English 9B Syllabus April 12-27

English 9B
Jane Belton

Syllabus April 12 – April 27 2010

Monday 4/12
In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No. Religion; Uncle Ardi and Neela.
Homework: Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp. 67-77 (to bottom of the page). Complete a written close reading: Select one short passage from pages 67-77 (a short paragraph, or 6-8 sentences within a paragraph) that strike you most and that you feel are rich (in character development, theme, important issues/questions raised in the memoir thus far). Write a 1 page close analysis of the passage in which you discuss why the passage is important. For instance, you might want to discuss what of significance the passage reveals about Roya or her society/world.  To perform your close analysis, you must zoom in to discuss the importance of specific word choice, language, and imagery that strikes you in the passage and why those choices are important to your understanding of the meaning/significance of the passage.  You may want to make connections between this passage and other moments in the text thus far, if it is important to your discussion. You are required to weave in short pieces of evidence into your analysis (with correct parenthetical citations!).  Do not use “I” or “me” in this analytical assignment. Please title this assignment “Close Reading pp. 67-77.”

Tuesday 4/13
In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No pp. 67-77. Share close reading passages; discuss images of motherhood/womanhood.
Homework: Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp. 78-89. Fill out definitions, parts of speech, and context for vocabulary words 16-20.

Wednesday 4/14
In Class: Discuss pp. 78-89.
Homework: Complete Reflection 10. What were one or two of the most striking images of womanhood or manhood you can remember from your childhood (ads, dolls, action figures, relatives, cartoon characters, etc)? Be specific and describe these images in detail. What did they seem to imply or suggest to you about what was necessary or involved with being a woman/man? What did you think of these images then? What did they make you think or feel? What do you think of them in retrospect? What do they make you think/feel now?  (2 pages, typed, double-spaced)

Thursday 4/15
In Class: Share Reflection 10
Homework: For Monday 4/19: Fill out definitions, parts of speech, and context for vocabulary words 21-25. Finish your RWR book # 4. For Tuesday 4/20: Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp. 90-101 (to the break in the page)

Friday 4/16 – No School, Professional Day

Monday 4/19
In Class: Discuss RWR project for Trimester III
Homework: Review pp. 90-101 (to the break in the page) and work on RWR worksheet. Begin reviewing vocabulary for the quiz on Monday 4/26.

Tuesday 4/20
In Class: Discuss pp 90-101. Love, marriage, and sacrifice.
Homework: Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp 101 – 113. Fill out definitions, parts of speech, and context for vocabulary words 25-30. Review vocabulary for the quiz on Monday 4/26.

Wednesday 4/21
In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No pp 101-113; Bibi, notions of adulthood, femininity, and sexuality.
Homework: Review vocabulary for quiz on Monday 4/26. Work on RWR project. Bring in your materials for RWR project to work on in class tomorrow.

Thursday 4/22
In Class: Work on RWR projects in class
Homework: Work on RWR project. Study for vocabulary quiz on Monday 4/26. Bring in materials for RWR project to work on in class tomorrow after the vocabulary quiz.

Friday 4/23 – No Class

Monday 4/26
In Class: Vocabulary quiz; work on RWR projects
Homework: Work on RWR project. Presentations and projects due Tuesday 4/27.

Tuesday 4/27
In Class: RWR presentations/projects due.
Homework: TBA

English 9A Syllabus April 12-28

English 9A
Jane Belton


Syllabus April 12 – April 28 2010

Monday 4/12
In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No. Religion; Uncle Ardi and Neela.
Homework: Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp. 67-77 (to bottom of the page). Complete a written close reading: Select one short passage from pages 67-77 (a short paragraph, or 6-8 sentences within a paragraph) that strike you most and that you feel are rich (in character development, theme, important issues/questions raised in the memoir thus far). Write a 1 page close analysis of the passage in which you discuss why the passage is important. For instance, you might want to discuss what of significance the passage reveals about Roya or her society/world.  To perform your close analysis, you must zoom in to discuss the importance of specific word choice, language, and imagery that strikes you in the passage and why those choices are important to your understanding of the meaning/significance of the passage.  You may want to make connections between this passage and other moments in the text thus far, if it is important to your discussion. You are required to weave in short pieces of evidence into your analysis (with correct parenthetical citations!).  Do not use “I” or “me” in this analytical assignment. Please title this assignment “Close Reading pp. 67-77.”

