Smith EWL 08-09

Sarah E

2009-05-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Kim C

2009-05-14T08:21:00.002-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Irene L

2009-05-14T08:21:00.001-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Kaitlyn R

2009-05-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Katie O

2009-05-14T08:20:00.001-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Molly P

2009-05-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Mackenzie L

2009-05-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Kaitlyn W

2009-05-12T08:19:00.001-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Will B

2009-05-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Tom B

2009-05-12T08:18:00.001-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Kendra S

2009-05-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Patrick B

2009-05-09T08:17:00.001-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Sara B

2009-05-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Brittney W

2009-05-09T08:16:00.003-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Anna P

2009-05-09T08:16:00.002-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Drew B

2009-05-09T08:16:00.001-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Eric L

2009-05-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Jake F

2009-05-07T08:15:00.002-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Jordan S

2009-05-07T08:15:00.001-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Shelli M

2009-05-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Katie M

2009-05-07T08:14:00.001-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Adrienne B

2009-05-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Kevin N

2009-05-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Lauren L

2009-05-05T08:00:00.004-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Taylor S

2009-05-05T08:00:00.003-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Haliey M

2009-05-05T08:00:00.001-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Lauren B

2009-05-05T07:59:00.002-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Rick M

2009-05-05T07:59:00.001-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Steven W

2009-05-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

Please reflect on the presentation leaving constructive criticism and positive feedback.

Wednesday April 29

2009-04-29T16:12:00.000-07:00

Today we have fun-filled food wednesday, where a couple of lovely ladies brought us goldfish and capri-sun. Thanks again girls

During class, we wrote our in-class essays on a sacrifice from Brave New World and in modern society.

Homework:
Essay 2, What's the point? Tie it all together
Sign- up for last lecture with Smith

Friday 4/24

2009-04-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

We had shortened classes today because of the spring assembly! In class we watched more of The Island. Seniors need to sign up for a day to give their last lecture.

HW:
-Read 17-18
-Work on last lecture

Monday April 20th

2009-04-21T08:30:00.001-07:00

Well today Mrs. Smith shared with us our last three assignments.. 2 in class essays 100 pts each and our last lecture another 100pts which equals 300 pts... so that is 300 points out of 1200 points... THIS MEANS WE STILL HAVE TO WORK!! AHHH

All we did in class was work on our posters that we started last week and started watching The Island.

Homework: Last Lecture is coming up soon and Chp 17-18 is due on Friday!!

Scribe April 15, 2009

2009-04-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

Wednesday April 15, 2009

Homework:
We have a Socratic seminar on Friday, so don’t forget to type up a summary/response of chapters 7-12. You NEED this if you want to participate.

Today we started class off with talking about the connections of Brave New World and the songs we listened to on Monday. It was deep... DEEP!!

We started to map out sacrifices of BNW vs. Our Society
Such as:
Pure science
High Art
Religion
Family
Individuality/Identity/Humanity
Education
History
Democracy

Have a good wed!!!!!!!

Monday April 13

2009-04-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Everyone!

Today we did a song activity in class (you can find it on the web page), we responded to the activity by answering the following questions:

How does this relate to BNW?

Think about sacrifices of our own society? What is our price of progress? What are the consequences of our actions? Who is responsible for these consequences?

Our homework for tonight is to read chapters 13-14 in BNW, also if you need to conference with Smith make sure to get in and get that done.

March 18th 2009

2009-03-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

Today was a truly tragic day at Arapahoe.
We found out at the end of 3rd hour that we lost freshman Martin Walworth, a dear friend, good student and excellent musician. This is particularly difficult due to the recent passing of Jason Wren as well. We hope they rest in peace and are here for those who are struggling through this hard time. Seniors especially (but really all upperclassmen) this is our time to protect our school, to ensure the well-being of ALL Warriors, regardless of if we know them or not, now is the time to make that connection and take care of one another.
Read the Forward of Brave New World and come to class with questions:
What's the point?
What is goin gon at this time in the world?
Any other good questions you have.
here is an online text:
http://books.google.com/books?id=s2Kn2mBVCuAC&printsec=frontcover&dq=brave+new+world#PPR7,M1

Going back to watching the Simpsons last week....What was being satirized?
Stay at home moms
stupid teens
boringness at fishing
belief in media
politics/election/society
Employee/employer relationship
reporter
money to politics
tree huggers
vegetarians/impact on society
young politicians
women=brains
men=boys will be boys
the American family

These are all examples of horatian satire

We viewed some examples of satire from the Onion, they can be found on the English Lit page. We also got into groups and looked at some of the articles together and analyzed what is being satirized and how this is done.
We looked at Harper's Index (also on the website) and played on the smartboard a little bit.

Satire groups and presentations due on Friday!
Read the Forward and bring questions.
work on your last lecture, deadline is coming up.

Again, RIP Jason and Martin, in our hearts and memories forever.

Friday 3-13-09

2009-03-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

We looked at all the dates that will create a conflict. See Smith if there is a major conflict.
Do your assignments ahead of time if you are going to be absent.
Two types of Satire:
Horatian:
Happy, based on Roman character Horace, witty, makes fun of humanity, optimistic, indulgent
Examples: Bill Cosby, Saturday Night Live, the Daily Show, The Simpsons, South Park, Family Guy
Intent: happy, fun hearted
Juvenalian:
Evil, characterized by contempt, criticizes error, pessimistic, vice and error, harsh, real
Examples:
Intent: sarcastic, mocking, critical
Commonality: humor
Satirical devices: Absurdity, exaggeration, understatement, parody, wit or word play, Euphemism, irony
Think About:
What’s the point???????
What is the role of responsibility as a result of consequences?
The price of progress… What are we willing to give up in order to move forward?
We watched the Simpsons. We will discuss it on Wednesday of next week.
Homework:
Get a copy of Brave New World for sure by Wednesday
Get a group/ by Friday get at least one example of satires
Beauty papers due Monday

Wednesday 3-11-09

2009-03-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

There is a new addition to our classroom. We have a smart board in the room now.
~ Fishbowl-
What’s the Point?
There were a lot of different points to the book and why Wilde wrote it.
What did you take away?
It was not written to be analyzed so strongly.
People have lost their individualism because they follow other people.
Outer beauty means nothing. In the end, it ruined Dorian Gray.
The point was to get people to think. Maybe there is a deeper hidden message.
Wilde wanted us to see how he was treated.

