The Second Coming

Directions: Read the poem by William Butler Yeats, “The Second Coming” and respond thoughtfully to the following questions. Each response should be about 150 – 200 words.

1. Do a line by line translation and annotate.
2. What does the title imply? What does the phrase mean when used today?
3. Why do you think the speakers says that “the best lack conviction” while the worst “are full of passionate intensity”?
4. How do you respond to the final image in lines 13 – 22? Explain and analyze the imagery. What do you see? What does it make you think of? What does it mean? What are you supposed to learn?
5. What do you think is the “rough beast” in Yeats poem? What do you predict will happen when it is born? Explain
6. What kind of mood does Yeats create with his poem? How do you know? Use lines and examples from the poem to support your claim.
7. What is imperialism and how does it apply to this poem?
8. Why did Achebe choose to title his story with a phrase from this poem? Again, TWO connective examples, one from the book and one from the poem.

Due: Wednesday 2/16. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

African Folklore Project

TOPIC:

• You will be writing your own African Folklore, explaining ONE “mystery,” physical attribute of an animal, natural phenomenon, etc. You must include this idea and a proverb. Your story must explain something in nature AND have a lesson and a moral phrase in it as well.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• You must write and tell ( 2 – 3 minutes) a story which explains your lesson/moral and a natural “event,” state of being or existence.
• Your written story:
  • Can take ANY format you want, just legible!
  • Must have TWO pictures
  • A cover (title and author, include your section)
  • No bigger than a cereal box J
  • Length: must be able to be told between 2 – 3 minutes! So…not five pages!
  • You can make a picture book, a comic strip, or a real laminated book from Office Max, just be creative!
  • Just make sure it is final copy ready
• Include two characters (dynamic/static, protagonist/antagonist, etc.)
• Adhere to: use of Dialogue, proper spelling, fluidity, content and following the rules of short stories.
• One use of a proverb
• Your oral presentation:
  • You must TELL your story to the class. You must tell the story from memory (obviously, not word for word, but if someone had you tell the story of “The Three Little Pigs.” You would be able to do so from memory and include the characters, important lines, dialogue, phrases, messages and lessons.
  • Keep story between 2 – 3 minutes
  • You must be mindful of your presentation skills: It is about the AUDIENCE. Be sure to engage them, speak clearly, be animated. Heck, you can even dress up! Think about what you would want to hear and how you like stories read to you.
• Your written assignment is due on : WEDNESDAY MARCH 2^nd.
• Your oral presentation will be based on a first come, first serve, sign up for the following week. You MUST be present on your presentation day. If you miss it or are not prepared, you will earn a ZERO.
• You can not present with out a WRITTEN COPY!
• You will have minimal class time to work on your story.

 

Remember: Due 3/2 and sign up for a presentation time asap! The clip board is on the back table by the resolution wall!  Once you sign-up, no changes!!! So THINK first and be prepared!

 Rubric:

 

 Written

Requirements	Total points	YOUR Score	Ms. G’s Score
Creativity: The physical story shows effort, is TYPED, use of color and materials, shows originality and relates to concepts expressed in the story. The content and concept of the story is original and inventive. Includes at least TWO relevant pictures, title is creative and relevant to your theme/moral/lesson.	15
Structure and Mechanics: Uses Dialogue, properly spells, fluid sentences that promote the events in the story, and follows the rules of short stories with a conflict, resolution and a character change	25
Character Development: Has dynamic character who changes, a static character who causes the dynamic to change and grow. Both characters have relatable “real life” attributes.	20
Proverb and Lesson: The lesson and moral are clearly developed and understood. The use of a proverb and character’s revelation about this moral are clear, effective and logical.	15
Final Copy Ready: Uploaded to turnitin, rubric is submitted with the book (paperclip it if you have to), the book is held together and is sturdy, due at the beginning of class, “your score” is filled in.	5

 

Presentation:

Oral Presentation Skills: Animated, makes eye-contact, speaks loudly and clearly, changes voices if necessary, engages the class.	10
Preparation:  Practice is evident, can recite the story without stopping pausing, backtracking, stays true to the original story. Presentation is kept between the 2 -3 minute time frame	10
TOTAL SCORE:	100

African Folklore Presentation Schedule

REMINDER: The due date has been moved up a day to Tuesday instead of Wednesday!

