Week 15 (Final) Question

Thus far I've really enjoyed reading your entries for week 14. It really pleases me that you are taking the time to write such thoughtful, creative responses (thanks!).

For our final blog question, I'd like you to continue using your analytical thinking skills. However, this time, we will looking at a different type of creative expression: poetry.

Next Monday we will briefly discuss a short poem written by Gary Snyder (a famous American poet heavily influenced by Eastern spirituality). Snyder's poem deals with the world and more specifically, the environment/wild places.

In this week's blog response, we will look at a poem by Henry David Thoreau (a famous 19th centry writer), who was, no doubt, an influence on Gary Snyder's work. Because Thoreau wrote in the mid-19th century, you'll notice that his English is a little different than the English used today (can you figure out what 'tis and 'twill mean?) Despite this, if you read the poem 4-5 times, you should be able to get at the basic meaning. If necessary, use a dictionary.

First, go to the link below and read the poem. Then, answer the questions below. Like week 14's question, try to write a more formal response to this, our final blog entry. Enjoy!

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/epitaph-on-the-world/

Questions:
1) The title of the poem is "Epitaph on the world." An "epitaph" is a short statement on someone's tomb or gravestone in memory of the person buried there. Why do you think Thoreau gives his poem this title?
2) Thoreau mentions three types of metal: gold, silver, and iron, in that order. What do you think each metal represents in the poem?
3) In your opinion, what is Thoreau main message in this poem? Do you agree or disagree with this message?

Thanks to you for all of your entries. I've read and enjoyed each and every one. Have a great holiday.

Josh

Week 14 Question

As I mentioned in class, this week's blog is a little different than previous blogs in a number of ways. First, in order to participate, you must navigate to a couple of other websites so that you can look at, interpret, and compare two famous works of art (see links below). Second, I expect all of you to give a more "formal" response to the questions below. In other words, I'd like you to write more than a few sentences in your response. Consider this a sort of "online essay." Don't worry, I don't expect you to write a 3-page response; I do expect you to give a well-thought-out, organized answer. Finally, when writing your response, I'd really like you to reach into the depths of your creative mind: look at each work, read it, interpret it, and enjoy it.

Click on the links below. Look at each work of art for as long as needed. Then, answer the questions below.

http://www.abcgallery.com/R/rivera/rivera130.html By Diego Rivera (Mexico)
http://www.abcgallery.com/V/vangogh/vangogh35.html By Vincent Van Gogh (Netherlands)

Both paintings explore the theme of labor (work). However, each painting has its own perspective of the work: the people involved, the place, the type of work, the people's relationship to their job, etc.

In a short essay-type response, compare/contrast the different ways that each painting explores the theme of work. Be sure to fully explain your answer (don't make your reader guess, tell them what you mean!). Remember, this is your interpretaion--one of many! There is no "right" answer. Good luck!

Week 13 Question

Wow! I really enjoyed reading your week 12 responses to the Hellgate visit. I'm happy that it was such a positive experience for you.

For week 13, I'd like to add one final piece to our Hellgate experience. This weekend, you are all doing your best to answer questions the Hellgate students still had for you. For this week's blog entry, I'd like you all to do the same. To be exact, I'd like you all to write two final questions for the Hellgate students. Your questions should be questions that you had wanted to ask, but weren't able to ask for whatever reason. These questions might have to do with your essay topic, or they could simply have to do with some issue you are still curious about. I will later forward these questions on to Hixson and ask her students to respond to them.

Week 12 Question

Once again, I'd like to thank you all for doing such a great job at Hellgate HS on Wednesday. I hope it was as fun/interesting for you as it was for me.

For this week's question, I'd like you to reflect upon our experience at Hellgate. Based on the observations you were able to make about the teachers, students, classrooms, and the school in general, what is the most significant difference between American high schools and high schools in your country? Please give specific examples to support your answer.

As a follow-up question: What was the best part (for you) of our visit to Hellgate?