Due 9/13: Existentialism is a Humanism

September 12, 2017 By

1. Print and read a little over half of Jean-Paul Sartre’s Existentialism is a Humanism. (Through page 8B)
2. Print this handout on précis.
3. Annotating Literature: Print and closely read this handout on annotating literature. Keep it in your binder ALL TERM!

Due 9/12: In-Class Essay

September 11, 2017 By

Most of you have registered successfully and posted on the class forum! Good start! Those of you who have not, be sure to do it today. If you are having problems, email me at sleon@beaconschool.org. Remember:

Your username should be your Full Name (First and Last). Do not use nicknames and leave A SPACE between your first and last name. Be sure to capitalize the first letter or your first and last name. If you do not register in this way, the system will delete your account. This is a safeguard in place to protect against random spammers from registering for the sight. Take care.

So, to review:

  1. Use your first and last name
  2. Capitalize first letter of each name
  3. Leave a space between the first and last name

Today, you were to prep for the tomorrow’s essay:

You will answer the following question in this essay: Per Man’s Search for Meaning, what is Viktor Frankl’s view of the human condition?

Ultimately your objective for this essay is to craft a thesis reflecting Frankl’s view of the human condition. In doing so, you will demonstrate control of logotherapy (covered in Part II).

The following are major points to consider in his argument:

1. Frankl titles Part II of his text “Logotherapy in a Nutshell.”  Scholars suggest his thesis here can be reduced to the Freidrich Nietzsche quote (Remember, Frankl himself cites it on numerous occasions):

“He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.”

2. Inner life/value and spiritual freedom

3. Discovering meaning in life in three different ways:

  • By creating a work or doing a deed
  • By experiencing something or encountering someone (Love)
  • By the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering

*These are key elements and they are, frankly, obvious. Certainly, you can discuss them in your essay; however, do not limit yourself to the obvious. Engage the nuances of his argument (i.e. Noo dynamics). The more nuanced your discussion, the more textual control you have and the more interesting your discussion will be. That is what I am looking for. The less nuanced, the more I will call into question your actual reading of the text.

*In this essay do not merely write that Frankl believes we can attain meaning in three different ways. That is a gross simplification of his existential view and logotherapy. While I do not expect to see mastery in this essay, I do expect to see sophisticated control of his argument.

Your essay should demonstrate control/understanding of both Part I and Part II of the text. So both parts of the book should be explored in your essay. This essay is unlike English essays of the past!  Your thesis is actually what you believe to be Frankl’s argument. There should be no critical discussion!

HW: Be ready for in-class writing assignment!

Due 9/11: Laying the Foundation

September 7, 2017 By

1. Course website: Blackboarddreams.com (I will tell you more about that name later. So much that I have to tell you later.). My email: sleon@beaconschool.org

This weekend you should register for the class website, Blackboarddreams.com. (Some of you may have already registered so check to see that your account is still active.) Please do so by midnight on Sunday at which time the site will be closed to registration. To do this, you must scroll to the bottom of the right column of the homepage and click “Register.” Your username should be your Full Name (First and Last). Do not use nicknames and leave A SPACE between your first and last name. Your password will be emailed to you at which point you can change it if you would like. I also suggest you take a moment to familiarize yourself with the website! Here, you and your family can access the following: homework assignments, class forums, updates on the happenings and direction of the class, complementary materials, writing and research resources, Essay and Creative Project exemplars, a link back to the Beacon homepage, and so much more! Don’t forget to bookmark your course page! So, if you are in my sophomore class, bookmark the sophomore page.

2. Remember, you should keep the syllabus in your binder ALL YEAR. I will review it with you on Monday, the 18th.

3. Class Forum: I would like to get to know you a bit; a humanized learning environment is the best learning environment! Be sure to post in the appropriate Existential Literature class forum. DO NOT start a new thread! This response should be posted by midnight Sunday.

So, this weekend, you should:

  • Properly register for blackboarddreams.com
  • Review Man’s Search for Meaning in preparation for the in-Class Assessment.
  • Post your response to the Class Forum by midnight Sunday. As with all responses, be thoughtful.
  • Let your parents review the course syllabus.

Turnitin.com Info

June 15, 2017 By

Folks,

Hope you are all well. Be sure to upload your PBA (for Poetry Seminar students that means your entire Poet Study) to Turnitin.com. You must upload either before or shortly after your presentation. Do not wait until the day after your presentation to upload. Below is the info per class:

English 10B

Class ID: 15548390
Code: english10b

English 10H

Class ID: 15548395
Code: english10h

Existential Lit

Class ID: 15548411
Code: english12c

Poetry Seminar

Class ID: 15548414
Code: english12d

Due 6/15: PBA Presentation Expectations

June 12, 2017 By

VERY IMPORTANT: BE SURE TO TURN IN ANY OUTSTANDING BOOKS! BRING THEM TO YOUR PBA APPOINTMENT.

1. PBA–Independent Research Paper (You must include a bibliography)

Due the day of your presentation:

  • Index cards or notes showing that you have prepared for your opening 2 minute presentation.
  • Copy of your essay for YOU to refer to during the presentation.
  • Your partner’s essay with your notes/questions written on the essay.

Failure to have any of the above means you are not prepared for your presentation.

Expectations for your presentation:

The meeting will last for 30 minutes (10 min per student). The first 2 minutes belong to you. TAKE ME BEHIND THE SCENES OF YOUR ESSAY.

While it is interesting to hear you discuss your thesis and your development of the argument, I am more interested in the thought process behind the essay.  So organize your presentation in this fashion:

* Open with your thesis.

* Then, a little flashback.  Take us through the thought process that led to that argument.  Why did you choose those sources?  How do they help in the development of your argument? Why that argument? What were some of the challenges along the way?  Etc.  All throughout, I expect you to demonstrate great control of the material. (most of the time should be spent here) I am particularly interested in hearing your thoughts on your sources. While you should prepare your notes/note cards for the meeting, I don’t want you reading to me. The notes/note cards are there to show me that you have prepared for the meeting and they are there as a last resort reminder.

* During the remaining time, I and your second assessor will ask you a series of questions. All second assessors are expected to lead the discussion. During this time we might:

  • Challenge an assertion
  • Explore your knowledge/understanding of source material
  • Question your use of evidence. Ask questions if you don’t understand how the evidence is being used.
  • Ask that you clarify a point
  • Ask questions about the development of your thesis
  • Present counter arguments
  • Ask questions about your source material
  • Ask questions that give you an opportunity to demonstrate greater depth of control.
« Previous Page
Next Page »