Day 14

Remember that if we have no snow we have a test tomorrow.

For tonight we will be going with current event. Make sure you do not just summarize the event but also talk about the effect the event has on life. MUST CITE SOURCE.

Day 13

Hopefully going over the chapters is good for you. Remember that we will have a test on Friday convering the whole novel and it will have short answers as well.

For today:

React to Okonkwo's final act. How does this figure in with his chi? Why did he do what he did? Did he die with any dignity? What do you think about the finality of the Igbo tribe?

Day 12

Again, test on Friday over the entire book. It will be multiple choice with some short answer essay questions.

For this evening:

Pick one of the themes you have been charting (due on Friday) and discuss how that theme was woven through the entire book. You need to give at least 3 examples of where the theme was seen and cite the page number with your example. Then discuss how this theme has had an impact on your own life.

Week 3 Day 11

Hope you had a good day. Some of you truly need to look at Skyward and realize that you are hurting yourself by not having your work done. You should have read through chapter 25. We will be dividing chapters tomorrow and discussing on Wednesday and Thursday. There will be a test on the book on Friday.

For tonight:

Discuss why Okonkwo makes his final choice? Give 4 events in book 2 & 3 which led him to this decision. What was his final decision based on?

Day 10

Hope you did well on the quiz today. Again, you should be read through chapter 21 and we will have a busy week next week dealing with the book and the chapters we have not yet gone over.

For this evening:

Discuss your opinion of the "white man" coming into Nigeria and how they are dealing with the Igbo tribes. Use specific examples in your blog to back up your opinions. Also, how would you feel if some group came into your town and started taking it over without you having any say? What would you do under this situation?

Have a great weekend. I am out at a meeting on Monday. The sub will read any names of people who have missed blogs for staying on Tuesday (my dream would be for the sub to have to read no names).

Day 9

Well for the first time this entire semester, I almost forgot to blog. Much to your delight I am sure I did remember.

You should be reading through chapter 21 this evening. I would truly make sure that I have read through 19 and have completed the correct sheets. (Hmmm what is this man saying?)

For this evening I would like for you to do a free blog. You can write on anything you would like as long as it is coherent and makes sense. You also respond to the ideas of another persons blog as long as it is done appropriately.

Day 8

You should have read through chapter 18 at this point. Worksheets through chapter 15should be completed.

For this evening, pretend that you are Okonkwo and have to write Obeirka a letter while you are in exile. In this letter you are going to discuss your feelings for what is going on in your life. You must use 2 examples from the story to back up whatever it is that you are expressing. This blog may have to be more than 7 sentences.

Day 7

Tomorrow we will discuss chapters 12-15. Remember to read through chapter 18.

For this evening:

How does the following proverb explain the harsh punishment given to Okonkwo?
“As the elders said, if one finger brought oil it soiled the others.” (Pg. 125)
Have you ever had a punishment that seems harsh more harsh than the "criime?" Why do you think that happened? Is it fair? Why or why not? What does the harshness of the punishment to Okonkwo mean to his villagers?

Week 3, Day 7

Make sure you have read through chapter 15 as we will begin discussing them tomorrow.

For this evening, please choose a current event to discuss. You may not do sports or entertainment unless you can show how it is truly newsworthy. Remember to cite your source because NO CITE, NOT POINTS.

Day 6

Please remember that you should have read through chapter 15 for Monday. Based on the work from chapters 1-6, many of you need to step it up!

For tonights blog:

Until lions have their own historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter.
Source: (Igbo)

What does this mean? What does this mean to you? How does this relate to the Igbo society in the book?

Day 5

Decent information being shared today about the first 6 chapters of the novel. Make sure you have read through chapter 12 for tomorrow.

For this evening please read the following proverb and respond to the questions below it. Remember that a proverb is a saying that often guides principals especially in this Igbo village. If you do not know what benevolent means, LOOK IT UP!

