HW due 12/22: Writing Workshop

December 21, 2015 By

1. Intro Review–You were given a handout with two sample 1984 introductions. Both introductions are well done!  Tonight focus on the 2nd intro and note the positive elements. Why would I say it is done well? Why is the intro necessary? We are very good at identifying weaknesses in the writing of others; now, let’s see if we can find strengths.

2. Research and take notes on the bombing of Dresden during WWII.

HW due 12/21: Writing Workshop

December 18, 2015 By

1. 1984 Writing Prep–In class we came up with a healthy list of devices/elements worth analyzing. This weekend I want you to create at least three “marriages” of those devices. For each “marriage” you should pair at least two devices that work together (But feel free to bring more than two together in marriage. Hey, we are progressive!).  For each of the three marriages, you must explain in detail why you paired/grouped them.

For instance, I might bring the paperweight and Winston’s internal conflict together. I think have to explain how the two have a meaningful marriage. Perhaps, Orwell uses the paperweight to illustrate the evolution of Winston’s internal conflict. If so, then why does that evolution matter? What is the greater significance?

Or, perhaps I marry manipulation of language (i.e. newspeak), manipulation of thought, and the motif of dreams. Why this trio? How does one help to inform the other? Do the three work together in the development of theme? If so, how?

2. Intro Review–You were given a handout with two sample 1984 introductions. Both introductions are well done!  This weekend read the first and note the positive elements of the intro. Why would I say it is done well? Why is the intro necessary? We are very good at identifying weaknesses in the writing of others; now, let’s see if we can find strengths.

HW due 12/8: 1984

December 7, 2015 By

1. 1984–Complete Part II of the novel!

2. Essay Evaluation–Tonight, we will work with the sample essays distributed last week. With the Essay rubric in mind (specifically Knowledge and Evidence) evaluate the first body paragraph with a focus on development. Write out your feedback (good and bad). Be constructive in your criticism.

HW due 12/3: 1984 and More…

December 2, 2015 By

1. 1984–Read and annotate Chapter VII through Goldstein’s Book in Chapter IX. (Stop with “The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism”)
2. Thesis Revision–Revise the thesis that we worked on today in class. Focus on making your revision as clear and concise as possible.
3. Introductions and Conclusions–Print and keep them in your binder!
4. Reminder: 2 of your 3 precis are due Thursday (Friday for 10A). You must print out your source material as well.

HW due 11/19: 1984 and Art as Social Commentary

November 18, 2015 By

1. 1984–10C read Chapter 3 for tomorrow and read Chapters 4 and 5 for Monday!
10A read Chapter 3-5 for Monday. Please, in the interest of your own sanity, do not wait until Sunday to read three chapters. There will be a reading quiz on Monday.
2. Class Forum–(Due by midnight Sunday) To Be Verbs

3. Art as Social Commentary (Deadlines at the end! First deadline 11/23)

George Orwell uses the novel as a means to communicate his critical view of political, social, and economic paradigms of the mid 20th Century. As I am sure you are aware, he felt strongly about his critique of totalitarianism in general and Stalin’s Soviet Union in particular.

Now it is your turn to use art as a form of commentary. However, the medium for your message is VISUAL ART.  First things first, choose a subject that you feel strongly about, something in which you can invest your time, thought, emotion, and creative juices. Your only limit here is your imagination! Your art should have consciousness and purpose as you create awareness.  It should be genuine. Ultimately, I expect that you will elevate and catalyze a dialogue relevant to your subject.

After selecting your subject, you must Research! You are expected to research your subject accumulating 3 sources further informing your understanding of the subject.  Understanding that the sources and précis are to work in concert solidifying your knowledge on the subject, thoughtfully choose your sources and choose sources from legitimate web sites (avoid wiki links, joe schmoe’s blog, joe schmoe and his cronie’s website, etc.).  So, your source should come from a credible site.  You are then expected to write a precis for each source. Print out and read the precis expectations. You should have the precis printout in your binder as with all printouts. Let me stress, read the precis guidelines very closely. Further, the sources should ultimately help to give form to your creative project.  At the end, you will submit your research with the creative project. As I stressed in class, choose a subject you genuinely care about.

Folks, this is not some casual art assignment that can be done in your journal consisting of a couple of stick figures. If you do this you will receive no credit for the assignment. In grading the visual bit I am expecting to see the product of deep thought (thematic understanding), extraordinary effort, and creative effort.

The following will be considered when assessing these:

  1. Project’s visual impact (The visual should be aesthetically pleasing…more simply, it should look amazing)
  2. The project should be informed by your research. It should reflect knowledge and understanding.
  3. Project is thoughtful (The visual should be so thoughtfully and carefully created so as to carry your commentary/message.)
  4. Project is well-designed/executed
  5. Project reflects exceptional effort.

VERY IMPORTANT: The visual alone should communicate the commentary/message. While you can use words, you should not have to rely on words to communicate the message!

I expect your very best creative work here.  Know your creative strengths and weaknesses. If you are not a “natural” artist, improvise… Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. No excuses for mediocrity on this assignment. Peace.

Due Dates:

  • 11/23—Proposal including subject of project and a rough idea for the creative project. The proposal should be about half a page typed!
  • 12/3 (12/4 for 10A)–Three sources with precis for each source. Again, closely follow the precis guidelines.
  • 11/26–“Blueprint” for your art project. The blueprint is essentially a sketch of your art project.
  • 12/14–Final Art as Social Commentary project due!
* All stages of this project will be graded and count toward the project/essay grade. The final project itself will count for 300 total points. Be sure you also read the project description sheet very closely!
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