Sorry for the late post. I wanted to have this up last night, but I host a writing group once a month. Yes, I am still working on my own writing.
Yesterday, you all read The Declaration of Independence! That's pretty awesome, right? I think that already puts you above most of the population. And we tackled Phillis Wheatley's "Providence," which is certainly no easy task. Not only are you dabbling in some of America's greatest works, you are learning some very important analysis skills. This is something you will use your entire life! Even if you do not choose to read lots of great literature when you leave my class, (but I hope to convince you otherwise), you will be surrounded by music, advertisements, arguments, and political debates. You must learn to analyze those messages around you in a very critical way. What allusions are they making? Why is that significant? How does it influence their message? Or your stance?
We are going to continue working on our literary themes, devices, and analysis throughout the year. Keep a list of some songs you'd like to work through, but tell me which literary devices you think are present. Remember, our songs have to be something we can play on the regular radio so explicit lyrics won't work.
For this week's assignment, I want you to pick TWO of the following to research:
Revolutionary beliefs (republican principles and natural rights), Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, Abigail Adams, Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, Molly Pitcher, Martha Washington; General Benedict Arnold, Loyalists and Tories, Revolutionary Battles (Lexington and Concord, Battle of Bunker Hill, Battle of Brooklyn, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Trenton, Battle of Yorktown); Women’s struggles to maintain soldier’s home and family, Native Americans form alliances with both sides, Treaty of Paris (1783)
Prepare an academic paragraph on one of them and write down important notes to share on the other one. You will need to send me an email, comment on this blog, or text me your choices.
Your readings are heavier this week. For these, I want you to write a couple sentences summarizing the main idea of the readings.
Here's your reading list for the week:
"American Crisis" from Thomas Paine's Common Sense.
Abigail Adams' Letter to her husband, John Adams.
Federalist Paper # 51
Yesterday, you all read The Declaration of Independence! That's pretty awesome, right? I think that already puts you above most of the population. And we tackled Phillis Wheatley's "Providence," which is certainly no easy task. Not only are you dabbling in some of America's greatest works, you are learning some very important analysis skills. This is something you will use your entire life! Even if you do not choose to read lots of great literature when you leave my class, (but I hope to convince you otherwise), you will be surrounded by music, advertisements, arguments, and political debates. You must learn to analyze those messages around you in a very critical way. What allusions are they making? Why is that significant? How does it influence their message? Or your stance?
We are going to continue working on our literary themes, devices, and analysis throughout the year. Keep a list of some songs you'd like to work through, but tell me which literary devices you think are present. Remember, our songs have to be something we can play on the regular radio so explicit lyrics won't work.
For this week's assignment, I want you to pick TWO of the following to research:
Revolutionary beliefs (republican principles and natural rights), Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, Abigail Adams, Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, Molly Pitcher, Martha Washington; General Benedict Arnold, Loyalists and Tories, Revolutionary Battles (Lexington and Concord, Battle of Bunker Hill, Battle of Brooklyn, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Trenton, Battle of Yorktown); Women’s struggles to maintain soldier’s home and family, Native Americans form alliances with both sides, Treaty of Paris (1783)
Prepare an academic paragraph on one of them and write down important notes to share on the other one. You will need to send me an email, comment on this blog, or text me your choices.
Your readings are heavier this week. For these, I want you to write a couple sentences summarizing the main idea of the readings.
Here's your reading list for the week:
"American Crisis" from Thomas Paine's Common Sense.
Abigail Adams' Letter to her husband, John Adams.
Federalist Paper # 51
Francis Scott Key “Defence of Fort McHenry” OBAP, p. 18
We will also keep working on some of those pesky grammar questions, so if you have one in mind, bring it in next week and I'll be happy to explain it. I joked around with John and Ally on the way home yesterday, saying that if I get any more comma splices, I'm going to have to put some scary clown stickers on your paper! :)
See you next Tuesday! And just so you know, you are reading more in American history and literature than most high schoolers ever get. And I think this is important. How can one defend the statutes of American policies unless they are familiar with them? Whether you go on to teach history, literature, become a lawyer, a politician, or even if you plan to vote (which I hope you do!), it is imperative to be an informed citizen. We are still working some of these issues out today.
For the research this week I will do the Battle of Brooklyn and Molly Pitcher unless you have some that nobody signed up for then I will take those.
ReplyDelete~Shiloh
Battle of Bunker Hill, Samuel Adams.
ReplyDelete~ Mark