Arts, Culture, and Literature (Period 1, 2) Assignments

Agenda for the final exam period:

1) Exchange portfolios with one student; grade the portfolio using a rubric given to you by Ms. Snider.

2) Submit the portfolio to Ms. Snider, who will grade it for content, grammar, writing style, and creativity and sophistication.

3) In the Time of the Butterflies Test: you will take a 50-question test on In the Time of the Butterflies, chapters 1 - 12 and the epilogue.

a) You may use your In the Time of the Butterflies packet on the test.
b) The packet is due at the end of the test period.

Read In the Time of the Butterflies, chapters 8 and 9.

Remember to work ahead on sections of your portfolio - you only two more class periods to work on it in class!

The first draft of your Letter from a Minor Character is due in class. Follow the instructions on the handout distributed in class, and complete the draft on page 2 of the handout. 

1) Finish pages 6 - 7 in the In the Time of the Butterflies packet.

2) Read In the Time of the Butterflies, chapter 6.

3) Begin drafting your Letter from a Minor Character.

Students have two assignments due today:

1) Handwritten outline of Character Analysis #1

2) Typed draft of Character Analysis #1

a. Single-space the Character Analysis
b. Type the assignment in 12-point font.
c. Include an MLA header and title on the assignment.
d. Follow the additional guidelines on your portfolio handout.

There is a quiz on Monday, based on In the Time of the Butterflies, chapters 1 - 4. To prepare, make sure you:

1) Read In the Time of the Butterflies, chapter 4.

2) Study you class discussion notes on chapters 1 - 3.

Read In the Time of the Butterflies, chapters 1 - 3. In your notebook, write 10 discussion questions about the chapters. Include a title and number each question.

Bring the novel to class, and be prepared, just in case there is a quiz...

Bring In the Time of the Butterflies to class - remember that you get book check points each day of class!

There is a book check for In the Time of the Butterflies. Bring your own copy to class and make sure your name is written inside the book. 

Bring the World Literature textbook to class. You will lose points if you don't have it!

Bring the World Literature textbook to class!

Bring the World Literature textbook to class.

Students must read chapters 23 - 25 in Things Fall Apart and complete the following questions. The questions are due at the beginning of class. Be prepared, in case there is a quiz...

Things Fall Apart Reading Questions:

Chapters 20 - 25

 

1. Okonkwo asked Obierika why the people had lost their power to fight. What was Obierika’s reply?

 

2.  How did many of the other villagers feel about the changes in Umuofia?

 

3. What was Mr. Brown’s conclusion about the religion of the clan? How did he act to gain converts?

 

4. About what was Okonkwo grieving?

 

5. Describe the conflict started by Enoch.

 

6. What was the result of the action taken by the egwuguw?

 

7. How did Okonkwo feel when he returned from the white man’s prison?

 

8. Why did the men meet in the marketplace?

 

9. What event happened in the marketplace? Describe the event.

 

10. What happened to Okonkwo? Why did he commit that particular action?

 

11. What did Obierika tell the Commissioner?

 

12. What was the Commissioner’s reaction to the incident?

Read chapters 20 - 23 in Things Fall Apart and complete the reading notes handout, which was distributed in class.

All students should have read through Chapter 19 in Things Fall Apart before coming to class on Monday.

If you were absent on the block day, you have make up work to do. Read chapters 18 and 19 in Things Fall Apart, and complete chapter notes for each chapter. Print the attached handout and follow the instructions for the notes.

If you were absent on Tuesday, you need to complete the following questions for Chapters 16 - 17 in Things Fall Apart.

Things Fall Apart Reading Questions: Chapters 16 - 17

Chapter 16:

 

1)      What images are used to describe Nwoye’s reaction to the missionaries? What tone and ideas do the images convey? What is significant about Nwoye’s reaction?

 

Chapter 17:

 

1)      Where did the missionaries in Mbanta build their church, why were they given that particular piece of land, and what happened to them?

 

2)      How did the people in Mbanta explain the fact that the white men did not die?

 

3)      What people convert to the new faith? What do these people have in common?

 

4)      What does Okonkwo threaten to do to Nwoye, and why? Why does Uchendu intervene?

 

5)      Why does Okonkwo want to kill the missionaries? What would killing them accomplish?

 

6)      What is it about Nwoye’s actions that disturb Okonkwo so much? What does Okonkwo fear will happen? What is ironic about this fear?

 

7)      How does Okonkwo explain the fact that he has a son like Nwoye, who is degenerate and effeminate?

 

***Period 1 students, make sure you complete your questions for Things Fall Apart, chapter 15, and read chapter 16 and complete the "I now know..." portion of your Probable Passage assignment. 

