Freshmen - EC - IQ2 - Are men finished?

As per our classroom discussions about the gender roles presented in The Taming of the Shrew, we began to wonder if such gender roles continue to exist in modern day America.

Are women becoming less submissive in the workplace?  Are men becoming more accepting of gender equality?  Are woman becoming the dominant gender?  Please listen to the first four speakers of this intelligence squared debate and comment on the argument being presented, your individual thoughts, and any questions you might have about this particular discussion.

You can find the debate here.

I encourage you all to participate in the discussion while commenting on what others are saying.  It is important that you engage one another in meaningful debate.

And remember, when we debate, we should not trying to convince someone that we are right and they are wrong.  We should only try to understand those who we debate with. 

Boredom Cure

Hey Stuy.

I'm sure none of you are ever bored with all the work we teachers give you.

But let me share a resource with you that I tend to use when I'm a bit bored ...

TheCreator'sProject

A collection of the newest musicians, artists, fashion designers, DJs, graphic designers, and all around innovators.  It is truly a wonderful site to lose yourself in.  Creative minds from Brazil, UK, South Korea, Brazil and on and on and on ...


Here's a few links to get started:
Door #1
Door #2
Door #3
Door #4
Door #5

Recommendations are appreciated ...

Juniors David Foster Wallace Speech

As per Lisa's minutes gift, I wanted to present this David Foster Wallace commencement speech he gave to a graduating class at Kenyon College.  Please comment juniors, on the message of this particular speech, whether or not you agree, why, and some questions you might want to pose to others.

Transcript: here.

Work for the week of Dec. 19th - Juniors

Due Monday Dec. 19th, 2011
Read the author’s note, chapters one and two of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild.

SAT Words: Reclusive, Iconoclast
Minutes: Ivy Liu, Lisa Ng, William Han

Due Tuesday Dec. 20th, 2011
Please read Jack London's short story, "To Build a Fire" found here.  Please note direct comparisons to Into the Wild as well as analyzing how London portrays nature and the wilderness in this story.  Is this similar to Krakuer's depictions of nature and the wilderness in Into the Wild?  I expect to see written work for homework.  Please write a minimum of six sentences.

SAT Words: Tranquil, Omnipotent
Minutes: Soulin Haque, Amy Lin, Jahwa Hossain

Due Wednesday Dec. 21st, 2011
Read chapters three and four of Into the Wild.

SAT Words: Exacerbate, Traverse
Minutes: John Horario, Zawar Ahmed, John O'Donnell


Due Thursday Dec. 22nd, 2011
Please read chapters I and II of Emerson's "Nature" essay (nature, commodity).  You can find this here.
Please note direct comparisons to Into the Wild.  I expect to see written work for homework.  Please write a minimum of six sentences.

SAT Words: Prosaic, Circumspect
Minutes: Aaron Lee, John Li, Zuzanna Rybicka

Due Friday Dec. 23rd, 2011
Please read III of Emerson's "Nature" essay (beauty).  You can find this here.
Please try to explain why Alex abandons his promising life and goes off into the wild.  I expect to see written work for homework.  Please write a minimum of five sentences.


SAT Words: Inexpedient, Discursiveness
Minutes: Brandon Lee, Charles Pan, Vlad Shumakovich

Happy non-denominational Winter solstice.

Work for the week of Dec. 19th - Freshmen

Due Monday Dec. 19th, 2011
Read Induction Scene II
Please summarize the plot using quotations as evidence. Signify which line supports your
argument. Students are expected to bring in written work, five sentences minimum, as
homework.



Minutes: Fawn Wong, Edward Shen

Due Tuesday Dec. 20th, 2011
Please complete the thesis statement/topic sentence umbrella graphic from class today.


Minutes: Victor Wu, Elvin Shoyfer

Due Wednesday Dec. 21st, 2011
Continue working on your perfect paragraphs.

Minutes: Thomas Lin, Max Su

Due Thursday Dec. 22nd, 2011
Read Act I Scene I
Who of Baptista, Bianca, and Katherine has the most power? The least? Who is in the middle?
Please explain why. Please provide quotations to support your argument. Students are expected
to bring in written work, five sentences minimum, as homework.


Minutes: Kemraj Sobhai, Brian Tran

Due Friday Dec. 23rd, 2011
Dystopian Thesis and Two* Perfect Paragraphs due today.


Minutes: Joanne Yang, George Triantafillou

Happy non-denominational Winter solstice break.

Extra Credit - Juniors

I know I promised an article about compulsive Guinness Book of World Records breakers, but it isn't available to me yet and so I'm continuing our ongoing discussion of the American justice system.

This week, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the self-proclaimed "toughest sheriff in the United States" faced  backlash from the Justice Department, perhaps for being too "tough."  After finishing a three year investigation, the Justice Department determined that Arpaio's department unfaily targetted Latino Americans, an issue that is all too familiar in Arizona which as of lately, has been a lightning rod of attention in how individual states deal with the "immigration problem," especially since the passing of the stringent anti-immigration law SB-1070. 

The New Yorker, two years ago, released a profile on Sheriff Arpaio and his questionable practices, perhaps foreshadowing the events of this past week.  It is brilliant insight into this man's questionable practices, but also into how our nation, a nation of immigrants, struggles to accept its newest inhabitants.  Please comment your thoughts, impressions, ideas, concerns, devil's advocacy, and so on.

