Pride and Prejudice

The only opportunity for extra credit this 6 weeks is this weekend. See the THS Theatre production of "Pride and Prejudice" and you'll get daily grade extra grade extra credit. Write a 600-1200 word essay and you'll receive major grade extra credit. Here are the essay prompts:

1. Research the changes in the English social structure during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Show how attitudes in Pride and Prejudice toward the newly wealthy middle classes, who earned their money through trade and manufacturing, differed from those toward the landed gentry who inherited their generations-old wealth.

2. Research gender roles in the English social structure during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. how does Pride and Prejudice break conventions in its relationships between the sexes.

3. In a novel or play, a confidant (male) or confidante (female) is a character, often a friend or relative of the hero or heroine, whose role is to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in. Frequently the result is, as Henry James remarked, that the author sometimes uses this character for other purposes as well. Choose a confidant or confidante from Pride and Prejudice and write an essay in which you discuss the various ways the character functions in the play.

Remember, your well-developed essays are to be 600-1200 words (typed). Include quotes (may be from other works) and specific references to the play to support your thesis.

Below are some pictures taken during the publicity shoot for the THS production.

More information about the THS production of Pride and Prejudice is available here: http://www.thespiansr.us/

More on WW I

The picture above is of a child in Jefferson, Texas suffering from the flu in 1918 (photo courtesy Library of Congress). There's an interesting article in the Temple Daily Telegram today about how Bell County was hit hard by the 1918 flu epidemic. Read it here: http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2008/11/12/53632

The End of the War to End All Wars

Today is Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day. Ninety years ago today, at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, World War I ended. At the time, it was referred to as "The Great War", or "The War to End All Wars". Little did people know that the terms of the treaty would build such resentment among the Germans that they would eventually allow Adolph Hitler to come to power.

Since we just finished reading "All Quiet on the Western Front", and have begun to watch the film of the same name, I thought you might enjoy some links to World War I information. Here's a story about two Bell County men who both claimed to be the first to carry an American flag into battle in WW I. http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2008/11/11/53599

Here's a story about how cigarettes became popular as a result of WW I: http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2008/11/10/53578

Remember kids, don't smoke.

One more story: the Bell County men who died for their country during WW I. http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2008/11/09/53563

Finally, let's hear it for Frank Buckles. He is the only known American WW I survivor. He was only 16 when he enlisted in 1917. During the war, Buckles drove ambulances and motorcyles for the 1st Fort Riley Casual Detachment section of the U.S Army. After the Armistice in 1918, Buckles escorted prisoners of war back to Germany. He went back into the Army during WW II. He was captured by the Japanese when they overran Manila, The Phillipines, and spent 3 years in a prisoner of war camp. Today, Mr. Buckles lives in Charles Town (not Charleston), West Virginia. He's 107 years old!

Here's a picture of Mr. Buckles from earlier this year, with Defense Secretary Bill Gates:

Time Flies!

Has it really been more than 2 weeks since I last posted to this blog?
Sorry about that, guys, but things have been hectic.
It's a good opportunity to note the passage of time.
We are wrapping up the second 6 weeks.
Folks, it's time to wake up and smell the coffee.
Many of you have a C or D average in my class, which is unacceptable in a Pre-AP/IB course.
It's not too late to decide to turn things around.
I do not exaggerate when I tell you that I have seniors every year who tell me that they miss the Top 10 percent because of a low grade they made when they were freshmen or sophomores.
This isn't middle school--it counts. Every day you decide not to read, or you decide not to study, is another nail in your coffin. You are narrowing your choices, and you will regret it later. Imagine if you can't get into a good school, or if you can't get scholarships, because of your low GPA! By doing poorly in school now, you are literally costing your future self money that you will have to repay in the form of student loans. This is money that you won't be able to spend on things you want to buy.
Choices will be narrowed later because of choices you're making now.
Is what you're doing instead of studying really worth that much?
Or...what if you're not able to get into college at all because of a lack of academic performance?
The College Board says the median high school graduate age 25 and older earns $26,300, while the median college graduate age 25 and older earns $42,200. That college graduate earns an extra $15,500, or 59 percent per year.
Which salary would you prefer?

