How will my writing be graded?Writing assignments will be graded using the 6+1 Traits for Writing. For detailed rubrics and other helpful materials, please see the 6 Traits page.
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How should I turn in my work?Unless otherwise directed, you must upload all writing assignments to Turnitin.com Remember that to keep up to date with homework, assignments and other deadlines, you must check the calendar.
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Resistance to Slavery
Your assignment: Compare three forms of resistance to slavery from the slave narratives you've read (including one narrative not included in your textbook). Of the three, which form of resistance do you think was the most effective? Answer this prompt in a well developed essay of at least five paragraphs, using at least three direct quotes from the texts. Include a works cited page in MLA format. Submit your essay to Turnitin.com. Please see the English 11 calendar for specific deadlines for this assignment. |
Extra Credit: "I Hear America Weeping"
Students may, for 10 extra points added to their writing grade, compose an unromanticized (realistic) version of Whitman's poem "I Hear America Singing". Upload this to Turnitin.com by Friday, January 10 for credit.
Poe's Symbols
Objective: Analyze the use of symbols in Poe’s work.
In his poem “The Raven”, the ominous black bird is a symbol of the deep gloom and the insurmountable melancholy the narrator feels for his lost love. Choose a symbol (other than the raven) in one of Poe’s stories. Some examples from Poe’s works include the bust of Pallas, the goddess of wisdom, the beautiful chamber, reminiscent of the beauty of the lost Lenore, the rats, the pendulum, the pit, the black cat and others. Once you’ve identified a symbol in one of Poe’s works, analyze and discuss its significance in the story and dig beneath the surface to uncover its deeper meaning. This essay should be 5-8 paragraphs and include specific quotes and references to the text.
In his poem “The Raven”, the ominous black bird is a symbol of the deep gloom and the insurmountable melancholy the narrator feels for his lost love. Choose a symbol (other than the raven) in one of Poe’s stories. Some examples from Poe’s works include the bust of Pallas, the goddess of wisdom, the beautiful chamber, reminiscent of the beauty of the lost Lenore, the rats, the pendulum, the pit, the black cat and others. Once you’ve identified a symbol in one of Poe’s works, analyze and discuss its significance in the story and dig beneath the surface to uncover its deeper meaning. This essay should be 5-8 paragraphs and include specific quotes and references to the text.
My Transcendental Life
The following are key elements of Transcendental thought, made popular by Emerson, Thoreau and others. What can you do to incorporate these principles into your own life?
- Nonconformity
- Self-reliance
- Free thought
- Confidence
- Importance of Nature
Your Assignment: Choose two of the above listed elements of Transcendentalism and explain how you can apply the principles of the Transcendentalists to your own life.
Format your essay in intro-body-conclusion format, in MLA (see the Purdue OWL's MLA style guide) and be sure to include at least two direct quotes from either Thoreau or Emerson. Your essay should be at least two pages in length and should be uploaded to Turnitin.com. How will this assignment be graded? Please see the 6+1 Traits for Writing rubrics. Please see the calendar for specific deadlines. |
IMITATION IS SUICIDE.In his famous essay Self-Reliance, Emerson warns that "envy is ignorance and imitation is suicide." Do you agree with his statement? Explain whether or not you agree or disagree and support your decision with examples either from your own experience or the world around you. Explain your view in a short essay (1.5-2 pages). Please upload your work to Turnitin.com before Monday. See the class calendar for due dates.
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Solitude
Find time for solitude. Spend 15 minutes completely alone. You may do this inside or outdoors, but make sure you are comfortable. Bring along a pen or pencil and some paper. Spend the entire time writing. Jot down all the observations you make about the way you feel physically and emotionally or any thoughts that come to your mind. Make sure that you are completely undisturbed for the entire 15 minutes. You may set a timer if you need to.
Freedom and Equality
Write a short essay (between one and two pages, double spaced)
answering the following question. Please make specific reference to
at least one of the texts we read in class:
Today freedom and equality are guaranteed for you and people
of all races, religions, and genders according to the laws of the
United States. Every citizen is guaranteed equal and fair treatment
by law and the freedom to openly express ideas. Every citizen
is also guaranteed the right to vote. However, this was not always the
case. Many groups of people have had to fight long and hard to gain
equality and the right to vote.
Do you feel this ideal of "freedom" is more or less true now than in
Jefferson's time? What did "all men are created equal" mean to Thomas Jefferson?
What does that same phrase mean to Americans today? Is everyone treated
equally in the United States? Why or why not?
Upload your response to Turnitin.com by Monday, October 14th.
answering the following question. Please make specific reference to
at least one of the texts we read in class:
Today freedom and equality are guaranteed for you and people
of all races, religions, and genders according to the laws of the
United States. Every citizen is guaranteed equal and fair treatment
by law and the freedom to openly express ideas. Every citizen
is also guaranteed the right to vote. However, this was not always the
case. Many groups of people have had to fight long and hard to gain
equality and the right to vote.
Do you feel this ideal of "freedom" is more or less true now than in
Jefferson's time? What did "all men are created equal" mean to Thomas Jefferson?
What does that same phrase mean to Americans today? Is everyone treated
equally in the United States? Why or why not?
Upload your response to Turnitin.com by Monday, October 14th.
"Razorback Virtues" Poster
Produce a colorful poster illustrating the virtue you have been assigned. Include the name of the virtue in large, bold letters, a one paragraph description of how underclassmen might apply that virtue in their own lives, and an image illustrating your virtue.
