Reading and Writing to Find Out Who We Are and What We Think
July 2, 2009 at 6:24 am · Filed under 1
If you’re looking for material for your periodical review here are a few ideas. I’ve recently read and liked the following:
- Get past the photo of the Jonahs Brothers on the cover and find Matt Taibbi’s article in Rolling Stone about the history of Goldman Sachs and financial bubbles. I know, it sounds dreary but it’s really good. Read it if you want to be angry about where your bailout money is going.
- Last Sunday’s New York Times, Week In Review section has excellent pieces on Micheal Jackson and Farah Fawcett (sounds like those belong in Rolling Stone) as well as Nicholas Kristof’s piece on innovating and inventing our way out of the recession.
- If you read the rest of the Times I have no doubt that you’ll want to do everything you can to change the world. The last issue of Harpers is all bout that.
- The first president most of you remember is Bill Clinton. He wrote a piece in Time magazine about FDR.
I want to emphasize that these are just ideas, not even suggestions. You should find articles that interest you and read those.
Peace,
RK
July 2, 2009 at 6:19 am · Filed under 1
In the last week my experiences have gone from the sublime beauty of rafting down a Western Pennsylvania to the totally manufactured environment of an indoor water park. Squeezed in between those two extremes we visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water house and the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.
I Did a little reading in Pennsylvania but I got distracted by the night sky. It’s hard to concentrate on fiction when real stars keep appearing. The stars felt more real to me than the book in my hand.
I liked the Falling Water house and it made me think of Bridget and Laura (graduated AP students) because they did their research papers on Ayn Rand who used Wright as a model for his architect. I also thought about a book I read during Spring Break. T.C. Boyle wrote The Woman about Wright’s relationships. I didn’t like it much then but I might have to go back to it.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is becoming one of my favorite spots in Cleveland-a great trip to a city that, unlike our beloved Detroit, seems to have found a way to reinvent itself. It’ll never be New York or Paris but it seems like a very livable city. At the museum I saw an exhibit devoted to Bruce Springsteen, one of my favorite musicians. In an interview he describes how it took 50 pages to write the song “Born to Run.” 50 Pages to write a 5 minute song seemed like an exaggeration to me but there on the wall of the museum was the journal. I looked through it an I could see the evolution of the song. I could see how on phrase from page 5 got carried forward to page 8 where it was married to another idea. The whole process is there in the journal and it’s accompanied by music which he also wrote. I like seeing the process. I like that it’s messy and frustrating and alive. It’s evolution but with a purpose in mind. On the walls were posters of all of the different bands that Springsteen started or belonged to and again I can watch the evolution of a great band. I just finished reading Please Step Back which is about the birth of a rock star ad seems to get it right. I don’t actually know of course but it did seem to capture the feel of the time. We should look at music writing. Not writing music, writing about music. I’m a regular reader of Rolling Stone but a lot of the time the writing about music doesn’t ring true to me.That put me in mind of the concert I attended at the Magic Stick. I saw the band X. I know, none of you have heard of them.
Books Read:
The Night of the Gun
Lullabies for Little Criminals-I got this book because I heard the author read a poem on the radio and it was so striking that I wanted to read more. I think she’s a better poet than novelist but she can really turn a phrase.
My Lobotomy-In the past week lobotomies have come up twice. I’m reading a book with Eli where the main character is being threatened with a lobotomy. Her evil guardian says she’ll take out Katrina’s brain and replace it with cake.
A book by Walter Mosley, The Long Fall, this guy wrote the Easy Rawlings mysteries and, while I still think he’s a good writer I don’t think he’s written anyting I’ve enjoyed as much those early books.
That’s where I’ve been.
Peace,
RK
June 15, 2009 at 5:10 am · Filed under 1
AP Language and Composition
I. Get the textbooks. Search for the cheapest prices online.
Required Texts:
- Cohen, Samuel. Fifty Essays: A Portable Anthology. Boston: Bedord/St.Martin’s, 2004.
- Lunsford, Andrea, Ruskzkiewicz, John. Everything’s An Argument. Boston: Bedord/St.Martin’s, 2007.
