the Okonkwo's family?
3) What crime does Okonkwo commit during the Week of Peace?
4) Why is the Week of Peace an important custom in the community?
5) What punishment does Okonkwo receive for his actions?
Chapter Seven: Edward Torres:
1) How long has Ikemefuma lived with Okonkwo's family and what influence has his presence had upon them?
2) What warning does Ezendu give to Okonkwo on page 50?
3) What do you think of Okonkwo's actions in this chapter?
4) What effect does Ikemefuna's death have on Nwoye?
Chapter Eight: Frank Delgado
1) How does Okonkwo react to Ikemefuna's death?
2) What does Obierika feel about the part that Okonkwo played in the murder? What might this suggest about his character?
3) What do you learn about the customs involved in preparing for a wedding in this chapter?
Chapter Nine: Elizabeth Florencio:
1) Why is Ekwefi so worried when she discovers that Ezina is suffering from a fever?
2) What does the story of Ezina tell us about the customs and beliefs of the society?
Chapter Ten: Kyle Williams
1) What does this chapter show about justice in the community and the roles of men and women?
Chapter Eleven: Johnny Almonte Jr.
1) What is the message or moral of the creation story about the Tortoise and the birds? What is Ekwefi's purpose in telling the story?
2) How is the storytelling interrupted?
3) Read from page 91 to the end of the chapter. How does the writer create a sense of mystery in this description of Ekwefi's journey to Agbala's cave?
4) What different side of Okonkwo's character do we see in this chapter?
Chapter Thirteen (am I getting ahead of us?): Davian Reynolds
1) What rituals and customs are involved in Ezudu's funeral?
2) What crime does Okonkwo commit during the proceedings?
3) What punishment does he receive? Why is this necessary according to the beliefs of the tribe?
Chapter One: Katherine Joyce
1) What do you learn about Okonkwo's character and achievements in this chapter?
2) What do you learn about this father, Unoka? How was Okonkwo been affected by his father's character?
Chapter Two: Estefany Frias
1) What is Okonwo woken by at the beginning of the chapter?
2) Briefly explain the crisis that has occurred between Umuofia and the neighboring village of Mbaino.
3) How is the crisis resolved?
4. We learn on page 12 that Okonkwo's 'whole life was dominated by fear.' What is he afraid of?
5. What do we find out about Okonwo's family in this chapter?
Chapter Three: Christopher Fandino
1) Why did Unoka go to visit the Oracle of Agbala?
2) What message did he receive? Why is this important to our understanding of Okonkwo's character?
3) What do you learn about Okonkwo's early years as a farmer?
Chapter Four: Natalie Bloomfield
1) What is Okonkwo's attitude towards men who are less successful than him?
2) What do you learn about Ikemfuna's role within the Okonkwo's family?
3) What crime does Okonkwo commit during the Week of Peace?
4) Why is the Week of Peace an important custom in the community?
5) What punishment does Okonkwo receive for his actions?
Chapter Seven: Edward Torres:
1) How long has Ikemefuma lived with Okonkwo's family and what influence has his presence had upon them?
2) What warning does Ezendu give to Okonkwo on page 50?
3) What do you think of Okonkwo's actions in this chapter?
4) What effect does Ikemefuna's death have on Nwoye?
Chapter Eight: Frank Delgado
1) How does Okonkwo react to Ikemefuna's death?
2) What does Obierika feel about the part that Okonkwo played in the murder? What might this suggest about his character?
3) What do you learn about the customs involved in preparing for a wedding in this chapter?
Chapter Nine: Elizabeth Florencio:
1) Why is Ekwefi so worried when she discovers that Ezina is suffering from a fever?
2) What does the story of Ezina tell us about the customs and beliefs of the society?
Chapter Ten: Kyle Williams
1) What does this chapter show about justice in the community and the roles of men and women?
Chapter Eleven: Johnny Almonte Jr.
1) What is the message or moral of the creation story about the Tortoise and the birds? What is Ekwefi's purpose in telling the story?
2) How is the storytelling interrupted?
3) Read from page 91 to the end of the chapter. How does the writer create a sense of mystery in this description of Ekwefi's journey to Agbala's cave?
4) What different side of Okonkwo's character do we see in this chapter?
Chapter Thirteen (am I getting ahead of us?): Davian Reynolds
1) What rituals and customs are involved in Ezudu's funeral?
2) What crime does Okonkwo commit during the proceedings?
3) What punishment does he receive? Why is this necessary according to the beliefs of the tribe?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)