Gouge, Rasp, Adze, Hammer

Here are the pictures of the tools from today's poems.

here is a gouge:

Now, here is a rasp:

Next, we have an adze:

It's not illegal if you get away with it!

After searching far and wide for the answer, I finally have learned why roughing the kicker was not called on the Cardinals on the last play of the game vs. the Cowboys Sunday. If the punt is actually blocked, it's OK for the person who blocks it to make contact with the kicker. Otherwise, it's a penalty.
Do I feel better?
No I do not.

Roughing the Kicker?

Normally, I don't blog about sports, but I have to vent this somewhere.

If you watched the Cowboys debacle Sunday, you may have been scratching your head at the last play. A Cardinals player very clearly ran into the Cowboys kicker as his leg was in the act of kicking. I have seen roughing calls for far less contact than that. That should have been a 15 yard penalty against the Cardinals and an automatic first down for the Cowboys.

Speaking of football, last week marked the 92nd anniversary of the most lopsided beating ever administered in college football. Georgia Tech beat Cumberland College 222-0 on October 7, 1916. You can read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1916_Cumberland_vs._Georgia_Tech_football_game

Cumberland has apparently gotten over it. They have a web page devoted to what they call, "The Game of the Century". From that page, here is the only known picture taken during the game.

This gives us an excellent opportunity to discuss Wikipedia. Some educators absolutely hate it, but I take a more moderate approach. DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA AS A PRIMARY SOURCE FOR ANY PAPER YOU ARE TURNING IN FOR CREDIT. Was that clear enough? I use Wikipedia as a starting place. I use it to get facts about something I already know but need to confirm, or as a source for RELIABLE sources through the references section at the bottom of each page. I know that you have grown up with the 'net, but not all web pages are created equally. The THS librarians have an excellent list of databases to which the school subscribes that are available to you at no cost. See your librarian for more details. They'll help you read more about it.

Happy Columbus Day!

I hope you're all enjoying your 3-day weekend.
Here's a look ahead to this week.
Tuesday - discussion over Chapters 20-21.
Wednesday - Reading diagnostic test in computer lab.
Thursday - EXAM over Bless Me Ultima
Friday - Short stories.
See you Tuesday!

2nd 6 Weeks Begins

I took a week off from blogging to see if you missed it. So far, no comments. If any of you are actually reading this, please let me know.
Here's a link to today's poem: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/029.html
Here's today's quote:
"The most successful people are those who are good at plan B." - James Yorke
READ!

Happy Banned Book Week!

This is Banned Book Week, sponsored by the American Library Association. It's an occasion to reflect on the freedoms we have in this country. It's also a reminder of how we must be viligant to retain those freedoms. More information on Banned Book Week is available here:
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.cfm
Head to the school library and check out a banned book ASAP!

Ultima is no Picnic

Here's the prompt for the "Picnic" bonus essay. Performances are Saturday night at 8:00 PM and Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM. I've already been twice, so you won't see me there (with seating limited, I hate to take up a space that someone else could use). Be sure and get your program signed by either Mrs. Tolleson or Miss Aker.

Picnic Bonus Essay
Research the economic future of small town America in the period immediately after World War II. Consider the importance of agriculture, as well as job opportunities for young men and women. Why do so many of the young people in Picnic seek to escape?
Write a well-researched, thoughtful essay of at least 1 page )double-spaced, Times New Roman 12), but no more than 2 pages.

I considered posting the vocabulary and study questions for the first three chapters of Bless Me Ultima, but decided against it because if you weren't there Friday, you don't have the book anyway. I'll pass it out to those who were absent Monday.

