Corman’s Corner

During silent reading, we will focus on section 6. The students will have two days to read this section.

We will warm-up with a collaborative activity based on “reality” television.

We will finish our notes on characterization (character types).

We will continue watching Six Degrees Could Change the World. Remember, there is a worksheet that must be completed while watching the film.

We will begin with silent reading. Students should have finished section 5 by tomorrow.

EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPH (LITERARY)

The expository paragraph has three parts:

1. A beginning – announces, in a topic sentence, the subject of the paragraph. (Please include the title of the piece(s) being discussed.)
2. A middle (or body) – provides information that helps explain the topic sentence (specific details).
3. A conclusion – adds emphasis to what has been said

The Power of the Written Word

Writing is a more demanding skill than speaking; yet it is, in its own way, more rewarding. Words, once spoken, cannot be unsaid. But writing can be revised. It can be ’seen again’ – the meaning of revision – and it can be fine-tuned until our written words are an exact reflection of our thoughts. What is more, writing defies time. How many of us can remember exactly what was said a week ago, or even yesterday? Yet hundreds of years later we can turn the pages of books in our libraries and read the scientific theories of Francis Bacon or the radical ideas of Voltaire or John Milton’s immortal defence of freedom speech. Our libraries, public or private, are a testament to the power and permanence of the written word.

We will then discuss the first writing assignment (expository paragraph). We will use exemplars to review key features. Students who want more practice may write and submit an expository paragraph discussing Jimmy’s character (three traits with support in the form of quotations or paraphrasing). This must be posted by Thursday, February 11th.

EXEMPLARS

From reading the first chapter of Oryx and Crake you are led to believe that modern society as we know it no longer exists. There are only remnants of modern society a few beer cans, a sticky protein bar, an old can opener that is only kept for sentimental value, and a silver watch that no longer tells the time. Time is a mystery in this new world.   ”Children” look to Snowman to tell them the possible uses or dangers of everyday objects they have pulled out of the lagoon. They have no idea what a computer mouse is or what you could use a piano key for, which any child of our society could easily tell you. They constantly ask Snowman, “What are those feathers on your face?” like they have never seen a beard or stubble before. They assume Snowman is some kind of deformed bird that has lost the ability to fly.  The children seem not to be human. They can stay out in the sun and swim in the lagoon: whereas, Snowmen blisters if he stays in the sun too long and fears what may infest the lagoon. Snowman calls the children “Crake’s aesthetic”, as though they are not like him, a different species maybe.  What has happened to civilization that has left Snowman alone with only these strange children?

Global warming is an issue that humanity has also had to deal with. The sky has a “hole burnt in it by the sun.” (Atwood, 11)  Snowman doesn’t dare venture into the harsh rays of the “punishing sun.” (Atwood, 6) Instead, he hides under a sheet and wears half a pair of sunglasses and a baseball cap underneath the protection of the trees.

We will review characterization. (Notes can be found in the prose section of the blog.)

If there is time, we will begin to discuss the issues raised in section 4:

• biological warfare
• science and ethics
• “reality” television
• role of technology

Today we will discuss the results of the ecological footprint quiz that the students completed. We will then begin to watch Six Degrees Could Change the World: http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Degrees-Change-Blu-ray/dp/B0013ENSHE

Students will have a worksheet to complete as they watch the documentary/movie.

Today, we will read section 3 of Oryx and Crake.

We will review simile and metaphor, using examples from the novel. (Notes on these devices can be found in the poetry section of the blog.)

We will discuss new topics introduced in the novel:

• genetic modification
• security vs. freedom

The students will complete a quiz to determine their ecological footprints. We will discuss the results in class, tomorrow.

Expository paragraphs are due today.

Students should come to class with a blog address. They should have also written a post introducing themselves.

Today, the students will complete a quiz that will measure their carbon footprints. We will then head down to the library, where they will post their results on their blogs, along with some ideas about how they could reduce the impact they have on our environment.

During silent reading, students will read the second section of Oryx and Crake. (This must be finished for homework.)

We will begin to discuss present day examples of issues raised so far in Oryx and Crake:

• global warming
• corporatization
• “new” diseases

(Example) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bovine_spongiform_encephalopathy

In the library, students will have time to finish and post the expository paragraph assignment – due tomorrow.

Topic: What can the reader assume about civilization and humanity in chapter 1? Include specific details (either paraphrased or in quotes) to support your answer.