Tuesday 4/13 – No Class

Wednesday 4/14
In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No. Share close reading passages; discuss images of motherhood/womanhood.
Homework: 1) Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp 78-89. 2) Complete Reflection 10. What were one or two of the most striking images of womanhood or manhood you can remember from your childhood (ads, dolls, action figures, relatives, cartoon characters, etc)? Be specific and describe these images in detail. What did they seem to imply or suggest to you about what was necessary or involved with being a woman/man? What did you think of these images then? What did they make you think or feel? What do you think of them in retrospect? What do they make you think/feel now?  (2 pages, typed, double-spaced) 3) Fill out definitions, parts of speech, and context for vocabulary words 16-20.

Thursday 4/15
In Class: Reflection 10 due. Discuss pp. 78-89.
Homework: For Monday 4/19: Fill out definitions, parts of speech, and context for vocabulary words 21-25. Finish your RWR book # 4. For Wednesday 4/21: Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp. 90-101 (to the break in the page)

Friday 4/16 – No School, Professional Day

Monday 4/19
In Class: Discuss RWR project for Trimester III
Homework: Review pp. 90-101 (to the break in the page) and work on RWR worksheet. Begin reviewing vocabulary for the quiz on Monday 4/26.

Tuesday 4/20 – No Class

Wednesday 4/21
In Class: Discuss pp. 90-101. Love, marriage, and sacrifice.
Homework: Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp 101 – 113. Fill out definitions, parts of speech, and context for vocabulary words 25-30. Review vocabulary for the quiz on Monday 4/26.

Thursday 4/22
In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No pp 101-113; Bibi, notions of adulthood, femininity, and sexuality.
Homework: Review vocabulary for quiz on Monday 4/26. Work on RWR project. Bring in your materials for RWR project to work on in class tomorrow.

Friday 4/23
In Class: Work on RWR projects in class
Homework: Work on RWR project. Study for vocabulary quiz on Monday 4/26. Bring in materials for RWR project to work on in class tomorrow after the quiz.

Monday 4/26
In Class: Vocabulary quiz; work on RWR projects
Homework: Work on RWR project. Presentations and projects due Wednesday 4/28.

Tuesday 4/27 – No Class

Wednesday 4/28
In Class: RWR presentations/projects due.
Homework: TBA

Poetry Syllabus April 5 -16

Poetry Writing Workshop
Jane Belton

Syllabus April 2010

Monday April 5
In Class: Exercise 1 due. Share.  Discuss choices made: details, language, form, approach. Review class procedures.
Assignment: Read and annotate the assigned poems: Carolyn Forché’s “Reunion”, “Memory of Elena”, Charles Simic’s “Prodigy”, and Li-Young Lee’s “The Hour and What is Dead”.

Tuesday April 6
In Class: Discuss poems: Accessing memory, working from specificity to create larger meaning; how images build meaning; structures: circular, linear, etc. Begin a glossary of terms for discussing poetry. View short clips of Li Young Lee, if time permits.
Assignment: Read and annotate Rita Dove’s “Adolescence I – III”.

Wednesday April 7
In Class: Discuss Dove’s “Adolescence I-III”. View excerpt of Charlie Rose interview with Rita Dove.
Exercise 2: Write your own poem titled “Adolescence” (7 – 12 lines long)
Assignment: Finish Exercise 2 and complete Exercise 3: “5 Easy Pieces”: Think of a person who is important or significant to you on some level. Jot down images, sensory details, interactions, and places that come to mind and are most vivid for you in association with this person. Inspired by this initial work, write a poem about this person using the following structure: 1) Describe the person’s hands. 2) Describe something he/she is doing with his/her hands. 3) Use a metaphor to say something about the place/setting. 4) Mention what you would want to ask this person (or what you do, in fact, ask). 5) The person looks up or toward you, sees you there, gives an answer that suggests he or she only understands part of what you asked. The main goal of this exercise is to try to create a clear picture or story through specific fragments and details. Feel free to play with or add to the provided structure to make it your own.  You will turn in Exercises 2 & 3 on Friday.