Grammar Week Continues

Here's a link to today's poem: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/020.html

Here's today's quote: "When people are bored, it is primarily with their own selves that they are bored." - Eric Hoffer

We will finish up studying grammar in Chapters 1 & 2 Wednesday. Your grammar exam over the materials studied will be on Thursday. The vocabulary quiz has been moved to Friday this week.

Week 5 Begins

Here's a link to today's poem: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/019.html

Here's today's quote: "A room without books is like a body without a soul." - Cicero

Homework tonight: Exercise 3, Page 16 in your grammar textbook.

Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Here are the vocabulary words for this week:

1. A (AN): “not,” “without”
amoral (adj)
amorphous (adj)
anemia (n)
anesthesia (n)
anhydrous (adj)
anomaly (n)
anonymous (adj)
anoxia (n)
aseptic (adj)
atheism (n)
atrophy (n)
antonym- hypertrophy (n)
atypical (adj)


2. ARCHY: “rule”
anarchy (n)
autarchy (n)
hierarchy (n)
matriarchy (n)
monarchy (n)
oligarchy (n)
patriarchy (n)'

Your home work is Exercise 2A on page 8. Do 1-10.

Remember I offered you extra credit for seeing "Picnic". More information on the play is available here: http://www.thespiansr.us/

Have a great weekend!

Hang in there baby, Friday's coming!

We're about to wrap up Week 4. Tomorrow we will finish up the film, "To Kill a Mockingbird". We will then begin our 1st week of grammar. If you haven't yet been issued textbooks, you need to go to the bookroom before or after school or during lunch to make arrangements.

Here's a link to today's poem: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/017.html

And here's today's quote: "Do you love me because I'm beautiful, or am I am beautiful because you love me?"

- Oscar Hammerstein III

In Living Black and White

No one mentioned it today, but students usually comment when I show a black-and-white film.
Here's a link to an article that discusses the attitudes of youth toward black-and-white, among other things.
http://www.city-journal.org/2008/18_3_urb-black_and_white_movies.html

Here's a link to today's poem:
http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/015.html

Here's today's quote: "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." - Albert Camus

New Vocabulary

Here are this week's vocabulary words:

VOCABULARY—LIST 3
1. EU: "good," "well," "advantageous"
(EU means the opposite of DYS.)
eugenics (n)
eulogize (v)
eupepsia (n)
antonym- dyspepsia (n)
euphemism (n)
euphonious (adj)
antonym- cacophonous (n)
euphoria (n)
euthanasia (n)
euthenics (n)
2. MACRO: "large," "long"
macrocosm (n)
antonym- microcosm (n)
macron (n)
macroscopic (adj)
antonym- microscopic (adj)
3. MICRO: "small"
microbe (n)
microbicide (n)
microcosm (n)
antonym- macrocosm (n)
microdont (adj)
microfilm (n)
micrometer (n)
microscopic (adj)
antonym- macroscopic (adj)
microsecond (n)
microwave (n)

Notes for Today

Here's the link to today's poem: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/012.html

Here's today's quote: "Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun." - Colleen C. Barrett

Notes on To Kill a Mockingbird:
In chapter 26, we have a strong example of Scout's innocence. Scout doesn't understand why her teacher hates Hitler for his treatment of the Jews, yet hates blacks. She is beginning to see that adults can be inconsistent, even hypocritical. This is a kind of an awakening for Scout.

September 11

You were quite young on September 11, 2001.

Here is a portion of the Today show from that morning.

The video is from the NBC affiliate in NYC.

The video begins around 8:30 et, and continues until shortly after 9 am.

You will see how the coverage occurred in real time.

http://www.archive.org/details/nbc200109110831-0912

Quote and Poem

I almost forgot to post these for you!
Here's a link to today's poem: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/011.html

Here's today's quote: "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." - Pablo Picasso

Vocabulary quiz tomorrow!