How to write an expository paragraph: homer.ugdsb.on.ca/jfr/irs/expos.html

Students should have their blog addresses ready to share with me (and their introductions).

We will begin the class with 15 minutes of silent reading Oryx and Crake. The students must read pages 1-12. (If necessary, this should be completed for homework.)

We will discuss the significance of the examples of allusion found in this section: “hair shirt” on page 8, and “All, all alone. Alone on a wide, wide sea.” on page 10 (from “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”). We will also have the opportunity to discuss repetition. (Notes on allusion and repetition can be found in the poetry section of the blog.)

We will review expository paragraph format. (Notes on paragraph structure can be found in the composition section of the blog.)

The students will be asked to respond to the following question on their blogs:

What can the reader assume about civilization and humanity in chapter 1? Include specific details (either paraphrased or in quotes) to support your answer.

The students will have time to work on the paragraph tomorrow. It will be due on Thursday, February 4th.

We will begin with an activity that will allow the students to get to know each other.

They will then be asked to answer the following questions:

1. What is your concept of critical thinking? You can give a description or use examples.
2. Describe a situation in which you thought through something critically.
3. Describe a situation in which you did not think through something critically.

This course is designed to teach you “how to think,” rather than “what to think”.

We will focus on asking appropriate questions, gathering relevant information, effectively and creatively sorting through this information, and coming to reliable and trustworthy conclusions about the world that enable us to live and act successfully in it.

We will focus our thinking on environmental issues.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei6JvK0W60I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odI7pQFyjso&feature=related

This course will be project based.

Materials and Supplies

Please bring the following materials to class:

• pens (blue, black and red)
• eraser/whiteout
• a binder
• plenty of lined paper
• agenda (or use the sheet provided in class

Classroom Expectations
You are expected to be in class on time and to be prepared with appropriate texts, writing materials and assignments completed. Surprise quizzes and homework checks happen at the start of class. If you are late, you may receive a zero. If you do arrive late, knock once on the door and then wait outside on the bench. I will let you in when it is least disruptive to the rest of the class. During class you should be on task and respectful. Emphasis is placed on participation and enthusiasm.

No cell-phones, i-pods (or similar devices) are permitted in the classroom.

Assignment Expectations
All assignments are to be handed in on time, unless some prior arrangement has been made with me. There will be a 10% penalty per day (including weekends) for late work. A 50% grade is the best that can be earned for work handed in more than three days late. You will be given at least one week’s notice for any significant project. It is essential that you complete assigned readings to comprehend this course. Additionally, keeping an organized and complete set of notes will be your passport to success on assignments and tests. Of course, regular attendance is required. If you should miss class for a legitimate reason, it is your responsibility to find out about missed class work or assignments. This information will be regularly updated on the blog: mrscorman.edublogs.org.

Extra Help
I am usually available in Room 204 (or in the library) before and after school, or at lunch. However, if you encounter difficulties with this course, you should arrange a specific time with me so as not to be disappointed.

HOMEWORK

You’ve found my blog. That’s the first step.

Now, for the really exciting part! You are going to create your own blog. Go to wordpress.com. Click on Sign Up Now! For a username, please use your name “fredsmith”. If there is already a blog with your name, you can always add the last two digits in the year you were born: “fredsmith86. Then, select a password. Make sure that it is something you will remember. Use your email address, agree to the terms of service, and select Gimme a blog! Uncheck the privacy box. Click on Signup. Congratulations! You have a blog. Go to choose your template and personalize your blog.

You’ll have many opportunities to explore blogging this semester. However, there are a couple of more things I’d like to take care of today. Go to your Dashboard. Go to Options. Go to Privacy. Select the third option, which allows you to choose who will be able to see your blog. Add me to your user list: hcorman. You will need to add at least two more classmates. Make sure to use their wordpress usernames. You can get this information tomorrow.

Click on Write. Click on Write Post. Your title will be “Introduction”. Take a little time to introduce yourself. What are you hoping to get out of the course? What are your strength? What are your challenges? Click Publish when you are done. I’m looking forward to getting to know you.

“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” Dr. Seuss

Welcome to English 12. After this year, you will embark on many different paths. Some of you will choose to further your formal education at universities, colleges or trade schools. Others will choose to travel or to go straight into the working world. Regardless of your choice, this course will be valuable to you.