Tuesday, December 8, 2009

AP English Literature

I placed the study questions on my blog to acquaint you with blogs. Click on some of the links below to visit student blogs. Then return to my blog to obtain your study questions and homework assignment.
Homework: Read Oedipus up to the end of the second episode (And honor to Apollo) are last words. Answer study questions that follow. Study your notes on tragedy, and the function of the chorus/outline. Complete your independent reading journals and your literature circle role sheet. Remember-- extra credit Job assignments are due on Monday. Quiz on Thursday after Literature Circle Meetings. 1. What similarities do you notice between Oedipus and the character Job in terms of behavior or disposition thus far in your reading?
2. In the first Episode beginning with the words--You Pray! Then listen: and ending with the words "the whole of heaven help." Oedipus lays out a plan to stop the plague gripping Thebes. Summarize his statement/plan presented here.
3. Of what does Oedipus accuse the blind seer Tiresias? Why does Tiresias not speak?
4. Of what does Oedipus accuse his brother in law, Creon (Kreon)?
5. Of what does Oedipus intend to do? What does his wife, Jocaste (Iocaste) tell him?
6. The oracle had prophesied that Oedipus would kill his father and beget children by his mother. Is Oedipus therefore made to do these things? Is Oedipus bound or free--the puppet of fate, or the creator of his own fate? Of some of each?
7. When in the play was Oedipus a braggart? arrogant? insolent? presumptuous?

Monday, December 7, 2009

Blogging Over Break!

Social networking sites and blogging can revolutionize classroom teaching by providing students yet another vehicle for communication and thinking richly about the texts they read. This semester, I intend to make use of blogging as a way for students to yet again engage in literature circles (AP English Literature) and Non-fiction circles (AP English Language). Students will have the opportunity to post journal entries, pose and respond to questions, and engage in their independent reading texts with an online peer group. I will also ask them to explore other blogs and to follow those of their artistic and academic interests. Get ready for break (but not from reading and writing)!
Guy