Annotated bibliography for The Crucible

The annotated bibliography assignment for The Crucible is due on Monday, October 27. Use the comments on this blog post to recommend sources. Be sure to describe the source and give a reason why you found it helpful for this assignment. Links may be provided as well.

Remember - when you complete your own assignment, you should have a variety of sources and knowledge represented. If you select a source from this list, it must be one that fills a gap in your understanding, not just a source that is available and will help you finish the task.

Banned Books Week

Last week was Banned Books Week. Check out the link to learn about the event. Click on "Censorship" to find out about some familiar books and why they have been censored.

Two of our columnists wrote about Banned Books Week. Frank Bruni's article, "The Wilds of Education," addresses the issue and links up to another article, "Highland Park ISD Suspends Seven Books After Parents Protest Their Content." Jenee Osterheldt also discusses her experiences with reading banned literature and lists the top banned books of 2013 in "Banned Books are Some of the Best."

Follow some of these links to familiarize yourself with some of the titles that have been banned. Consider the reasons for banning these books to prepare for Socratic Seminar on Wednesday.

In the comments identify at least one banned book that you have read, and share your opinions on the banning of this book.

Columnist selection

Please follow this link to let me know which columnist you have selected.  Due Monday, September 29.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hydKxCppz8sVqKnCovycMwcUC7AJbyVPggJIIJsPB58/viewform

Timed writing reflection

Congratulations! You have completed two timed writings in AP Language. Take a moment to revel in your sense of accomplishment, and then use the comments to discuss timed writings. What do you learn about yourself as a writer through timed writings? What are your top tips for timed writings? What are your most significant areas for improvement this year?
Respond by Friday, September 19.

Effective writing

Through a close reading of Dimmesdale's speech in chapter 3 and Chillingworth's speech in chapter 4, you should be developing an understanding of how a speaker can be effective.  Answer the following questions in the comments to generate a discussion of effective writing and speaking.

• What aspects of SOAPS should be considered in deciding if writing is effective? Why?
• Based on your response to the first question, which speaker is more effective: Dimmesdale in chapter 3 or Chillingworth in chapter 4?

TED Talk for 8/25

Watch "How Schools Kill Creativity" this weekend.  Pay attention to the speaker's arguments and the evidence he builds in support of the argument.  Consider how his arguments and information apply to life at Lansing High School.

Welcome

Welcome to our class blog.  This will be used to create a community among all students taking AP Language at Lansing High School, communicate with students about class assignments, and foster opportunities for in-depth conversation and research.  Please remember that the class blog is a safe environment for shared discussions, and all users must be respectful of the comments, values, and beliefs of their peers.

I look forward to a great school year, and I am excited to see what we can share through our blog.
Mrs. Bolin