 

DUE: TUESDAY MARCH 1^st

 

Presentation Schedule:

 

	Section A	Section C	Section E	Section F	Section G
March 1st	1. Ralph 2.John 3. Joey 4.Nam 5.Crystal 6.Akua 7. Austin	1. Victoria 2. Kenya 3. Xiang 4. Fritz 5. Iart 6. Russell	1. Junpeng 2.Makenzie 3.Fiona 4.Thomas 5.Jonah 6.Brenden 7.Dan 8. Jasmine G.	1.Jesse 2. Trae 3. Natalie 4. Joanne 5. Analiese 6. Darien	1. Caio 2. Agron 3. Jasmine 4. Paul 5. Jian Yi 6. Samti
March 2nd	1. Kathleen 2. Latrelle 3. Adora 4. Josh G 5. Phillip 6. Chrissy 7. Virginia	1. Yasmine 2. John T 3. Lisa 4. Mina 5. Dionnha 6. Thalia	1.Christian 2.Hannah 3.Junfeng 4.Rachael 5.Ming 6.Carly 7. Ashley	1. Brianna 2. Alex 3. Maryan 4. Shayne 5. Aurora 6. Tianna	1. Jenna 2.Brittany 3. Xiao Feng 4. Helem 5. Weiqi 6. Leo
March 3rd	1. Ashley 2.  Ernest 3. Alex 4. Shanice 5. Lape 6. Steffany 7. Bridget	1. Maria 2. Tina 3. Ariana 4. Patrick 5. Ashley 6. Rubin	1. Nicole 2.Maylin 3.Phung 4. Jake 5. Kenny 6.James M. 7. Trang	1. Gary 2. Tori 3. Carolyn 4. Tommy 5. Matt 6. Pam	1. Abi 2.Manouska 3. Dan 4.Al 5. Kelsey 6. Lyne 7.
March 4th	1. Josh S 2. Darren 3. Anthony 4. Fatima	1. Johnny 2. Sony	1. Darlene 2. Jasmine 3.Samantha 4.Jennie 5. Diego 6. Brandon 7. James T.	1. Henry N. 2. Henry P. 3. Chup 4. Jason 5. Tanasia	1. Annell 2. Vy 3. Yeelay 4. Alissa

 Remember:

• You must be IN SCHOOL on your presentation day. If not, you will earn a ZERO. There is no room for a reschedule and grades are due.
• If you are not prepared, you will earn a ZERO.
• If you foresee a problem, see me ASAP so we can make a change.
• If you don’t see your name on here, see me!
• This is posted online and you have a hard copy!!!

TFA: Chapters 14 to 19 Response

Directions: Finish reading through chapter 19 in the novel. These questions require EFFORT. You need to make connections to your own life, other novels, and your current novel. Each response should be around 200 words, that’s an estimate to make sure you are analyzing and connecting!

 Chapters 14 – 19

1. Do you think Okonkwo wasted his life in exile? Why or why not? Be sure to back up your opinion with an example from chapters 14 through 19.
2. In Mbanta, Okonkwo is scolded for not understanding the Ibo proverb that “Mother is Supreme.” In what ways does Okonkwo ignore or refuse to acknowledge the female virtues in himself and others? How does this one-sidedness create problems from him in life?
3. What characteristics of the new religion do some of the Ibo people find attractive enough to convince them to convert? (We will use this in class J)
4. How does the coming of the new religion threaten the survival of the clan?
5. Okonkwo, like most people, has a hard time taking responsibility for his own life; he blames his misfortune on his “chi.” CONNECT: Do people today blame misfortune upon outside factors to absolve (if you don’t know this work, look it up!) themselves of personal responsibility? Like what? In your own situation or someone you know? What are some modern counterparts to “chi?”
6. Literary Concept: Tragic Hero: A tragic hero is character whose basic goodness and superiority are marred by a tragic flaw that leads to the hero’s downfall. Do you consider Okonkwo a tragic hero? Explain and use examples from the novel in support of your point of view. How would you describe his fatal flaw?

TFA: Ch 7 through 9

Directions: Read chapters 6 through 9 in TFA. Then, complete the following assignment. This will be used in class, so please be prepared. If you don’t have it, then you can’t participate. Remember, if you want my best, then give me yours.

Quotation analysis:

• For each chapter, you will need to find an importanat passage, the best 5 lines, no ellipsis (…). It can be narration or dialogue. For each chapter, your quote should relate to EITHER figurative language, character development or thematic connections. This is similar to what we did in class on thursday. In total, you should one quote in EACH category.
• Include the FULL quote AND page numbers.