The least expensive way to get these books is online. Try the following site:
http://www.alibris.com/
II. Summer Reading:
June/July:
Truth and Beauty
Anne Patchett
July/August:
Friday Night Lights
H G Bissinger
Blogging:
During the summer you are required to respond to the reading on a blog. On this website you will do all of the following. Every so often, 2-3 chapters or so, you will highlight a passage in the book that appeals to you then write about it on the blog. Discuss why you chose the quote, react to the idea, and comment on the writing, anything that occurs to you. The purpose here is to keep you engaged and thinking about the ideas and how they’re being communicated to you.
We’re looking for “quality” and for a place to start our discussions when school starts. If you want to please feel free to email me your questions, comments and ideas
Here are some basic expectations for your responses:
- Respond to your classmates postings. You may agree or disagree and explain.
- Each posting should be at least 5 good, complete sentences.
- Use correct grammar and spelling; do not use slang or abbreviations. (Watch capitalization-this isn’t a text message.)
- It is a good idea to type your response in a word processing program first to eliminate basic errors.
- Then copy and paste it into the discussion board. Proof carefully!
- Any postings that are defamatory or the least bit obscene will be deleted and will receive no credit.
- Be creative, thoughtful, and open, but remember, your comments are now public.
As you read these books you will be required to post your observations on the blog. This isn’t formal but a place to sound off and discuss the ideas that the books bring up.
June 9, 2009 at 5:31 am · Filed under 1
Summer Reading:
The Road Cormac McCarthy
Truth and Beauty Ann Patchett
The Autobiography of a Face Lucy Grealy
Summer Reading:
During the summer you are required to respond to the reading on a blog. On this website you will do all of the following. Every so often, 2-3 chapters or so, you will highlight a passage in the book that appeals to you then write about it on the blog. Discuss why you chose the quote, react to the idea, and comment on the writing, anything that occurs to you. The purpose here is to keep you engaged and thinking about the ideas and how they’re being communicated to you.
We’re looking for “quality” and for a place to start our discussions when school starts. If you want to please feel free to email me your questions, comments and ideas
Here are some basic expectations for your responses:
- Respond to your classmates postings. You may agree or disagree and explain.
- Each posting should be at least 5 good, complete sentences.
- Use correct grammar and spelling; do not use slang or abbreviations. (Watch capitalization-this isn’t a text message.)
- It is a good idea to type your response in a word processing program first to eliminate basic errors.
- Then copy and paste it into the discussion board. Proof carefully!
- Any postings that are defamatory or the least bit obscene will be deleted and will receive no credit.
- Be creative, thoughtful, and open, but remember, your comments are now public.
Summer Reading Schedule:
June
Read: The Road Cormac McCarthy
Write:
Respond on the Blog. You’ll also be using a feature of Google Earth called Lit Trips.
July/August
Read:
Truth and Beauty Ann Patchett
The Autobiography of a Face Lucy Grealy
Write:
3-5 blog entries. Focus on the style of writing. This is nonfiction so you’re looking for the way that Patchett and Grealy deliver their messages. Also respond to the controversy Pachett’s book created when it was required reading at Clemson.
Extras:
Check out these links. They may help your understanding of the works.
August/September
Read:
Bible King James Version
In light of frequent allusions to biblical texts in English literature, students will read those selections chosen for their prominence and relevance in many classical and contemporary texts. Selections are from the King James version, both Old and New Testaments. While the readings do not provide an exhaustive list of biblical allusions, many of the familiar stories are included.
Required Selections:
Old Testament
Genesis 1-3, 4, 6-9, 11 (The Creation, Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, Babel)
The Old Testament is the History of a single people offering itself as the authoritative universal history.
Genesis is as much about Power as it is about Spirit. Power grants life and favor, takes it away, grants it again through a special compact that is renewed and repeated by the blessing of sons-some sons-by their fathers. This pattern is taken up by Milton. Examine the relationship between God, Satan, Adam, and Jesus.
At first power asserts itself without reason. It simply exists and then compelled one to obey without explanation. Later Power subsides into law and mercy (We’ll see this again ParadiseLost. Examine the way that God avoids having to damn Man through an act of sacrifice and mercy.)
Exodus 13-14, 19-20 (Parting of the Red Sea & The Ten Commandments)
Job 1-3, 7, 10-14, 31, 38-40, 42
New Testament
The Gospel of Matthew (The Story of Jesus) (abridged)
The Gospel of John 11 (The Story of Lazarus)
Book of Revelations (abridged - The Four Horseman, The Seven Seals, the fall
of Babylon)
While reading…
Literature logs, annotation and highlighting, or marginal notes are recommended for the Advanced Placement reader. Note any thematic and/or symbolic elements, motifs, and elements of style (diction, detail, syntax, etc.). Notes may be utilized as necessary in reference to allusions in texts studied during the year.
