Ode to a Classmate--due Wednesday, May 15

COMPLETE THIS TASK INSTEAD OF THE LAST OTHELLO BLOG TASK, WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY DUE MAY 9--

Mimicking the short--two to three paragraphs--odes I have shown you from Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People issue, write in praise about a laudable classmate.  Like the Wisdom Retreat, perhaps think about a classmate who isn't as widely-acknowledged as some, due to what our society has come to value and publicly praise the most.  Include (1) a category (Titans, Artists, Pioneers, Icons, Leaders are Time's--use one of these five or create your own category name), (2) her/his name, and (3)  brief tagline/catchphrase ("He gives us life in pictures" or "She gets results" or "Soul seducer" or "Our escort to the future" are examples from Time).  Specifics are better than vagueness, generality, or imprecision, so a time/date/place would make your writing more interesting.  Approach this task seriously or appropriately whimsically.  AND BECOME AN INFLUENTIAL PERSON OF STATURE!

In-Class Blogging Monday, October 13

Today, during class, you have three options. You must do two of the three options today. You must type 40 minutes worth. Here are your options: (1) You are Nurse Ratched. Type using first person. Become her. What are your thoughts of McMurphy? What is your home like? What is your life like outside the mental institution? (2) Have you been programmed to think, believe, hate, love something? Who programmed you? How have you been programmed? (3) Who are the enforcers of conformity in our school? At social events? At games? At work? Is it possible to be a nonconformist? Do you conform, entirely or slightly? Intentionally? Remember to type your class period number in front of your comment.

You Ever "Grown" or "Shrunk" Instantly?

Write 300+ words about a time when you "grew" or "shrunk" instantly, figuratively speaking, of course. This exercise is due Saturday, October 4, at 10:00 p.m. and is worth 20 points. Remember to type your class period number in front of your 300+ words.

This is a picture of Will Sampson as Chief Bromden.

Golding's Thesis

What is William Golding's thesis communicated through Lord of the Flies? What is the main message we are supposed to consider?