The Month of January 2011

Thesis Paper (100 Points)

Final paper is due on Tuesday, January 11. Have your rough draft and all parts of the final draft.

Independent Reading Project (50 Points)
(15-20 Minute Presentation)

Directions. You are to become the expert on the book you have read. Your job is to teach the rest of the class about your book. You must lead the discussion; however, the class must somehow become involved. Below is a list of requirements and suggestions on how to teach your book. If you think of another way in which you would like to teach your book, you must let me know in advance and get approval. In any case, you must have your project completed by the due date. All students must somehow be involved in putting this project together and presenting it. A suggestion: PowerPoint presentations are great for organizing your presentation and presenting information. The order in which requirements are listed below are not necessarily in the order in which they must be presented. Create a lesson that logically flows from one section to the next.

Author Background – Provide significant information about the author and especially provide information that connects the author to the book they have written.
Example: Paulo Coelho and the information you learned about him connects to why he may have written The Alchemist.
Brief Summary – Provide a brief summary of the novel. This is just so the audience has an understanding of the book. This should include a list of significant characters and events in the story. You must also touch upon the key themes found in the novel. Specific passages and quotes from the novel should be used in this section.
Example: Ms. Rich’s summaries for The Odyssey with themes and characters added to summary.
Writing Prompt – Although some of your classmates did not read your novel, get them involved in the novel by having them do a five minute free-write on a theme, topic, connection, etc. Create a prompt that generates good discussion and connects them to the happenings, characters, etc. in your novel. Use this writing prompt as part of your discussion with the class.
Example: Antigone log entries.
Article – Find an article that connects to something in the novel and share it with the class. This can be an encyclopedia entry, an actual current or not so current article, or even an information page off a reputable website. This should be photocopied and given to each member of the class. Therefore, make sure it is no longer than 2 pages in length. See me if you have an issue with this.
Example: A novel on China may deal with footbinding. I may want to share with the class what footbinding is and how it is done. Therefore, I would research footbinding and print out the article from the website, encyclopedia, or magazine.
Cultural Information and Setting – This is the most important part of the lesson: What did you learn about the culture and country in which your novel takes place? Share a map of where your story takes place and discuss traditions, beliefs, and interesting information about your culture. What is it that you learned through reading that you should share with your fellow classmates? Specific passages and quotes from the novel should be used in this section.
Question and Answer Period – Be open to any questions your classmates may have. Periodically throughout the presentation ask the students if they have any questions. You may also want to end the presentation with a question and answer period.
Review Game – Did your audience stay focused and involved throughout your presentation? Create a review game – Review Jeopardy, Review Basketball, etc. – to end your presentation. Questions should be based off the information provided throughout the presentation. Have fun with this.

We will be in the computer lab on Wednesday, January 5 through Monday, January 10. This gives you four days in class to work on this project. Use the evenings at home to gather information. This way the lab time enables your group to put the presentation together. All work must be completed for class on Tuesday, January 11. All groups must be ready to go on this day.
Period 2: Computer Lab # 438 Side A
Period 3: Computer Lab # 438 Side B

December 2010

Due Date Updates for Thesis Paper:

For Wednesday, Dec. 14:
--Continue to revise the introduction and first section of your paper
--Add Quotes to your first section
--Begin working on the second section of your paper
(Don't forget to be reading your independent reading book!)

Due Monday, December 13:
-- Have your typed introduction with the revised thesis statement
-- Have your typed outline
-- Type the first section of your paper -- Everything under Roman Numeral I in your outline -- (We will add the quotes later. For now just do this {insert quote here} when writing the paper)

For Friday, Dec. 10:
-- Have a typed, revised thesis statement
-- Have a typed introduction
-- Have a typed outline
-- Have your noodletools account created


Thesis Paper (Completed Rough Draft) is due Tuesday, December 21: This includes the added quotes and conclusion. You must bring the rough draft, the outline, and your works cited page to class on this day. The final draft will not be due until Tuesday, January 11.

