Hello,
As you follow the course outline, you will note that Reading Packet #2 is due to be completed by next Wednesday, Sept. 28th.
The material you are to read for Packet #2 can be found at the following link:
http://www.drugpolicy.org/drugwar/
Please read "What's Wrong with the Drug War?"
At the end of the article, there is an invitation that reads:
"Visit these pages to see how the drug war affects all aspects of our lives."
There is a list of choices. Please click on and read the following three:
--Drug War Funding
--Economics
--Alternatives to Prohibition
Any questions? You can always email me. (sacto1954@gmail.com) Be sure to bring copies of the reading to class next Wednesday, too.
Enjoy your weekend.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wednesday, September 22
Hello!
If you choose to work on a rough draft of your out of class essay #1 between now and Sunday...feel free to e-mail me the draft and I will return it to you on Monday with my commentary and suggestions.
If you choose to work on a rough draft of your out of class essay #1 between now and Sunday...feel free to e-mail me the draft and I will return it to you on Monday with my commentary and suggestions.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sunday, September 19th
Below is a sample Character Study Journal entry for Episode One. A few students asked for a sample, so I wrote an entry for you to read. It is in no way the ONLY approach one can take. Each of your entries will be different than another's. Likewise, as you continue to watch episodes, your observations about one character will take over your observations of others. These are just my observations and the details that I chose to record.
CHARACTER STUDY JOURNAL--BREAKING BAD--SEASON 1, EPISODE 1
Opening scene: desert--sirens in distance. Almost naked man driving a motor home crazily. He wears a protective mask. Stops, exits vehicle. Very distraught. Records a video message to family, some kind of suicide note.
Flashback: 3 weeks earlier. Same man (Walter?) wakes up. 50th birthday. Wife (Skyler, pregnant) makes healthy breakfast (veggie bacon) in shape of the number 50. Does not seem really crazy about bacon but is quiet, does not complain. Son, however, enters and complains right away ("it smells like bandaids"). Son is physically challenged, has crutches and a speech issue.
Walter and son drive to high school. Son is a student. Walter is a chemistry teacher. He is very "into" his class/subject. Very animated and clearly excited about subject. "It's fascinating...really!" tells students.
Walter is shown working through his lunch hour.
Works at a car wash after school.
Scene with students discovering their chem. teacher washing student's car. Walter is devastated.
Arrives home to a surprise birthday party.
People at party:
Marie: Skyler's sister (she seems envious of Skyler's pregnancy because she comment about how "big" Skyler is...says it is a very understated but snooty way.)
Hank: married to Marie. Cop. Very boisterous, very assertive, very extroverted. Brags about his job and the sting operation he just completed. Party stops momentarily as Hank "makes" guests watch him being interviewed on TV about the meth bust...camera scans over all the money they nabbed...700 grand...Walter is shocked and asks if this is normal...Hank says it's a "pretty good haul." Says it is "easy money." Hank also shows off his gun to Walter Jr, Makes Walter Sr hold it. "It's not going to bite you," Walter Sr. is visibly uncomfortable around the gun. Hank invites him to go on a ride along sometime. Marie seems very embarrassed and pissed off with Hank's behavior.
Skyler and Walter in bed after party. Skyler has her computer, focused on her ebay auctions. At the same time, she works on Walter to please him sexually.
Next scene: Saturday morning, Walter at car wash job. Has a coughing fit and collapses. On way to hospital in ambulance, W. is very embarrassed and tells the attendant he does not have "the greatest insurance" and wants to be dropped off at the corner and not taken to hospital. Does not want anyone contacted. Says it is "just a chest cold."
At hospital, Walter goes thru tests. Dr. tells him he has no more than two years to live--lung cancer--inoperable.
Walter is stone faced, in shock.
Returns home to Skylar, on phone to bill collectors.
Says his day was "fine." Grabs a beer from frig.
Next day at car wash job, just loses all control. Yells at manager, profanity, knocks stuff off wall, quits.
