Friday, October 30, 2009

Day 10

We continue looking at The Iliad and all it brings to the table. One of the ideas to think about is that of victory. We live in a society that is geared toward winning at all costs. We saw some of that with Achilles and the way he treated Hector even in death. With the idea of what is victory respond to the follwing:

Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.
Mahatma Gandhi

How could this apply to our world, you and Achilles?

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Day 9

Good job reading out loud today. We have not done much of this but will be doing some more as the time goes on. One of the concepts we mentioned was that of honor. Who in this story seems more honorable? Why? Is there any irony to which character may seem to have more honor? What role does honor play in your life? Give an example of a time you did something honorable?

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Day 8

One of the concepts of The Iliad is honor. How would you define the concept of honor? Is this an important value for you in your life? Why or why not? Give an example of an honorable person and how they embody this concept.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Day 7

As always, we shall be looking at current events this evening. Please pick wisely and do not choose entertainment or sports unless you can related back to a strong current event. Remember, the summary should be brief while the connection should be longer. DO NOT FORGET TO CITE!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Day 6

Today we began talking about Greek literature and the idea of the epic poem and the epic hero. We will continue this during the course of the week as we read "The Iliad." Part of the idea of the epic hero is that they often have some flaw that affects their ability to lead. In the begining of the reading from today it talks about the idea of the achilles heal and that everyone seems to have one. During Mr. Pouliot's class you touched on epic heroes from the movies. For tonight:

Pick an epic hero from a book, movie or tv program. Discuss what makes him and epic hero based on our definition of epic hero today. Mention what their achilles heal (no nothing to do with tendons)may be. Then discuss what your achilles heal may be. We all have one so you might have to actually think about some of your weaknesses and how they affect you. THIS MAY TAKE MORE THAN 7 SENTENCES IF YOU DO IT WELL!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Day 5

Technically, we have finished our reading and discussion of Lord of the Flies. I truly hope that you got from the book that people can do evil things based on what is happening to them. People can also choose to work together to avoid these evil inclinations if they think rationally and objectively at situations. The idea of order and chaos is so important to the running of our society as if we do not learn to be more orderly we will continue to be in a downward spiral.

For this evening:

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."
Douglas Adams

How does this quote go with the reading of Lord of the Flies? What experiences could have the boys learned from thus not creating such chaos on the island? How is this true for society in general? Give an example where society has proven this quote correct. Finally, is this quote an accurate or inaccurate reflection on your life so far? Why?

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Day 4

Hopefully, you got where Mr. Pouliot and I were coming from today. As he said, we could easily do our job without caring, hand out some sheets and collect them, give some information and then test but then we would not be true to ourselves. We want each of you to be successful not only in this class but in your life. We feel privledged that we have the opportunity to help guide you to the next level in your life but need to be met with partnership and respect to truly do what we want for each and everyone of you.

With that in mind, and a new cardmarking with us, tell me about your goals for your education over the next six weeks. Not just in my class but all your classes. Talk about how you can meet those goals and the positive or negative consequences you could create for yourself if you do not meet your goals.