Optional Write:
There will also be a place for you to respond and discuss your ideas about the biblical selections on the blog.
mr-kreinbring-ap-lit-and-comp.doc
June 9, 2009 at 5:14 am · Filed under 1
Since there is bound to be a current events question on the AP test you will be required to read 3 opinion pieces from three different sources and write a short analysis of the writers’ argument and style. These will be due the first day of class and should follow the format posted on the blog.
Look at articles from these sources:
Rolling Stone
The New Republic
The National Review
Think about the audience for each periodical. Read an article from each one. As you read each one, think about and make notes on the following:
- Do you agree with the argument? Make a note on the article at the where the author won you to his side? How does the author establish credibility? Is he an authority on the subject? Has he done research or interviews?
- What types of evidence does the author use to support his claims? Is he appealing to his reader’s feelings, pathos, or his intellect, logos? Do you see any problems in this argument? How does the author address those problems, or not?
- How would you describe the style of writing? Consider the intended audience of the article. How does the author’s style reflect his knowledge of his audience? Does the style of writing affect the effectiveness of the argument?
Pay close attention to the argument, and write a one page response to the goals of the writer. Start your paper with source of your article.
Author’s Name. (year). “Title of the Article.” Name of the Periodical, Pages.
Next summarize the content. What is the author’s main thesis and how does he support it? This will be about ¼ of your response.
Finally, discuss the author’s style. Look at his language and word choices and write about how these choices affect you response to the argument. This will make up the remaining ¾’s of the response.
April 14, 2009 at 3:46 am · Filed under 1
In Death of a Salesman we will continue to look at what role dreams play in our ability to be sucessfull. You have three quotes from different sources. In this space I’d like you to discuss what you think about the connection between work, dreams, and what it means to be sucessfull. Thuis is an ongoing assignment. Yo need to write 3 original responses. One from the start of the play, one from the middle and one after we’ve finished it. As always your posts must be grammatically correct and at least 250 words to get credit.
Bon Chance,
RK
February 13, 2009 at 11:35 am · Filed under 1
Over the break you will be READING Their Eyes Were Watching God. As you work through the novel you should be writing Think notes that respond to the text. Use those notes to first WRITE a comment based on your notes. This comment should be thoughtful and provocative, that is it should be written in a way that invites others to respond to it. Think of this as a conversation. This first part is due by Wednesday, February 18th. Next you will read through the comments left by your classmates and RESPOND to one of them. Again, your response must be thoughtful, respectful and designed to to further the conversation. You do not have to respond to the original post.
Enjoy
RK
February 4, 2009 at 10:10 am · Filed under 1
In “Everyday Use” Alice Walker’s characters struggle over objects that have special meaning to them, dishes, a butter churn and, most important, quilts. At one point Maggie, the meek sister burned in the fire, says, “That’s alright I can remember Grandma Dee without the quilts.” In this assignment you are to write about an object that reminds you of your mother, or another significant older woman. Describe the object paying close attention to the details that make the object special. Think of the “finger marks” that Walker puts on the churn’s handle. Discuss why the object reminds you of your mother. Also, your response must include an absolute phrase and an appositive phrase. Italicize theses phrases in your response.
January 26, 2009 at 9:56 am · Filed under 1
Which of the singers that Walker mentions do you think best represents the, “notion of song“? Remember to write about the quality of the singer rather than the song’s lyrics.
Your response should be around 10 sentences long and, as always, be grammatically correct.
January 21, 2009 at 4:22 am · Filed under 1
Read the text of President Obama’s speech.
Pick two parts that you like or disagree with. Copy and paste those parts into your response and then in react and respond to the ideas you chose. Your response must be free of errors, grammatically correct and insightful.
Example:
“In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned”
This idea appeals to me. I have thought that for too long our nation has behaved as though things were owed to us. Personally, I attribute this to the baby boom generation’s “me-centric” attitude. I think that anything worthwhile has to be earned, and I am willing to work for it. This part of the speech inspires me and makes me think about what I’m willing to do in order to make the world what I want it to be.
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