THESIS PAPER:

You will be working on a thesis paper for our Fate vs. Free-will Unit. Please listen for due dates in class. You will be doing the writing process over the next couple of weeks. Every part of the writing process will be graded. Keep everything you do. I will be collecting the rough draft with the final draft to see an improvement in your writing. The rough draft is due on Tuesday, December 21. I will not be in school on Friday, December 17 or Monday, December 20. Do not wait until the last minute if you have any questions on the thesis paper. Please refer to the assignment sheet and rubric while writing your paper. The rubric is listed below.


Rough Draft _____/10
Outline
Paper
Works Cited
Peer evaluation
Paper clipped/stapled together in correct order


Format of Final Draft _____/10
MLA heading with title
MLA outline format (outlines the actual paper)
MLA Works Cited page format
Times New Roman or Courier New, 12 Font, Double-spaced
Titles of novels underlined or italics, articles and short stories in quotes


Introduction of Final Draft _____/5
Hook
Works mentioned
Authors mentioned
Strong thesis statement
Thesis statement is the last statement of introduction


Body of Final Draft _____/30

Three works and article used
Development (3-5 pages in length)
Commentary/analysis


Overall Structure of Final Draft _____/20
Coherence (sentence structure/word choice)
Unity (all paragraphs connect to the thesis)
Organization/Transition
Typing errors
Grammar/punctuation/usage/spelling/use of present tense


Quotes in Final Draft _____/20
MLA format
Quote sandwich
Tells who says the quote
Introduces the quote
Tells the significance of quote
Quote choices


Conclusion _____/5

Total: _____/100

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INDEPENDENT READING ASSIGNMENT:

Read the following by Wednesday, December 22:

Purple Hibiscus – Pages 3-139
The Sound of the Waves – Pages 3-94
The 47 Ronin Story – Preface – middle of page 122
The Sounds of the River – Pages 1-128

Be prepared for a small group discussion on Wednesday, December 22 and Thursday, December 23. In order to be prepared for the discussion, you must organize and type (MLA Heading & Format) the following (20 Points):

• Five Discussion Questions (Type questions that you think your group will want to talk about. Don’t worry about small details: your task is to help people talk over the big ideas in the reading and share some reactions. Think about areas of theme, symbols, and character development as you prepare your questions.)
• Two Connection Topics (This means connecting the reading to your own life, to happenings at school or in the community, to similar events at other times and places, to other people or problems that you are reminded of. You might also see the connections between this book and other writings. You must explain your connections)
• Two Passages (Pick parts of the story that you want to read aloud to your group. Select passages that are interesting, powerful, funny, controversial, confusing or thought-provoking. Along with including the quoted passages and page numbers, provide a brief explanation of why you picked each passage and your interpretation/reaction to each of them.)

The final section of reading will be due on Tuesday, January 4.

Purple Hibiscus – Pages 140-end
The Sound of the Waves – Pages 95-end
The 47 Ronin Story – middle of page 122-end
The Sounds of the River – Pages 129-end

Once the work is completed, you and other students will prepare a PowerPoint to teach your novel to the rest of the class. Instructions will be given after the break. However, you may want to consider the following as you are reading: author information, cultural information, and connection to the current unit – Family Relationships and The Role of Family Members in Different Cultures.

The Week of Nov. 8, 15, 22, and 30

The Stranger -- The movie trailer, script for each scene, and individual contribution log are due Friday, November 12. The contribution log is one page in length (MLA Format). This should include your part in the creation of the movie trailer.