"Those whose palm-kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble." - Okonkwo's arrogance in calling Osugo a "woman" at the meeting of the people. p. 26.

Is Okonkwo himself humble? Why or why not? Who is the most humble character in the book? What relationship does humble have with femininity and death? How does this go with the idea of Chi?

Day 4

Again, continue making sure you are up to date on the reading and worksheets. This also includes the themes assignment which you should be doing all the way through the novel. It seemed as if many of you were still behind today and that is going to be problematic as we continue the discussion of this book.

For this evening please respond to the following quote from the novel. What does this quote mean and to what context is it referring? What event occurs to make this quote happen? Lastly, what is your reaction to this quote based on your life? Is this quote one which we, in our society, prescribe to? Why or why not?

Week 2, Day 3

Welcome back. I hope you had a restful vacation and are ready to begin. I will warn that we are going to being working fast and furiously leading into Winter Break.
You must keep up on your reading. You should be through chapter 9.

For this evening:

Polygamy is defined as the practice of having more than one spouse at a time. The work and play of the women and children in this chapter provide examples of a harmonious polygamous household. Describe this household in terms of the relationships between Okonkwo’s wives and children. Lastly, what do you think of the idea of polygamy? Are there any advantages to having more than one spouse and what would they be? If not, why not?

Day 2

What do you think of the novel thus far? How would you classify Oknokwo's chi? How would you describe your own chi?

Have a great break and a great Thanksgiving no matter what the manner of your celebration. Be smart and be safe and I will see you on Tuesday.

Cardmarking 3, Week 1, Day 1

Well, at least this is a short week. Make sure that you have read chapters 1-3 of Things Fall Apart.

For this evening, pick another current event and comment on it. You may not pick the same as you did last week. I thought that people's comments about the current events were great and we will be doing this on a regular basis (once a week). Remember to tell me what you know if the topic, what is going on with the topic, and yoru opinion of the importance of the topic. Also, site your source for your topic. No Site, No points.

Day 29

Here we are at the end of the second cardmarking. Hard to believe that it is happening this fast. I am, overall, pleased with most of the way the class has gone although I would really love to see people put in more of an effort and show what you are truly capable of.

For today, I would like you to discuss your strengths and weaknesses thus far in this class. Also, what are your goals for the next cardmarking both in my class and as a student in general. Give a letter grade goal with ways you plan to make this happen. Lastly, give any constructive feedback as to how the class could be better or my teaching style could help you more. This does not include the comment no more blogging as that will not be happening.

Day 28

Good job for the groups who went today.

For this evening, I would like you to find information on the auto industry bailout plan. You can look at papers or online news source. Explain whether or not you think the government should bailout the auto industry and why. Also, discuss how this is not just an American problem but a global problem as well.

Day 27

First two presentations were pretty good today. Remember that you must be present on your day or you will receive a big 0 as your grade.

For tonight tell me about a social issue that you think is impoprtant in the world and what you think could be done to fix or help the situation.

Day 26

Hope all is well and that groups are prepared to begin presentations tomorrow. I am looking forward to interesting good work. Be ready to begin reading as Monday we will begin Things Fall Apart.

For tonight:

Deepak Chopra:
Giving connects two people, the giver and the receiver, and this connection gives birth to a new sense of belonging.

Week 6, Day 25

Please do not respond to this blog until Monday. As I am at Communication Camp connecting with people it begs me to think about connections in high school. Oddly, I only keep in touch with about 3 or 4 people I was friends with in high school. Honestly, the summer before college I went away to work at a camp, made new friends and many of them went to MSU which is where I was going. I truly wanted a break from most of the people I went to high school with for a variety of reasons. I look back and wonder if that cheapens my high school experience.

With that said, what is your views of friendship in high school? Where do you see you and your group of friends in 3 years? What is the importance of communication in maintaining friendships past high school? Do you think technology makes communication easier for you than it was for me and my friends?