The article can be found here.

Work for the week of Dec. 12th - Freshmen

Due Monday Dec. 12th, 2011
Hope you enjoyed your weekend.  Back to work.  You'll be getting your assignment today.

Minutes: Ali Saad, Shadman Nazmuddin

Due Tuesday Dec. 13th, 2011
Please answer the following question:
Why do we read Shakespeare?  Please respond in AT LEAST six sentences.
When you're done.  Print and read this article.  It is a speech by a Shakespearean professor given to the freshmen class of 2008 at the Catholic University of America.  Bring it in for discussion in class.

Minutes: Tommy Parker

Due Wednesday Dec. 14th, 2011

Minutes: Sadie Solomon, Mindy Qiu

Line by line translation and interpretation of Hamlet Act V, Scene V "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow" soliloquy

Due Thursday Dec. 15th, 2011
Minutes: Dionis Wang, Tiffani Ren

Please read the "Shakespeare's Theatre" preface of The Taming of the Shrew and answer the following questions:
Why did the original Globe theater burn down?  How did this influence the structure of the new Globe?
Who were groundlings?  What was their experience at the Globe like?
Where did nobles sit in the audience?
How did the audience typically behave?
Describe the gender perculiarities of the performers.
Describe the basement and "heavens" of the Globe theatre.



Due Friday Dec. 16th, 2011
Minutes: Fawn Wong, Edward Shen

Please read Induction Scene I.  Utilize No Fear Shakespeare if necessary.

Work for the week of Dec. 12th - Juniors

Due Monday Dec. 12th, 2011
Oh snap.  Edgar Allen Poe Film Noir Paper is Due...
LOLZ
Today we'll be discussing the Angel of the House.  I'll provide you with copies.

SAT Words: Capitulate, Sanctimonious
Minutes: Kibria Islam, John Li, Angely Liang



Due Tuesday Dec. 13th, 2011
Please read "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
We will discuss the story in class.

SAT Words: Machinations, Palliative
Minutes:  Amanpreet Kandola, Alice Liang, Jiaru Liang,



Due Wednesday Dec. 14th, 2011
Please register for the NYPL card and forward me the confirmation at mrericferencz@gmail.com.


SAT Words: Languid, Debility
Minutes:   Surit Mishra



Due Thursday Dec. 15th, 2011
Read 1st half of Is Long Term Solitary Confinement Torture by Atul Gawande
(Stop at the lines that begin "The main argument for using long term isolation in prison..." about halfway through the article)
Questions to consider for annotation:
What is the significance of the Harry Harlow's studies?
What was Terry Anderson's experience with isolation as highlighted in his book Den of Lions?
Describe the moment when Anderson "snapped."
How do John McCain's experiences parallel Anderson's?
How did Bobby Dellelo respond to complete isolation?  What symptoms did he experience?

SAT Words: Cantankerous, Salutary
Minutes: Brandon Lee, Guanming Lin, Patty Nguyen



Due Friday Dec. 16th, 2011
Finish reading 2nd half of Is Long Term Solitary Confinement Torture by Atul Gawande
(Start at the lines that begin "The main argument for using long term isolation in prison..." about halfway through the article)

Questions to consider for annotation:
What is the apparent purpose of long-term isolation in prisons?
How is the prison system a for-profit industry?
What was Justice Miller's argument against isolation confinement in 1890?
Discuss Robert Felton's experience in isolation.  How do his experiences compare/constrast to Delello?
What are some alternatives to isolation confinement?


SAT Words: Turpitude, Despondent
Minutes: Timmy Levin, Ricardo Lopez, John O'Donnell

Do the Evolution - Pearl Jam

Freshmen - For extra credit, I'd like to watch the following music video and find the lyrics to the song "Do the Evolution" by Pearl Jam.

WARNING: THIS VIDEO INCLUDES GRAPHIC REPRESENTATIONS OF WAR.

Please look for the following:

What are some recurring images in this music video?
What is the main theme of the music video?
How do the lyrics influence your viewing?
Please feel free to comment on any particular aspects of the lyrics or music video that you find interesting.  Please feel free to ask questions about the meaning of particular images or lyrics and perhaps another student can assist you in discussion.

Post your findings by commenting.  Don't forget to include your name.

IQ2 - Intelligence Squared

Extra Credit for Juniors:

There is a fascinating prompt on this week's intelligence squared:

Too many kids are going to college.

As you prepare for your futures after high school, the question must be asked:

Why, if so, is college important?

Give the episode a listen and comment on the blog whether you've listened to one speaker, four speakers, or the entire podcast.  What is the necessity of degree in an information career market?

NOTE: The podcast is not available on the IQ2 webpage but can be found on iTunes for free.  Those of us who have heard the podcast, where did you listen to it?

Work for the week of Dec. 5th - Freshmen

Due Monday Dec. 5^th, 2011

Perfect Paragraph Due - Topic - How does Julia use her sexuality as a tool of rebellion?
Read through chapter X, book II.