~ Peer Editing

Homework:
Fishbowl 17-20 Blog Question- Due Friday
Dorian Gray take home quiz- Due Friday
Beauty Paper- Due Monday
Purchase Brave New World by Monday

Fishbowl 17-20 Question

2009-03-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

Now that we have finished the book, what is the point? What was Oscar's Wilde purpose in writing this?

Wednesday, March 4th

2009-03-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Treat Wednesday!
Homework-There will be a take home quiz that will be posted on the website on Monday, it will be due Friday
Also, a rought draft of your Beauty Paper will be due Wednesday
NO CLASS ON MONDAY! WOOHOO FOR CSAPS! (Got to love being upper classmen :))
On that note, Mr. Ruggles wants us to catch up and get ahead
Fishbowl on chapters 17-20 (end of the book)
wrapping things all together, if you missed today then add posts to the blog and answer the blog question.
GIRLS BASKETBALL TONIGHT AT SCHOOL OF MINES!

Fishbowl DG Chapters 17-20

2009-03-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

Dorian Fishbowl Chapters 13-16 Question

2009-02-27T10:15:00.000-08:00

On the first page of the preface Wilde says, "There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written or badly written. That is all." Do you agree, due to the ideas that were brought up in class, that Wilde does not want us to pick apart his book based on morals? He merely wants society to understand that art is useless, it is just "art for art sake."

Friday, February 27, 2009

2009-02-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

We fishbowled today on Chapters 13-16, and Ruggles just went over what he expects for sources on Monday. If you missed the fishbowl add some comments on to the blog and don't forget to answer the blog post!!!

Homework:
- BLOG POST!!!!
- Beauty Paper Sources to be checked off on Monday
- 2-3 quotes cited from Dorian Gray and 2 outside sources
-Beauty Paper Outline due Wednesday
- Dorian Gray- Read Chapters 17-20 ( Fishbowl Wednesday)

Our last Fishbowl for Dorian Gray!
Wednesday
Presenters:
Sara Beam
Shelli Marr
Anna Paul
Brittney Walker
Mackenzie Lanphear
Kaytlin Ryan

Discussers:
Adrienne Bouveron
Jordan Senior
Katie Maron
Kim Christian
Taylor Scofield
Steven Ward
Irene Lahana
Hailey Moore

Support our Boys and Girls Basketball teams this weekend at playoffs!
Girls play tonight at 7pm and Boys tomorrow at 3pm. Both games are at Arapahoe...I think :)

Hey look it's Drew!!

And Britt and I stumbled upon this picture too....

Dorian Gray Fishbowl - Chapters 13-16

2009-02-27T06:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Fishbowl.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

2009-02-25T11:01:00.000-08:00

Happy fun filled Wednesday
We had Red Vines, Brownies, Milk and even Cake today for fun filled Wednesday. Props to Anna, Brittney, and Shelly for bringing that in. We took a quiz with a partner on Dorian Gray over chapters 1-12.
We then debriefed the Fishbowl on Chapters 9-12.

HW: Conference with Mr. Ruggles if you haven’t done so
-Finishing reading 13-16 (Fish bowl on Friday)
-Beauty paper-Sources check off (Due Monday)

Monday, February 23, 2009

2009-02-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 23, 2009

Happy Monday Everyone!

We had an awesome fishbowl today in class on chapters 9-12; if you missed it make sure to make it up by leaving a few comments on the blog. Also don’t forget to answer the blog question.

Today Ruggles went over the beauty paper, and how we are supposed to write it, the beauty proposal is due Wed. Feb. 25. You can find it on Smith’s web page.

Don’t forget your Last Lecture conference, if you haven’t scheduled one yet be sure to do that ASAP.

Begin reading chapters 13- 16 in Dorian Gray we have a fishbowl on these chapters Friday.

Hope everyone is having fun at DECA, congratulations on making state guys!

Fishbowl Ch.9-12 Blog Question

2009-02-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

This section of the book takes place around the end of the 1800s. In England, this was a time defined by "world-weary sensibility", meaning asceticism was quickly ending. How do you think this has impacted Dorian? Is this the reason he has become such a dark person?

Dorain Gray Fishbowl 9-12

2009-02-23T06:16:00.001-08:00

Mr. Ruggles Student Teaching Questionnaire

2009-02-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

1. What is one thing that that Mr. Ruggles does well?

2. What is one thing that Mr. Ruggles can improve upon?

3. Rank these on a scale of one to five (with five being the highest) and leave a one sentence explanation explaining your number:

a. How would you rank Mr. Ruggles’ communication skills? (Verbal, nonverbal, written)
b. How would you rank Mr. Ruggles’ lessons (are they interesting and meaningful)
c. How would you rank Mr. Ruggles’ classroom management techniques
d. How would you rank Mr. Ruggles’ assessments (graded fairly, timely, and well done)
e. How would you rank Mr. Ruggles’ use of technology (website, PowerPoint, etc.)
f. How would you rank Mr. Ruggles’ attitude and excitement for teaching this class?

4. What is the most fun and/or meaningful activity that you have completed in this class? Why?

5. What assignment did you not enjoy? Why?

6. What else can I do to help you in the classroom?

7. What other comments or feedback do you want to give Mr. Ruggles?

True Beauty?

2009-02-20T06:28:00.000-08:00

What is your definition of true beauty?

Chapters 4-8 Blog Question

2009-02-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

Connection to Crime and Punishment- Dorian and Raskolnikov become progressivly more diluted in their madness and self absorption and slowly distant from society

"You are as sick as your secrets"

Do you think Dorian regrets his selfish behavior or enjoys it? Consider: his apology letter to Sybil, after which he is impressed with his selflessness

Dorian Gray 4-8 Fishbowl

2009-02-18T07:34:00.001-08:00

Dorian Gray Chapters 1-3 Fishbowl Question

2009-02-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

Oscar Wilde's writing is full of epigrams and he does not waste a single word; he is obviously very educated. However, in his characters he has placed a very high importance on beauty and bascially described intelligence as useless and superficial. What do you think Wilde is trying to say about intelligence? How does beauty play into art and how does this make art unimportant/important?

Friday Feb 13, 2009

2009-02-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

OHH NO TODAY IS FRIDAY THE 13th!!!!!!!!!!!!

