School Notes

Create an argument essay that urges readers to stop supporting (or to continue supporting) a specific corporation.

(Examples: Wal-Mart, McDonalds, Disney, etc.)

Your essay should include:

A compelling introduction with an engaging hook, an overview of the topic, and a clear, opinion-driven thesis statement.

Well-supported reasons for your judgment (logos, ethos, pathos).

At least four reliable sources (From any of the following: print, interview, documentary, library, and/or internet).

MLA Style Basics and a Works Cites page.

Final Schedule:

Nov. 23rd: Discuss Essay Writing strategies for The Art of War

Nov. 25th: Discuss article: “The Growing Backlash Against Overparenting”
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1940395,00.html

Nov. 30th: Discuss John Taylor gatto’s essay: “Against School”
http://www.wesjones.com/gatto1.htm

Dec. 2nd: Bring in Rough Draft of The Art of War Essay
Bring in / Discuss research on Public school alternatives.

December 7th: Prepare for Final Exam

December 9th: Art of War essay due. Final In-Class Essay.

Notes on Structuring Body Paragraphs:
Thesis Statement: Claim of the entire essay.

Topic Sentence = Main point/ claim of the paragraph.
Terrain:

#1) (Lead in) In warfare, terrain is the deciding factor between victory and defeat.
#2) (Topic sentence) Unfortunately, the American strategists during the Vietnam War underestimated the value of Sun Tzu’s analysis of the physical battlefield.

#3) Supportive detail – Example / Research
#4) Present Sun Tzu’s Quote
#5) Provide follow-up commentary
#6) Optional: Another example? (Perhaps of a war/battle in which Sun Tzu’s advice was followed.)

#7) Concluding sentence…

Compare / Contrast:
Create a paragraph that compares/contrasts two locations – preferably places one would visit for recreation.

Provide at least five sentences about each location. Use specific details and imagery to deliver your opinions.

Bare minimum:
+12 sentences. Topic sentence. Supportive sentences. Concluding sentence.

Choose one of the following:

A) Focusing on a specific character from August: Osage County, analyze the ways in which the character changes (or remains static). What motivates the character to change? What lessons, if any, can readers learn from this character?

B) Compare / contrast two characters from the play – or compare/contrast one character from the play and one character from another source (novel, short story, play, film). In your analysis, consider some of the following: character development (flat vs. 3D), motivation, choices, reactions, emotional growth (or lack thereof). It is up to the student to create a focused thesis statement. (Tip: Develop a specific opinion based upon your compare/contrast analysis.)

C) Identify and evaluate the messages / themes of August: Osage County. Argue whether or not the play has “depth,” and consider analyzing why this play has struck such a cord with critics and audiences alike.

D) How realistic is the portrayal of the Weston family? Do their values and their behavior reflect “real life” families of today? What should the readers / audience members learn from this play?

Length: +1400 Words
Include quotes from your primary source and at least two secondary sources.

Note: The secondary sources might be critical reviews, research information, scholarly journals, or interviews from “experts” in a relevant field. (For example, if you are analyzing the “dysfunctional” qualities of the Westons, you might interview a family therapist.)

Due: December 10th

Choose one of the following essay prompts:

Essay prompts:

A) Analyze the readings on Web 2.0 and compare/contrast the arguments these authors marshall. Specifically, focus on the ethics of false online identities.
B) Analyze the way in which social networks and other “internet tools” have effected our society’s personal and professional lives.

C) Aside from the “false identity issue,” choose another ethical or safety issue connected to Web 2.0. What problems have arisen due to this new trend, and how should we respond?

Man and Superman – Essay Prompts

A)
Based upon what can be gleaned from Shaw’s philosophical ideals, which of the characters (if any) comes closest to achieving the ideals of the “Superman”? To help define Shaw’s concept of the “Superman,” compare / contrast the playwright’s beliefs with other “Unbermench” theories, such as those proposed by Friedrich Nietzsche.
B)
Shaw has called Man and Superman a “comedy and a philosophy.” Identify the main concepts, flaws, and virtues of his philosophy. Compare / contrast how scientists, scholars, and/or philosophers would view his idea of the “Life Force” (and any other “Shavian” topic).
What beliefs, if any, should modern readers adopt from George Bernard Shaw’s play? Support, refute, amend or expand upon Shaw’s ideas.

C)
After researching professional criticism and scholarly analysis of Shaw’s play, provide an overview of literary responses to Shaw’s work (incorporating quotes from at least three different eras). What might the similarities and/or differences of the criticism indicate? Reflecting upon the criticism of the past and your own ideas, are the messages of “Man and Superman” relevant to contemporary life? Why / why not?

Length: +1800 Words

Include quotes from your primary source and at least four secondary sources.

Due: December 15th

Character Analysis:

Based upon what can be gleaned from Shaw’s philosophical ideals, which of the characters (if any) comes closest to achieving the ideals of the “Superman”? (Note: You may also analyze the characters in terms of Nietzsche’s “Superman”).

Thematic Analysis:

Shaw has called Man and Superman a “comedy and a philosophy.” Identify the main concepts, flaws, and virtues of his philosophy. What beliefs, if anything, should modern readers adopt George Bernard Shaw’s play?

Length: +1400 Words

Include quotes from your primary source and at least two secondary sources.

Due: December 10th

Eng 103 – Analysis of The Art of War

Choose one of the following prompts:
A) Select a specific military conflict. Using The Art of War as a primary source, indicate whether the leaders of the battle/war adhered to Sun Tzu’s instruction. What were the results of their adherence or deviation? Based on your historical analysis, draw conclusions about the practicality of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.

B) As discussed in class, Sun Tzu’s writing might be too vague for its own good. Explore another text that offers instruction on the “art of war.” Compare / contrast the two literary works to determine which is of more value to military leaders and/or warriors.

C) Many authors and scholars have applied The Art of War to other fields of study: politics, business, sports, advertising, etc. Choose a specific topic in which Sun Tzu’s advice can be applied (perhaps via metaphor). Analyze and evaluate how Sun Tzu’s writing is relevant and useful within this contemporary field of study. You may make a few concessions regarding any flaws in Sun Tzu’s work, but the essay should, for the most part, focus on the modern-day value of the text.

Include quotes from The Art of War and at least three secondary sources.
Include a Works Cite Page (MLA Format)
Length: +1500 Words

Oral Presentation: Influence of the Media

In an oral presentation, analyze a specific component of the media.
(Note: students may wish to analyze a broad medium – such as country music, video games, print advertisements for alcohol. Or students may focus on a specific product – such as “The Dixie Chicks,” “Grand Theft Auto” or Absolut print ads.)
Identifies and evaluate the subject’s positive and/or negative influence (or lack thereof).
Optional: Students may also propose a change or a call to action.

During your presentation, present research from one primary source and at least two secondary sources.

Presentation Date: November 10th