Next scene, he is sitting in dark in backyard...flipping burnt matches into the drained pool. Clearly depressed, distracted.
Finally picks up phone and calls Hank, asks to go on a ride along.
On ride along, quietly sits in back of squad car, but very interested in the whole set up of the meth lab. Asks to go in and see it.
Hank loves to be in charge and is showing off in front of Walter. He is the big bad DEA guy.
Walter sees former student get away from Hank. Follows him home and suggests that they "partner up"...threatens to expose Pinkman if he refuses.
Pinkman is cocky, almost mocks Walter. "No speeches....high school was a long time ago."
An assertive Walter, determined.
Scene with Skylar and Marie. Skyler is excited about her ebay business. Marie is sarcastic and negative about it. Says it will take forever to really make any money with it. She is nosy and acts like the expert on everything--Skyler's writing...Walter...their sex life, etc.
Walter steals chemistry equipment from high school...while he is doing this he seems pumps up and excited...and serious.
Tells Pinkman they will have an eye wash station and use protective gear.
Pinkman mocks him and says no way. Says "this is art...cooking is art." Walter tells him "you and I will not make garbage."
Walter takes all the money he has in the world...7 grand...for Pinkman to buy the motor home to cook the meth.
Pinkman asks why Walter is doing this. "I am awake."
Scene in clothing store... buying jeans for Walter Jr. Some guys make fun of him and Walter attacks them physically while Skylar and Walter Jr look in surprise...this is not the Walter they know....Walter seems almost smug.
Out in the desert. Ready to cook. Walter is very focused and serious and Pinkman is amused, makes fun of Walter stripping down to his underwear. Walter makes glass grade meth and Pinkman is blown away...maybe a new respect for Walter?
Walter seems pleased that Pinkman is impressed and thinks it will definitely sell for a lot of $. He asks, "how do we proceed?"
Pinkman and two drug buddies ready to purchase come out to dessert. One remembers W. from the drug bust and thinks they are being busted. Threatens to kill both Walt and Pinkman. Walter quickly thinks on his feet and offers to teach these two guys how to cook this great meth quality. Walter tricks them and poisons them and escapes out of the trailer.
Walter and Pinkman get the $ from the dealers. Dealers are dead in motorhome?
Last scene: Walter is home, in bed with Skylar. She is very worried about the recent lack of communication between them. "I don't like it when you don't talk to me." Walter's reply is to make love with Skylar.
CHARACTER STUDY JOURNAL--BREAKING BAD--SEASON 1, EPISODE 1
Opening scene: desert--sirens in distance. Almost naked man driving a motor home crazily. He wears a protective mask. Stops, exits vehicle. Very distraught. Records a video message to family, some kind of suicide note.
Flashback: 3 weeks earlier. Same man (Walter?) wakes up. 50th birthday. Wife (Skyler, pregnant) makes healthy breakfast (veggie bacon) in shape of the number 50. Does not seem really crazy about bacon but is quiet, does not complain. Son, however, enters and complains right away ("it smells like bandaids"). Son is physically challenged, has crutches and a speech issue.
Walter and son drive to high school. Son is a student. Walter is a chemistry teacher. He is very "into" his class/subject. Very animated and clearly excited about subject. "It's fascinating...really!" tells students.
Walter is shown working through his lunch hour.
Works at a car wash after school.
Scene with students discovering their chem. teacher washing student's car. Walter is devastated.
Arrives home to a surprise birthday party.
People at party:
Marie: Skyler's sister (she seems envious of Skyler's pregnancy because she comment about how "big" Skyler is...says it is a very understated but snooty way.)