We will begin The Odyssey on Wednesday. The following are the reading and writing due dates:

Due November 11: Book I: A Goddess Intervenes
Due November 15: Book V: Sweet Nymph and Open Sea & Book IX:New Coasts and Poseidon's Son and complete AP Practice Test Packet (Both Passages and Multiple Choice Sections)
Due November 16: The Gods Intervene handout
Due November 17: "Polyphemus Perverse" Poem Reaction
Due November 18: Books X: The Grace of the Witch & Book XI: A Gathering of Shades and 5 Socratic Seminar Questions (Open-ended questions...ones that enable good discussion)
Due November 22: Book XII: Sea Perils and Defeat and Point of View Poem
Due November 23: Log Entry Assignment (MLA Format)
Due November 29: Book XXII: Death in the Great Hall
Due November 30: Monster Project
End Test: Friday, December 3

*Due dates are subject to change and other assignments may be added. Please listen carefully to instructions in class.

The Weeks of November 1 and November 8

Enjoy the long weekend! We will resume the taping of The Stranger trailers on Monday. Meet us in the computer lab (#438) on Monday and Tuesday. Remember to bring in props, have scripts completed, and be prepared to tape. The reflection on your involvement in the making of the video will be due on Friday, November 12. This is the same day the video should be completed. Hope you are enjoying the activity and staying focused on the theme of The Absurd and the philosophy of Existentialism. Let us know if you plan on taping after school. We will need to be present while you are using the flip cameras.

We will begin The Odyssey on Wednesday. This will involve nightly reading assignments and outside of class writing activities. Due dates will be discussed in class.

The Week of October 25

Reading Assignments for The Stranger

Due Monday, Oct. 25: Part II up to page 108 (chapter 5) and quote choice

Due Thursday, Oct. 28:

~Novel should be completed

~The two articles given to you in class should be read

~Write on the back of the paper given to you last week your second significant quote

Please listen for other possible assignments during class this week. Ms. Rich has some activities that may require you to complete them at home.

Week of October 18

Due Wednesday, Oct. 20: Part I of The Stranger and the log entry

We will be viewing The Minority Report in class. This film connects to our Fate vs. Free-will Unit and to the play Oedipus. You are to actively watch the film for a complete analysis of the characters, plot, and themes and to make important connections to what we have studied over the last two months.

Due Monday, Oct. 25: Part II up to page 108 (chapter 5)

The Weeks of Oct. 11 and Oct. 18

Due Monday, Oct. 11: Oedipus discussion questions

(*Note change in date for in-class writing) Friday, Oct. 15: End Writing for Oedipus (this will be an in-class writing)

We will be viewing the film Minority Report in class at the end of this week. This film will be viewed in connection with Oedipus.

We will also begin reading The Stranger. Please listen for the reading and log due dates in class. I will post them later in the week.

The weeks of Sept. 27 and Oct. 4

*HOMEWORK FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 12: Please bring in completed questions on Oedipus!

Oedipus will be read and analyzed in class over the next couple of weeks. Ms. Rich will inform you of when the end test will take place. On your own, you will be reading Antigone (pages 341-387) and completing the assignments listed below. The play and the assignments are due on Wednesday, Oct. 6.

Part I: Formal Log Entry Response (25 Points)

Read Antigone independently and complete one of the log entries listed below. You must connect your response to Antigone. Therefore, quotes and examples are a must. Please follow the proper MLA format when writing your response.

1. Do you think people should be obliged to obey laws even if they don’t agree with them? Why or why not? Link your response to Antigone.

2. Are stubbornness and pride admirable qualities? Explain. Link your response to Antigone.

3. From your experience, do most people find it easy or difficult to admit they’ve made a mistake? Is admitting to a mistake a sign of strength or weakness in contemporary society? Explain. Link your response to Antigone.

4. How responsible do you feel for your family members? Do you think family members should risk danger or even death for one another? Explain your responses. Link your response to Antigone.

Part II. Create a comic book adaptation of Antigone (10 Points)

Pick out the key scenes and create at least a 10 panel comic book. Your adaptation should not only show your understanding of the play, but should also show how you can pick out key scenes of a play.