Homework due on Friday: Make sure you have read chapters 13 and 14  and completed questions 6. - 16, for chapter 13, before coming to class.

Discussion prep for Friday: As you read chapter 14, you should also look for the answers to questions 1. - 6 for chapter 14. We will discuss the questions as a class.

Things Fall Apart, Chapters 12 - 13

 

1. What happened during the uri ceremony? What was the purpose of the uri ceremony?
2. What was significant about the amount of wine the family brought?
3. What happened at the end of the ceremony?
4. How does the uri ceremony emphasize the importance of family?
5. What does the uri ceremony reveal about the entire community?
6. Make a list of the sounds that are heard in the first two paragraphs in chapter 13. Based on those sounds, what tone does Achebe create in the chapter?
7. What does Okonkwo remember about Ezeudu when he hears of Ezeudu’s death? Why is that memory significant?
8. Describe Ezeudu’s funeral in chapter 13.
9. How does the narrator describe the cycle of a man’s life? Why is this an important belief? How would believing this affect the way a person lived?
10. What does the one-handed spirit say about Ezeudu’s life and death? Why are his words significant?
11. Why was Ezeudu considered a great man?
12. What happened during the frenzy at the funeral?
13. What were the consequences of Okonkwo’s action?
14. What was the reason for the clan’s actions against Okonkwo?
15. Okonkwo has killed people before this. What makes this incident so serious, though it would be treated as a mere accident under our laws?
16. What did Obierika wonder about after this calamity, and what conclusion did he reach?

 

Things Fall Apart Questions, Chapters 14 - 15

1.     Where did Okonkwo take his family to live, and why does he take them there?

2.     How did Okonkwo feel about his circumstances? How has he changed since the beginning of the book?

3.     Why did Uchendu talk to Okonkwo about the Mother Supreme? Why do they believe that “mother is supreme”?

4.     Why does Uchendu believe that Okonkwo should not be filled with sorrow? What duties does Uchendu believe Okonkwo must fulfilled, and why?

5.     Did Okonkwo need Uchendu’s advice at the beginning of the book? Why or why not?

6.     What is your attitude toward Okonkwo at this stage in the book? How has your attitude toward him evolved as you read chapters 1 – 14?

7.     Who came to visit Okonkwo during the second year of exile, and why?

8.     What new people have arrived in Africa? Why is their arrival significant?

9.     Briefly retell the story of the destruction of Abame.

10.  How do Uchendu, Okonkwo, and Obierika react to the story of Abame, and why do they each react differently?

Read chapter 13 in Things Fall Apart and complete questions 6. - 16. The answers are due at the beginning of class on the block day.

Things Fall Apart, Chapters 12 - 13

 

1. What happened during the uri ceremony? What was the purpose of the uri ceremony?
2. What was significant about the amount of wine the family brought?
3. What happened at the end of the ceremony?
4. How does the uri ceremony emphasize the importance of family?
5. What does the uri ceremony reveal about the entire community?
6. Make a list of the sounds that are heard in the first two paragraphs in chapter 13. Based on those sounds, what tone does Achebe create in the chapter?
7. What does Okonkwo remember about Ezeudu when he hears of Ezeudu’s death? Why is that memory significant?
8. Describe Ezeudu’s funeral in chapter 13.
9. How does the narrator describe the cycle of a man’s life? Why is this an important belief? How would believing this affect the way a person lived?
10. What does the one-handed spirit say about Ezeudu’s life and death? Why are his words significant?
11. Why was Ezeudu considered a great man?
12. What happened during the frenzy at the funeral?
13. What were the consequences of Okonkwo’s action?
14. What was the reason for the clan’s actions against Okonkwo?
15. Okonkwo has killed people before this. What makes this incident so serious, though it would be treated as a mere accident under our laws?
16. What did Obierika wonder about after this calamity, and what conclusion did he reach?

The wedding song is due at the beginning of class on the block day (Tuesday, March 8 and Wednesday, March 9).

Make sure the song is typed, with an MLA header and a title!

Refer to the instructions below:

Write a wedding song that celebrates a wedding and expresses American culture, wedding customs, and views of marriage and relationships.

The song should contain:

1. References to the setting, style of dress, food, and customs
2. Humor
3. A hope, wish, or expectation for the marriage
4. Rhyming
5. Three verses and a chorus (4 - 6 lines each)
   

Start studying for the quarter exam. The list of items to study is attached below.

The Things Fall Apart hero poster is due at the beginning of class!

