Elsinore High School

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English 11 and Media Arts

Course Description

Once you have read the syllabus (the PDF in "files" on the right), click the link at the end of the syllabus to digitally sign it by Friday, August 31st.
 
Students analyze a diverse collection of American voices in literature and film as they relate to manifestations of "The American Dream" across time, regions, and cultures. Students think critically about how depictions of "The American Dream" have evolved and been perpetuated by literature and the media, and use this understanding to create textual and visual responses, which reflect a deeper understanding and personal perspective on "The American Dream." Students integrate this extensive literary knowledge with a mastery of video production technical skills. Throughout the course, students develop as critical thinkers, writers, and filmmakers in the analysis and design of their own American Dreams.
 
 
 
 

Posts

Catcher Personal Reflection Project- DUE 5/24

Here is how to create the foldable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7UZ6Iv8b_Y
 

Holden is who he is because of the life experiences he has had. How we react to our own circumstances defines who we are. Many experiences, such as his brother’s death, were defining moments in his life. Think of the moments in your life that have most impacted you and therefore formed your opinions. Could you describe the moments and, more importantly, their significance in your life?

Create a flapbook containing 5 maxims that mean something to you personally. Explain how you connected with Holden, or why you disagree with Holden's opinions because of your own personal experience. Use a personal story to back up how you can or can't relate. 

Holden wants to be the Catcher in the Rye. Who do you want to be? Make that your cover title. 

Padlet of maxims to get you thinking: https://padlet.com/crystal_hofmann/ncxtkkaozi2b

Holden's Maxims Journal

A maxim is a short, wise saying expressing some fundamental principle or truth about life, often intending to advise a recommended course of conduct, such as “Good things come to those who wait.”

Although he often appears to be talking about nothing and repeats himself a lot, Holden Caulfield actually expresses many strong opinions throughout the course of The Catcher in the Rye that could be summed up as maxims.

1. For each chapter, write a maxim concisely expressing something Holden is trying to say about life in general. It does not have to be an already well-known saying or cliché, but should be broad enough to apply to anyone, anywhere.

2. Support each maxim with at least one incident from the chapter (evidence).

Example: 

In chapter one, Holden expresses the idea that everyone has value. For example, when he speaks of the headmaster's daughter, he describes her as "a nice girl... she had a big nose and her nails were all bitten down and bleedy-looking... but she didn't give you a lot of horse manure about what a great guy her father was" (Salinger 3). Holden acknowledges that although she is not perceived as attractive, she is nice and not fake. This shows Holden values qualities in others that are not aesthetic but intrinsic and genuine. 

Extra Credit- Writing- Due 2/14

Create a genuine, heartfelt valentine note or card addressed to a staff member on campus.
 
Ways to earn points:
1. Put effort into it- make it aesthetically pleasing by decorating it or attaching a candy.
 
2. Message includes an evidence-based claim, such as "you're an amazing teacher because (insert example)."
 
3. Message includes a fun pun, such as "you're 'beary' nice" with a picture of a bear. 
 
4. Create more than one!
 
Let's spread some love on campus and earn some extra credit at the same time <3 You may create as many as you'd like; however, the extra credit limit is for six Valentines. 
 

Gatsby Guided Reading Questions

Paste questions in your OneNote notebook and create a tab for chapter literary device analysis. For each chapter, you will be responsible for the reading comprehension questions as well as identifying and analyzing at least two literary devices. 

Wrapping up the semester

What's left in first semester to be graded? 
-OMM questions for chapters 1-6
-OMM writing for chapters 1-6
-OMM annotations for literary elements (see background)
-OMM film review
-OMM Final: 8 multiple choice, 5 fill in the blank, and 3 written responses (during finals day)

Personal Narrative Prose

Write a brief personal narrative in which you address this prompt:
How has my personal experience shaped my view of individualism? Do I see it as a guiding principle, something to be avoided, or a combination of both? Begin by choosing an incident from your life that has shaped your view of individualism. Develop that memory into a narrative, sequencing events so that they reveal how you acquired the view you hold now.
Style similarly to the excerpt from Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington, which is located on pages 142-143. Use pages 192-199 in your textbook to help guide your writing. 
Due Friday, November 16th. 
Rubric: 
MLA format 10
Length 250-500 words 10
Addresses the prompt 10
Grammar/Diction 10

Declaration of Independence- video script due Nov. 2

  • Who today has been mistreated and might need a "declaration" of his/her/their rights? ​
  • Must include:​
  • A preamble, or foreward, that announces the reason for the declaration.​
  • A declaration of the people’s natural rights.​
  • A list of complaints (At least 5).​
  • A conclusion that formally states your independence.​
  • Use at least 2 of the concept vocabulary words: unalienable, constrains, tyranny, assent, acquiesce, rectitude.  
  • Use ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion) and logos (facts) in your argument. 
  • Written in script format (see powerpoint)