Week of 10/31/16

This week, we begin by exploring Dark Romanticism. Dark Romanticism emerged during the American Renaissance between 1840- 1860.  It is characterized by creepy symbols, horrific themes, and the psychological effect of guilt and sin.  Some of its notable authors are Edgar Allen Poe, Washington Irvin, Herman Melville, and Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Monday-

Opener-  EOCT practice (theme), pp. 12-13 in the workbook

Lesson- Introduction to Dark Romanticism video and note taking sheet (See link below.)

• dark-romanticism-video-worksheet
• “The Raven,” p. 312, and complete question #1, p.318.

Week of 10/10/16

 

This week students will learn more about American Rationalism, also known as The Age of Reason and The American Enlightenment.  In addition, they will work on skills covered on the End of Course Test.

American Rationalism:

• This period in American history and literature is marked by a thirst for knowledge and a departure from the narrow religious beliefs of the Puritans.  
• Rationalists turned to reason to answer scientific, political, and religious questions of the day. 
• They also encouraged religious freedom and tolerance.
• Finally, American Rationalists reestablished the arts as worthwhile disciplines of study.

Monday

Opener Directions:

• Review your notes on “theme” from Thursday. Then, complete the stories from today’s worksheet in your composition book.  *see the attachment* theme-worksheet

Classwork Directions:

• Read the selection on Benjamin Franklin; then, answer the questions that follow.  You may work alone or with a partner.

Tuesday

Opener Directions:

• Copy the definition of “inference.”  Then read the first story on your worksheet, and  answer the questions that follow. *see the attachment* inferences-worksheet-1-1

Classwork Directions:

• Complete the selection on Benjamin Franklin; then complete the questions that follow.
• Complete the aphorism worksheet in your Benjamin Franklin packet.

****All Benjamin Franklin questions and the Aphorism worksheet are due tomorrow when you enter the classroom.****

Week of 10/3/16

Monday- Tuesday:  Students will be presenting The Crucible sociogram projects.

Wednesday- Thursday:  Students will be introduced to American Rationalism (aka The Age of Reason and The American Enlightenment).

American rationalism, The American Enlightenment is a period of intellectual ferment in the thirteen American colonies in the period 1714–1818, which led to the American Revolution, and the creation of the American Republic. Influenced by the 18th-century European Enlightenment and its own native American philosophy, the American Enlightenment applied scientific reasoning to politics, science, and religion, promoted religious tolerance, and restored literature, the arts, and music as important disciplines and professions worthy of study in colleges.

Important authors of this time included Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson.

Attached is the link to today’s Prezi on the historical background of the period.

https://prezi.com/tpbtaqxit7v7/rationalism-a-historical-background/

 

w/o 9/12/16

MONDAY

-Students completed vocabulary and Crucible tests.

-Students also read and analyzed part of Act 2 of The Crucible.

 

TUESDAY- FRIDAY 

-For the rest of the week students will work in groups to complete the reading of Act II.

-They will focus on author purpose and character motivation.

-In addition, they will analyze how the play is an allegory for the Red Scare.

-By Wednesday, students will receive project packets.

**I am available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:30-4:10 for tutoring and detention.**

Creating a Blog

If you are having trouble creating a blog come to tutoring Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.

A. Ellis 🙂

Week of 9/6/16

This week, students will learn new vocabulary and analyze author’s purpose and character.  In addition, students will practice citing textual evidence to support claims.

Tuesday- Wednesday:  Students will complete Act 1 of The Crucible .

*If students were absent, the class opener was as follows:

Define the following vocabulary words:  prodigious, vindictive.  Then identify one- three synonyms for each; use each in an original sentence, and draw a picture representation of each.

When reading the play, be sure to look at some of the longer stage directions; they give insight into character motivation.

Thursday- Friday:  Students will watch the movie version of the play.

Week of 8/29

 

This week we will read The Crucible and learn a little about its author, Arthur Miller (pictured above).  In addition, we will further examine Puritan religious views and McCarthyism and the Red Scare of the 1950’s. By the end of the unit, students should be able to explain how The Crucible is a metaphor for the Red Scare.

Monday- Students completed background stations on the Salem Witch Trials and analyzed Puritan poetry (To My Dear Loving Husband by Anne Bradstreet).

Tuesday- Students will learn about Arthur Miller, the Red Scare and McCarthyism, and begin reading The Crucible.

Wednesday- Friday- Students will continue to learn about and discuss the Red Scare and McCarthyism, learn new vocabulary, and continue reading The Crucible.

*tutoring available Mondays and Fridays, 3:35- 4:10

Week of 8/23/16

Monday and Tuesday of this week, students took the common assessment.  Scores from this assessment will provide a baseline from which we can gauge student progress throughout the semester.

The remainder of the week is devoted to Puritan literature and practicing the use of new vocabulary.

Wednesday through Thursday students will analyze “Sinners in the Hands of Angry God” (by Jonathan Edwards) for literary devices. This is a graded assignment.

Students will end the week with an introduction to The Crucible.

AMERICAN LITERATURE

Welcome, American Lit. students!  My name is Annetta Ellis, and I am excited to embark on this semester with you as we explore major literary works in American literature from the native Americans to now.  We will focus on the major themes of each period and some of its most influential authors.  My goal is to help you improve your ability to read, write, think, and speak critically.  I hope that you come with an open mind and willingness to engage the literature and your peers.  I am here to help you, so don’t hesitate to contact me when needed.  My email address is annetta.ellis@cobbk12.org.  I will set up a remind account this week as well.

Colonialism/Puritanism week of August 15

                        

What you will learn:  

The literature and historical background of the Colonists and Puritans

As we’ve discussed, the early colonists’ writings were in the form of stories, diaries, and letters.  These writings typically provided details of the colonists’ journey to America and their adventures in their new land. Puritan writings, by contrast, were highly religious.  These writings had Biblical themes and often included sermons, details of one’s home life, and hymns.

How you will learn:

• Prezi or video introduction to Colonial/Puritan literature

• close reading and annotation

• journaling/quickwrites

• analysis questions

How you will be assessed:

• Discussion, observation, frequent checks for understanding

• Journals

• Do nows and exit tickets

• Reading roles

*Remember to bring your 1 inch binder and composition book to class.