Adhere to the following instructions:

Things Fall Apart Creative Assignment: Hero Poster

Purpose: to appreciate the role of heroes in African and American culture, to visualize the culture and clothing of 19^th century Africa, and to inspire people to admire heroes

Project: Create a poster, using images and text that showcase heroism and explain why heroism is important

The poster should include:

1. An original title
2. Two pictures of heroes, one from Things Fall Apart and one from real life
3. Traditional 19^th century African clothing
4. Images that are drawn and colored
1. Some images may be cut and pasted
5. A 500-word reflection (typed) that explains the following:
1. How people in Umuofia and in America treat their heroes and what they do to praise them
2. The traits and achievements that people in both cultures admire
3. Why the two people on your poster should be considered heroes
4. Why people in both Umuofia and America need heroes

The poster’s grade will be based on creativity, sophistication, critical thinking and reflection, writing skills, and grammar and punctuation.

If you were absent on Tuesday, you need to make up the class work. Read chapters 7 -8 in Things Fall Apart and complete the following questions:

Things Fall Apart: Chapters 7 – 8

1.     What influence does Ikemefuna have on Nwoye?

2.     How did Okonkwo feel about Ikemefuna’s influence on Nwoye?

3.     What kind of relationship does Okonkwo have with both Ikemefuna and Nwoye? What story does he tell them, and what is the purpose of those stories?

4.     What types of stories does Nwoye prefer, and what does this preference reveal about his character and personality?

5.     How did the villagers feel about the coming of the locusts, and what did they do about it?

6.     What did the village decide to do with Ikemefuna?

7.     How do Nwoye and his mother react when Ikemefuna is taken, and why?

8.     Who struck the last blow to Ikemefuna, and why?

9.     What events in his life cause Nwoye to feel something “give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow”? How would you describe his emotional state during these times?

10.     What conflicts appear in chapter 7, and why is the conflict important in the story?

11.     In chapter 8, how does Okonkwo act after Ikemefuna’s death? What does Okonkwo tell himself about his part in Ikemefuna’s death?

12.     What did Obierika tell Okonkwo about his part in Ikemefuna’s death?

Students must bring the following items to class:

1) A picture of traditional African male clothing, circa the 1890s
2) A picture of someone you consider a hero
3) Art supplies, including colored pencils, scissors, glue, a ruler, and magazines

After reading chapter 4, students must complete the following exercise as homework:

Things Fall Apart: Literary Term Applications

 

Define foreshadowing, conflict, and motivation, and then read chapters 1 – 4 and apply the terms. Write a detailed paragraph for each point.

 

1. Describe three examples of conflict from chapters 1 – 4 and explain why the conflict is important and how it develops or complicates the story.

 

2. Describe three examples of foreshadowing and explain what events or outcomes you think the examples foreshadow.

 

3. List three quotations that express something you dislike about Okonkwo and list three quotations that show something you like or respect about him. Then write a paragraph explaining what motivates Okonkwo, what makes his personality complex, and whether you dislike or respect him, and why.

Students who were absent on Tuesday need to finish reading Chapters 1 - 3 in Things Fall Apart and complete ALL of the discussion questions:

Things Fall Apart, Chapters 1 – 3: Discussion Questions

1.       Construct a word list of all the emotions describing Okonkwo in the first chapter. Based on the list, explain what you imagine he looks like.

2.       What makes Okonkwo sound heroic? What are his strengths and weaknesses? How does he achieve greatness?

3.       What are Okonkwo’s feelings toward Unoka, and why? How does the negative example of his father shape Okonkwo’s character and actions?

4.       What do the early descriptions of Okonkwo’s success and Unoka’s failure tell us about Ibo society?

5.       How does one succeed in the Ibo culture? What do we learn from the system of the taking of titles? Who seems to be excluded from the opportunity to achieve success?

6.       Compare and contrast Okonkwo and Unoka. Describe their place in society, emotions, and how they are alike or different. Choose the character to whom you relate and defend his attitude.

7.       What effect does night have on the people? What do they fear? How do they deal with their fear of snakes at night?

8.       What is the cause and nature of the conflict with Mbaino? How does the village resolve the conflict? Why is Mbaino afraid of Umuofia?

9.       Given Achebe’s description of Ikemefuna, what do you think will happen to him?

10.   What is his Okonkwo’s attitude toward women? Why does he dislike his son Nwoye so much?

11.   What are the important crops in the village? How does sharecropping work? What are the crops that males and females care for, and why? What is the relationship of women to agriculture?

12.   Chielo, the priestess of Agbala, is introduced in Ch. 3. What does her power and status in Umuofia suggest about women’s roles in Ibo culture and religious beliefs?