Day 24

Hope to see many of you at the game tomorrow at Warren Fitzgerald. I remind you that in order to get the extra credit you have to find me, say hello and give me a piece of paper with your name on it so I remember who I saw. NO PAPER, NO EXTRA CREDIT!

Monday and Tuesday you will continue to work on your group research projects and papers. I have given far more time than I did last year to work in class therefore, I am expecting greatness. I am also expecting 100% turn in rate. Please do not make me email and call parents because you chose not to do an assignment that is worth 300 points in total.

For tonight, contemplate the importance of you. What value do you think you give to your family, friends, community and greater world at this time? Do you think that you represent who you want to be or are there changes you would like to make before you go off on the next phase of your life (post high school)? Lastly, if you had to write an epitaph (sentence on your tomb stone) what would you want it to say?

Day 23

Tomorrow we will continue to work on the paper and presentation. I forgot to collect the sheet of who is doing what in your group but will do so tomorrow morning. Also, while I am also preparing for Communication Camp and running around I will be in the lab a bit more for any questions.

For tonight:

"If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?"
Shantideva

Day 22

Tomorrow you will have time to work on research paper and group project. Make sure that groups have decided who will be doing what for the project and paper. It is unacceptable for one person to do more than one part of the group pieces. If this happens, points will be deducted from the project.

For today:

"Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not; it is the first lesson that ought to be learned; and however early a man's training begins, it is probably the last lesson that he learns thoroughly."
Thomas H. Huxley
English biologist (1825 - 1895)

Day 21

Please remember the following:

Final copies of research paper are due on the day of your presentation. Make sure that, as a group, you decide who is compiling what pieces of the paper.

For today:

Explain a time in your life that you had a fun experience that also ended up being a valuable learning experience.

Week 5, Day 1

I will tell you tomorrow when the final copy of the paper is due. We will be working within our groups tomorrow to begin getting ready for the presentations which I will also tell you when you are going.

For this evening:

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."
-Pablo Picasso

Day 19

Coming up next week:

More time to work with your group
Quiz on Monday on 3 stories
Get back Rough Draft and work on final copy

Respond to the following:

"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life."
Confucious

Day 18

Today, we had a vibrant discussion on "Kaffir Boy" and "The Bluest Eyes." OK maybe not vibrant. In fact, I am somewhat disappointed in the lack of participation going on when we have read and are discussing the stories. Alas, I will take care of this problem in the future.

As for today, please respond to the following:

The racism in "The Bluest Eyes" seems to be more subtle than the racism in "Kaffir Boy." In at least 7 sentences, compare/contrast the styles of racism the author uses in both stories. Make sure in this blog you actually have some kind of topic sentence and you must use at least one reference to each of the stories to prove your point.

Day 17

Again, my thanks to those who handed in their rough drafts. I am honestly shocked that I did not have people lined up at my desk after class asking what to do if their rough draft was missing. This is very disheartening to me and I am going to assume your parents when they find out that you may fail due to not completing your work.

Please respond to the following:

“Never neglect the little things. Never skimp on that extra effort, that additional few minutes, that soft word of praise or thanks, that delivery of the very best that you can do. It does not matter what others think, it is of prime importance, however, what you think about you. You can never do your best, which should always be your trademark, if you are cutting corners and shirking responsibilities. You are special. Act it. Never neglect the little things.”

Week 4, Day 1

We have suffered through the longest political campaign ever based on the fact that these people truly started campaining over 2 years ago. Based on the political climate that we live in, and for some you may need to do some reading before writing this blog, what is the most pressing issue the winner of tomorrows election has to deal with? Also, if you could create a law about campaigning would you make changes to our current system and why?


Have a great day off and think fondly of me sitting in meetings all day tomorrow.

Day 15

So, my frustration is that many of you are not taking this class or your role in this class seriously and it is going to begin to effect your grade more and more. When I give time to work on something that is what it is for not to sit and just have conversation. Many of you got bit today for not thinking that I could or would collect the questions from the story.