Part III: Socratic Seminar (20 points)

Come to class prepared to discuss Antigone on the due date provided in class. You must come to class with five typed discussion questions. These can be questions you have about the play, topics you want to further discuss, connections you want to make, analysis of a quote you like, etc. Do not create questions that are similar to the log entry questions. You will be graded on your five typed discussion questions and your involvement in the Socratic Seminar.

These are the types of questions that allow for some great discussions:

• OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS:
Write an insightful question about the text that will require proof
and group discussion and "construction of logic" to discover or explore the answer to the question.
• UNIVERSAL THEME/ CORE QUESTIONS:
Write a question dealing with a theme(s) of the text that will
encourage group discussion about the universality of the text.
• LITERARY ANALYSIS QUESTIONS:
Write a question dealing with HOW an author chose to compose a literary piece. Example: How did the author manipulate point of view?
• WORLD CONNECTION QUESTIONS:
Write a question connecting the text to the real world.
• CLOSE-ENDED QUESTIONS:
Write a question about the text that will help everyone in the
class come to an agreement about events or characters in the text. This question usually has a "correct" answer.

The Weeks of Sept. 6, Sept. 13, and Sept. 20

Below are the reading and writing assignment due dates for The Alchemist.

Due Wednesday, Sept. 8: Individual Mission Statements
Due Thursday, Sept. 9: The introduction, prologue, and pages 1-10 of The Alchemist
Friday, Sept. 10: In-class writing on summer novels (Bring in notes and/or marked up novels) Due Monday, Sept. 13: Complete Part I of The Alchemist
Due Wednesday, Sept. 15: The Alchemy Webquest
Due Thursday, Sept. 16: Read pages 51-127 of The Alchemist
Due Friday, Sept. 17: Read pages 127-142 of The Alchemist
Due Monday, Sept. 20: The Alchemist and the personal legend writing assignment are both to be completed for today's class
Tuesday, Sept. 21: The Alchemist end test will be given in today's class -- you must complete the speech by Steve Jobs for today's test

Wednesday, Sept. 22-Friday, Sept. 24: You will be researching and discussing the Greek Theater and important information necessary for a successful understanding of Oedipus The King and Antigone.

*We will be reading Oedipus in class during the week of Sept. 27. During this same week, you will read Antigone on your own and respond to log entry questions. Due dates for Antigone will be given at the beginning of the week.

2010-2011: 9 Honors Summer Work

9 Honors English/9 Honors World History
Summer Work 2010-2011
English: Mrs. Hatler (ehatler@hpregional.org)
History: Ms. Sutton (jsutton@hpregional.org)

Directions. All students in 9 Honors English and/or 9 Honors World History must complete parts I and II.

Part I: “How to Mark a Book”

Read Mortimer J. Adler’s “How to Mark a Book.” This essay is about the different ways to take notes while reading an article or book. Based on the techniques given in the article, you will use a note-taking technique that works for you when doing part II of your summer work.

Part II: World Literature

Choose two full-length works of nonfiction or historical fiction by foreign authors that pertain to a non-American culture. The works cannot be a fantasy or a mystery novel. Each work must take place in a country other than the United States and should be rich in cultural information that can be compared and contrasted with the American culture. Take a visit to your local book store or head to the library and search the shelves for something that may interest you. Read reviews on your choices to make sure they are World Literature, not American Literature, and to make sure they are age appropriate. Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/) is a good website to read a brief summary and reviews of different works. Your parents must consent to your chosen works. To prove their consent, write your name and the name of the works and authors on a notecard and have your parents sign the notecard. The signed notecard needs to be handed in on Monday, September 6, 2010.

You are to take notes on the cultures you are learning about while reading your chosen works. If they are your own books, you can “mark them up” based on ideas found in “How to Mark a Book.” You may use post-it notes to mark off compelling ideas or important sections rich in culture. If it is not your own book and it needs to be returned to the library, take notes on compelling ideas and cultural information in a notebook. In any case, you must provide evidence of your note-taking abilities.

