Class Calendar: March 9th to March 16th

Monday, March 9th (U)
• Due: Style imitation paper is due; I will also collect literature circle books to review notes. Read and annotate all essays in “Process Analysis” (Eighner, Lamott, Mitford).
• Class: Share style imitations; class discussion focusing on “Embalming Mr. Jones” led by Simon, Rose, and Drew.

Tuesday, March 10th (M)
• Due: Read and annotate all essays in Comparison and Contrast and complete vocabulary exercises for Unit #5.
• Class: Class discussion of essays (focus on “Disability” and “Dumpster Diving”) led by Will, Amanda S., and Sara N.; review vocabulary (plan for a quiz next Wednesday).

Wednesday, March 11th (T)
• Due: Read and annotate the following Definition essays: “I Want a Wife,” “The Androgynous Man,” and “The Meanings of a Word.” Write a detailed outline for Writing Topic #2 on pg. 255, reproduced below:

A recent grassroots movement tried but failed to have the “n-word” removed from dictionaries. Are there some words so hateful that they should be banned from the language? Or is such an attempt to control language even more objectionable? Write an essay that states and supports your answers, giving plenty of examples.

• Class: Class discussion of “The Meanings of a Word” led by Alessandra, Elisabeth, and Katia; review and critique outlines.

Thursday, March 12th (W)
• Due: Read and annotate all essays in Cause & Effect. Write “one-pager” (remember those?) on choice or argument-style topics (see reverse!).
• Class: Class discussion of “Cultural Baggage” led by Adam, Amanda C., and Aly; peer review of one-pagers.

Friday, March 13th (H)
• Due: Read and annotate “A Modest Proposal” in Argument & Persuasion. Complete reading questions (on worksheet).
• Class: Discussion of “Modest Proposal.” Introduction to satire unit.

Monday, March 16th (F)
• Due: Multiple-choice questions for “Modest Proposal.” Then view 15-20 minutes of television that is likely to contain satire (we’ll brainstorm sources together, online and broadcast). Write a paragraph response:

Describe one clip or scene that you believe to be satirical in nature. What is being ridiculed or what folly is exposed? Is there an implied reform? What is the tone of the satire – is it more Horatian (gently mocking) or Juvenalian (sternly indignant)? Is the satire effective? Why or why not?

• Class: Discuss and correct homework. Satire and The Daily Show.

*Remember to prepare your discussion questions in written form that I can collect; consider style and structure as well as substance.