Due Tuesday Dec. 6^th, 2011

Read Ch. I - II Book III
-What is Winston's cell like?
-What is Ampleforth's crime?
-Please discuss Winston's encounter with O'Brien.  How does this encounter change Winston's perception of the Brotherhood?
-What is Winston's perception of physical pain?
-What do you think of torture as a pratice?
-How does Winston's imprisonment change our perception of our reading of this book?
-How is Winston punished and corrected?
-What do you make of O'Brien's comment when he suggests "They got me a long time ago"?

Due Wednesday Dec. 7th, 2011
Read Ch. III - V Book III
Describe Winston's dreams.
Why does Winston tell O'Brien that he hates Big Brother?
Why is Winston brought to room 101?

What is room 101?  How does Winston escape his punishment?

Due Thursday Dec. 8th 2011

Finish the book - Ch. VI Book III
What is the significance of the last chapter of the book?
Read "The Unknown Citizen" by W.H. Auden and connect the poem to 1984.

Due Friday Dec. 9th, 2011 

How is the world in the Matrix presented as a dystopia?

What is a thesis statement?

Due Monday Dec. 12th 2011 

Work for the week of Dec. 5th - Juniors

Due Monday Dec. 5^th, 2011

First draft of third paper due.  Please complete your introduction and begin at least one body paragraph.  Please have some ideas for a conclusion to discuss.  We will be peer editing today.

AS PER REQUEST: Here is a link of your third essay assignment.

SAT Vocabulary: Dirge, Ineffable

Due Tuesday Dec. 6^th, 2011
Please read "The Devil in the Belfry".  Please annotate your paper focusing on the following questions which will be discussed in class:
Describe the setting of this town.
Describe the townspeople.  What are their daily habits?
What is so different about the young visitor?
How does this young visitor disrupt the townspeople's lives?
What message is Poe attempting to convey about communal thought?

SAT Vocabulary: Circuitous, Fervor

Due Wednesday Dec. 7th, 2011

Think of a particular film that scared you.  Please, try to consider the following questions:
What makes a scary movie scary?  What particular aspects of a scary movie actually scare you?  Do you know why?  Try to understand why the things that scare people are so effective in doing so.

Please note - If your memories of a particular film still bring discomfort, feel free to opt out of this discussion.  While I think this will be an interesting assignment, I do not want to reopen any mental wounds.

SAT Vocabulary: Respite, Portend

Due Thursday Dec. 8th 2011

Begin reading excerpts from Freud's "The Uncanny." posted on my Stuy page.

Consider the following questions:
What are the definitions between heimlich and unheimlich?
Can you give any examples of something you would consider to be hemilich?  Unheimlich?
Why does Freud display the various definitions of the word heimlich?

SAT Vocabulary: Vacillate, Parsimonious

Due Friday Dec. 9th, 2011 

Please find an example of something unheimlich and print a picture and present a paragraph explanation of the picture's "uncanniness."

SAT Vocabulary: Prostration, Flippant

Due Monday Dec. 12th 2011  

"The Yellow Wallpaper"

Links to Poe Stories

As per request, here are some links to the Poe poe-ms and stories we've been reading/we will read.

Annabel Lee
The Bells
The Black Cat
The Raven
The Cask of Amontillado
The Tell Tale Heart
The Masque of Red Death
The Pit and the Pendulum
The Devil in the Belfry

Work for the week of Nov. 28th - Freshmen

 

Due Monday Nov. 28^th, 2011

Welcome back from Thanksgiving break.  It’s time to get back to work.  We will be finishing 1984 over the next week or so, so please keep up with the reading.  You’ll be receiving a creative assignment in the next week based upon our reading of 1984, so keep your eyes peels.  This week, we will be watching a dystopian film to compare to our book.  Let’s get to work.

Due Tuesday Nov. 29^th, 2011

Read 1984 Book II Ch. 1-3 pg. 105-136

Due Wednesday Nov. 30^th, 2011

Read 1984 Book II Ch. 4-5 pg. 137-156.

Due Thursday Dec. 1^st, 2011

Read 1984 Book II Ch. 6-8 pg. 157-179

Due Friday Dec. 2^nd, 2011  - End of the 1^st marking period

Read 1984 Book II Ch. 9 pg. 179-217

Due Monday Dec. 5th, 2011

Perfect Paragraph Due - Topic - How does Julia use her sexuality as a tool of rebellion?

Work for the week of Nov. 28th - Juniors

Due Monday Nov. 28^th, 2011

Welcome back from Thanksgiving break.  It’s time to get back to work.  We will be working on crafting an introduction, particularly for your draft due this Thursday.  Please remember that the end of the marking period is this Friday.  If you have any concerns about your grade, be sure to discuss these matters with me.

SAT Vocabulary: Galleon, Stevedore

Due Tuesday Nov. 29^th, 2011

Please create an outline for your paper.  What gothic characteristic will you analyze in your paper?  How does this element improve the stories/movie?  What examples will you select from the text?  How can you begin to discuss this idea in an interesting introduction?

Link to VirtualSalt Gothic Elements page.

Link to UNC-Chapel Hill Writing Center suggestions on introduction writing.

SAT Vocabulary: Virulent, Moribund

AS PER REQUEST: Here is a link of your third essay assignment.