Homework: Read Chapters 4-8 in Dorian Gray
There is a fishbowl on these Chapters on Wednesday
Last Lecture Feedback by February 20
Self Portrait Project by February 20
In Class: Housekeeping- Grades, Papers, Last Lecture
Fishbowl- Make sure to look at the blog!! If your absent just look over the blog comments made and add your own opinion on the situations

Happy Friday!! SENIORS WE ARE SOO CLOSE!!!!! Have a good long weekend everyone!!!

Dorian Gray 1-3 Fishbowl

2009-02-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 11

2009-02-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Oreo Wednesday! Snaps to Lauren and Kendra for bringing us Oreos!

Homework:

Discussers for friday: make sure you have your syllabus ready
The first part of our Last Lecture (childhood) is due Friday
Write feedback on Smith's Last Lecture
Project due February 20.

Discussion:

First, we circled up and talked about our first thoughts on Dorian Gray and the reflection papers we wrote about the preface. Some points we covered were:

Wilde's book is a piece of art b/c we are still "admiring"/studying it today
people don't like to see their flaws, nor do they like perfection because it makes them look that much worse
Wilde says art is useless, yet his book is considered art, and he has an artist as a main character in his book and the painting itself is a very important element in it. -->paradoxes
Anything can be art because art is anything people use to express themselves
only the artist fully understands the ideas behind his work, or aren't there any hidden meanings?
What if the preface was satirical? he could be saying that art is overrated, most art isn't true art...
When the book was written Wilde was in jail/on trial. Is that why he says that no book is immoral or moral, just good or badly written? --> defending himself for what he wrote in the book. "Delve into book at your own peril" quote means that people have to make their own choice on whether they want to read a book with this kind of content.

Vocab:

Hellenic: relating to Greek culture
Aestheticism: viewing all things for their beauty
Morals: beliefs, good/bad
Caliban: character in Shakespeare's Tempest, portrayed as monstrous
Realism: when everyday, real-life stuff is portrayed in art
Romanticism: emotions, senses, "aesthetic experience"

Characters:

Basil: rich artist, friends with Lord Henry, met Dorian Gray at a party and now he is obsessed with Dorian and is painting a picture of him. Basil is mysterious and secretive but confides in Lord Henry about almost everything.
Lord Henry Wotton: Very rich man, had a good education and is outspoken in his opinions and ideas about life, always smiling and adds humor to book. He is manipulative, clever, bored, shallow, uses his money for power?, persuasive, humorous. He met Dorian Gray at Basil's house.
Dorian Gray: orphan, he is beautiful, charming, and lively.

Project:

Then we talked about our new project due on the 20th. There are copies of the sheet we need to guide us on the website.

Objective: reveal the artist's conflict, the struggle of the facade we are forced to have because of society and who we really are (how society views us and how we view ourselves).

Project: We need to come up with two self portraits, one that shows how society views you, one that is how you view yourself/who you truly are. You can show this through poetry, a song, a video, a collage, a painting, etc. Be creative and unique! See the rubric on the web page if you have questions

2/6 and 2/9

2009-02-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, kids, here's the deal.
On Friday we wrapped up or hell unit with an in class essay. We didn't really have homework; just get Dorian Gray for Monday and work on your Last Lecture.

Monday!
Today we discussed what we would do if we could do anything without getting caught (on the blog) as well as discussing Oscar Wilde's life (fairly unconventional) and beginning Dorian Gray.

Homework: read the preface of Dorian Gray and respond to the questions on the handout we got in a one page, double spaced, typed response; read chapters 1-3 in Dorian Gray; sign up for fish bowl days if you haven't yet

Also, work on the first part of your last lecture! The reflection on your past is due on Friday, so start thinking inspirational thoughts!!!

Food for Thought: Dorian Gray

2009-02-08T22:14:00.000-08:00

If you could do something without getting caught, would you?

Explain your thoughts, including what you would or would not do in a paragraph comment to this post. Enjoy!

What are the greatest wrongs?

2009-01-30T07:01:00.000-08:00

In your opinion, what are the greatest wrongs that people can commit? Murder? Betrayal? Theft? Cheating? Other ideas? If punishments could be made to fit crimes, what would be the appropriate punishment for each of these wrongdoings? Discuss your thoughts with a comment to this post.

Super Cereal Wednesday

2009-01-28T10:25:00.000-08:00

For the first time in our class history someone brought in cereal which was a great way to start the day.

Ms. Smith is finally back but the class has now been turned over to Mr. Ruggles

We looked at videos and pictures of Hell and the afterlife.
We watched scenes from the movie Devil’s Advocate.
We listened to songs about the afterlife and the link to the songs is on the class website and the lyrics are with those songs.
Make sure to look at the pictures as well. They are also on the webpage.

The three questions we needed to ask ourselves during the movie, music and pictures and answer after were:
- What does this example say about the afterlife?
- How does this portrayal relate to your view of the afterlife?
- How does this portrayal connect to other examples of the afterlife?

HOMEWOK: SUMMARY RESPONSE PAPER DUE FRIDAY ON YOUR WIKI! There is a rubric for the summary response on the webpage. Complete Interviews if needed. Keep working on your past reflection for our speeches. Listen to ACDC’s High Way to Hell and Hells Bells. Lyrics are under the webpage. As well as look at the last 5 pictures with the same three pictures. Find a copy of Dorian Grey. Three things we learned from the background aout Dante.

Happy Monday

2009-01-26T09:38:00.000-08:00

Ruggles began class today by asking who went to the dance... and then told a story about a boat that was used to break up people who were grinding at his dances. Just a story.

We then talked about our blogs (many people faced technical difficulties so if you haven't gotten it done try your best to do so by tomorrow, Tuesday 27).

If you want to see the blogs but you aren't sure how to get there, try https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8520676540661633907&postID=4649249342078226153

We were supposed to do this Friday, but were a little off.
We watched a video called Legend.

Scene Two

What does Hell look like?
Hell was dark and damp with a firey glow all around
Mist constantly lapped at their feet
They were surrounded by deep caverns of rock
Empty, slimy

What do you notice about the first scene?

The first scene shows no ones face for quite some time
Their voices are synthesized making them seem darker and more mysterious
Firey mist swirls around their feet

What are the differences between this and your previous perceptions of Hell?

This hell was much more empty than I suspected
The language was rhyming and somewhat poetic
There were no screams heard from the background, which I expected there to be
Hell, though dark and hot, also seemed dark, slimy, and wet, which contradicts itself

What about the role of the fallen angel?

