2nd Quarter: Weeks 1 and 2: November 3 -13

Read The Samurai (bring books to class);

Vocabulary test for chapter 4 and set-up for chapters 5-8;

Introduction to multi-genre project (see below):

Sophomore English
Multi-Genre Project
Global Perspective
Completed Book Due Monday January 4

Book will be approximately 50 pages.
1. Final appreciations of two books and one film (The Poisonwood Bible, The Samurai, and “Bend it Like Beckham”)
2. Explorations of the global perspective: themes, issues, and problems (multi-genre writing)
3. Songs, poems, films, and quotations, arranged according to personal choice, with commentary.
4. Relevant images, photos, art work.
5. At least one narrative, either auto-biographical or fictional, with dialogue.
6. Persuasive essay on two global issues of import, one of which is immigration. Note: extra credit for debate participation; see website (Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center)
7. Appreciation of global language issues.

Weekly Points: 20
Total Points: 200

End of Quarter

Final writing pieces, immigration debate, vocabulary work, and exam on The Poisonwood Bible.

Week 8: October 12 - 14

Tuesday: October 13
We reviewed 21 writing topics.

Monday: October 12
We worked on the exercises in vocabulary chapter 4.

Week 7: October 5 - 9

Thursday/Friday: October 8 - 9

Review the vocabulary words for chapter 3 by teaching them to the class (group activity).

Vocabulary quiz on Friday: 40 items (20 pts.)

Tuesday/Wednesday: October 6 - 7

In-class reading: Poisonwood Bible to p. 377 this week; next week, to p. 344;

write a brief summary of three recent developments in the story (based on your reading of Poisonwood up to now) (5 pts).

Compose three sentences, each using one of the vocabulary words from chapter 3 (5 pts).

Take the reading comprehension test: two readings; 12 questions (15 pts).

Answer the 18 questions distributed in class; discuss what these questions have in common and the idea or philosophy which unifies them.

Write an essay, due next week, based on your answers to the question: 1-2 pgs.; typed; double-spaced; 12-pt. font; Times New Roman preferred. Include a title. Find your thesis; make sure it is clear. Relate your thinking to the issues which emerge from reading Poisonwood.

Monday: October 5

Five Paragraph In-class Essay (35 pts.)

Some observers explained the horrors of Columbine by pointing out that the two shooters were obsessed with the violent lyrics and images contained in certain strains in popular music and many popular films, such as "The Matrix."

Do you think that music and film can influence the behavior of young Americans, and, in that context, would you agree that this sort of popular entertainment should be regulated or even banned?

(Note: you should spend a few minutes brainstorming and thinking about how you want to organize your essay. Remember to include a thesis paragraph, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion.)

Week 6: September 28 - October 2

Thursday/Friday: October 1 - 2

Check exercises and work on practice quiz for vocabulary chapter 3 (final quiz is 10/9); watch video documentary about Patrice Lumumba; read and discuss Poisonwood Bible.

Tuesday/Wednesday: September 29 - 30

Reading in class: The Poisonwood Bible to p. 311;

Note: Bring books to class or be docked participation points;

Reading assessment: 10 identifications (open book);

Vocabulary exercises for chapter 3 (quiz on October 9).

Monday: September 28

We discussed the following:

1. Rudyard Kipling

2. "The White Man's Burden" (poem: handout)

3. Joseph Conrad

4. Heart of Darkness

5. "Apocalypse Now"

6. The Philippines War

7. Imperialism

Also: how could the mistreatment/abuse of a little child be analogous to the development, or lack thereof, of an entire country or nation?

Week 5: September 21 - 25

Thursday/Friday: September 24 - 25

Finish Africa articles; review for vocabulary quiz 2; write two phrases, two simple sentences, two compound sentences, and two complex sentences using at least one chapter-2 vocab word in each of the 8; take quiz on Friday; discuss and write about Africa issues: 1) Why do you think Africa has so many poor people? 2) Are people in rich countries more moral, ethical people than those who live in poor countries? 3) How important is history in explaining why things are the way they are today? (one paragraph each); read and explore questions on The Poisonwood Bible.

Tuesday/Wednesday: September 22 - 23

Read in class: The Poisonwood Bible to p. 240.

Check vocabulary exercises for chapter 2 (accepted till Friday).

(Bring books to class or you will lose participation points.)

Jigsaw collaborative exercise: learning about Africa.

NOTE: CHAPTER TWO VOCABULARY QUIZ IS THIS FRIDAY!

Monday: September 21

Reading assessment: The Poisonwood Bible to p. 160.

Note: this week, according to the syllabus, we are reading to p. 240.

Week 4: September 14 - 18

Thursday/Friday: September 17 - 18

Vocabulary exercises for chapter 2 and narratives of injury and pain.

Tuesday/Wednesday: September 15 - 16

In-class silent reading: Poisonwood Bible to p. 158; a diagnostic essay on the question of conversion; vocabulary work on chapter 2.

Monday: September 14

We watched the conclusion of "Au Revoir Les Enfants" and heard some reactions from members of the class.