Due Wednesday Nov. 30^th, 2011

Please have an introduction draft ready.  This draft should include an attention grabbing sentence, background, and a cohesive thesis statement.  We will be peer reviewing today.

SAT Vocabulary: Vociferous, Garrulous

Due Thursday Dec. 1^st, 2011

Read and annotate “the Black Cat” paying special attention to the gothic characteristics of the text. 

SAT Vocabulary: Contusion, Corpulent

Due Friday Dec. 2nd, 2011 - End of the 1st marking period

 Read and annotate "The Pit and the Pendulum" paying special attention to the gothic characteristics of the text. 

SAT Vocabulary: Tyro, Zenith

Due Monday Dec. 5th 2011  

First draft of third paper due.  Please complete your introduction and begin at least one body paragraph.  Please have some ideas for a conclusion to discuss.  We will be peer editing today.

Revolution Rock

In the spirit of revolutions across the world, from Tahrir Square to Syria to UC Davis, let's take this opportunity to listen to a popular sub-genre of music; the protest song.  I'd like you to listen to any of the following songs and attempt to compare their lyrics/message to any current revolution in the news or to our book, 1984.  Please be sure to clarify the song and the revolution of your interest in your post.

Song List
It's a Hard Rain Gonna Fall by Bob Dylan
Revolution by the Beatles
Zombie by The Cranberries
We Need a War by Fischerspooner
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised by Gil Scott Heron
Aalu Anday by Beygairat Boys
When the President Talks to God by Bright Eyes
Fight the Power by Public Enemy
Killing in the Name Of by Rage Against the Machine

Juniors - Extra Credit

In the 1980s, the "goth" subculture took England by storm.  The subculture grew and expanded into various forms of expression, particularly music, literature, film, and fashion. 

For extra credit, let's determine the music, literature, film, and fashion someone who considers him/herself goth might indulge in.  Here are some ideas. 

In your explanation (pictures are encouraged), try to explain what makes your subject "goth" and how we can connect this subculture to the gothic elements of the literature that we've been reading.

Music: Joy Division, Bauhaus, the Cure, Souixsie and the Banshees, the Damned, the Birthday Party, the Cramps

Literature: H.P. Lovecraft, Anne Rice, Washington Irving, Baudelaire, E.T.A Hoffman

Film: Lost Boys, The Crow, Edward Scissorhands, A Nightmare Before Christmas, Nosferatu

Fashion: Victorian, Haute goth, steampunk, Theda Bara, macabre

Work for the week of Nov. 21st - Juniors

Due Monday November 21^st, 2011
SAT Words: Nebulous, Obfuscate

Due Tuesday November 22^nd, 2011

How can we compare the  discussion of Lenore to “Annabel Lee” to other Poe works?

Please have your creative writing assignment prepared for today.

SAT Words: Abscond, Relegate

Due Wednesday November 23^rd, 2011

Read, print, and annotate Poe’s famed work"The Raven."Consider the following questions:

How does this work exemplify gothic literature?

Supposing the raven is a metonymy, what does it signify?

Please research Poe’s life and attempt to connect his tragic history with “The Raven.”

Is the raven real?

Are their forces in our lives that constantly proclaim “Nevermore”?

SAT Words: Bacchanalian, Atrophy

 

For Thanksgiving Break:

 I cannot stress this point enough.  This is your vacation time.  See a movie.  Hang out with friends.  Reconnect with family.  While work is important, rest and relaxation is of equal importance.  Let your collective brains and bodies rest.  Enjoy your time off.  I look forward to seeing you all upon your return.  Rest up Stuy!

Work for the week of Nov. 21st - Freshmen

Due Monday November 21^st, 2011

Read chapter six and seven of 1984.  Finish your perfect paragraphs.  Due to my absence on Friday, if students need an additional day to finish their perfect paragraphs, I will understand.

Questions to consider:

How are sexual relations an act of rebellion in this book?

Why does Winston continue to write in his diary if the consequences are so dire?

Due Tuesday November 22^nd, 2011

Finish book one of 1984 (for Wednesday).  Final deadline for perfect paragraphs.

Due Wednesday November 23^rd, 2011

Finish book one of 1984.

Focus upon Orwell’s discussion of the proles and their existence.

How can we compare this existence to the mantra of Occupy Wall Street: “We are the 99%?

For Thanksgiving Break:

I cannot stress this point enough.  This is your vacation time.  See a movie.  Hang out with friends.  Reconnect with family.  While work is important, rest and relaxation is of equal importance.  Let your collective brains and bodies rest.  Enjoy your time off.  I look forward to seeing you all upon your return.  Rest up Stuy!

Juniors - Week of Nov. 14th - 18th

Due Tuesday Nov. 15th, 2011

Print and read “The Masque of Red Death.”   Take notes by writing on and around text that discusses gothic elements and find definitions to difficult vocabulary.

SAT words of the day: Mendacious, Inimical

Due Wednesday Nov. 16^th, 2011

Begin to rewrite the Masque of Red Death utilizing vocabulary from the story in a 1930s noir setting.  You are expected to complete a retelling in no more than two pages that incorporates elements of Poe's story in an updated context.  You will tell the story from a first person perspective, you being a private investigator attending this masquerade.  It is your responsibility to tell the tale in the style of the films below.  Use these links as motivation and inspiration for your task.  And have fun.

