The Stranger - Day 2

Today in class we worked in small groups to discuss chapters 1 & 2. The groups used the "Rules of Notice" from yesterday's handout to determine a topic and a question for discussion, plus quotations from both chapters. You will then lead a discussion with the whole class.

For the weekend, please read chapter 3.  The calendars are posted under the tab for The Stranger above.

The Stranger - Day 1

Today in class I gave you a copy of this handout, reminding us of the "Rules of Notice" for reading.  You then read chapter 1, and we had a short discussion about out initial observations.

• The Stranger - Rules of Notice

I also shared some maps and pictures with you, giving you a sense of the setting. You can find these under the tab for the novel (above).

The Myth of Sisyphus

Today in class we'll start our next unit by reading an essay by the author of our next book, Albert Camus: "The Myth of Sisyphus"

On this handout you will find a helpful glossary and some of the questions we'll discuss.

• "The Myth of Sisyphus" glossary and questions

In class we wrote about three different ideas related to the essay: Punishment, Hope, and Happiness

Our discussion focused on the ways in which Camus re-envisions this classic myth to see Sisyphus as "happy." 

Life of Pi - Final Revisions for Essay

Greetings!
Happy Monday and Happy Kasmir Pulaski Day! (Remember when we used to have this day off?!)

The plan for today is simple - finish your essay. But it is also time for you to go over it and make sure it works, to make sure it is error-free, and to make sure it is your best possible work.

If. You have time, I highly recommend working with a partner or two and read each other's essays. Ask these questions:

• Does my thesis work? Is there a clear central focus to my essay?
• Do you understand the different sections / paragraphs? Do I have clear topic sentences?
• Do I have enough evidence? Do I have a variety of evidence from a range of chapters? Have I represented different parts of the book?
• Do I full explain all of my evidence, showing both what it means and how it helps to prove my thesis?
• Do I have spelling or mechanical or other errors I need to correct?

Then, work to make sure you address these concerns and turn in your best version to turnitin.com by 11:59 tonight!

Good luck with it!

Also, don't forget - you need a copy of The Stranger by class on Wednesday (1st period) or Thursday (6th or 8th period).

Life of Pi - Outline

The focus of today is work time - time to look over your notes and different parts of the book as you plan out your essay.

Please use this form to gather and focus your thoughts into an outline and share it with me by the end of the period.

• Life of Pi outline

Life of Pi - Forming Questions (getting your head around your essay)

After a short discussion in the classroom we'll move to the computer lab.
Please use this handout as your guide for today: Life of Pi - Developing Questions