The fallen angel was seen as the most evil, black-hearted spirit in the realm of Hell and was never seen, besides his clawed, slimy hands

Scene Fourteen

Watch for the portrayal of Satan

Red skin
Giant horns - black
Fangs
Long ears
Sunken in eyes
Cast in shadows
Kind, loving, compassionate (to the woman)
Quick temper
Can shoot fire from his hands

What is the difference here?

It is much more evil looking
Dead bodies line the floor, satan’s whole body is shown
Real flames cover the scene

Notice interesting interactions with the woman-
Why is this significant?

He is quiet an calm and reserved, trying to swoon her and trick her into sitting on a chair of deceit
He is loving and kind up until the woman defies him, and his temper quickly spikes, nearly uncontrollably, raging with fury

Relationship changes throughout the scene? Why? How?

Satan is kind and sweet in the beginning, trying to entice the woman into staying with him
Tries to trick her into sitting into a chair of trickery
She ends up tricking Satan

Pay attention to Satan’s last words. What makes them unique?

“Father, forgive me”
“What is the light without dark?”
“What are you without me?”
We need him to exist so that we can understand an appreciate good with the contrast of his evil
Can heaven exist without a hell? I don't know...
“I am a part of you all”
We all have a little evil in us
“You can never defeat me”
“We are brothers, eternal”
Reference to Cain and Able

We will get to the songs and pictures later on! :)

Homework:

Career project interviews and Summary/Response Paper (Jan 30)
Begin work on Pausch Lecture part 1 (Feb 13)
Teacher appointment
Purchase a copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wild (If you want :)

Happy Friday!

2009-01-23T09:53:00.001-08:00

We had another amazing day with Mr. Ruggles. We have an assembly today for the winter sports and to watch the teachers get their groove on we are all very disappointed we will not be able to see Ms. Smith shake her groove thang.
We started off with finishing our last presentations of our religions and their afterlife beliefs.
Rick and Tom did Shintuism-
· Their beliefs are very closely related to Buddhism
· Your spirit will be connected to the shrine that you put your name on.
· The children that die before putting their names on the shrine are thought to be diseases and plagues in life.
Katie, Steven and Jordan did Judaism-
· Little to say what happens after death
· Much more actions then beliefs
· Resurrection of the dead.
· Believes in both heaven and hell.
· Three groups on judgment day
· Righteous people- go to heaven
· Wicked people- go to hell
· Those in between- Hell initially then go to heaven
Sarah, Katie and Kaytie did Native American
· Hopi tribe- all life preparing for afterlife
o Three duties- Tawa Sun and spirit- Masauwu- Spirit of the dead- Spider Grandmother-leads them in the afterlife
o Death ceremony takes place in an underground room called the kiva.
o 4 worlds- each world gets destroyed when people become disobedient
· Inuit tribe- All things have a spirit that must be respected
o No worship of gods, just fear of everything
· Arapahoe tribe-
o 4 stages –
o Childhood-youth-adulthood-old age
o Belief in re-incarnation
Pat, Will and Jake did Islam-
· Similar to Christianity- however they do not like it
· Day of judgment- Allah chooses heaven or hell for each person.
· Call the heaven the Garden-lay peaceful in their graves
· Hell called Sunnah- suffer in their raves
After the presentations we reflected on what we learned about the religions and connectiong from religion to religion.

Homework: Afterlife Reflection Blog, Work on the first part of the lecture for the past, make interviews(you need ATLEAST 2), and make teacher appointment. Work on career Project due next Friday

Afterlife Reflection

2009-01-23T06:31:00.000-08:00

How does what you learned about others’ interpretation of the afterlife, connect with your previous understanding as well as what we have watched, seen and read?

Donut... Popcorn Fun Filled Wednesday!

2009-01-21T09:39:00.001-08:00

Smithers is gone today... so technically this might be more helpful for her than for the rest of us! :)

We began class by finishing up our work on our presentations, and then we presented them.

VooDoo:
Adrienne and Lauren B
There are no accidents according to Voodoo society
Death is a part of life, not necessarily a punishment
The soul lingers near the body 7 day s after someone has died
Ti Bon Ange: the soul
Vulnerable and can be captured, made into a “zombie spirit” by a sorcerer
Soul is raised by relatives if it escapes the capture of the sorcerer.
After 16 rebirths the soul can reach cosmic energy, or nirvana
They had a very interesting video on you tube
www.youtube.com/watcht?v=xRt6CTb6riY

Scientology:
Hailey, Kevin, Taylor, and Kim
The legend of the three turtles
1st turtle-no afterlife
2nd turtle- I’m going to live with God
3rd turtle- I am god! (We all are spiritual beings)
Scientology version
If you believe in scientology, then you will have a better life here and then you will have one long immortal life after you r earthly existence

Rastafarianism:
Molly, Irene, and Kaitlin
Monotheistic
Key scriptures
Bible
Kebra Nagast
Haile Selassie
Incarnation of God (Jah-hallelujia)
Don’t believe in a literal afterlife
Africa-Ethiopia, is Zion
Heaven on earth
Marcus Garvey’s “Back to Africa”
True Rastas believe they are immortal
Dreadlocks because…
Biblical command not to remove any hair
Appearance of lion
Red, Gold and Green… what do they mean??
Red-blood shed by martyrs
Gold- wealth of African Homeland
Green- vegetation of beauty of Africa

Zoroastrianism:
Drew and Eric
Ahura Mazda is the one uncreated creator to whom all worship
Will ultimately prevail- end of time
Reincarnation
Life is a temporary state in which a mortal is expected to actively participate in the continuing battle between truth and falsehood
Fravashi acts as a guardian and protector
Pre-birth soul is with fravashi which sends you to a material body and is with you for 4 days post-death
Final renovation
Good will triumph over evil
Spiritual bodies live without food or water with no pain
Material body will not be able to cast a shadow
Everyone will speak the same language
Predominantly Indian

Buddhism:
Sarah B, Lauren L, Kendra
Means “the awakened one”
Siddhartha Gautama
Based on his teachings
Four noble truths- way of suffereing
Noble Eightfold Path- way to end the suffering
Believe in reincarnation until you live a good enough life
A way to improve the way you act
You obtain nirvana when you have finally lived a good enough path

Hinduism:
Shelli, Mackenzie, Britty, Anna
Believe in a caste system
Bramins etc
Cannot move classes, only be reborn in to one
Untouchables are doomed to live that life
Cow is sacred-temples cleaned with cow poop
Nirvana
Souls move through animals
Cows are the closest state to nirvana
3rd largest religion in the world
Scriptures- Sruti,k Smiriti, Vedas, Upanishads
Ethnic religion- based in India

We will finish the rest on Friday!