Creativity

Here's the link to that article about television's effect on creativity: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2008/08/31/daydream_achiever/?page=full
And while we're at it, here's a link to the Catalyst--we just posted an article about the effect on reading on creativity: http://my.highschooljournalism.org/tx/temple/ths/

So if reading boosts creativity, and television hinders it, which should we be doing?

A little additional information about the man behind today's quote

It was on this day in 1981 that Pablo Picasso's famous painting "Guernica" was returned to Spain to hang in the Prado Museum in Madrid. The painting depicts the suffering in the city of Guernica, the capitol of Basque Spain, after a German bombardment in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. Picasso exhibited the painting in Paris, but then sent it to New York and refused to allow it to be shown in Spain until the rule of General Franco ended. Pablo Picasso, who said: "Painting is not made to decorate apartments. It's an offensive and defensive weapon against the enemy." (Information courtesy of The Writer's Almanac; picture courtesy wordpress.com)

Happy Tuesday!

Vocabulary Words:
dysentery (n) an infectious disease marked by inflammation and ulceration of the lower part of the bowels, with diarrhea that becomes mucous and hemorrhagic.

dysfunction (n) malfunctioning, as of an organ or structure of the body.

dyslexia (n) any of various reading disorders associated with impairment of the ability to interpret spatial relationships or to integrate auditory and visual information.

dyspepsia (n) deranged or impaired digestion; indigestion
{antonym- eupepsia (n) good digestion}

dysphagia (n) difficulty in swallowing.

dysphasia (n) inability to speak or understand words because of a brain lesion.

dystrophy (n) faulty or inadequate nutrition or development.

Today's Quote: "Nobody can be so amusingly arrogant as a young man who has just discovered an old idea and thinks it is his own."-- Sydney J. Harr

Here's a link to today's poem: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/010.html

In To Kill a Mockingbird, we discussed Bob Ewell and Mayella Ewell's testimony, as well as the testimony of Tom Robinson. We have an example of the theme of benevolence when Tom admits that he helps Mayella because she doesn't have anyone else to help her. We have an example of the theme of innocence when Dill is so upset over the way that Mr. Gilmer is questioning Tom. He is too young and innocent to realize the way the world often works. Does injustice upset you, or do you accept it?

Meanwhile, in Maycomb.....

We didn't have time to discuss the novel today, but at least we took care of those pesky vocabulary words.

misandry - hatred of males
misanthrope - a hater of humankind
misanthropy - hatred, dislike, or distrust of humankind
misogamy - hatred of marriage
misogyny - hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women
misology - distrust or hatred of reason or reasoning
misoneism - hatred or distrust of what is new or represents change
misogyny - hatred of women

Here's a link to today's poem: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/009.html

Here's today's quote: "Argument is the worst sort of conversation." - Jonathan Swift

Now, a few points over To Kill a Mockingbird

Chapter 16 begins with Scout crying when she went to bed after fully realizing what happened with Atticus and the men in front of the jail. The next day, the children disobey Atticus and go to the trial. Scout overhears some men talking about how Atticus was assigned to this case. She thinks it's strange that he hadn't mentioned that he didn't choose this case, but that it was chosen for him. The courtroom is packed, so Scout, Jem and Dill have to sit upstairs with Reverend Sykes and the African-Americans.

In Chapter 17, the trial gets underway. Sheriff Heck Tate testifies about his involvement in the case, then Bob Ewell gives his testimony about the alleged rape of his daughter, Mayella. Atticus makes a point to ask Sheriff Tate about which side of Mayella's face was hurt. (Hint: this is important.) We're given a picture of the Ewell family as an absolutely wretched family, poor, dirty and hungry, living down by the dump. After Atticus cross-examines Bob Ewell, Jem is happy. He thinks there's no way in the world for Tom Robinson to be convicted now. Do you know why he thinks this?

