Thursday, February 27th

1. Review Play/Text Expectations.
2. Start notes with The Iliad review- See picture from board.

• 3 Significant plot points from The Iliad
• 3 Big Thematic Issues in The Iliad
• 8 Key Figures in The Iliad

3. Start watching Denis O'Hare's An Iliad. 

Remember to take notes from the key guiding questions given to you on Wednesday. You will be having a Socratic seminar (for a grade) over both THE Iliad and AN Iliad texts.






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Black History Month- Literary Giants 



More links to lists upon lists of great books by black authors, strong black characters, black history:
1. A Mighty Girl Book Club
2. 31 Young Adult Books by Black Authors
3. Upcoming Books by By Black Authors
4. 20 Black Children's Books By Black Authors

Wednesday, February 26th

1. Quiz- Book 6 The Iliad. 

2. Start watching An Iliad.  Take notes on the questions presented: An Iliad- Questions

We will be doing a Socratic Seminar over The Iliad AND An Iliad when we finish watching An Iliad. You will need ample notes. This Socratic seminar will be for a final grade for this unit.

Remember the guidelines of a Socratic seminar-

• Text driven- citing the text. Referring everything back to the text. 
• Writing questions and responding to questions in an open-ended way. 
• Being prepared with referencing multiple texts. 
• Academic talk. 
• Demonstrating effective listening skills- summarizing what someone has stated before and connecting your ideas to what was previously referenced. 

 

Tuesday, February 25th

PeerMarking- I am aware that some shut a document and could not reopen. We will work with this when I return. Just do your best to finish what you can.

1. Read and Chill- Read first 10 minutes of class.

2. As a table, discuss the following:

Summarize Book 6 of The Iliad.  

1. What reasons does Andromache give for asking Hector not to return to the battlefield?  Do you think Andromache ever believed Hector will stay away from the battlefield?  Explain.
2. Hector’s conflict between home and the battlefield brings to light the role of men in the ancient society.  Hector loves his family, but leaves them for the battlefield.  What does this say about Hector and about his culture?  
3. This is Hector's book. Here we see who, what and why he is. How does the narrator seem to feel about Hector? Compare and contrast his heroism with Achilles. Consider his relations with women. Note his self-consciousness about the inevitable fate of Troy and his family (520). What, exactly, motivates him to keep fighting? Do you see anything potentially wrong or self-contradictory with his reasoning? Don't sentimentalize his hopes for his son too much.

3. Using your characterization notes. . .  In Schoology, respond to the following prompt: Who does Homer appear to empathize more with in Book 6, Andromache or Hector? 

For this response, you will be looking at the way in which Homer writes each character to make your argument. Either character can be a viable answer if supported well. You will need to bring a minimum of two examples in to support your response. Remember the writing techniques and expectations that have become your new normal. MLA. Quote integration. Full explanation. Transitions.

Monday, February 24th

Though she was not a literary giant, she was such a giant that she was the glorious subject of many literary and film works. The brilliant Katherine Johnson was an American hero who made it possible for our country to achieve the impossible with her determination, courage, and unmatched intelligence.

Katherine Johnson- NASA Mathematician Dies at 101
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1. Read and Chill- 10 minutes

Quiz- Book 6- The Iliad on Schoology (WILL BE ON TUESDAY)

2. Characterization study-

Characterization- The manner in which an author develops the character... Addressing HOW and WHY an author develops a character in the manner in which he/she is created.

Method of performing characterization:

1. Carefully pick an adjective that you feel describes the character. Think to the
personality of the character, versus physical. (Often the physical description
supports the personality characterization).

2. Ask yourself why you named this characteristic....

3. What textual evidence supports the conclusion of this adjective. Multiple examples.
2 minimum. Have the quotations and the citation in your notes.)

4. Ask what is the reasoning that the author creates the character with this specific
personality trait? How does it serve the meaning of the text?
How is this character "working" for this text?

5. Rinse and repeat... pick another adjective

We will be doing a Character analysis of both HECTOR and ANDROMACHE.
You will go through this process twice with each character. Put the findings
in your notes.

REMEMBER: All 3 papers must be PeerMarked by Tuesday, 11:59 PM.