For today:

“It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities.”
Josiah Charles Stamp

Happy Halloween and have a safe weekend.

Day 14

Hopefully, you continue to have a better understanding of "Requiem" and the hardships these people went through. Like during "Fiddler," think about the hardships of these people being persecuted for having different beliefs or for speaking up against the government and then being sent to prison or death for these beliefs. Yes, this still happens all over the world.

Here is today's little ditty:

"Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching?"
~Dennis and Wendy Mannering

Day 13

Please respond to the following quote:

"The greatest achievements were at first and for a time dreams. The oak sleeps in the acorn."
James Allen

Day 12

Tomorrow, we will begin doing a couple of readings from the textbook so make sure you have it with you.

Please respond to the following:

"No matter where you live, brothers are brothers and sisters are sisters. The bonds that keep family close are the same no matter where you are."
Takayuki Ikkaku, Arisa Hosaka and Toshihiro Kawabata

Week 3 Day 11

Hopefully you got most of your EDP completed. We will be going back down to the lab tomorrow to complete them. Since we are doing this, you can work on your research projects once the EDP is completed. Do not forget that you must turn in your outline and citation rough draft tomorrow by the end of the hour.

Part of the EDP process is thinking about our futures. Collge or not, what type of career, etc. I want you to think about the following and respond:

1. What do you think the value of the EDP is? If you say there is none then back up with why.
2. Do you think that this process helps you think about your future or do you think that forcing this issue now causes problems for you?
3. Do you think the process pigeon holes you into thinking if you do not follow this career path you will not be successful?
4. What is your post- high school plan?

Day 10

GO EAGLES!! Hopefully, this is true by time most of you even write the blog. Remember, you will have a bit of time to work on Monday after the EDP is completed. Outlines and rough draft of your MLA formatted citations are due on Tuesday. Also, you must have one book source so if you do not yet have one I would go to your local library and find one.

Here is today's words of inspiration:

"You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find humor in anything - even poverty - you can survive it."
Bill Cosby

Have a great weekend.

Day 9

Sorry this is up later than I wanted but the site was down for a bit this afternoon.

Try this quote on for size:

"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Day 8

I hope that you are getting more comfortable with the research project. Remember to keep checking with your group members to see how you can be helping each other.

For tonight, respond to the following:

"To begin to think with purpose, is to enter the ranks of those strong ones who only recognize failure as one of the pathways to attainment."
James Allen

Day 7

So, I sit at conferences bored and blogging. I hope that your research projects are going well. Tomorrow, I will be giving you an outline form to use for your outline. I also will be meeting with each group set to make sure you understand the job you have in your group.

For today, respond to the following:

In our current political climate, how does culture impact the person we should be choosing for our next president? Make sure you talk about the importance of America in the world when answering this question.

Cardmarking 2 Day 6

I hope you found good groups for your research projects, picked a good country and a good social issue. We will discuss a variety of things each day before we head to the library or computer lab.

For today's thought, talk about the importance of looking at social issues from a cultural perspective. Is there an issue that is important to you personally or that you think the world needs to do a better job of adressing? Why?

Day 5

Remember to make sure the papers are completed. We will begin our group research papers this Monday. Start thinking about the best people for you to work with. Groups will be of 3-4.

Here is tonights thought:

To you, what profession is most honorable and why?

Day 4

So, it was nice to meet many of your parents at conferences. I am very tired and am feeling momentarily uninspired. Thus, enjoy not having to blog this evening.

Day 3

People are driving me crazy for a due date on the paper. I guess the due date, which may have been later had it not been for the pressure, will be Friday by the end of the hour. You will turn in your final copy, rough draft and peer evaluation that should be attached to the rough draft. Please take seriously the comments of your evaluator as I will be looking to see if you followed their advice. Also, make sure it is in MLA formatting. If you question this, please look it up online as you have used it the last 2 years on research papers. Make sure your paper has a unique title that fits the papers. "Fiddler on the Roof" or textbook Paper will not be acceptable. I will be looking closely for examples to support you statements and also a works cited page.