HW: Career project interviews (Jan 30.), begin work on Pausch lecture part 1 (Feb 13), teacher appointment.

Scribe: Day about "The Pit of Fire"

2009-01-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

Ms. Smith is going to be gone for a week and a half :(

Make sure that if you need to reach Ms. Smith while she is away, try her skype: Anneemmasmith. Or you can email her!

Discussion about Blog post: Who goes to hell? Who decides? And WHY?

Moral choices deciding fate? no hell?

Using Idea of Conservation of Matter: cannot be created or destroyed, maybe reincarnation, or "floating around in nothingness" Believe in your own way

Punishment of Hell... why would it exist if God or god exists then wouldn't he want to see his children suffering.

Not enough proof of God or god to exist.

Reincarnation is a cool idea, heaven or hell is a way of making themselves accepting of death.

Purgatory, 5 people before heaven. "there shouldn't be a hell" Earn way to heaven.

Contradiction of self, decision of own fate leading to heaven (peaceful)

God or god doesn't send people to Hell, but you have to accept Jesus into your life to be saved.

When people reject God or god they get to be away from him they go to hell.

Christianity-- free will if you choose to turn on back on God or god he turns his back on you.

Why do we have this concept of hell being so dark and fiery and horrible?

Historically: keep order by telling the people that if they do not devote themselves to God or god.

Interpretation of the bible, how do we decide what is literal vs metaphorical?

Catholicism: uses fear to keep people in the church

Evil does not exist, humans trying to define what is bad.

God or god always gives the opportunity to see him, personal commitment. He gives a choice.

Being afraid of God or god, terrified of death.

God or god has a plan. I'll accept whatever he decides.

Acceptance of what happens happens.

Diversity, however universal human tendencies. Societal views are not important when it comes to death everyone dies.

Moral compass: God or god will decide.

Literal composition of self continues on forever.

Scared, what is going to happen after death? Not enough proof for an decision. Faith in life, but fear for faith beyond life because we can't comprehend what will happen.

Religions are guidelines for how to live.

Spirit never fades. People still exist after death even if only in the hearts that knew them.

Believe in all religions, wherever you think you will go that is where you will go.

Questioning everything? Past lives. What if we did things in past lives. Idea of Nirvana

Don't want to think that there is a hell because of the loved ones that could be condemned there.

The good in all people, how can anyone no matter how misled be set to this pain you would be given.

Projection over time of scary movies, from the beginning when it seemed innocent to the realistic torture and pain seen in movies today.

The relationship with God or god is what is important, it's not important to pushing this religion on others but for the non-believers to see how happy they are with their lives, and to decide for themselves.

Reincarnation learning all these lessons by different lives.

Fiery hell God or god gives us the choice.

and most importantly WHAT IS THE POINT?!?!?!?!

Homework:
Work on interviews
analysis
teacher appointment
cultural interpretation of after life (due Wed.)
Begin working on Paush's lecture part 1 (Feb 13)
Read the Background of Daunte

As always have a happy friday!!

Awesome discussion.

Happy PLC/Doughnut Wednesday!

2009-01-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

So, I hate to start this blog post off on a sad note, but Smith will be gone next Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and the following Monday! So hurry up and set up a time with her to talk about your project, lecture, etc.

Today we started our discussion on the eternal tan place (for any of you who have had Hamp's class) aka Hell.
See the blog post below this for further information. :)
When posting on the blog, please be mature and civil...this is a discussion on beliefs, respect everyone's! The due date for this project is: Wednesday, January 21st.

Here are some ideas for projects:
Buddhism
Hinduism
Scientology
Kabbalah
Shintoism
Christianity
Islam
Native American
Jehovah's Witness
New Age
VooDoo
Paganism
Wicca
Mormonism
Christian Reform
Satanism

Homework:
Work on Afterlife Project, make contacts for your career interview project, set up interviews/do interviews, make an appointment with Smith, begin working on part one for your lecture.

H-E- Double Hockey Sticks

2009-01-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

This first unit in our English class is going to get very personal very fast. I need you all the be open-minded, concientious in your replies and carry on an adult conversation. I am trusting that you can all do this and all participate so that we all learn and grow from this experience. We don't want anyone to walk away from this hurt or angry.

The question is...

Who goes to Hell? Who decides? Why do people go to Hell?

Think. Defend. Challenge. Expand.

Monday Jan. 12, 2009

2009-01-12T10:34:00.000-08:00

HAPPY MONDAY!
Dates for career project:
Contact the people you are interviewing by 1/19
Finish Interviews by 1/25
Response due 1/30

Homework:
Finish and post outline and any other information on your wiki.
Make a teacher appointment to go over the career project.
Work on your Last Lecture.
In Class:
We turned in our Pausch reflection.
Mrs. Smith went over the rules and guidelines for our WikiSpaces.
· Go to wikispaces.com
· If you haven’t already create an account
o First name, first initial, or something so smith can identify you
· Create a new page with a name you can remember and smith can identify
· Next Create 4 links(type link and then click to add hyperlink and press ok to create new page)
o Outline-Insert the outline we created for today
o Contact
o Interview
o Summary/ Response Paper
· Save what you have
· In order to format:
o Go to manage wiki (top left)
§ Click on invite people
§ Invite asmith@lps.k12.co.us
o Look and feel link:
§ Can be used for themes and colors on your wiki
· Go back to you home page and click on the discussion tab
o Here you can post and answer questions for your viewers
· Go to your interview page
o We posted any interview questions we had during class
· Next go to http://careerproject09.wikispaces.com/
o Click on join this wiki
o Once accepted paste your wiki’s URL next to your name

Jan 9 FRIDAY!

2009-01-09T15:03:00.000-08:00

Last day of the first week back!! Whoo!