These notes will be helpful for the activities we have planned for the first full week of school. You will be having a book talk and completing an in-class writing prompt during the week of September 6, 2010.

The works listed below will be read in your 9th grade English course and are not allowed to be read for your summer homework:

Night
The Stranger
The Odyssey
The Alchemist
A Doll’s House
Hedda Gabler
The Good Earth
Animal Farm
Romeo and Juliet
Julius Caesar
Oedipus
Antigone
All Quiet on the Western Front
The House on Mango Street

The Weeks of May 17 and May 24

Animal Farm Assignments:

Chapters 4-6 due Monday, May 17
Chapters 7 & 8 due Wednesday, May 19
Chapters 9-end due Friday, May 21
In-class writing prompt will be on Friday, May 21 (25 Points)

Night Assignments:

Pages 1-45 due Monday, May 24
Pages 45-92 due Wednesday, May 26
Pages 46-end due Thursday, May 27
Fishbowl Discussion is on Thursday, May 27 (20 Points)

World Peace Day is on Friday, May 28!

The week of May 10

All Quiet on the Western Front:
Letter is due on Wednesday, May 12* (Note the change in the due date)
End Test will be on Wednesday, May 12

Animal Farm:
Read Chapters 1-3 for Thursday
Read Chapters 4-6 for Monday

Assignments for the Week of May 3 and May 10

RESEARCH PROCESS: I will be collecting research folders at the end of the period on Monday to see what you have accomplished so far.

All Quiet on the Western Front should be completed for the discussion on Tuesday.
You will be working on a letter assignment at home this week. This will be due on Tuesday, May 11.

We will have some room changes over the next two weeks. Please make sure you go to the correct classroom. The AP students are taking tests in my classroom. I will leave a note on the door directly you to the appropriate room where we will be having class. Do not go into the room during the AP Test!

The Weeks of April 12, 19, and 26

All Quiet on the Western Front Reading Assignments:
Chapters 1-5 due Monday, April 19
Chapters 6*-8 due Friday, April 23 (*Please have chapter 6 read for Thursday)
Complete novel by Friday, April 30

Comparison/Contrast Thesis Paper Due Dates:
I will be assigning certain parts of the thesis paper to be completed for homework. Please listen for these dates in class. Below, however, are the due dates for the completed rough draft and completed final draft.
Rough Draft due Tuesday, April 20
Final Draft due due Wednesday, April 28

April 1

I want you to know that you all did a fantastic job on your skits. I really enjoyed your scripts and performances. I hope you have a relaxing break. We will be starting a thesis paper on Monday, April 12. Due dates for the thesis paper will be given in class. We will then begin to read All Quiet on the Western Front.

FYI: The Community Theatre at Mayo Center for Performing Arts in Morristown will be presenting The Reduced Shakespeare Company's "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" on Friday, April 16 at 8PM. The tickets run between $27-$47. I thought some of you may like to know.

Romeo and Juliet & Julius Caesar Assignments (Updated 3/4/10)

I am listing the assignments for the next couple of weeks in this blog. I know many of you have much going on in other classes and with after-school activities. I thought this may help you budget your time a bit better over the next few weeks. As per our discussion, Romeo and Juliet will be studied and discussed in class & Julius Caesar will be an outside read. Julius Caesar reading assignments, log entries, and ning discussion due dates will not be changed due to snow days. Therefore, keep your books at home. A Julius Caesar test will be given at the completion of the play.

Due Wednesday, Feb. 24: Act I of Julius Caesar

Due Friday, Feb. 26 (11:59PM): Act I Ning Discussion on Julius Caesar. (20 points)
Go to http://hatlerenglish.ning.com/ and click on Forum & click on Julius Caesar: Act I Discussion (Read instructions) & be a part of at least two discussions. You will use the comment section under each discussion topic.

Wednesday, March 3: Background test on Shakespeare, The Elizabethan Theater, and Romeo and Juliet. The webquest, PowerPoint Presentation information (know terms!), handouts, How William Became Shakespeare CD, notes, etc. will all be included on this test.

