Episode 1 of Guns, Germs, and Steel from PBS-------CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT!!! THIS IS NOW EXTRA-CREDIT because of the snow day!!!!!!

*Pay attention to the assignment--the video is longer than class is. So finish it out of class if you want--but it isn't necessary because you will have time to see enough to finish the assignment
* If not you may have to read the transcript instead.

To watch the Episode 1 video: Click here
For the Episode 1 Worksheet: Click here 
(Also, if the video moves too fast for you and you are more of a "reader" here is a link to the transcript of the video: Click here)

Today we will work on completing Quick Write #1 (there are only 2) for Guns, Germs, and Steel

Quick Write #1--Cross it off on the bottom of side 2 and write the following:
(1)How does the author, Jared Diamond, introduce the topic and historical background of his book? (2)What does he claim are the main reasons for disparities (large differences) that still exist in the world? 

Today we will:
*Work on completing any questions for worksheet #1 that you are not finished with (check yesterday's post for directions)
*Work on Quick Write #1 (finish it for homework). There is some help below if you need it

USE YOUR ANNOTATIONS FOR EVIDENCE!!

     In the excerpt from the book, Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fate of Human Societies by Jared Diamond, the author introduces his topic in the prologue entitled "Yali's Question." Diamond gives us some historical background info such as...........He explains that the reasons for disparities in today's world are.....

Body #1 (how does he introduce the topic and give historical background information?)
*Evidence/Explain
Evidence/Explain

Body #2 (what does he claim are the main reasons for the disparities that exist in the world?)
*Evidence/Explain
Evidence/Explain

Summarizing statement

Today's goal: Complete reading and annotating packet 1 of Guns, Germs, and Steel and finish worksheet #1

Quick Write #1--Cross it off on the bottom of side 2 and write the following:
(1)How does the author, Jared Diamond, introduce the topic and historical background of his book? (2)What does he claim are the main reasons for disparities (large differences) that still exist in the world? 

Work on completing worksheet #1

*Today we will begin by reading where we left off yesterday (we read up until the break on page 3 and answered numbers #1-3
*We will stop on page 8, (right above the #22, "Why did New Guineans wind up technologically primitive,  despite what I believe to be their superior intelligence?"----PLEASE ANNOTATE AS YOU READ!!!
*SPEND THE REST OF YOUR CLASS TIME ANSWERING AS MANY WORKSHEET QUESTIONS AS POSSIBLE.

Question #4 help
The author determines the subject of the book by examining history and prehistory for "academic interest" and "overwhelming practical and political importance." He decides the modern world has been shaped by "conquest, epidemics, and genocide" (16). 

Unit 3 begins...so start a new section in your binder (Research Paper)

Copy the following notes/vocabulary words in red into your notes for the research paper section of your notebook:

Research Questions:

• Why did wealth and power become distributed as they are now, rather than in some other way?
• Why did human development proceed at such different rates on different continents?

T: Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fate of Human Societies 

A: Jared Diamond

G: non-fiction book

charisma (n)- compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others

decimate (v)- kill, destroy, or remove a large percentage or part of the population

disparity (n)- a great difference

indigenous (adj)-originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native

insatiable (adj)-(of an appetite or desire) impossible to satisfy

potent (adj)-having great power, influence, or effect

prevalent (adj)-widespread in a particular area at a particular time

reverberate (v)-reflected many times, as sound waves from the walls of a confined space.

subjugate (v)-to bring under complete control; conquer; master; enslave.

trajectories (n)-the curve described by a projectile, rocket, or the like in its flight.

Worksheet #1 Guns, Germs, and Steel and digital double-entry journal

Homework: *folder for your research paper

James Baldwin "Letter to My Nephew"

here is the link: Click here/video of Chris Rock
Choose 1 of the 2 assignments (if you want to do both for extra-credit label one as the "extra-credit")
Assignment #1:
Below are the questions:
1. Is James Baldwin really only talking to his nephew?
2. How can we relate the message Baldwin is trying to relate to his nephew to modern day society?
3. What is Baldwin trying to say about society?
4. Are we "celebrating one hundred years of freedom one hundred years too early"?
5. Do you agree that showing love towards the ignorant is the way to go?

Assignment #2:
Write a letter of about 2-3 paragraphs in which you explain a current world or societal problem to a young child (either real or imagined). Be sure to give him or her advice on what to expect in his/her future and advice on how to deal with it.

"A Brother's Murder" by Brent Staples

We are moving on to the next text in our series entitled "A Brother's Murder" (this is by the same author who wrote "Black Men and Public Space").
Today we will:
1. Begin by watching a brief interview with the author (Brent Staples video)
2. Give a first read of "A Brother's Murder" as a group annotating as you read
3. Find the following vocabulary words: Circle them and write the corresponding definitions in the margins
Par 1:
posturing -behave in a way that is intended to impress or mislead others
assailant-an "attacker"
Par 2:
wrenched-pull or twist suddenly/violently
mortality-state of being subject to death
brash-self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way
Par 3 (page 202):
affluent-having money/wealthy
paranoia-extreme mistrust of people and their actions
machismo-strong or aggressive masculine pride
Par 4:
ensconced-settle in a comfortable, safe, or secret place
Par 5:
desolate-empty of people; bare
idle-avoiding work;lazy
embittered-feel bitter or resentful
forays-a sudden attack into enemy territory
Par 8:
earnestly-showing intention, purpose, or effort
recurrent-occurring often or repeatedly

Exit Visa/Ticket out the door: Please use RACE strategy in your responses (restate/answer/cite/explain)

**Why do you think Brent Staples chose to write about the experience of losing his brother? Don't just guess, but think about the reading. What is his main point? Remember it's from a larger piece called Parallel Time.