In class:
-Due dates were given for the semester's projects.
Jan 30: Career Interview Project Due
Feb 13: 1st part of lecture due. Reflection on the past
April 3rd: 2nd section of lecture. Lasting legacy to AHS.
End of semester: 3rd part of lecture, hope for the future.
May 4th semester project DUE
-We finished watching the Pausch video

Homework Due Monday: Reflection/Connection on Paucsh Video, and an outline of the semester project.

Random fact: The word "nerd" was first coined by Dr. Seuss in "If I Ran the Zoo."

Jan. 7, 2008

2009-01-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

DOUGHNUT FUN-FILLED WENDSDAY!!!
In class:
· We turned in our signed class expectations.
· Next we read over our class goals which can be found on the class blog.
· Everyone who didn’t get a chance to present their goals on Monday finished today
· We watched Pausch’s Last Lecture for the remainder of class (the link for the video is on this week’s class PowerPoint or you can just YouTube it)

Homework: For Monday; type a maximum 2 page reflection over Pausch last lecture.

Semester Goals to Avoid Senioritis

2009-01-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in class, I asked the students our big semester question of "What's the point?" They reflected on this in class in my hope to keep the class focused especially during the final semester of their senior year. I wanted the class to understand that this class is different and that we do things differently. It is up to them to lead the class, focus the discussion, and complete the work. They need to create the point that will drive this semester and make them successful learners in life, not just in this one class.

Additionally, I asked them to create some goals for themselves, for their teachers as well as for the class in order to keep us focused on the point of this class. Here are their goals (individually, teacher, and class):

Individual:
--To do the necessary behavior to earn the A: complete work on time, understand and be active in books read and papers written, become a more professional writer
--To find the point of our own lives by looking for the importance in miniscule things
--To have a professional attitude towards school and work
--To understand the message in the text instead of simply comprehending the plot
--Keep the work as the primary goal instead of life’s distractions
--To gain more knowledge than simply comprehending
--To become a more clear and concise writer
--To truly participate and be active during class
--To reach a different level by doing more than the average English class
--To increase work ethic
--To prepare for college writing by working hard now
--To work to the true highest potential
--To not only understand the text, but to develop a deeper interest
--To read in depth in order to write in depth
--To enjoy the class!
--To incorporate stronger vocabulary into writing and everyday usage
--To challenge myself to improve public speaking skills
--To permanently rid my writing of personal words
--To truly find myself in writing
--To live everyday to the fullest and think of others before myself
--To remember to bring donuts on my assigned days. This builds responsibility
--To live up to expectations
--To find a way to relive stress
--To not allow distractions of personal life to affect school work
--To become a more diversified writer by improving my ability to synthesize essays, analyze literature, and provide solid examples to back up opinion
--To look ahead and work for success in the future
--To work on organization of my thoughts

Teachers:
--To be available and supporting when asked for help
--To challenge the students to not settle for passing by asking for their best and giving them responsibility
--To make the transition between teachers smooth and by helping the students adjust
--To facilitate minds for discussion and to push the students to discover new ideas in literature
--To set HIGH standards
--To give us enough space to learn for ourselves and explore beyond the basic education provided
--To take an active interest in the students, their struggles, and their desires to improve
--To be open to branching out from the curriculum
--To provide an experience where the students leave with a personal connection to the text by fostering a closer individual reading between each person and the text
--To really connect with the students
--To check in during reading to confirm understanding of concepts
--To provide productive conference with feedback, guidance, and motivation
--To teach us to think in new ways
--To help us discover the underlying meaning of the text
--To provide a relaxed, yet productive, work environment
--To challenge us in ways that will not benefit the grade, but have long term lasting benefits
--To encouragingly point out our mistakes
--Give homework that is not only fun, but challenging
--For even weight on assignments so that one assignment won’t entirely affect the overall grade
--To stay balanced between being laid back and pushing the class to strive for our best
--To focus and eliminate busy work

Class:
--To stay engaged throughout the entirety of the semester and not succumb to Senioritis
--More group projects and deeper discussions
--To DESTROY our last fishbowl and top last semester’s fishbowls with a higher brilliance this semester
--Donuts EVERY Wednesday…let’s be responsible and not forget!
--For everyone to learn and grow together by establishing trust, respect, and courage to be ourselves
--For everyone to contribute insightful opinions in an engaging experience
--To be focused but still have fun when the time is appropriate
--For everyone to be prepared and not hinder others by their lack of preparation
--To challenge each other
--To provide variety and successful fun
--To be considerate and go with the flow
--To have a family atmosphere
--To give quality input on each others’ writing/blogging
--To know everyone’s names!
--To make our final projects AWESOME
--To come together by making everyone feel comfortable with giving their own ideas without being judged
--To live up to our expectation of having the best fishbowls in the history of fishbowls
--To have the ethic of a college class
--To know and care about each other
--To learn from each other
--To provide and environment where all of us continue to love coming to class
--To have fun and not judge each other
--To become more efficient at working together

My hope is that throughout the semester we will keep holding each other accountable to these goals, that they provide a nice structure and sounding board for where they want to go, and that most of all, that these goals point them in the right direction for the years to come.

2009-01-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

Today Ms. Smith started out by telling a fabulous story of her dream she had about the class. Everybody in the class kept asking “Where’s Drew Babb” but would never look for him. Eric Law kept staring at the computer cart thinking Drew would pop out of there. Obviously Drew is the favorite student this year and quite possibly her favorite ever of all time. We were introduced to Mr. Ruggles and his favorite animal currently is an otter. The big question for the semester is “What’s the point?” so be thinking about that as the semester goes on. Our final at the end of the year is going to be a lecture you present to the class and will be viewed by everybody in the entire world. “It is a chance to change the world”-Anne Smith. We wrote for ten minutes about what the point is in your life right now. After writing we took time to set 3 types of goals (or expectations): -Goals for yourself, -Goals for Ms. Smith and Mr. Ruggles, -Goals for the class. After everybody made their goals we went around and shared one of the three goals with the class. And Lauren was accepted into the coast guard so congrats for that Lauren!!!!!! HW: -Print out class expectations and get it signed by parents –If Ms. Smith doesn’t have your e-mail and parents e-mail then make sure she gets that

Semester Reflection

2008-12-12T07:00:00.001-08:00

What changes have you seen this semester in regards to your education? What role did technology play in that change? What role did the constructivist philosophy play in that change? (constructivist-students becoming producers of information, students in charge of their own learning. What suggestions for improvement do you have for me next year? What are some of the things you would suggest I do again?