Produce a colorful poster illustrating the virtue you have been assigned. Include the name of the virtue in large, bold letters, a one paragraph description of how underclassmen might apply that virtue in their own lives, and an image illustrating that virtue.
"Sinners" Sermon Parody
Write a one-page parody of Jonathan Edwards' sermon. A parody is a form of literature intended to mock a particular literary work or style; a comic effect is intended. This is not meant to disrespect the literature, however, it may imitate the style or the subject matter of the original piece. You might want to describe the terrible fate awaiting people who commit some trivial crime – failing to keep a neat locker, failing to return a library book on time, failing to complete a homework assignment, or oversleeping. Try to imitate Edwards’ style by using hyperbole and at least three metaphors. Upload your parody to Turnitin.com and bring a printed copy with you to class.
Creation Myth
Human cultures have used myths and legends to explain natural phenomena for thousands of years. Choose one natural phenomenon, e.g. why the sky is blue, why humans live on land instead of in the oceans, why there are so many different types of animals, or why day and night exist, why certain types of weather exist, etc. Then write your own creation myth to explain that natural phenomenon. Use at least one of the archetypes found in any of the creation stories we read in class or for homework, for example: the life-giving tree, the first man and woman, earth, water, sky, etc.
Please submit your story through Turnitin.com by Sunday, September 8th at midnight. Please remember that Mr. Cyphers does not accept late work!
To see all due dates and deadlines, please refer to the class calendar.
Human cultures have used myths and legends to explain natural phenomena for thousands of years. Choose one natural phenomenon, e.g. why the sky is blue, why humans live on land instead of in the oceans, why there are so many different types of animals, or why day and night exist, why certain types of weather exist, etc. Then write your own creation myth to explain that natural phenomenon. Use at least one of the archetypes found in any of the creation stories we read in class or for homework, for example: the life-giving tree, the first man and woman, earth, water, sky, etc.
Please submit your story through Turnitin.com by Sunday, September 8th at midnight. Please remember that Mr. Cyphers does not accept late work!
To see all due dates and deadlines, please refer to the class calendar.
Student Bio
In order for your teacher to get to know you better and to begin our practice of writing, you will write on a topic you know best - yourself! Compose a bio that answers all of the questions listed below. Submit your bio by uploading it to Turnitin.com. Your bio is due before class on Tuesday, August 27th.
What is your name? By what nickname do you prefer to be called?
How long have you been in Schweinfurt?
Where are you from?
Where else have you lived? Are any of these places particularly important to you? Why?
What is your favorite place in the world?
What extracurricular activities do you participate in outside of school?
Do you have any allergies or specific medical conditions? What do you do with your free time? Do you have a job?
What did you do this summer?
What kinds of movies do you like to watch? What is your favorite movie?
What kinds of books do you like to read? What is your favorite book?
What is your favorite kind of music? Who is your favorite artist?
What is your biggest strength? What is your biggest weakness?
What are your expectations for this course?
What are your expectations of me, your teacher?
Name some of your specific goals for this school year.
How can I best help you to achieve those goals?
Describe one thing that you will contribute to make this class successful this year.
In order for your teacher to get to know you better and to begin our practice of writing, you will write on a topic you know best - yourself! Compose a bio that answers all of the questions listed below. Submit your bio by uploading it to Turnitin.com. Your bio is due before class on Tuesday, August 27th.
What is your name? By what nickname do you prefer to be called?
How long have you been in Schweinfurt?
Where are you from?
Where else have you lived? Are any of these places particularly important to you? Why?
What is your favorite place in the world?
What extracurricular activities do you participate in outside of school?
Do you have any allergies or specific medical conditions? What do you do with your free time? Do you have a job?
What did you do this summer?
What kinds of movies do you like to watch? What is your favorite movie?
What kinds of books do you like to read? What is your favorite book?
What is your favorite kind of music? Who is your favorite artist?
What is your biggest strength? What is your biggest weakness?
What are your expectations for this course?
What are your expectations of me, your teacher?
Name some of your specific goals for this school year.
How can I best help you to achieve those goals?
Describe one thing that you will contribute to make this class successful this year.
First Day Business
Welcome, students. The first day of school has come and gone. If you were in class, you received a copy of the syllabus (downloadable on the main page of this site) and you should have received your network login username and password. These will allow you to log into any computer in the school. When you try your login for the first time, the system will ask you to change your password. Change it to something that is at least 14 characters long and has one upper and one lower case letter, a number and a special character ($?!%^*).
I directed students to create Turnitin.com accounts. The instructions are on the "Turnitin" page on the main page of this site. Once you're able to log into Turnitin, you'll be able to complete your first assignment, due before our next class.
You got three hall passes that you can use for trips out of the classroom this quarter. You also got login information for the Holt Elements of Literature textbook.
If you didn't leave class with these things, please contact me and let me know!
Please see the calendar on this site and remember that on Thursday you will have a supply check and a quiz on the syllabus!
I directed students to create Turnitin.com accounts. The instructions are on the "Turnitin" page on the main page of this site. Once you're able to log into Turnitin, you'll be able to complete your first assignment, due before our next class.
You got three hall passes that you can use for trips out of the classroom this quarter. You also got login information for the Holt Elements of Literature textbook.
If you didn't leave class with these things, please contact me and let me know!
Please see the calendar on this site and remember that on Thursday you will have a supply check and a quiz on the syllabus!