Double Indemnity
Lost Highway
Dark City
Fritz Lang's M
Cape Fear
The Maltese Falcon
Vertigo

SAT word of the day: Philistine, Guile

Due Thursday Nov. 17^th, 2011
Continue working on creative writing assignment.

SAT words of the day: Frivolous, Bellicose

Due Friday Nov. 18^th, 2011

Continue working on creative writing assignment.

SAT words of the day: Embroil, Conundrum

Next Week...
Vocabulary Quiz on SAT words

Freshmen - Week of Nov. 14th - 18th

Due Tuesday Nov. 15^th, 2011

-Define “dystopia.”

-10 post-its of quotes with explanation of how said quotes show an example of a dystopian society in 1984.

Due Wednesday Nov. 16^th, 2011-Create a perfect paragraph that answers the question: How 1984 is a dystopia?  Please use two quotations.  Cite accordingly.

Due Thursday Nov. 17^th, 2011

Print and Read “The Good Cook”, New Yorker article about N. Korea.  Please take notes in the margins that relate to our reading.  This article can be found on my Stuyvesant teacher page. 

Due Friday Nov. 18^th, 2011

Please find 5 comparisons between “The Good Cook” and 1984.  Please create 5 explanatory post-its to support your point.

What books do you love?

I was thinking how reading is so incredibly important towards our academics, but also, towards the enrichment of our lives.  And so I thought, why not start a thread where we can list some of our favorite reads.  If you don't read for pleasure, here is a list of books that others read for pleasure.  Maybe we can convert you to understanding how reading can be a truly enjoyable activity.

So I'll get this list started:

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Doestoyevsky
Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe
The Electric Kool Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe
Hells Angels by Hunter S. Thompson
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Steal This Book by Abbie Hoffman
Dispatches by Michael Herr
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad


Okay students, you're up.

Work for the week of Nov. 7th - Juniors

Franz von Stuck's Lucifer (1890).

Due Monday Nov. 7th, 2011

Please have a  draft ready for peer editing.

Due Wednesday Nov. 9th, 2011

Please print and read the "Elements of the Gothic Novel." You can find a link here. 

Please find and write up 10 examples of gothic influence in Melville's short stories.

Due Thursday Nov. 10th, 2011 

-Papers are due today.  You will be handing back your copies of Billy Budd as well.   

-Please find and write a COMPLETE definition of "film noir" and be sure to describe what makes this style different from 

other types of cinema.  Please do not cut and paste from the Internet.

Due Monday Nov. 14th, 2011

-Print and read the Cask of Amontillado.  Identify 10 gothic elements of this story.  Be sure to bring this story to class.

Work for the week of Nov. 7th - Freshmen

Due Monday Nov. 7th, 2011

Please have a perfect paragraph ready for peer editing.

Due Wednesday Nov. 9th, 2011

-Please bring in your corrected draft.
-Read Chapter One of 1984.  

To be completed in class:
-Write up the definition of the following terms: 

Proles, Big Brother, The Party, Telescreen, Thought Police, Two Minute Hate

-Answer the following questions for class:

What are Winston’s living conditions?

What is Winston’s occupation?

What is the inherent irony of the names of the Party’s ministries?

What is the motto of the Party?  What does it mean?

Due Thursday Nov. 10th, 2011
-Read chapters two and three of 1984.

-Continue defining terms: 

Thoughtcrime, the Junior Spies, the Golden Country, the Physical Jerks, Oceania, Eastasia, Eurasia

-Answer the following questions for class:

What are the Parson’s living conditions?

What is the significance of the word Shakespeare?

What is the history of the party?

Due Monday Nov. 14th, 2011

-Read chapters four and five. 

-Find a COMPLETE definition of propaganda.  Please write this definition in your own words.

-Please watch the following videos in entirety and be prepared to discuss their contents, particularly their relation to propoganda.  The videos are linked below.

Anti-Communist Cartoon

Anti-Hitler Cartoon

Anti-America Cartoon (This video is not in English but is valuable to our discussion.  Please watch it in its entirety.)

Extra Credit - Freshmen and Juniors

Please read the following story, "Patriotism" by Yukio Mishima.  Comment on this post to receive credit.

Freshmen - Please comment on this story based upon its discussion of confomity to society's standards.  How does this story make you feel?  Are the general and his wife choosing the correct course of action?  Why or why not?

Juniors - Please comment on this story based upon our discussion of rebellion and mutiny.  Is the general an honorable character or a victim of a tragic incident?  Who is the narrator of this story?  Why is it important to consider who is telling this story?

Fall Back Spring Forward

Ladies and Gentlemen, this weekend, at exactly 2 A.M. on Sunday November 6th, 2011.

Please be sure to change your watches, alarm clocks, cell phones, iPods, and microwaves accordingly.

Summer is officially over.  Here comes the cold...

Songs from Show Don't Tell

Freshmen - Here is a list of the songs that we've listened to and some recommendations of other songs to listen to based upon your interest.