Figurative Language: what technique is used (ie: imagery, foreshadowing, allusions, etc)? Summarize AND analyze. Why is the reader supposed to learn from this passage and technique? Why is it impotatnt to plot, character or theme development?

Character development: Find a passage that indicates the characters, actions, words, thoughts, emotions, wants or needs. Then, explain what it reveals about that character. Think about it: if you saw a girl smack a boy in public, what would you think about her? Why would she do that? What did the boy do? What does it tell you about their relationship? So, apply this to your characters and pretend you are their therapist.

Thematic connections: In your passage, the author is sending you a message, a lesson, or a moral: this is the theme. What is Achebe trying to tell you and teach you by writing this book? Remember, “love” isn’t a theme, that’s a topic. What the author wants you to know about love, that’s the theme.

Please type if possible

TFA: Chapters 4 and 5

Directions: Read the assigned chapters and answer the questions in complete sentences, be succinct but insightful.

Chapter 4:

1. What does Okonkwo’s criticism of Osugo show about his character? Use a specific citation in your analysis.
2. How does the captive Ikemefuna fit into Okonkwo’s household?
3. Why must Okonkwo pay a fine?
4. Why does Okonkwo’s enemies criticize him? Is their criticism justified? Use a citation to support your point of view.

Chapter 5:

1. Explain the importance of the “Feast of the New Yam.”
2. How do you think the narrator feel about Okonkwo’s violence towards his second wife? What is your opinion?

Extra Credit Opportunity!

Extra Credit Opportunity on Thursday 1/20!

Take a trip to Nigeria! One of your peers will be giving you an authentic presentation about growing up in Nigeria. This presentation will include personal stories, clothing, videos, music, dance and food! There will also be time for some Q and A. This will help to give you a better background about the next novel we are reading, Things Fall Apart, by Nigerian Author, Chinua Achebe.

Don’t be late!!!

This is open to MY STUDENTS ONLY!

When: Thursday 1/20

Where: Room 328

Time: 1:45 – 2:30 (doors close at 1:45, so don’t be late!)

You must be present for the entire presentation and fill out a ticket to leave in order to get extra credit. If you don’t fill out a ticket to leave with your name on it, then I will not know you attended. 

Don’t be late and come and enjoy the fun!!!

I encourage you to tell your parents that there are many opportunities for you to earn extra credit, not just for GSA events. However, having students stay after for events helps to create a school community and school spirit. Please note that no student recieved anything for wearing purple, which means I don’t force my views on to you, other than to be open-minded and tolerant of other races, cultures, and lifestyles. Be sure to mention those times I offer you points on a quiz for Jeopardy, staying after to help, attending games, the MSA panel, etc.

WebQuest: Nigeria

Directions:

• Use the following website to find the answers to these questions. Some you have to infer, others will be stated. Make sure you read your sources and answer exactly what the question is asking of you.
• Be sure you can answer it in your own words: don’t just copy! You have to be able to understand it and explain it!
• No Cut/Paste!
• You have to upload this to turnitin by the start of class!!!!!!!!
• The WebQuest and Turnitin will be separate QUIZ grades for Term 3.
• DUE: Thursday 1/13

Websites:

• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ni.html
• http://www.cdc.gov/omhd/amh/factsheets/infant.htm
• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2091rank.html
• http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107847.html
• http://www.nigeria-planet.com/The-Nigerian-Civil-War.html

1. Give some vital stats about Nigeria: Population, climate, median age, capital, time zone, etc.
2. What are the major religions and languages?
3. What borders Nigeria (countries and bodies of water)?
4. How much of the population is below the poverty line?
5. What natural resources are specific for this country?
6. What is the major trade resource for this country and why is this ironic in comparison to the amount of people who live in poverty there?
7. What are some current environmental issues in Nigeria?
8. Define infant mortality and explain its connection to a country/economic status AND explain the infant mortality rates in Nigeria. How does this statistic compare/contrast to the USA?
9. What infectious and deadly diseases affect the population in Nigeria?
10. How long will children attend school and how does it vary between males and females?
11. What is a GDP? How much does Nigeria spend on education?
12. Describe their transportation. What comparisons can you make to the USA and to other countries you have traveled to?
13. When was the Nigerian civil war and what were the causes of the Nigerian civil war?
14. What was the aftermath?
15. and 16. Find TWO shocking/interesting/upsetting/educational facts not yet discussed/researched in this webquest and explain why you find them to be so. What does it indicate about Nigeria? Its people or culture? Its politics? Its economy? You need to make some sort of ANALYSIS about Nigeria based on these facts, use the evidence!