As for today's blog:

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
~ John Wooden ~

Day 2

It was great to get back today. Thanks to all who used their time wisely while I was out and got your work completed. Tomorrow, you will have time to finish the peer edits and then begin work on the final draft.

Here is what you need to think about and remember any less than 7 sentences and you receive no credit for the blog:

How can people be so beautiful on the outside, and yet ugly on the inside? Why do we as American's value outer beauty more than inner beauty?

Cardmarking 2, Day 1

Welcome to the second cardmarking. Now that you have lived through the first cardmarking I hope that you have gotten a grasp on my expectations and how to succeed in the classroom. You will continue to work hard but each and everyone of you is capable of achieving success if you want to work for it. I continue to be willing to do my part to help you if you ask for it.

So today, I went to a funeral of someone who was very close to me; you could say like a second grandfather. It got me thinking about friendship and if we truly value it when we are supposed to. So with that said, please respond to the following quote:

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost."
- Charles Caleb Colton

When responding, feel free to talk about your friendships both positive and negative and how they impact you.

Day 29

Hope you had a good day today and have good plans for the weekend. Remember that your rough draft is due on Tuesday. Your best bet, by the way, is to type it as I may have you email me a copy next week.

So, the end of the first cardmarking has arrived. Tell me, what are your goals for the second cardmarking? Where you pleased with your first cardmarking performance? Why or why not? How is the class going overall? Changes? (Less work is not an option for changes)

Day 28

Hope all went well with the beginning of your paper. If you have any questions or concerns with the paper, please email me at kaym@huronvalley.k12.mi.us

On to today's thought:

We are so lucky to live in a country where we are not worried about being forced out of our cities or states. Imagine for a moment being persecuted because of your beliefs or values and having someone tell you that you have to move away from all your friends and family because of this. How would this make you feel? How do we create a world where this is not a reality?

Day 27

Thank you for indulging me in the watching of "Fiddler on the Roof." I truly hope that there was a clear understanding of the cultural aspects of the movie and how it fit in with the cultural unit.

So, Tevye allowed his two older daughters to choose their husbands. Why did he not allow his third daughter do the same when she wanted to marry the non-Jewish young man? What does this say about the difference between cultural shift vs. cultural change? Within your culture, do you have beliefs or traditions that cannot change for it may harm the culture as a whole?

Day 26

Another day of Fiddler. Today we really saw the idea of what happens when cultures change in regards to the whole matchmaking process. Not only did Tevye allow his daughters some choice but then we saw the whole idea of inter-dancing as well. Yet, at the same time, there were so many traditions at the wedding as well. The bride walking around the groom 7 times, the breaking of the glass at the end of the ceremony, the dancing, the toasts and the gifts. It is amazing how this culture was able to keep traditions while allowing some new ideas in as well. Juxtapose that with the reality that outside forces were beginning to come in and disrupt their way of life after them living there for so long. Why? Just because they were different than those in charge. The police chief seemed to really have a problem with what was being done to the Jews and seemed sympathetic to them yet, still followed through on the orders to raid them. Thus our questions for the evening:

Why do you think the Russian leadership was so against the Jewish people and their way of life? If you were the policeman what would've you done after being given the orders to raid? Why do you think he did it even though he did not want to? What do you think his relationship with Tevye and the Jews will be after this experience?

Day 25

Another day of "Fiddler on the Roof." I hope you are clearly understanding the purpose of the cultural aspects of the movie and the themes which have been discussing for the entire semester. We will have specific questions based on this later as we come to completion of the movie.

Today, please respond to the following:

If I were stranded on a deserted island the 3 things I would bring would be and why?