Friday, February 20th

Black History Month
Ibram X. Kendi (1982-)  Historian and author. Founding director of the AntiRacist Research and Policy Center. He is the author of The Black Campus Movement, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, and How to be an Antiracist.
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PeerMark Assignment- 

1. Open Schoology- Click on "Achilles as Epic Hero" assignment.
2. Beside "Assignment Dashboard" you will see "PeerMark Reviews." Click this tab.
3. You will see three papers listed, one is your own. Click on the "Start Peer Review" link found
under "Review."
4. Once you open the paper, you will see a list of questions with 1-3 or 1-2 options for marking.
Read through the paper thoroughly and mark accurately.

You will be marking 2 papers and your own.
Please have this done by Tuesday, February 25th, 11:59 PM.

For Monday: Finish Book 6 of The Iliad. 
Continue taking notes on plot and literary devices.
QUIZ ON MONDAY. You can use your notes.

Thursday, February 20th

Our own Jazlyn B. reading Rita Dove's "Lady Freedom Among Us" at the NCTE African American Read-In at LSWHS
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Read and Chill-

1. Read Book 6 of The Iliad. Book 6 is often referred to as "Hector's Book."
Take dual notes- Plot and Literary Devices (Just as we did with Book 1)

Look over the Quizlet to reinforce the plot of Book 6: Book 6- The Iliad Review Quizlet

10-2-2 Practice-
10 minutes reading
2 minutes conferring
2 minutes revising notes

   Hector, Andromache, and Astyanax.

Wednesday, February 19th

NCTE African American Read-In- February 18th, 2020

Our own Jayla B. reading "Praise Song for the Day" by Elizabeth Alexander.
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1. Finish Achilles as Epic Hero paper.

Things to focus on:

• Correct integration of quotations. I.C.E. Introduce. Cite. Explain. 
• Use of transitions- within sections and between sections. 
• Expository techniques- fully explaining the HOW and WHY
• Sticking to 3rd person POV throughout your paper. 

2. Paper submission reminders:

• You will need to upload your paper to Schoology by 7:30 AM tomorrow morning (Thursday).
• Because we are going to PeerMark through Turnitin.com (ran through Schoology), please only put your initials on the MLA heading and header.
• If a PDF does not show up in your available docs... To make the document a PDF- go up to File... click "download a copy"... .select "PDF"

3. After you submit your paper, be working on reading Book 6 of The Iliad. 

Tuesday, February 18th

Black History Month 

TONIGHT! LSW Performing Arts Center. 7:00-8:30

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1. Written response- How does Achilles function as an epic hero? 

Sample Achilles Epic Hero Paper

How do I respond proficiently to this prompt? 

1. I briefly discuss what an epic hero is as a character. 
2. I restate the question and answer it as a declaratory topic sentence. 
3. I introduce the first trait of an epic hero that I feel best applies to Achilles. 
4. With my introduction of this trait, I explain what the trait means. 
5. I explain how Achilles represents this trait.
6. Starting off with a transition phrase such as "For example," I, then, introduce a quote that demonstrates this trait. (Use a tag line...  integrate quote correctly) Link here: How to Integrate Quotations
7. I will then explain HOW this quote demonstrates this trait. (How I see the trait and quote connected). 
8. Next, I utilize my additive transitions to introduce a second trait (Furthermore, additionally, etc.)  Link here: Transition words 
9. I repeat steps 3-7. 
10. I will, again, utilize my additive transitions to introduce a third trait (Furthermore, additionally, etc.) 
11. I repeat steps 3-7. 
12. I will wrap up with a concluding statement emphasizing Achilles' role as a epic hero. 

Things I will double check before submitting: 

• I have a MLA formatted paper- heading, header, and title. 
• I have cited my quotations. Usually I would use line numbers, but for this version please write Homer and the section of lines your quote was found. 
• I stay completely in 3rd person POV- no I, we, or YOU. 
• I have capitalized all proper nouns. The Iliad is italicized. 
• I have used transitions. 
• I have introduced, cited, and explained all of my quotations. (I.C.E)
• I have made sure that I have sentence variation- (Try starting a sentence with an introductory clause). 
• I have made sure that all of my sentences are complete sentences- no run ons or comma splices. 

Response due to Schoology Thursday, February 20th by 7:30 AM. 

Book 6 of The Iliad will be due by Thursday. (This has given you 6 days to read it). 

Friday, February 14th- Happy Valentine's Day!

Black History Month
Elizabeth Alexander (1962-): A distinguished scholar and professor. Ms. Alexander is President of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation- one of the largest financial supporter of arts and humanities in higher education. Elizabeth Alexander wrote and delivered "Praise Song for the Day" at President Obama's 2009 Inauguration. Her works include, American Sublime, a book of poetry, and The Light of the World, a memoir.