Múm - I'm 9 Today

The Zombies - Summertime

Other songs by The Zombies: She's Not There, Time of the Season, Care of Cell 44

Refused - Tannhauser/Derive

Other songs by Refused - New Noise, Liberation Frequency, Blind Date

1 Mile North - In 1983 He Loved to Fly

Grandaddy - A.M. 180

Other songs by Grandaddy - Hewlett's Daughter, the Crystal Lake, Laughing Stock 

Enjoy!

Extra Credit for Juniors

Please comment on the following podcast for extra credit.  Try to connect the discussion of human morality to whether or not we are inherently good, evil, or some strange amalgam of both:

Listen here Morality - Radiolab

Work for the week of Oct. 31st - Freshmen

Due Monday Oct. 31st, 2011

Please write a comparison between A&P and Harrison Bergeron

This should be a minimum of five sentences and a maximum of ten.

Due Wednesday Nov. 2nd, 2011 -- UPDATED 7:14 PM - FOLLOW DIRECTIONS BELOW
Read - St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves
Please explain the stages of change the girls experience.  How do these girls conform/rebel to their new surroundings and expectations?  This should written in your notebooks and must be a minimum of five sentences and a maximum of ten.

Here is how you access the story:
Go to Stuy.edu
Run your mouse over the "Students" toolbar until you see a drop down menu
Click on the first tab which reads "Classes and Homework
Click on English
Click on my class, Ferencz E1FC Freshmen Composition
Click on the PDF link for the story.

Due Thursday Nov. 3rd, 2011
Print and read St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves
Begin writing a perfect paragraph to be peer reviewed answering the following question:
Why does the protagonist choose to rebel?

Due Friday Nov. 4th, 2011

Work for the week of Oct. 31st - Juniors

Please be aware of the following: You are NOT expected to answer questions in writing, but keep these questions in mind when reading because we will be discussing these questions in class and you will be expected to participate.  Also, you are expected to find the definition of the SAT word for each day.

-Due Monday Oct. 31st, 2011

Outline is due.  5 post-its based upon “Billy Budd” hypertext website.

 SAT Word: Prosaic

-Due Tuesday Nov. 1st, 2011

Green: 291- 313

Orange: 3-24

Please find the definition of ten words in the text as you read.

 SAT Word: Amicable

Questions we will discuss in class:

How is Billy a hero?

What is the significance of the discussion of mutiny?

What kind of character is Captain Vere?

Please find the meaning of these allusions: Bellipotent, "Vere" (it's a French word)

-Due Wednesday Nov. 2nd, 2011 -Link to essay UPDATE - ESSAY IS NOW DUE THURSDAY 11/10

Green: 313-340

Orange: 25-47

Please find the definition of ten words in the text as you read.

SAT Word: Surreptitious

Questions we will discuss in class:

What is the conflict between Billy and Claggart?

How does this story allude to the Bible?  Why?

Trace the battle between "good" and "evil" in this story.

Due Thursday Nov. 3rd, 2011

Orange: 47-72

Green: 340 – 366

Please find the definition of ten words in the text as you read.

SAT Word: Spurious

Questions we will discuss in class:

Please explain the circumstances that lead to Claggart's death.

What claims does Claggart make against Billy in his narrative?

What is the significance of Billy telling his defense narrative?  Consider the the alternate title of this story, the first sentence of this story, and Claggart's narrative.

What is the conflict that Vere and his peers suffer through?

Due Friday Nov. 4th, 2011

Orange: 72-89

Green: 366-385

Please find the definition of ten words in the text as you read.

SAT Word: Tenacious

Questions we will discuss in class:

How does Billy except the terms of his execution?

Discuss the significance of Billy's interactions with the ship's cleric.

Please review the Biblical story of Abraham and Isaac.

What do you make of Billy's final words?

What religious figure is alluded to in the final scenes of Billy's life?

What is the significance of presenting Billy's story in a naval publication and in a poetic ballad?

Due Monday Nov. 7th, 2011

Peer review.  Those of us who are having our papers reviewed, please email your work to Mr. Ferencz by 11:59 P.M. Sunday night.

SAT Word: Perfidious

Billy Budd - The Hypertext

I've found a great resource to compliment our reading ... The following is a hypertext of "Billy Budd" that links specific words and terms with their definition, particularly focusing upon nautical terms and Biblical allusions.  Please utilize this resource in conducting your reading.  I will ask you to link five of these interesting allusions to your outline due Monday.  Try to connect the particular term/idea with the thesis of your paper.

You can find the website here.

Juniors - Essay #2

Attention cadets!  Tomorrow, we'll be blasting off into writing our essay!  Be sure to suit up and consider the following sketch of your upcoming essay!  Adventure awaits!

In this essay, we will be analyzing a particular theme that spans across two of our three works.  Your responsibility is to choose a theme/topic and determine Melville’s motives in employing such ideas throughout these stories.

You will be responsible for writing a four-paragraph essay.  You only need to trace your theme through two of the three Melville stories we have read.

Please select one of the following themes:

Rebellion/Mutiny

Perceptions of race

The unreliable narrator

The individual versus society

The significance of setting

The juxtaposition of separate ideologies

Frankenstein and Amon Tobin

Frankenstein Wastes a Minute of Our Time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLrt7-kIgIM

Amon Tobin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umf0C0WCsr8

Enjoy!