Guilty Pleasures Department

Sunday night, Fox premiered a new TV show that features people trying to fit through holes in a wall. It's based on a Japanese program. I checked out a clip of the Japanese version, and it is considerably harder. This has nothing to do with English, but you might make a stretch and call it a geometry lesson. At any rate, it's the weekend, so enjoy this funny clip! (It's in Japanese, so don't worry about trying to figure out what they're saying!)

How About a Little Vocabulary Action?

VOCABULARY—LIST 2


1. MIS: “hate” (MIS means the opposite of PHIL.)

misandry (n)
misanthrope (n)
misanthropy (n)
misogamy (n)
misogyny (n)
misology (n)
misoneism (n)




2. DYS: “bad,” “ill,” “difficult”

dysentery (n)
dysfunction (n)
dyslexia (n)
dyspepsia (n)
antonym- eupepsia (n)
dysphagia (n)
dysphasia (n)
dystrophy (n)

Point of View

Remember, there are two types of point of view:
1. The literary type, such as 1st person, 3rd person omnicient or 3rd person limited
2. The generic type, such as when we say, "try to see things from my point of view".

We have to deal with both types in To Kill a Mockingbird, so be sure that you understand which one we're talking about. If you have a question, ask!

Enjoy the pep rally tonight!

Quiz Tomorrow

Don't forget we have a vocabulary quiz tomorrow. Study!

Today's discussion centered around the themes of benevolence (when Atticus gives Mrs. DuBose a pass because she's an old sick woman), and courage (when Atticus shoots the dog AND especially, when Mrs. DuBose fights to get off morphine). Atticus wanted Scout and Jem to see a different kind of courage. Did he succeed?

Today's quote: "He who angers you conquers you." Elizabeth Kenny

Here's a link to today's poem: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/006.html

Week 2

I'm happy so many of you did so well on today's quiz. For those who didn't, let this serve as a wake-up call to read! Be sure to come see me before or after school if you have any questions. If you need directions to my regular room, just ask!

Remember we talked about the theme of benevolence, when Boo puts the blanket over Scout's shoulders during the fire. That's also an instance of foreshadowing the climax of the book. We also talked about the theme of innocence/loss of innocence, when Scout asks Atticus the meaning of the racial slur she hears at school, as well as when Scout overhears Atticus and Uncle Jack talking, only to realize years later that Atticus knew she was listening, and wanted her to hear what he was saying.

Here's a link to today's poem: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/005.html

Today's quote: "The first half of our lives is ruined by our parents, and the second half by our children." - Clarence Darrow

The Last Picture Show

I thought I'd post this picture my father sent me. The only movie theatre in my hometown closed down last week. I saw my first movie there in 1968 (The Jungle Book), and attended faithfully almost every Saturday afternoon as a child. When I was really young, my friends and I would either ride our bikes or walk to town (about a mile), see a movie, and then head back home. Admission was 50 cents for kids, and for another 50 cents you could get popcorn and a Coke.

Check this out!

On weekends, I'll try to post things just for fun.
Here's a link to our campus newspaper, The Temple Catalyst.
We're on line for the first time this year.
The only thing posted right now on the site are pictures from last week's scrimmage against Pflugerville Connally, but we should begin posting articles next week.
Once you click on the site, go to the lower left hand portion of the screen and click on the photo gallery.
http://my.highschooljournalism.org/tx/temple/ths/

Have a great weekend, and don't forget to keep up with your reading in To Kill a Mockingbird!

Happy Friday

Here's a link to today's poem:
http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/004.html

Here are this week's vocabulary words:

1. PHOBIA: "fear," "dislike," "aversion"
acrophobia (n)
agoraphobia (n)
Anglophobia (n)
claustrophobia (n)
Germanophobia (n)
hydrophobia (n)
monophobia (n)
phobia (n)
photophobia (n)
xenophobia (n)
The form phobe at the end of a word means "one who fears or dislikes."
Russophobe (n)
Also: Francophobe, Anglophobe, Germanophobe, etc.
2. PHIL (PHILO): "loving," "fond of"
philanthropist (n)
philanthropy (n)
philately (n)
philharmonic (adj)
philhellenism (n)
philogyny (n)
philology (n)
philosopher (n)
The form phile at the end of a word means "one who loves or supports."
Anglophile (n)
bibliophile (n)
Francophile (n)

Remember, we discussed today some more instances of benevolence in To Kill a Mockingbird, when Boo leaves the gifts for the children.
We also had an example of courage, when Jim goes back for his pants.

