Google Classroom

Going forward, all assignments will be posted in Google Classroom. However, any handouts posted there will also be available here, usually in the column to the right.

Friday’s Class

Only the outline is due for Friday. In class, we will talk about the topics for your essay on In the Pond and work on your research writing. 

Assignment for Wednesday, Jan. 23

Write the outline for your STP research writing. Since everyone is now in Google Classroom, turn it in there; do not share it with me via email.

On Friday, Jan. 24, you will write an in-class essay on In the Pond. You will have two topics to choose from; one will be about a theme, and the other about a character. You won't receive the exact prompts ahead of time, but you will receive some information about them in Wednesday's class. For now, though, focus on the outline for your STP research writing.

Assignment for Wednesday, Jan. 16

Finish reading Ha Jin's In the Pond (to p. 178). In class, we'll discuss the conflict(s) and theme(s) we didn't get to on Monday. You will also have time to work on your exploratory essay. Also, try to get your Mentor Commitment Letter signed; it is due this Friday the 18th.

Assignment for Monday, Jan. 14

In Ha Jin’s In the Pond, read to p. 141. If you want to start working on the exploratory essay, go ahead; it’s posted to the right, but you have plenty of reading to do, and we will work on the exploratory essay in class. Also, talk to your mentor, give them the STP Mentor Guidelines, and have them sign the Mentor Commitment Letter. I'll need the Mentor Commitment Letter by Friday, Jan. 18. You'll receive these forms in class on Monday; if you misplace them or you'll meet your mentor before then, they're posted to the right.

Assignment for Tuesday, Jan. 8

In Ha Jin's In the Pond, read to p. 72. (I know it's a lot, but I think it will go quickly.) In class, we will begin working on the exploratory essay for the STP. Also, think about your mentor. I will need to know who that person is by next Friday.

Over Break

You have no assigned reading. As I mentioned in class, the school-wide Poetry Out Loud competition will take place on Monday, January 7, during tutorial. I encourage you to participate in it. Since you have no other work for me, consider learning a couple of poems to recite from memory. Go here to check out the eligible poems. (One poem has to be from before the twentieth century, and one poem has to have fewer than twenty-five lines. A single poem can satisfy both of these qualities, e.g. a sonnet by Shakespeare.)

Also, as I've mentioned in class, when we come back from break, you will begin reading Ha Jin's novel In the Pond. (We will begin by reading the first twenty-five pages during class that day.) 

Lastly, you will need to choose your mentor for the STP when we come back in January, so if you missed Wednesday's class when I talked about it, see the guidelines for that in the STP Handbook, which is posted to the right.

Assignment for Wednesday, Dec. 19

From Yu Hua's book, read the chapter on "Bamboozle" that was handed out in class. If you missed class, you can click here to read it.

Assignment for Thursday, Dec. 13

Read the introduction and first chapter ("People") from Yu Hua's China in Ten Words, which was handed out in class. You will read the second chapter in the handout, "Leader," for Monday, Dec. 17. A third chapter from this book will be handed out during Monday's class to be read for Wednesday's. As I mentioned in class, when we come back from break, we will begin reading Ha Jin's novel, In the Pond.

Regarding the STP: When we come back from break, you will work on the narrative introduction to your research writing (known as the "exploratory essay"), and then begin your research writing. By the end of January, you should have three-to-five pages of research writing.

Assignment for Friday, Dec. 7

Complete the narrative essay on identity and turn it in by the start of class.

Assignment for Wednesday, Dec. 5

Turn in a page-and-a-half of your identity essay.  A description of this essay is posted to the right. The complete essay is due on Friday. You will have time on Wednesday to work on it in class. If you missed class, we went over the attached handout on formulating a research question. You should read it to help you develop your research prospectus, which we will work on next class.

If you missed class, you should read this handout on formulating a research question, which is required for the research prospectus that is due on Tuesday, Dec. 11. The directions for the research prospectus were  handed out in class and are posted to the right.

Assignment for Thursday, Nov. 29

Complete the annotated bibliography. Turn it in as one document that includes all five annotation entries. Be sure to alphabetize your sources by the author's last name, and include a proper heading. Also, bring your copy of Between the World and Me to class. We need to finish talking about the book and prepare for your writing assignment related to it.

Assignment for Friday, Nov. 16

Finish reading Coates's Between the World and Me (pp. 133-152). In the first part of class, we will discuss Between the World and Me (including the reading for Tuesday's class that we didn't get to); in the second part, you will finish working on your second annotated bibliography entry. See my comments on your first bibliography entry before you complete the second one.

Assignment for Wednesday, Nov. 14

In Coates's Between the World and Me,  read pp. 114-132. Also, complete one entry for the annotated bibliography.

Assignment for Friday, November 9

In Coates's Between the World and Me, read pp. 99-114. Pay particular attention to his discussion of the body. In class, you will also begin working on the annotated bibliography. For next Wednesday, you'll have to have at least one entry completed.

Assignment for Wednesday, Nov. 7

In Coates's Between the World and Me, read from pp. 73-99 (there's a clear break at the top of p. 99; stop there). You will answer some questions about it in class.

Also, read the handout on identifying and evaluating sources that was distributed in class. You don't need to read the whole thing; focus on pp. 68-69, and 76-82. During Wednesday's class, you will have time to work on the annotated bibliography, but you could start thinking about or looking into potential books and articles that you will write about in the annotated bibliography. The handout on the annotated bibliography assignment is available here, and it is posted to the right.

Assignment for Thursday, Nov. 1

In Coates's Between the World and Me, read pp. 25-64. Be sure to annotate, and be prepared to discuss the following: Coates's narrative persona, his use of emotional, logical, and ethical appeals, and any ways his purpose is developing or changing.

Assignment for Tuesday, Oct. 30

In Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me, read pp. 3-25 (stop at the end of the first few lines on the top of p. 25). Annotate the reading, and come prepared to write about it during class. Pay attention to whatever stands out to you. Also, if you have time, read this poem by Richard Wright, which was handed out in class. We'll be reading it in class, so if you don't read it on your own, that's fine, but if you want to know the source of the book's title, feel free to read it.

Assignment for Thursday, Oct. 25

Read the article linked here (which was handed out in class). Write four-to six sentences explaining whether you are persuaded by this author's critique of J.D. Vance. If you are in Google Classroom, submit your response there; otherwise, email it to me by the start of Thursday's class.

In-Class Writing

How do Vance's values influence his insights on "elites" and "ordinary people"?

Write one or two paragraphs in response to the above prompt.