13.   How does Okonkwo react to "the worst year in living memory?"

Reminder: The test date was changed Friday to Monday, January 31. So, study over the weekend and come to class with your pencils, eraser, and sharpener!

Students have their Unit 1 test today.

The test will contain multiple choice and short-answer questions, and it will cover:

Focus on Culture: Africa
"Civil Peace"
"Africa" and "Old Song"
"The Song of Lawino"

Study your outlines, Guide for Responding questions, and discussion notes. Bring your pencils, pencil sharpener, and large eraser to class.

Heritage Poem

 

Due Date: Thursday, January 27 (period 2)

 

General Purpose: Each student will reflect on his or her ancestral heritage by writing a poem, with an original title and illustration. The poem should express the author’s thoughts and feelings about his heritage and how it has shaped his life.

 

Prewriting Tasks:

 

1)     Write brainstorming notes

2)     Research your heritage and the history of the country your family is (predominately) from.

3)     Talk to your family members about your heritage.

 

Content:

 

1)     A description of the country from which your ancestors came

2)     A description of how you learned about the country

3)     A description of the country’s history and struggles

4)     Imagery that explains what the country’s people have endured

5)     A description of how your heritage influences your values, beliefs, and personality

6)     A description of why others should admire the country

7)     Compare the country to a concrete object

8)     An inspirational, strong, and proud tone

9)     25 – 35 lines (approximately 200 – 270 words)

10)   The illustration should include pictures of the country and images that represent the country’s culture and values.

Heritage Poem

 

Due Date: Wednesday, January 26

 

General Purpose: Each student will reflect on his or her ancestral heritage by writing a poem, with an original title and illustration. The poem should express the author’s thoughts and feelings about his heritage and how it has shaped his life.

 

Prewriting Tasks:

 

1)     Write brainstorming notes

2)     Research your heritage and the history of the country your family is (predominately) from.

3)     Talk to your family members about your heritage.

 

Content:

 

1)     A description of the country from which your ancestors came

2)     A description of how you learned about the country

3)     A description of the country’s history and struggles

4)     Imagery that explains what the country’s people have endured

5)     A description of how your heritage influences your values, beliefs, and personality

6)     A description of why others should admire the country

7)     Compare the country to a concrete object

8)     An inspirational, strong, and proud tone

9)     25 – 35 lines (approximately 200 – 270 words)

10)   The illustration should include pictures of the country and images that represent the country’s culture and values.

Extra Credit/Optional Assignment: Read "The Winner" on pages 562 - 568 and complete the Guide for Responding questions on page 568.

Africa in the News

 

Assignment: Research an African country’s current events (you may consult the map in your textbook or a map online), which you will present to the class.

 

1)     Choose an African country.

2)     Go to newspaper websites and research current events in the country.

3)     You may use:

a.     www.latimes.com

b.     www.denverpost.com

c.      www.csmonitor.com

d.     www.nytimes.com

e.      Go to www.alemany.org à Students à Libarary/Media Center à Scholarly Research Databases à Facts on File à Enter the Username and Password (bahslibrary) à Search for articles

4)     Find one article that you think is interesting, which taught you something new about the country. Print the article.

5)     Write a paragraph summarizing the article.

6)     Below the paragraph, answer the following questions:

a.     What new things did you learn about the country?

b.     How did your knowledge of African history help you understand the article?

c.      How was the image of Africa that was presented in the article different from the image presented in “Civil Peace”?

d.     How is the political/historical/cultural situation in Africa similar to the situation in the US? How is it different?

e.      How did the information in the article help you relate to the people and situations in Africa?

Period 2:

1) A book check for Things Fall Apart
2) A supply check for your required class materials
3) Your syllabus, read and signed by you and your parent

Period 1:

1) A book check for Things Fall Apart
2) A supply check for your required class materials
3) Your syllabus, read and signed by you and your parent

Art Critique 1:

1) Bring one example of art that you think is good. You may bring a photo of a piece of art (such as a painting, sculpture, drawing, clothing/fashion, etc.), the piece of art itself, or a song that can be played in class.

2) Write a paragraph explaining why you believe the work of art is good.

If you were absent on Tuesday, you have a reflective essay to complete as make-up work.

Assignment: Art and Its Purpose Reflective Essay

 

In a 2 – 3 page reflective essay, students should discuss the following:

 

1. What is art, and what is its purpose (in other words, what should art accomplish)?

 

2. Why is it important to have art in our lives, and how does art influence us?

 

3. What makes some pieces of art better than others (that is, more beautiful, more meaningful, more creative, etc.)? Give specific examples of art that you think are superior to other works of art.

 

4. What is the relationship between religion, culture, and politics and art? (In other words, how do religion and culture influence, and vice versa).