**What are your feelings on this piece in comparison with "Black Men and Public Space"? (Some people may have more emotional reactions than others because of their own real-life experiences and that is ok). What sections left a lasting impression on you?

Brent Staples Day 2

Please start by writing down the vocabulary definitions for this piece. For HOMEWORK, write 10 meaningful sentences:
"Black Men and Public Space" Vocabulary List
1. retrospect (n)--a review of past events
2. perilous (adj)--full of danger or risk
3. elicit--(v)--to draw out (a feeling, response, act, etc.)
4. taut--(adj)--pulled tight; tense
5. congenial--(adj)--pleasant because of a personality similar to one's own
6. dismay--(v)--stress caused by something unexpected
7. berth--(n)--a space large enough to pass by (as a ship needs in water)
8. credentials--(n)--a quality, personal achievement, etc. needed to indicate you are suitable for something
9. affluent--(adj)--having a great deal of money/wealth
10. alienation--(n)--the feeling of being isolated or excluded from a group 

Examples:

• I have credentials so I can go to Canada. (NO! replace)
• Credentials are things you need so you can be suitable for something. (NO! dictionary)
• My friend said I have credentials. (NO! pointless)
• I have the necessary credentials to apply for the job because I have worked as a cashier already. (Yes! meaningful)

You will have the rest of class today to finish your questions with your group--PLEASE TALK OUT THE ANSWERS WITH EACH OTHER. They do not have to be in RACE strategy, but at least full sentences. Here are a few changes to the questions: Skip the "Issues" section
#5. should say paragraph 6
#6 should say paragraph 11
#7 should say paragraph 12

Brent Staples mini-unit

"Black Men and Public Space" by Brent Staples  audio

As we listen to the audio, please annotate the following:

1. Put a star (*) next to interesting sentences or ideas

2. Put a question mark (?) next to things you find confusing

3. Circle or highlight unknown vocabulary words

QUESTIONS ON “BLACK MEN AND PUBLIC SPACE”

THE FACTS

1.  What does Staples mean in paragraph 2 by “the ability to alter public space?”

2.  What does he learn from his encounter with a white woman as recalled in paragraphs

     1 and 2?

3.  What other anecdotes does Staples use to illustrate the problem of “black men and

     public space?”

4.  What is the essay’s thesis?

5.  What “truths” does the author describe in paragraph 5, and how does this paragraph

     help him advance his thesis?

6.  In paragraph 10, the author claims that “Black men trade tales like this all the time.” 

     To what kinds of tales is he referring?  How does including that sentence help him

     accomplish his purpose?

7.  Why has he forced himself “to smother the rage [he] felt at so often being taken for a

     criminal?  (paragraph 11)

8.  Who are Beethoven and Vivaldi?  Why does Staples whistle their music?

THE STRATEGIES

1.  Besides illustration, what methods of development does the author employ?

2.  Staples begins with an anecdote.  Discuss the effectiveness of this story as an

     introductory device.

3.  The thesis of the essay is implied.  Would the essay have been more effective if it had

     been explicit?  Explain.

4.  Staples’ tone is remarkably subdued.  Discuss the reason(s) behind his adopting such

     a tone.  Should he have expressed more emotion?

THE ISSUES

1.  Is Staples’ experience unique from his perspective as a large, tall black man?  Explain.

2.  Staples handles his rage in a rather unique way.  What is it?

3.  What does Staples’ subdued tone tell you about his character?

4.  Do you think we make false assumptions that people are up to no good if they are on

     the street late at night, even if they have a good reason for doing so?  Before you know

     his reason for being out late at night, why do you think he was out late?

5.  If you had been in Staples’ situation, how would you have handled it?

6.  Would Staples have been successful in his profession is he had remained in Chester,

     Pennsylvania, his hometown?  Why or why not?

"In Search of our Mothers' Garden's" by Alice Walker---extra-credit

Today you are responsible for:

1. Finishing the "Everyday Use" questions

2. Completing the quick write for "Everyday Use"

3. Turning in your essay for Julius Caesar by 11:59 pm tonight

(ALSO very few of you have completed DBA #2 which counts as a quiz grade)

video link on Alice Walker

Read the Alice Walker except, "In Search of our Mothers' Gardens" on pages 522-523 of the textbook, and begin answering the questions below the picture (you do not have to copy the questions)

Questions: Must Use RACE when possible for extra-credit
1. What work did Walker's mother do?
2. Why were her mother's stories so often incomplete?
3. In what ways does Walker say that her mother was an artist?
4. What portrait of Walker's mother do you get from this essay? Give a few words to describe her and examples of her actions to support your description.
5. What does her mother's garden represent, or symbolize to Walker? What does it represent to Walker's mother?