Make sure to include specific examples and expand on each other's ideas. Your feedback- honest and reflective- is important!

Semester Reflection

2008-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Questions from Mr. Ruggles

2008-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

1. I (Mr. Ruggles) have never lived in Colorado. What is your favorite thing about Colorado?
2. What do you like about English Literature?
3. How do you learn best? In what concrete, specific ways?
4. What sorts of activities in the classroom have been really meaningful to you?
5. What sorts of activities outside of the classroom have been really meaningful to you?
6. What are you passionate about?
7. What sorts of things will you be participating in or doing second semester (Either inside or outside of AHS)?
8. Next semester we will be looking at The Picture of Dorian Gray. What do you know about this book?
9. What is your favorite thing about the people of England or the country of England?
10. What is one thing I (Mr. Ruggles) should know about this class?
11. If you were teaching the class, what is one thing you would change?
12. What is one thing you want to accomplish on the first day of class second semester?
13. What are you really motivated by (besides your parent/guardian and receiving good grades)?
14. What is one thing you want to know about me (Mr. Ruggles)?
15. Finally, what one character in a movie or a book are you most like at this point in your life? Why?

Blog Question, Act 5

2008-12-08T10:13:00.000-08:00

Was Hamlet really a hero? His madness throughout the play seemed more like a scapegoat from action instead of ways to defeat Claudius.

Finally the last week of classes!

2008-12-08T09:39:00.000-08:00

Down to the last three classes of English Lit in 2008. Almost there seniors! (The last case of the Mondays of 2008)

We had a fish bowl today and it is over act 5.

Mrs. Smith wanted this to be the best fish bowl ever since there were some wonderful guest watching us very educated young adults discuss and argue in an appropriate manner. (Although it will be hard to top act 3 discussers)

- The fishbowl started with reviewing themes and ideas that have been occurring in the play and it showed that selfishness, death, and the foil between Hamlet and Gertrude.
- A question that came up was why does Shakespeare wait till the very end for all the action and all the deaths.
- One main arguments and discussion that went on was if Hamlet knew about the poison and if Gertrude knew about the poison.
- Did Hamlet really love Ophelia?
- For the entire outer circle ideas and discussions look at the fishbowl blog.

HOMEWORK:

Make sure that you post your blog that will be posted from the presenters. Also keep working on your papers and get them in ASAP! They are due Friday the 12th but Mrs. Smith would love them to be in before that so she can get them graded.

Hamlet Act 5 Fishbowl

2008-12-03T10:11:00.001-08:00

December 1, 2008

2008-12-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

Thesis statements were returned, and we started Act 5.

On Wednesday, we will finish Hamlet. Friday, we will hopefully see all 3 endings. We will have class time to work on the paper.

Next week, we will have a fishbowl on Monday. Wednesday, we will devote to the paper and final preparation. Friday, the paper is due and we will have a semester reflection.

Lauren is disappointed that next semester's guest teacher isn't hot.

By next Friday, we should have ideas about what we want to do next semester to prepare for college.

2008-12-01T08:33:00.003-08:00

Fishbowl IV- Response Question

2008-12-01T08:33:00.001-08:00

Do you think Hamlet will finally be successful in killing his uncle after his promise to only think bloody thoughts from now on?

November 24, 2008

2008-11-24T21:43:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! It’s almost Thanksgiving!
Beginning of class

Smith lectured to us about staying focused

Remember Smith has a visitor coming for our next fishbowl on Monday December, 1st… Make her look good!

Hamlet Fishbowl Act. 4
Questions:

What was the tipping point of Ophelia’s madness? What event or action was the thing that finally sent her over the edge?

How did Ophelia drown? If she were being watched wouldn’t she have been safe?

What good is there in revenge? Does it, or has it brought about any peace in anyone so far in the story?

Is it Claudius’ idea or Laertes’ idea to kill Hamlet in the fencing match? Why?

Why are the first four scenes so short and to the point in act four, where as scene five is longer than all of them combined?

Why does Ophelia choose to portray her madness in song? Is this symbolic in anyway? If so how?

Lauren writes like a boy! Watch out!!
Homework: Start to write paper over the brake

Hamlet Act 4 Fishbowl

2008-11-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

Hamlet thesis statement

2008-11-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the place to post your Hamlet thesis statements. Remember to follow the appropriate structure for a thesis, including title, author and point you are going to prove. Also, try to make your thesis something arguable and provable.

Hamlet Act 3- Response quesiton

2008-11-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

A reoccurring theme in Shakespeare’s plays in death. For instance, in this play death seems to be the only way to completely get rid of a person’s problems. What do you think Shakespeare is trying to say about society?

Hamlet Act 3 Fishbowl

2008-11-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

11/10/08--Happy Veterans' Week!

2008-11-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend!

Today in class we read Act III.

We discovered that Hamlet's mouse trap worked!
We also now know that Claudius is just as confused as Hamlet (he cannot repent for what he has done, nor can he give away what he has gained...but he is a religious man, so why did he murder?).
Hamlet kills Polonius and he must leave and go to England. (Now there are 3 dead fathers...)

Homework:

Nothing is due on Wednesday, however, start thinking about your thesis statements which are due next week (Friday)
If you have a conference with Smith, do not miss it!
Remember, PLC (and food!) on Wednesday!

Fun Fact of the Day:
The only dog to appear in a play by William Shakespeare is Crab who is owned by Launce in 'The Two Gentlemen Of Verona'...Maybe Hamlet would be happier if he had a dog...

November 7, 2008

2008-11-09T14:59:00.000-08:00

*We started off the day with a partner quiz over act 2.
*Our last comparative paper was returned-if you have questions or still arnt doing well on these, go in for help!
*For the rest of the period we read act 3.

-It was interesting to see how in this act, the story takes a dramatic turn.
-I think most of us are still asking ourselves: what is Hamlet going to do? He seems very conflicted, and almost bipolar.

H-dub:
Continue thinking about your paper, and if you have a conference this week, make sure you dont miss it!

I apologize to my classmates that this blog wasn't posted sooner...our good friend Irene was absent on friday, and so I did it instead.

***Joke for the day: What did the boy say to the two headed monster?
answer: Hello, Hello

Hamlet Act 2 Questions

2008-11-07T08:36:00.001-08:00

Within the play Hamlet, Shakespeare displays corruption and selfishness. Does this portray Shakespeare’s views on society?