Thursday April 8 – No Class

Friday April 9
In Class: Exercises 2 and 3 due. Read and discuss Billy Collins’ “The Names”. Discuss form, patterns, specificity, and emotion.
Assignment: Work on initial revisions of exercises 1-3 according to discussions this week. For Monday, bring in 9 copies of the poem (exercises 1, 2, or 3) you would like to workshop.

Monday 4/12
In Class: Workshop Day 1. Go over workshop guidelines and tools for responding.
Assignment: Read remaining student poems to be workshopped. Work on revising your workshopped poem based on the feedback you received.

Tuesday 4/13
In Class: 10 minutes: Read several haiku; discuss juxtapositions to create meaning/texture. 40 minutes: Workshop Day 2
Assignment: Work on revising your workshopped poem based on the feedback you received and today’s discussion. Complete Focused freewrite # 2: Select 1-2 poems in the collection of poetry you have chosen as outside reading for the class. What techniques do you see the poet using in the poem(s)? How are they effective (or not) in your opinion? How do these approaches fit in with or aspects of poetry writing we have discussed in class thus far? What ideas and strategies do you see emerging in their work that you’d like to emulate or experiment with in your own poetry? Please refer to specific textual evidence (quote specific moments in the poem) in your response. Use correct parenthetical citation when you quote: eg. “On the table, two fragile/glasses of black wine” (“Reunion” lines 5-6). Please indicate the title of the poem(s) (placed in quotation marks) and the name of the poet at the top of the freewrite.

Wednesday 4/14
In Class: Focused freewrite 2 due. Workshop Day 3
Assignment: Work on revising your workshopped poem based on the feedback you received.
Read and annotate Elizabeth Bishop’s “Sestina” and Alberto Rios’s “Nani”. Select a poem or moment(s) in one of the poems that speaks to you on some level. In a 1-2 page focused freewrite (Focused freewrite # 3), respond to that moment: What pulled you in or intrigued you most? What are the moments of “luminosity,” as Linda Gregg calls it in her essay “The Art of Finding”? What are the details that “have a special energy and vibrancy”? What aspects of form, technique, or style are most interesting to you? Why?

Thursday 4/15 – No Class

Friday 4/16 – No School, Professional Day

English 9B Syllabus April 5-13 2010

English 9B

Jane Belton

Syllabus April 5 – April 13 2010

Monday 4/5

In Class: Sign up for RWR book # 4. Begin reading Journey from the Land of No; dedication and introductory poem.

Homework: Read and annotate “Historical Note” (pp 5-8) and Chapter 1 (pp 9-18). As you read, mark moments, lines, and passages that strike you or interest you most. Make sure to write notes or questions next to each passage you annotate. In Chapter 1, make note particularly of Roya’s feelings about telling/sharing her story. What is behind these feelings?

Tuesday 4/6

In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No, Chapter 1. Framework for the memoir, “bearing a story never told”, and decisions about language (English vs. Persian).

Homework: Read and annotate pp 19-31 (to the break at the bottom of the page); fill out definitions, parts of speech, and context for vocab words 1-5.

Wednesday 4/7

In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No pp. 19-31: Roya’s Iran; central characters and family.

Homework: Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp. 31-43; fill out definitions, parts of speech, and context for vocab words 6-10.

Thursday 4/8

In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No pp 31-43; function of Little Black Fish story; discoveries about Albert, power of stories/writing/language.

Homework: Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp. 44-66. Fill out definitions, parts of speech, and context for vocab words 11-15.

Friday 4/9 – No class

Monday 4/12

In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No. Religion; Uncle Ardi and Neela.

