Wednesday, April 21, 2011

Today,we discussed the poem "An Old Man's Winter Night". I then gave you questions to pair up and answer (long form). These were due at the end of class. If you weren't here, these are in your portfolio.

Tuesday, April 20, 2011

Today, I introduced the poetry unit. I gave you a handout of terms you need to know as well as a handout entitled "Poetry 1" with information in it relating to this unit. You were to read these tonight. I also gave you the poem "An Old Man's Winter Night" and notes on how to read a poem. These are in your portfolios if you weren't here.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Today, you wrote your comprehension exam for the novel unit. I also handed out a booklet on terms to read tonight.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Today you wrote an in-class essay on the novel 1984 or a novel you read during your independent novel study. There is an appointment sheet on the corner of my desk. You need to sign up to go over your essay with me in order for this one to be marked (the meeting is compulsory). Tomorrow, you will write a comprehension reading multiple choice exam for the unit.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Today, we finished watching the novel 1984. We then talked about the ways governments maintain control. From this list (inserted below) you were to come up with three examples of each. This is in preparation for your exam (critical/analytical essay) on Monday. Propaganda Indoctrination Controlled Participation People are allowed to feel as if they are contributing to the country somehow Direction of Popular Discontent Scapegoating Terror and Force

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Today, we began watching the film version of 1984. I also informed the students that the test dates for this unit will be next Monday (Critical/analytical essay) and Tuesday (reading comprehension m.c.). I then began to outline how a totalitarian government gets into power (after chaos, charismatic, control of military), moving on to how they stay in power (fear, propaganda). We will finish the film and the notes tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Today, we finished watching the documentary "The Human Experiment." We then discussed how obediance to authority can be safe but not always the best choice. This was then tied to the novel 1984. Keep in mind that you will be watching the video of this tomorrow, then writing the comprehension exam on Friday and the in class critical/analytical essay on Monday (this is later than indicated in your course outline and also in the reverse order. This is to allow some of you time to complete the novel).

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Today, we discussed the impact of external controls on one's actions. This was examined personally and then in relation to the novel 1984. One of the decisions reached regarding journals is that I will present visuals as well as the question in a format used by Alberta Education in order to prepare you for this task later on.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Today, we discussed why people listen to authority (in relation to the novel 1984). I also showed a clip of the Milgrim Experiment in order to show how powerful authority can be on our decisions.