Forbidden love looks like a motif in Shakespeare’s plays, can we expect this one to play out the same way as Romeo and Juliet?

November 5 2008

2008-11-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

It's Doughnut Day! Woo!

We had the Act 2 Fishbowl today, here's an overview of it:

Whether or not Hamlet is simply mad or just acting like he is or a mix of the two.
Claudius' reaction to the recreation of the murder reenactment. What Hamlet would do if Claudius admitted to murder or if he didn't.
Corruption in the play. There is no honesty in the play. One lie leads to another, relating back to the overgrown garden analogy.
Predicting if Hamlet will take religion into perspective or ignore it and have it be his downfall. Special mention to the quote "The story of a man who could not make up his mind."
Fortinbras and his place in the play. Why there is more sympathy for Hamlet's vengence than Fortinbras.
How Hamlet's family and friends would react if they knew Hamlet commited murder.
Selfishness in the play. Everyone has motives to benefit themselves.
Hamlet's morals and how the murder is the only thing left in his life that he can control.

Homework for tonight:
Answer the Act 2 blog question, don't forget about your conference about your paper, read Act 3 and we have a quiz on Act 2 on Friday!

Fun fact:
Pable Picasso's full name was "Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Martyr Patricio Clito Ruiz y Picasso."

November 3 2008

2008-11-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!!!! It is time for fall!!!!!

-Mrs. Smith let us know that we need to be more efficient with our time when we have subs and not waste time in class with quizzes.

-We learned how to re-route our laptops to the projector (function key and function 8) after plugging in lap top

HW: conference about paper topics, paper on ghost scenes Wednesday, finish reading act 2 if needed, moving act 2 fishbowl to Wednesday and blog question will be due on Friday

-Mrs. Smith also shares with us that she understands about situations and about respect. So plan ahead!!

In class- We watched the last ghost scene( Mel Gibson) and began to read act 2

Hamlet Act 2 Fishbowl

2008-11-03T07:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!!

2008-10-31T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! Hope everyone had a great day!

Today in class we had a sub...hopefully Smith will be back next week. The first thing we did in class was the quiz over Act I of Hamlet. If you missed it be sure to study, it's a tough one! We wrapped up class by watching Franco Zeffirelli's, Laurence Olivier's and Kenneth Branagh's versions of Act I Scene V, when Hamlet meets his father's ghost. We don' t have any homework, have an amazing weekend! Everyone have a great night and be safe!

HAPPY

Debrief on First Fishbowl

2008-10-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

Take a few minutes to think about the fishbowl from Act 1 of Hamlet. What are some of the things that went well? What are some things that were more challenging? What suggestions do you have for improvement? What should we continue to do for the next fishbowl on Act 2 on Monday? Please be thoughtful in your responses.

Hamlet-Scene 1

2008-10-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the Olivier version, they said "Hamlet: the story of the man who couldn't make up his mind..."
So far, which issues is he conflicted with? What can you predict in Hamlet's future?

The Wondrous world of Goldfish and Phishbowls!!!

2008-10-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Hump Day!

Today we talked all about hamlet, goldfish, and Act One. Make sure you check out the sweet comments made about Hamlet on the Live Blogging if you missed class today.

Some notes from the Phish bowl:

Importance of Christianity
Foreshadowing of the betrayal of Claudis
What does the reference of Julius Caesar have to do with Hamlet? Does it parallel to Hamlet?
This is foreshadowing the fall of Hamlet's kingdom.
True Debates about what the ghost's purpose is? Is it really the king back from purgatory? Or perhaps it is a devil in disguise?!
Hamlet is not thinking clearly how will this affect his actions in the future?
Discussion about Hamlet... Is it more wrong to kill himself or another?
What would Hamlet choose?
Role of selfishness in the play.
What is the importance of the Ghost is he real?
Twist is religion the thing that Shakespeare is putting importance in or is it more important to Shakespeare that the aspect of revenge is the biggest fact?
Religious beliefs smith comment:
How did the church feel about ghosts?
They were from hell
Is Hamlet having problems believing in the ghost?
Crossroads for Hamlet trying to find the truth in the complex system....
Hamlet's mind is clouded by his emotions
Shakespeare presents the moral dilemma...
Shall hamlet go against his religion and avenge his father so he can pass on? OR should he refuse this to save his mother from the grief and to follow his religion.

Homework: Make sure
you respond to the blog prompt from the presenter on the phishbowl of act one!-
Presenters don't have to respond. Think about a paper topic for your paper and
make sure its a good one!!!

:D Have a good one!!!!
Kim C.

Hamlet and Halloween

2008-10-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Homework and things to keep in mind:

- Fish bowl on act 1 Wdnesday

-Quiz on act 1 Wednesday

-Paper assignment due friday

-Read act 2 for Friday

Be prepaired!

What went on in class today?

Basicly we just read act one of Hamlet today, it was acted out splendidly by our fellow class mates. If you havent read this yet, hop to it, we're moving on to act 2.

Oh, and Halloween is this Friday!

Hamlet Act 1 Fishbowl

2008-10-27T06:35:00.001-07:00

October 24, 2008

2008-10-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

-Recieved our papers and tests back

-Finishing opening scence comparison
-Comparison reaction paper with visual

Read act 1-1.3

Homework:
Comparison paper reaction, study!
Also think of paper topics

Jam of the day...
Let It Rock by Kevin Rudolf

-Have a sweet weekend!!!

October 22, 2008

2008-10-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

Ms. Smith handed out Hamlet books and we are reading/discussing friday!

-Oreos and milk today!!! YUMMM

-The second half of class we started watching Hamlet

-We watched the oldest first and working our way to the most recent

-Make sure you are signed up and know your fishbowl dates!!!

FUN FACT...
Chihuahuas, when placed under extreme stress, have been known to eat their young.

Jam of the day:
Chasing Pavements by Adele

October 20, 2008

2008-10-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

October 20, 2008

-BEOWULF TEST!!!
(Personally I thought it was hard because I didn’t know any names) HINT HINT

-Hamlet book needed by Wednesday!
-If you don’t want to purchase one Ms. Smith will have some. Purchasing one however is highly recommended!

-Overall it was a pretty sweet day.

FUN FACT…
The first known beverage coaster was discovered in the ruins of Pompeii!

My favorite song at the moment:
-22’s or Better by Young Jeezy