Due Thursday, March 4: Acts II & III of Julius Caesar

Due Saturday, March 6: Act II & III Ning Discussion on Julius Caesar. (20 points)
I will assign you one discussion topic on the ning. You will be part of a small group having a discussion on the assigned topic. All ning discussions for Act II and III will end at 11:59PM on Saturday, March 6. Just a reminder: Although you are only part of one of the discussion topics, you are responsible to read all of the other discussions that your classmates are having. Do not wait until the last minute to have your discussion.

Due Tuesday, March 9: Formal log entry for Julius Caesar. Refer to the instruction sheet given to you in class at the beginning of the unit. (25 points)

Due Friday, March 12: Permission slips and money for Romeo and Juliet are due today. Acts IV and V of Julius Caesar must be completed by today. I will leave you an open forum on the ning for Acts IV and V of Julius Caesar. You will set up your own discussion topics and through these discussion are to make sure you all understand the play. The forum for Acts IV and V will be open for discussion until we have the end test on the play. The end test will be on Thursday, March 18.

The Week of March 22: Students will pick groups and work on the Shakespeare skits during class on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Please read the instruction sheet for the requirements.

Due Wednesday, March 24: Romeo and Juliet log entry is due today & you will have an end quiz on the play in class.

The Week of March 29: Students will perform their Shakespeare skits.

The Week of February 15

Romeo and Juliet Unit

This week you will be receiving the background information needed to appreciate and enjoy Shakespeare and his works.

You will need to complete the webquest assigned in class by Friday. We will be in the lab on Wednesday and Thursday. You will use the websites listed below:

http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/
http://www.renfaire.com/
http://elizabethan.org/
http://www.william-shakespeare.info/elizabethan-theatre-facts.htm
http://www.edu.pe.ca/threeoaks/english/webquests/caesar/webques.htm

Vocabulary Packets:
Lessons # 3 & 4 are due on Friday, February 19. This is worth 28 homework points. Late packets will receive ½ credit.

Due Monday, February 22: Julius Caesar Webquest

The House on Mango Street Assignments

The House on Mango Street Activities and Assignments:

The following vignettes are to be read by Monday, February 1 --
"My Name" p.10
"Marin" p.26
"There was an Old Lady" p.29
"Alicia..." p.31
"No Speak English" p. 76
"Rafeala Who Drinks Coconut..." p. 79
"Sally" p.81
"Minerva..." p. 84
"A Smart Cookie" p.90
"What Sally Said" p. 92
"Linoleum Roses" p. 101

Also due on Monday, February 1:
My Name Handout (10 Homework Points)

The following rough drafts (15 Homework Points) for your vignette project are due on Friday, February 5:
"The House on ________ Street" Vignette
Family Vignette (copy change of "Hairs")
"My Name" Vignette

The following rough drafts (10 Homework Points) for your vignette project are due on Monday, February 8:
Neighborhood Vignette
"A House of My Own" copy change

Due Friday, February 12:
Final copy of vignette booklet (55 Project Points). Please refer to instructions on title page and how to put it together. You will be graded on creativity, appearance, content (details, development, format), and understanding of author's style (diction, syntax, figurative language). Proofread to check for spelling and typing errors.

Assignments for January 4 - January 20

Due Monday, January 4: The Good Earth should be completed for today
Wednesday, January 6: End Test for The Good Earth
Thursday, January 7: We will begin Ibsen's A Doll House in class & you will begin reading Hedda Gabler on your own
Due Friday, January 15: Hedda Gabler should be read by today & typed notes should be completed for today's discussion
Tuesday, January 19: If time permits, end test Hedda Gabler (This test will be included in the 3rd marking period grade)

Exam review sheet is found on the 9 H ning page. You may print it out at any time. However, the format may be subject to change pending approval of the exam by the principal and department supervisor. I will let you know.