Friday, December 19, 2008

Semester Reflection

Please send this to me as an email before 3:30 on Friday 12/19.

For each section, be specific, honest & reflective.

1. What are you most proud of for the semester? Use a specific example to discuss why you are proud, how you used your strengths, etc.

2. What are you most proud of for the H2O Project? Use a specific example to discuss why you are proud, how you used your strengths, etc.

3. What do you plan on improving for second semester? Why?

4. How can you use at least one specific personal strength even better (or even more) to improve an area in which you feel that you could improve.

Make sure you send this to me as an email! This is worth up to 40 points and I will quote from it for your report card comments!

-RLS

Monday, December 15, 2008

H2O Project: Ownership

Please refer the "Ownership" section of the rubric for the H2O Project. Label which category you feel that you "belong in" for this project" Then write a detailed email to me (approx 500 words organized into 5 paragraphs) in which you explain your feelings about the concept of "ownership" and how much the final product of the H2O project represents your best work. Finally, give yourself a score out of 15 possible points.

Whenever possible, I will give you the score that you give yourself. I do reserve the right to correct gross miscalculations or other major errors. In the event that this occurs, I will contact you directly.

Do not post this one on your blog--email it to my gmail!

This is DUE at 3:30 on Thursday 12/18.

Muchas gracias.

Blog #25: Beginning your reflection

Post two examples of work that you are very proud of. Feel free to upload your videos to youtube and link them here, include photos of your work, or do whatever will get the work online.

For each example, write a detailed paragraph explaining why you are proud of this work. Then, write a detailed paragraph explaining how you accomplished this--what were the steps in the process that led to a positive result?

Due at 11:59:59 on 12/16

Optional Assignments

Choose one of the following movies:

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind:
or...
2. Adaptation

Than:

In a well-devleoped essay with a clear thesis and thoughtfully chosen evidence, describe how story structure (such as the dramatic arc) and inextricably tied to characterization. How does one support and enhance the other? Be sure to use specific references to the selected screenplay and be sure to include specific references to traditional elements of characterization and story structure. This is an effort to intelligently analyze storytelling.

You can download each screenplay from beingcharliekaufman.com

If you would like to complete this assignment with another movie, please clear it with me first!

Due at 3:30 on Friday 12/19.

Enjoy!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Blog #24: Sea Shepherd

Read the New Yorker article on the Sea Shepherd, which can be found here.

Then, answer one of the following in a well-developed essay with thoughtfully chosen evidence:

1. Who is "right" in the controversy involving whaling and the Sea Shepherd?

2. Describe the tactics Paul Watson uses to advance the mission of the Sea Shepherd. How did he develop these tactics and how successful are they?

3. Describe three literary techniques and/or writing conventions you can take from this article to use in your writing for the H2O Project?

This is due at 11:59:59 on Thursday, Dec. 4

Monday, December 1, 2008

Blog #23

Read Marie Arana's Washington Post editorial about language, race and Barack Obama, which you can find here.

Then, answer one of the following in a well-developed essay with thoughtfully chosen evidence:

1. Arana writes: "Isn't it time for the language to move on?" How do you feel about this? Why?

2. To what extent does the language of racial identity impact the thoughts and actions related to race in the present and future?

Workin' over time! Part two!

Write a news story about the beach clean up at Imperial Beach that took place on Dec. 13. Be sure to have a complete, news-style lede, include numerous quotes from well-chosen sources, and thoughtful transitions between your quotes.

up to 20 points; post it before 3:30 on Dec. 15 (remember, the gradebook closes at 3:30 on Mon Dec. 15). This is an optional assignment!