Homework: Journey from the Land of No pp. 67-77 (to bottom of the page). Complete a written close reading: Select one short passage from pages 67-77 (a short paragraph, or 6-8 sentences within a paragraph) that strike you most and that you feel are rich (in character development, theme, important issues/questions raised in the memoir thus far). Write a 1 page close analysis of the passage in which you discuss why the passage is important. For instance, you might want to discuss of significance the passage reveals about Roya or her society/world.  To perform your close analysis, you must zoom in to discuss the significance of specific word choice, language, and imagery that strikes you in the passage and why those choices are important to your understanding of the meaning/significance of the passage.  You may want to make connections between this passage and other moments in the text thus far, if it is important to your discussion. You are required to weave in short pieces of evidence into your analysis (with correct parenthetical citations!).  Do not use “I” or “me” in this analytical assignment.  Please title this assignment “Close Reading pp 67-77.”

Tuesday 4/13

In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No. Share close reading passages; discuss visions of motherhood/womanhood.

Homework: Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp 78-89.

English 9A Syllabus April 5-13 2010

English 9A

Jane Belton

Syllabus April 5 – April 13 2010

Monday 4/5

In Class: Sign up for RWR book # 4. Begin reading Journey from the Land of No; dedication and introductory poem.

Homework: Read and annotate “Historical Note” (pp 5-8) and Chapter 1 (pp 9-18). As you read, mark moments, lines, and passages that strike you or interest you most. Make sure to write notes or questions next to each passage you annotate. In Chapter 1, make note particularly of Roya’s feelings about telling/sharing her story. What is behind these feelings?

Tuesday 4/6 – No Class


Wednesday 4/7

In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No, Chapter 1. Framework for the memoir, “bearing a story never told”, and decisions about language (English vs. Persian).

Homework: Read and annotate pp 19-31 (to the break at the bottom of the page); fill out definitions, parts of speech, and context for vocab words 1-5.

Thursday 4/8

In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No pp. 19-31: Roya’s Iran; central characters and family.

Homework: Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp. 31-43; fill out definitions, parts of speech, and context for vocab words 6-10.

Friday 4/9

In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No pp 31-43; function of Little Black Fish story; discoveries about Albert, power of stories/writing/language.

Homework: Read and annotate Journey from the Land of No pp. 44-66. Fill out definitions, parts of speech, and context for vocab words 11-15.

Monday 4/12

In Class: Discuss Journey from the Land of No. Religion; Uncle Ardi and Neela.

Homework: Journey from the Land of No pp. 67-77 (to bottom of the page). Complete a written close reading: Select one short passage from pages 67-77 (a short paragraph, or 6-8 sentences within a paragraph) that strike you most and that you feel are rich (in character development, theme, important issues/questions raised in the memoir thus far). Write a 1 page close analysis of the passage in which you discuss why the passage is important. For instance, you might want to discuss of significance the passage reveals about Roya or her society/world.  To perform your close analysis, you must zoom in to discuss the significance of specific word choice, language, and imagery that strikes you in the passage and why those choices are important to your understanding of the meaning/significance of the passage.  You may want to make connections between this passage and other moments in the text thus far, if it is important to your discussion. You are required to weave in short pieces of evidence into your analysis (with correct parenthetical citations!).  Do not use “I” or “me” in this analytical assignment.  Please title this assignment “Close Reading pp 67-77.”

Tuesday 4/13 – No Class

Macbeth Essay Process Piece, due March 5

English 9 Macbeth Essay Process Piece
Due in your essay folder, Friday March 5

When you finish your essay, write a one page process piece (typed, double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font) in which you reflect on your experience reading Macbeth and writing and revising your close reading essay. Please answer all of the following questions, and be specific in your responses!

What did you learn about yourself as a reader? What did you learn about yourself as a writer? What did you struggle with in brainstorming for, writing, and revising the essay? What are you most proud of in your essay? How have your writing skills improved over the course of the year? What do you think you still need to work on as an analytical writer?

English 9A Syllabus 3/1 – 3/11

English 9A
Jane Belton

Syllabus – Trimester II

Monday 3/1
In Class: FIRST FULL DRAFT DUE TODAY. Peer editing.
Homework:  Continue to revise your first draft, according to feedback you received.  Set up a meeting with me to discuss your work further. Your final essay (and complete folder) is due Friday, March 5 by 12:30.

