november 1

JOURNAL TOPIC: ["Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica]

How much of Emerson's message is sinking in?  Rank his ideas on a scale from 1-10, 1 being "Emerson is full of crap" and 10 being "Emerson is exactly right."  Please make sure to provide at least 2 quotes from his essay and at least three reasons that support your position.  We will be using this for today's Socratic Seminar.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Socratic Seminar
3. Preview of Coming Attractions

HW:
Look up at least five of the quotes you heard in today's Socratic Seminar.  Explain them & explain why they came up in conversation in a post on your blog entitled EMERSON SAID IT

what it looks like when something we read clicks

Glad this happened for Jish.  Doesn't matter if it was motivated by the desire for a good grade or the desire for a better life or the desire to connect with the inspiration of great ideas or the desire to talk to a dead guy the day before Halloween.

Since I'm posting this by request, and there is probably value in everyone being able to see everyone else's blogs in all our classes, here is a link to all the AP member blogs.

october 31

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "What's He Building in There" by Tom Waits; "Monster Mash" by Bobby Boris Pickett & The Crypt Kickers]

Happy Halloween.  Tell a scary story.

*OR*

During the time of Dia de los Muertos the veil is said to be thin.  Remember a loved one who is no longer with us.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. On self-reliance: 175 years later, would Emerson celebrate or puke?

HW:
Finish what you should have started over the weekend

i just sued the school system

Thanks Leo for sharing this:

october 28

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Riders on the Storm" by The Doors]

Rain is often used as a literary device.  Why?  What does it symbolize to you?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Emerson feedback
3. Dust off your resume
4. Preview of next week's attractions

HW:
1. Reflect on your Emerson writing.  What did you do well?  What do you need to work on?  You can use the journal you wrote yesterday as the basis. (title: AUTHOR IN PROGRESS)
2. Read "On Self-Reliance" to the end and post your notes (title: I'M SELF-RELIANT)
3. It's great reading weather... curl up with a good book-- and work on your current literature analysis

october 27

1. How does Emerson's diction, syntax, and tone reinforce his main idea?
2. Emerson writes, "Every heart vibrates to that iron string."  How does his use of figurative language illustrate his theme?
3. According to Emerson's logic, how might a "brute" or an infant qualify as a genius?
4. (EXTRA CREDIT) Explain Emerson's purpose in beginning with, "Ne te quaesiveris extra."
5. (EXTRA CREDIT) Here in 2016, how do you see Emerson's points that youth has force and seniors are becoming unnecessary? 
6.  

HW:
Journal Topic: please reflect on your writing today.  What went well in the preparation and execution?  What can you improve? 

the art of amezaiku

Amezaiku, the art of Japanese candy making, goes back to the 1600s. But that's not the point.

There is something extraordinary-- sweet, even-- in watching a person pursue something with so much love.  Enjoy this.  And, after you watch, ask yourself what you might love doing enough to spend a lifetime perfecting it.