Work for the week of Oct. 24th - Freshmen

Due Monday Oct. 24^th, 2011

Please finish your three perfect paragraphs for today.  If you need another day, I will not penalize you.

Due Tuesday Oct. 25^th, 2011

Aside from Young Frankenstein and the famed Frankenstein movie with Boris Karloff, please find three other examples of Frankenstein in popular culture.

Due Wednesday Oct.26th, 2011           

Please reflect upon the peer editing process.  Did your partner provide you with constructive criticism?  What did you learn from editing someone else’s paper?

Due Thursday Oct. 27th, 2011
Print and Read "A&P" by John Updike

Friday Oct. 28th, 2011

Print and Read "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut
How can you connect the theme of this story to "A & P"?

Work for the week of Oct. 24th - Juniors

Period 2,7 – Benito Cereno

Due Monday Oct 24^th, 2011

Read the first 50 pages of Benito Cereno

Please create 20 post-its in your book on the answer's corresponding page.

Focus upon the following topics:

- Please find an example of foreshadowing through setting.

-What is off or odd about this “strange” ship at the outset of our story?

-Trace examples of discomfort.

-What is our narrator’s tone?

-How does Melville present race in this story?

-Describe the Spanish captain and his assistant.

-What has happened to the San Dominick?

-What type of narrator is presented in this story (1st?  2nd?  3rd?)

Due Tuesday Oct 25th, 2011 –

Please read page 50-75

Please create 10 post-its in your book on the answer's corresponding page.

Focus upon the following topics:

-Find examples of interactions between white and black characters

-Find examples of scenes that show color, particularly white, black, and gray

Due Wednesday Oct 26th, 2011

Finish "Benito Cereno"

Is this text pro-slavery or anti-slavery?

Due Thursday Oct 20th, 2011 –

Finish reading -Read “Race, Class and Herman Melville” PDF -  pages 54(59) – 68 (96)

How does this critical essay perceive the story of Benito Cereno?  Please focus upon the political overtones of this discussion and create 5 post-its that make reference to the passages select by the author of this essay.

Due Friday October 20th, 2011 –

Read the first 15 pages of Billy Budd

Be prepared to discuss this text in direct comparison with our previous texts.

Period 10 – Bartleby the Scrivner

Due Monday Oct 24th, 2011 –

Finish Bartleby

Please create 20 post-its in your book on the answer's corresponding page.

10 quotes that refer to Bartleby as a ghost or pallid or not human or insane

5 quotes showing how the lawyer's utter fascination with Bartleby

5 quotes showing how the lawyer treats his workers.

Due Tuesday Oct 25th, 2011 –

Read “Race, Class and Herman Melville” PDF available online -  pages 31 (36) – 50 (55)

How does this critical essay perceive the story of Bartleby?  Please focus upon the political overtones of this discussion and create 5 post-its that make reference to the passages select by the author of this essay.

Due Wednesday Oct 26th, 2011 -

Please research 3 of the following 5 pacifists.  Write a five-sentence description of each in your own words, showing how this figure was a pacifist.   Bring this in to class.  Consider the following question: Is Bartleby a pacifist?

-Thich Quang Duc

- The play Lysistrata

-Jan Rose Kasmir

-Tank Man

-Mahatma Gandhi

Due Thursday Oct 27^th, 2011

Read the first five pages of Billy Budd.  Please devise three predictions of this text based upon our knowledge of the previous two stories.  Begin to consider your essay topic, which will be assigned next week.

Due Friday Oct. 28^th, 2011

Read the first fifteen pages of Billy Budd

Be prepared to discuss this text in direct comparison with our previous texts.

Freshmen - The Metropolitan Museum of Art

For those of you seeking some extra credit, I'd like you to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art from this weekend to the next and visit the following exhibit.  (This assignment will only count as extra credit if you post before October 31st, 2011).

Remember to ask for your parents permission and to bring your Stuy ID.  This will get you into the museum for free.

Visit the "Infinite Jest - Caricature and Satire from Leonardo to Levin" exhibit and comment, on this post on the image of the creature in Frankenstein and how the images in this exhibit display appearances.  How do characteristics of monstrosity or deformities present themselves in this exhibit.


Check the hours of when the museum is open and have a great time.

I'm upping the ante.

From Monday's class through December vacation, we will have the opportunity to witness each student present his/her minutes gift.  While these gifts are a part of our grade, I feel that perhaps some of our gifts have been rather lackluster and perfunctory.  Let me reiterate a point made last month: Minutes gifts should be an opportunity for you to express yourself to the class.  Use this gift to show who you are, your interests, your sense of humor, and your personality.  Do not simply print up an article (especially one that you have not read) and pass it around the room.

Let's put some effort into this.  To spark your creative minds, I want to offer you a bribe.
By the end of the year, I will select five students from each class that I believe have given us the best minutes gifts.  We will vote on those students as a class.  The student who receives the most vote for "best gift" will receive a 25 dollar gift certificate to Barnes & Noble. 

Your gift can be loosely connected to the reading topic or but can also be connected to just about anything in our class.  By sharing yourself with the class, you are contributing.  Use this time wisely.  Impress us.  Perform for us.  Put some effort into it.

Get to work Stuy students.