Help for the Quick Write

Help for the Quick Write (note: this is just a model--you do not have to follow this
word for word by any means) NOTE: THISIS JUST ONE WAY TO SET IT UP

 In the short-story by Alice Walker entitled, "Everyday Use," the author gives the reader vivid characterization of the 3 women: Mama, Dee (Wangero), and Maggie. This characterization helps the reader understand the characters' feelings about their heritage.
  The author characterizes Mama as a _____________ kind of person. This is seen in Mama's description of herself when she states, __________________. This show that ______________________. Another word that would describe Mama is ______________. This is true because ______________________________ as seen in the following lines _____________.
  Alice Walker characterizes Dee as ______________. This is shown through her mother's point of view when she describes Dee as _________________. This explains _____________________. Dee can also be considered by the reader to be ______________. This is seen when she returns as "Wangero" in the second half of the story. She explains to the family, ________________. This shows us that ______________________.
  On the other hand, Dee's sister  Maggie is considered by her mother to be ________________. This is seen when she tells the reader _______________________. This explains her feelings because ____________________. She is also described as ____________________ as seen in the following lines, ___________________. This informs the reader that ________________.
  This characterization affects the way each one sees the family's heritage. Mama and Maggie value_______ while Dee seems to value _________. We see evidence of this __________________________.
  Alice Walker's characterization of: Mama, Dee, and Maggie, gives the audience a clear view of the characters and each one's view on heritage, one of the major themes of the story.

Quick Write "Everyday Use"

After you finish questions 7-11, complete the following quick write:
Quick Write Topic for "Everyday Use" (8 pts.)
T-"Everyday Use"
A-Alice Walker
G-short-story

Question: Alice Walker provides the audience with many examples to characterize the 3 women in the story "Everyday Use": Mama, Dee (Wangero), and Maggie. 

• Use a minimum of 1-2 adjectives (not just any--but the most important adjectives) to describe each of the 3 characters throughout the story. 
• Give thoughtful textual evidence and explain how it shows the given adjective(s).
•  Explain how characterization shapes each character's view on the family's heritage.

Essay contest info

Gamma Phi Omega is holding an essay contest:

Submit a 200-word essay or less about the Harlem Renaissance and/or Black Movement honoring African Americans and their contributions during this unified movement.  Choose a person, event or establishment from the period about how that person or event has impacted our history and society.  Typed essays will be accepted.  Each entry please include student's full name, grade, school, and home telephone number.

To enter you must submit your essay no later than February 24, 2020 to Gamma Phi Omega at akagpo@gmail.com or

Gamma Phi Omega Chapter

PO Box 3231

Buffalo, NY  14240

"Everyday Use"--Day 2----

FOR HOMEWORK: WRITE 11 GOOD VOCABULARY SENTENCES FOR YESTERDAY'S WORDS (ON THE SIDE BOARD)
"Everyday Use" clip 1
Everyday Use" clip 2
Today we will:
1. Continue our reading of "Everyday Use"
2. Add more characterization quotes for ALL 3 characters
3. Begin working on our questions ("Everyday Use" worksheet)

Question #5 Exemplar: (this is just help--you can copy: all of it, some of it, or none of it)
5. Alice Walker uses personification to depict the way Dee reads to her family, such as when Mama says she felt, "trapped and ignorant underneath her voice." Another example is when Mama says Dee, "washed us in a river of make-believe, burned us with a lot of knowledge we didn't necessarily to know" (506). These examples show how Mama and Maggie felt Dee was using her knowledge against them to purposely make them feel stupid and inferior to her.

Today we will begin a short author study on: Alice Walker

First begin by writing down the following vocabulary words/definitions: (you should be in the Quarter 3 section now)----you may write on the back of the worksheet questions if you prefer.

"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker Vocabulary
1. homely (adj): unattractive
2. mercilessly (adv): showing no pity
3. fumed (v): showing anger
4. nature (n): the basic or essential features of something
5. enveloped (v): surround completely
6. sidle (v): walk in a timid (shy) manner, especially sideways
7. furtive (adj): secretive
8. cowering (v): crouch down in fear
9. doctrine (n): a set of beliefs
10. rifling (v): searching through something in a hurried way
Write down your own definition of the following word: (don't look it up)
11. heritage (n):

*Let's discuss our definitions
*Turn to page:  499 in the blue textbook
*Today we will read "Chunk #1" of the text
*Make a 3-column chart and get down as much information as you can about the 3 characters from pages 504 to the "W" on page 507: Mama (narrator), Maggie, and Dee
*We will begin answering the questions for the worksheet (#1-4 if possible)

*Click here to down load the worksheet: "Everyday Use" worksheet link

Today's Notes:

Mama (narrator)	Maggie	Dee
Imagines herself in a way she thinks Dee wished she looked “large, big-boned woman” (505)	“homely” (505)