Day 24

Today we began watching "Fiddler on the Roof." I am sure that you agree that while it is cheesy there is value in the understanding of culture. I want you to think about the whole idea of matchmaking. Could you even imagine being told who you are going to marry and when? Yet, in many societies this was the system for centuries and in a few it still is. What do you think may be the advantages of this system and why do you think culture has shifted away from such a practice?

Day 23

Hopefully, you understood why we did these presentations. Each country is unique in what it does for it's people and the history that it shares with them as well. People are inclined to feel a connection to the country they grow up in and to create some of their values and cultural expectations based on their country of origin. Some countries are stronger in making that connection yet, as can be seen through the presentations, there is not a country out there that does not have pride.

Please respond to the following quote:

“The real hero is always a hero by mistake; he dreams of being an honest coward like everybody else.”
Annonymous

Day 22

We have spent the last two days listening to people do presentations about several countries (and will finish up tomorrow). Why is this cultural so important to the aspects of not only World Literature but of world citizenry?

Day 21

Good job to those who did presentations today. I remind all the rest that tomorrow is the only other day I am going to do these presentations so you must be prepared for all sections even if one of the people are not in attendance.

Please respond to the following:

Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.
Miriam Beard

Day 20

I hope you have been working hard on your projects as this is a 100 point assignment. I hope, even more, that you are learning something about your country and not just putting information together. When you present, I will be looking at whether you know the information versus just reading from your PowerPoint. Also, as this is a group assignment, you should be aware of what your other group members are doing thus, if I ask a question about their work you should be able to answer.

Today, please give me thoughts about the following:

What does stand and be counted mean to you? You may use a personal experience to explain.

Day 19

I feel that we had a good week. Discussion on China as well as watching "Vantage Point" to have a greater understanding of how things can be different if seen through a different eye. I hope you are doing well with the project and remind you that you will be presenting on Tuesday and Wednesday with one more work day on Monday.

Please respond to the following:

Define popularity & how this concept affects your life.

Have a great weekend and those attending Homecoming Dance enjoy!

Day 18

I hope you will enjoy your cultural webquest. I think you will find it interesting to hear about all these other places that we think we know about but really do not. Please take time and concern with this project as it is 100 points (and if you do it right, they should be easy points).

Please respond to the following:

“When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” Annonymous

Day 17

Hope you enjoyed the movie and understand why and how it relates to literature. Tell me about a book you have read and how it would have turned out different if the vantage point was through another character. Please make it a book you have read in the last year.

Day 16

In dealing with perspective, please comment on the following quote:

"They say that time changes things, but actually, you have to change them yourself."
Andy Warhol

Day 15

Hope you had a good weekend and a good Monday. Today we began watching "Vantage Point" in order to understand how different things can look based on who is telling the story. Give me an example of something in your life that you have viewed one way but that someone else in the situation with you might view another way.

Day 14

Good week class. We had some decent information given about a few more countries and I really enjoyed our discussion after "Bald Soprano" on the absurdity of life. Next week, we will think about the perspective of how a story is told by reading another story and looking at the movie "Vantage Point." Make sure you have your outlines by Monday and have a great weekend.

I went to Challenge Day on Tuesday which always gets me thinking about Lakeland High School. Please tell me after 2 years walking these halls, your opinion of our school. What are some of the positives? What are areas that you think the school could be doing better?

Day 13

Hope all is well this afternoon. Please relect on the following quote:

Do not protect yourself by a fence, but rather by your friends.
Czech Proverb

Day 12

Today we discussed the country of Russia and the basic repression they feel in their society. As today was Constitution Day, discuss for me the advantages of being an American living under a Constitution which has remained the same for nearly 240 years. Also, tell me about your dreams for your America over your lifetime.

Day 11

It is funny that I really do miss being in the classroom on days when I am out. I really enjoyed and was honored to be at Challenge Day today. It always amazes me the great students we have at Lakeland High School. Yet, we have a ways to go to make our school comfortable for everyone. What do you value about our school? What are things that you think Lakeland does well? What are areas where it could improve? Lastly, what could you do to promote positive values within the school?