In reference to a previously mentioned author, Jason Reynolds- 
Eleven Minutes: A Call from Kobe Bryant- An article written by Jason Reynolds.
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Read and Chill-

1. As a table, you will review and discuss the 7 Epic Hero Traits/Characteristics. Add to your notes, further discussion points from your group.

2. After you discuss each of the 7 traits, your group will determine what traits apply to Achilles in Book 1 of The Iliad. 

3. Collectively, find direct quotes to support the Traits of the Epic Hero from Book 1. Most of the traits will be found in Book 1. You will need to think about the trait and how it can be applied.

** You need to use the copy we are working with for class, not the internet. Vast difference in the two skills you are applying- Research (searching)(Costa's Level 1) and Reading (Comprehension and application)(Costa's Level 2 and 3)

4. Receive Book 6 (excerpt). This will need to be read by Wednesday, February 19th. Take notes on plot and literary devices as you did on Book 1.

Wednesday, February 12th

 Black History Month
Sojourner Truth (1797-1883): An abolitionist, civil and women's right's activist. Ms. Truth was born into slavery, but ran away and successfully sued for the return of her son who was sold illegally into slavery. After moving to New York City, Truth was a charismatic preacher. Inspired by Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony, Truth became a powerful voice for the abolitionist and woman's suffrage movement. In 1851, Sojourner Truth delivered her most famous speech, "Ain't I a Woman," addressing the issues of gender and racial inequality.
Read Ms. Truth's speech here: "Ain't I a Woman"- Soujourner Truth's Speech
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1. Turn in 1- Pager- Book 1 of The Iliad.

2. R & C-

3. District reading assessment- Schoology.

EPIC HERO- A larger than life figure that represents the ideals of a culture. 

4. Epic hero notes- Characteristics of an Epic Hero

• Open up the link to "Characteristics of an Epic Hero" (above).
• You will need to have all 7 characteristics in your written notes. 
• Condense and paraphrase each characteristic. Do not copy word for word. 

Tuesday, February 11th

Black History Month

Ta-Nehisi Coates (1975-): American author and journalist. His writings address cultural and social issues and the American experience. Coates' works include: Between the World and Me; Black Panther; The Beautiful Struggle. Mr. Coates is a "Genius Grant" recipient for the MacArthur Foundation.

Here is a link to articles written by Mr. Coates in The Atlantic: The Atlantic Author- Ta-Nehisi Coates

Here is a link to: 50 Amazing Books by Black Authors- Past 5 Years

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1. Independent reading- first 10 minutes.

2. Review Book 1 of The Iliad.
Quizlet review found here: Book 1 of The Iliad Review
Quizlet character review found here: Book 1 Characters- The Iliad

3. Continue the 1-Pager assignment. Work on completing the final draft.
DUE TOMORROW.

Here is the break down of the required elements of the 1-Pager:

Monday, February 10th

 
Black History Month

bell hooks (1952-):  American author, professor, feminist, and social activist wrote her first book, “Ain’t I A Woman: Black Women and Feminism,” in 1981. She took her title from Sojourner Truth's 1851 speech for women's suffrage rights. hooks' books and lectures have inspired empowerment for women of all ages, races, and classes. hooks writes in "Ain't I a Woman," “Without a doubt, the false sense of power black women are encouraged to feel allows us to think that we are not in need of social movements like a women’s movement that would liberate us from sexist oppression. The sad irony is of course that black women are often most victimized by the very sexism we refuse to collectively identify as an oppressive force.”
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1. R&C

2. The Iliad- Book 1 ONE PAGER

• In the upper left-hand corner, draw a key symbol from the reading and choose a related quotation to write down. Then write a sentence in your own words explaining the importance of the symbol.
• In the upper right-hand corner, pick one character in Book 1 of The Iliad.  Use one adjective to describe this character. Provide one quote to support this adjective. 
• Create a border around your paper using three important quotations that show the thematic issue of RAGE from the reading. 
• Include five words or pictures across the middle of the paper that express the author's TONE.
• In the lower left-hand corner, define EPIC and one of the epic conventions that is evident in Book 1 of The Iliad. 
• Somewhere on your paper, write a one-sentence summary of Book 1.  
• Somewhere on your paper, include the book title and author. 
• Please add symbols and images to represent your ideas. 

Monday- Sketch out a rough outline of your One Pager.
Tuesday- Start working on final draft.
Wednesday- Due at the beginning of class.