 

The Story of Prometheus

Hey fresh people!  Here is the story of Prometheus.

Please read the story and print it up for class tomorrow.  I would like you to answer the following question:
Why is an alternate title of Frankenstein "The Modern Prometheus"?

You can access the story here.

Juniors - Extra Credit

After today's brief sampling of the Intelligence Squared debate "Are Men Finished?", I encourage you, for extra credit, to note the ethos, pathos and logos of the four speakers, particularly in their opening statements.  Additionally, I would ask you to challenge their arguments.  Are these credible speakers?  Do we trust their line of thinking?

Please comment on this blog post as your response.  Do not simply post your opinions, but engage other students and their ideas, either adding to their points or refuting their claims.

You can access the debate here.

So proud of you guys.

Hey.

It's me.  Your English teacher, Mr. Ferencz.

I just wanted to let you know that I am incredibly proud of you.  You are adhering to my ridiculous system of education.  You are trusting my judgment.  You are trying hard (yes, I noticed).  I know that I am quick to mention areas where you could improve, but please know this:

You, my students, make me so happy to be a teacher.  I get to spend my day listening to your awesome ideas and to joke with you.  I am so fortunate to have such insightful and thoughtful students such as yourself.  I am so grateful.  Thank you so much.  I look forward to every day we have together and hope to inspire you in some way.  Keep up the good work.

Juniors - Work for the Week of Oct. 17th

PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE CLASS PERIOD FOR THE FOLLOWING ASSIGNMENTS.
You must answer these questions and present your work to receive homework credit.

Remember, if you are reading and you aren't taking notes, you aren't really reading.

Week of Oct 17^th,  - 21^st

Period 2,7 – Bartleby (Mon.-Tues.) Benito Cereno (Wed.-Fri.)
Due Monday Oct 17th, 2011 –
Please create 20 post-its in your book on the answer's corresponding page.

10 quotes that refer to Bartleby as a ghost or pallid or not human or insane

5 quotes showing how the lawyer's utter fascination with Bartleby

5 quotes showing how the lawyer treats his workers.

Due Tuesday Oct 18th, 2011 –

Read “Race, Class and Herman Melville” PDF available online -  pages 31 (36) – 50 (55)

You are responsible for determining the author’s main point in writing.  Please print up 5 pages of the document that you find worthy of discussion.  Connect the various explanations of Bartleby to your post-its.

Due Wednesday Oct 19th, 2011 -
Please research 3 of the following 5 pacifists.  Write a five sentence description of each in your own words, showing how this figure was a pacifist. 
-Thich Quang Duc
- The play Lysistrata
-Jan Rose Kasmir
-Tank Man
-Mahatma Gandhi

Due Thursday Oct 20th, 2011 –
Read the first 15 pages of Benito Cereno

Please create 5 post-its in your book on the answer's corresponding page.
Focus upon the following topics:
- Please find an example of foreshadowing through setting.
-What is off or odd about this “strange” ship at the outset of our story?
-Trace examples of discomfort.
-What is our narrator’s tone?

Due Friday October 20th, 2011 –
Read the next 15 pages of Benito Cereno

Please create 5 post-its in your book on the answer's corresponding page.
Focus upon the following topics:
-How does Melville present race in this story?
-Describe the Spanish captain and his assistant.
-What has happened to the San Dominick?
-What type of narrator is presented in this story (1st?  2nd?  3rd?)

Period 10 – Benito Cereno, Bartleby the Scrivner
Due Monday Oct 17th, 2011 –

Finish Benito Cereno

Please create 20 post-its in your book on the answer's corresponding page.
Focus upon the following topics:

-Find examples of Delano being trustworthy

-Find examples of interactions between white and black characters

-Find examples of scenes that show color, particularly white, black, and gray

Due Tuesday Oct 18th, 2011 –
Please consider the question from today's class: Does this story serve as a thesis or antithesis for slavery? 

Extra Credit:
Read “Race, Class and Herman Melville” PDF available online -  pages 54(59) – 68 (96)

You are responsible for determining the author’s main point in writing.  Please print up 5 pages of the document that you find worthy of discussion.

Due Wednesday Oct 19^th, 2011
Finish "Benito Cereno"

Extra Credit:

Read “Race, Class and Herman Melville” PDF available online -  pages 54(59) – 68 (96)

Connect our reading of Melville's story to any particular points of interest within this piece of literary criticism.  Post your thoughts as a comment on this post.  Try to comment on the ideas of those who have posted before you.

Due Thursday Oct 20th, 2011 –
Read the first 25 pages of Bartleby

Please create 5 post-its in your book on the answer's corresponding page.
Focus upon the following topics: 
-How would you characterize the narrator?

-Find examples of repetition.
-How would you characterize Nippers, Turkey, and Ginger Nut as workers?
-How does the narrator first react to Bartleby’s catch phrase?

Due Friday October 21st, 2011–
Finish the story of Bartleby

Please create 5 post-its in your book on the answer's corresponding page.
Focus upon the following topics:
-Please provide 3 examples in which Bartleby exclaims “I would prefer not to” and the significance of the incident in which these words are stated.
-Please provide 2 examples that shed some light on Bartleby’s background.  Who is he?  Where does he come from?  What has he achieved in his lifetime?