Tuesday 3/2
In Class:  Hand back RWR grades. Meet in groups to rehearse your scene.
Homework: 1) Prepare for performance (find props, costumes, rehearse your lines and blocking). You should be meeting outside of school to your scenes more fully 2) Revise essay. Set up a meeting with me to discuss your work further. 3) read your RWR book # 3.

Wednesday 3/3
In Class:  Meet in groups to rehearse your scene.
Assignment: 1) Prepare for performance (find props, costumes, rehearse your lines and blocking). I encourage you to meet outside of school to rehearse your scenes more fully. 2) Complete final draft of your essay. The complete folder is due Friday March 5 in class. 3) Read your RWR book # 3!

Thursday 3/4
In Class:  Meet in groups to rehearse your scene.
Homework: 1) Your ESSAY and FOLDER ARE DUE TOMORROW! 2) Prepare for performance (find props, costumes, rehearse your lines and blocking). I encourage you to meet outside of school to rehearse your scenes more fully. 3) Finish your RWR book review (#3) for Tuesday, March 9. You must post your book review by 12 noon. (NOTE NEW DATE AND TIME).

Friday 3/5  — Final Macbeth essay folder due by 12:30

Monday 3/8: Reading Day.
Office hours 9:30-12: You may schedule an appointment to get feedback/notes on your group performance from me, if you like.  I strongly encourage you to do so! You may also want to meet with me to discuss your book review draft.

Tuesday 3/9: Book reviews due to goodreads by 12 noon.

Tuesday 3/9 – Thursday 3/11: Performance Day: Bring all props and costumes as well as your text for your performance.  GOOD LUCK!

English 9B Syllabus 3/1-3/11

English 9B
Jane Belton

Syllabus – Trimester II


Monday 3/1
In Class: FIRST FULL DRAFT DUE TODAY. Vocab quiz. Peer editing.
Homework:  Continue to revise your first draft, according to feedback you received.  Set up a meeting with me to discuss your work further. Your final essay (and complete folder) is due Friday, March 5 in class.

Tuesday 3/2
In Class:  Hand back RWR grades. Meet in groups to rehearse your scene.
Homework: 1) Prepare for performance (find props, costumes, rehearse your lines and blocking). You should be meeting outside of school to your scenes more fully 2) Revise essay. Set up a meeting with me to discuss your work further. 3) read your RWR book # 3.

Wednesday 3/3
In Class:  Meet in groups to rehearse your scene.
Assignment: 1) Prepare for performance (find props, costumes, rehearse your lines and blocking). I encourage you to meet outside of school to rehearse your scenes more fully. 2) Complete final draft of your essay. The complete folder is due Friday March 5 in class. 3) Read your RWR book # 3!

Thursday 3/4—No Class

Friday 3/5 Review Day
In Class:  Final Macbeth essay folder due. Meet in groups to rehearse your scene.
Homework: 1) Prepare for performance (find props, costumes, rehearse your lines and blocking). I encourage you to meet outside of school to rehearse your scenes more fully. 2) Finish your RWR book review (#3) for Tuesday, March 9. You must post your book review by 12 noon. (NOTE NEW DATE AND TIME)

Monday 3/8: Reading Day.
Office hours 9:30-12: You may schedule an appointment to get feedback/notes on your group performance from me, if you like.  I strongly encourage you to do so! You may also want to meet with me to discuss your book review draft.

Tuesday 3/9: Book reviews due to goodreads by 12 noon.

Tuesday 3/9 – Thursday 3/11: Performance Day: Bring all props and costumes as well as your text for your performance.  GOOD LUCK!

English 9B Snow Day Update

1. Your first full drafts of your essays are still due Monday March 1st, printed out for class.

2. Be prepared to take the vocabulary quiz on Monday March 1st (15 minutes!)

3. You should be reading your next RWR book! Bookreviews on that book will be due Monday, March 8 (that’s a week from Monday!)

4. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday classes of next week will be entirely devoted to working on your scenes with your group. You should plan to meet outside of class MANY TIMES for read throughs, rehearsals, and planning sessions with your group.