Day 10

Welcome back from the weekend. I hope that you did not get too wet out there. Today we discussed the idea of existentialism or the absurdity of life. In life, we see many absurd events or ideas. Name something you would consider absurd and why. Also, talk about the metaphor that Ionesco was discussing in regards to the story. Is his metaphor accurate? Why or why not?

Day 9

I hope you have had a good week. Based on the posting thus far, it seems that people are understanding why we are looking at different cultures. I like that people are thinking about which cultures they find most interesting. Also, I like that people are becoming aware of how little we know about these other cultures even though we think we do. Sad that much of what we know is so slanted by the media or stereotypical. Now, you have been empowered with the knowledge.

For today, ponder the following quote and then give me your thoughts:

"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened." Terry Pratchett

Day 8

Today we discussed Greece and how important their heritage is to them. This is something that we have seen in Nigeria and Mexico as well. Tell me what you know about your heritage and what role it plays in family traditions.

Day 7

Today we discussed the country of Greece. Again, it seems as if we know very little about this country. Isn't it interesting that a country that had been around since early times and has influenced many of our ways of thinking we know little about. I wonder if people in other places think they know about America but really know very little as well.

With that said, please reflect on the following quote:

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln

Day 6

Today we discussed the country of Nigeria and how it appears to be different than we originally thought. One of the most unique issues in Nigerian families is the respect issue they have for their parents. How do you think you respect your parents and why do you or don't you show them respect? Also, comment on how you would feel if your parents had control over who you dated and when you started dating.

Remember to read the story and complete the questions. Have a great night and see you tomorrow.

Day 5

As we discussed our first culture, Mexico, it is clear that our perceptions may not have been our realities. This is a very tight knit culture with traditions that go back many centuries. This is why we may think some of their ways are strange, such as Tita having to remain unmarried to take care of her mother, but to them they are not so odd. Continue keeping an open mind as we delve into more cultures.

For today's blog, please respond to the following quote and how it relates to you:
"The question is not whether we will die, but how will we live." Joan Borysenko

Day 4- TGIF

Today we began our cultural discussion on Mexico. Yesterday, we came up with things we knew about Mexico and today we discussed true things about Mexico. Isn't it interesting when some of the stereotypes you think of are found to be wrong? To realize the wealth of Mexican culture and how strong their people truly are is amazing based on what we think we know from the news.

Why do you think it is important to learn about other cultures? What surprised you about the Mexican culture the most after reading? What is one thing you are going to do for yourself this weekend to honor making it through the first week of school (appropriate)?

Day 3

Today's discussion of the "Cannabilism" article was interesting. It is amazing that people your age live such a different life. In regards to that, discuss the things you take for granted in your life and why you think that happens. How has our culture created this sense of entitlement which was seen in the article but in a much more negative sense?

Day 2

Today we began looking at the idea of cultures. We discussed the definition of cultures and then read an article about a specific culture which is very different than ours. Remember that we often view culture as where we live but that is not true. Each area of the world and of our nation has it's own unique cultural aspect.

Today, please discuss what you consider to be unique to your culture. This could be your own religious culture, culture of your family, culture of friends or school. Think before you start writing about how your culture defines who you are as a person and add in a response to that as well.

Truly the First Day of Class

I enjoyed meeting you all this morning and am looking forward to a great semester of learning from and with each other.

Today, I would like you to think about the following quote and give your response in at least 7 sentences. Truly what does this quote mean to you and how does it apply to your life.

"Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely." Karen Kaiser Clark

Welcome to Class

Weclome to World Literature first semester. You will come to this spot on most days and respond the the question or quote that is given. You must do so by 11:59 p.m. of that days class. You must respond in minimally five sentences.

I will also be putting homework reminders in this spot as well so if you forget you can check here.