We learned a lot about each other, no?

I hope you had as much fun with the toilet paper game as I did.
Here's a link to Thursday's poem.
http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/003.html
Remember, we talked about another instance of the loss of innocence in TKAM, when Scout insults Walter Cunningham's dining habits without realizing she's being rude.
We also talked about the recurring theme of benevolence, when Boo leaves the gum and the Indian Head pennies in the tree for Scout and Jem. Jem suspects it's Boo who left the items for them, but he's not sure, and doesn't mention it to Scout.

Day 2 - you all came back!

Here's a link to today's poem:
http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/002.html

Here's today's quote:
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein

Remember, we discussed two of the themes in To Kill A Mockingbird. Those were "loss of innocence" and "courage".

Poem # 1

Here's a link to our first poem. Remember to reflect on poems and quotes in your journals so you will be able to write a good essay each Friday.
http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/001.html

English I Syllabus

2008-2009

Instructor: Richard Tolleson

richard.tolleson@tisd.org

http://mrtsenglishclass.blogspot.com/

Textbooks: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes – Prentice Hall
Language Network – McDougal Littell

The following novels will also be studied in English I:
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Bless Me Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
All Quiet on the Western Front by Eric Maria Remarque
A Separate Peace by John Knowles
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Poetry is fused with longer works throughout the year.

Vocabulary study will be based on Greek and Latin word parts. Words from the literature will also be studied in context.

Grading:
Major Grades – 50%
Unit tests
Final drafts of major compositions
Major Projects

Daily Grades – 50%
Homework
Quizzes
Class Participation
In-class work

Conduct: All students are expected to follow class rules.
Be seated when the tardy bell rings. Being in the room is not sufficient.
Be courteous to the teacher and all fellow classmates.
Be cooperative, attentive and respectful of other students’ right to learn.
Do not bring drinks or food of any kind into the classroom (including gum and candy)
Bring materials to class every day.
Remain seated in your desk each day until officially dismissed by the teacher.
VIOLATIONS OF CLASS RULES WILL BE DEALT WITH ACCORDING TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT IN THE T.H.S STUDENT HANDBOOK.
Take care of the books and other materials provided for you. If you lose or destroy a book you will be expected to replace it a the current book price of $50 (novels average $10).

MAKE-UP WORK POLICY
There will be NO late work accepted when a student is present on the day the assignment is made and on the day the assignment is due.
It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements to receive make-up assignments before or after school so as not to take time away from the rest of the class.
All make-up work must be completed and returned to the teacher according to the following:
--Daily assignments – due within three class days.
--Quizzes or Exams – special arrangements must be made and the assignments
must be made up within one week after the student returns to class.
In case of an extended excused absence, special arrangements may be made with the teacher.

Introduction to Mr. T's English Class

Hello everyone.
This is a spot where you can come for information about our class.
While it's not mandatory that you visit here, it might be helpful to look at this from time to time, especially if you have to miss a day. I will post what we do here so that you can stay up to date.
You may also post messages here, but there are a couple of rules:
1. This is a public forum. Anything you say here will be seen by the entire class. Don't be mean or critical! Don't use bad language or threaten anyone. If you violate those rules, I will delete your posts (and depending on the nature of your post, I may have to report the incident to the principal).
2. Have fun. If you have a school-appropriate fun link, video or picture to share, please post it here. Again, everyone can see it, so keep it nice!
See you in class!
Mr. Tolleson