     Scoring:     2             3             4               5

      

  

                                                     

Friday, February 7th

Black History Month
Jason Reynolds (1983-) is a American Poet and Novelist, and current National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Being inspired by rap, Reynolds starting writing poetry at age 9. Reynolds works to create characters with authentic voices and experiences. His books include All American Boys, Long Way Down, Look Both Ways. @JasonReynolds1983

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1. R & C

2. Finish reading and 3-column notes for The Iliad.  First part of class. 10-2-2. Read 10 minutes and take notes. 2 minutes to confer. 2 minutes revise.

Then we will do collaborative notes. Read a shared selection. Take notes as a group.

Thursday, February 6th

   Black History Month

Audre Lorde (1934-1992) was an American Author, Feminist, and Civil Rights Activist. Lorde's writings served as a call-to-action for issues such as inequality and sexism. #BlackHistoryMonth #LiteraryGiants   

Link to Audre Lorde Poetry: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/audre-lorde
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1. Continue reading Book 1 of The Iliad. 

Group read and note taking.  Read a section silently. Discuss and jot down notes.
Take 3-column notes. Emphasizing plot events and literary devices.

Literary Devices to consider. . . to get you started.  

• Diction (word choice) 
• Repetition 
• Motif (a recurring image, idea, object, color, issue) 
• Theme (universal issue that is referenced and commented upon)
• Simile (comparisons between two unlike things to better illustrate meaning. Like/as)
• Metaphor (painting a picture stating one this IS another thing) 
• Epithets (2 words or more describing a person or thing.. emphasizing attributes)
• Symbolism (concrete object that represents an abstract idea)
• Figurative language (non literal meaning of words used) 
• Characterization (the manner in which the character is developed by the author)
• Tone (attitude of the author) 
• Mood (atmosphere of a text that impacts the reader's experience) 
• Imagery (Words that invoke the 5 senses)

Tuesday, February 4th, 2020

Black History Month 
Alex Haley (1921-1992)- Mr. Haley served in the US Coast Guard for twenty years before pursuing writing. He is best known for his novels, Roots and The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
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1. You have read the background on the Ancient Greeks for today. We are diving into the quintessential Ancient Greek text today, The Iliad. 

Terms/concepts to know:

• Epic: A long narrative poem usually accounting the story of a hero. 
• Epithet: A descriptive name of a person or place that emphasizes attributes.
• Epic simile: A comparison between two things on a grand scale. 
• Theme: A universal idea explored and commented upon in a text
• Epic conventions: 1. Honoring the glorious past. 2. Events are majestic in scale. 3. Larger than life figures. 4. Supernatural elements (God-human interaction in Greek Literature)

Make sure that these terms/concepts and definitions are in your notes.

For Friday, February 7th, please read Book 1 of The Iliad. You will receive a hard-copy in class, but it is found under The Iliad links (on the right).

10-2-2 Reading and note taking. 

Literature notes balance the following:
1. Plot events.
2. Literary devices/conventions.

Therefore, we are going to do 3-COLUMN NOTES TODAY-  (Simply, keep your Cornell notes structure, but add a column in the body of your notes.

EXAMPLE:

Things to notice-
- I did the plot events first.
- As I was thinking about the plot events, I considered what
literary devices/conventions, epic techniques are being used.
- I mark line numbers with text or plot events.
- I rely on previous knowledge of the story, history, etc. to help me focus in on what might be important. (Think of video we watched, character charts, Greek history)
-  After I was done with this page, I asked questions of
what I had written. Some are basic questions, some
can lead to larger analysis.

Monday, February 3rd..... SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!

 Black History Month 
Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965)- Ms. Hansberry was the first African American female author to have a play on Broadway, A Raisin in the Sun.  As a journalist, Ms. Hansberry worked to promote the Civil Rights Movement, but also to expose global imperialism and colonialism.
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1. Two concepts we have focused on this school year have been Grit and Power. Grit is defined by Angela Duckworth "passion and perseverance for long-term goals." Max Weber defines power as: "The ability of an individual to achieve their own goals or aims when others are trying to prevent them from realizing them."

How do these two concepts intersect? How have you seen them applied with an effective result? (Think Sunday evening).  What can you learn from these examples?

Make sure that you address the WHAT....  (Explaining what things mean... what examples you have. .  what can be learned)

Address the HOW .... (How do you see these examples applied.... how did it happen . . . how do these concepts intersect)

Address the WHY . . . ( Why are these ideas important. . .  why do you think these ideas are connected?)

MLA HEADING.

2. Read and Chill when you are done.