Hank: married to Marie. Cop. Very boisterous, very assertive, very extroverted. Brags about his job and the sting operation he just completed. Party stops momentarily as Hank "makes" guests watch him being interviewed on TV about the meth bust...camera scans over all the money they nabbed...700 grand...Walter is shocked and asks if this is normal...Hank says it's a "pretty good haul." Says it is "easy money." Hank also shows off his gun to Walter Jr, Makes Walter Sr hold it. "It's not going to bite you," Walter Sr. is visibly uncomfortable around the gun. Hank invites him to go on a ride along sometime. Marie seems very embarrassed and pissed off with Hank's behavior.
Skyler and Walter in bed after party. Skyler has her computer, focused on her ebay auctions. At the same time, she works on Walter to please him sexually.
Next scene: Saturday morning, Walter at car wash job. Has a coughing fit and collapses. On way to hospital in ambulance, W. is very embarrassed and tells the attendant he does not have "the greatest insurance" and wants to be dropped off at the corner and not taken to hospital. Does not want anyone contacted. Says it is "just a chest cold."
At hospital, Walter goes thru tests. Dr. tells him he has no more than two years to live--lung cancer--inoperable.
Walter is stone faced, in shock.
Returns home to Skylar, on phone to bill collectors.
Says his day was "fine." Grabs a beer from frig.
Next day at car wash job, just loses all control. Yells at manager, profanity, knocks stuff off wall, quits.
Next scene, he is sitting in dark in backyard...flipping burnt matches into the drained pool. Clearly depressed, distracted.
Finally picks up phone and calls Hank, asks to go on a ride along.
On ride along, quietly sits in back of squad car, but very interested in the whole set up of the meth lab. Asks to go in and see it.
Hank loves to be in charge and is showing off in front of Walter. He is the big bad DEA guy.
Walter sees former student get away from Hank. Follows him home and suggests that they "partner up"...threatens to expose Pinkman if he refuses.
Pinkman is cocky, almost mocks Walter. "No speeches....high school was a long time ago."
An assertive Walter, determined.
Scene with Skylar and Marie. Skyler is excited about her ebay business. Marie is sarcastic and negative about it. Says it will take forever to really make any money with it. She is nosy and acts like the expert on everything--Skyler's writing...Walter...their sex life, etc.
Walter steals chemistry equipment from high school...while he is doing this he seems pumps up and excited...and serious.
Tells Pinkman they will have an eye wash station and use protective gear.
Pinkman mocks him and says no way. Says "this is art...cooking is art." Walter tells him "you and I will not make garbage."
Walter takes all the money he has in the world...7 grand...for Pinkman to buy the motor home to cook the meth.
Pinkman asks why Walter is doing this. "I am awake."
Scene in clothing store... buying jeans for Walter Jr. Some guys make fun of him and Walter attacks them physically while Skylar and Walter Jr look in surprise...this is not the Walter they know....Walter seems almost smug.
Out in the desert. Ready to cook. Walter is very focused and serious and Pinkman is amused, makes fun of Walter stripping down to his underwear. Walter makes glass grade meth and Pinkman is blown away...maybe a new respect for Walter?
Walter seems pleased that Pinkman is impressed and thinks it will definitely sell for a lot of $. He asks, "how do we proceed?"
Pinkman and two drug buddies ready to purchase come out to dessert. One remembers W. from the drug bust and thinks they are being busted. Threatens to kill both Walt and Pinkman. Walter quickly thinks on his feet and offers to teach these two guys how to cook this great meth quality. Walter tricks them and poisons them and escapes out of the trailer.
Walter and Pinkman get the $ from the dealers. Dealers are dead in motorhome?
Last scene: Walter is home, in bed with Skylar. She is very worried about the recent lack of communication between them. "I don't like it when you don't talk to me." Walter's reply is to make love with Skylar.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
Hello!
here is Reading Packet #1, due to be completed by Wednesday, Sept. 22nd.
The actual "packet'' is really not something to read but something to watch--an approximately 17 minute video presentation on TED talks. The link is below, as well as a short "blurb" about the speaker.
A. J. Jacobs, I believe, can be considered in the category of nonconformist. He certainly has a unique and interesting way of going about living and asking questions in order to live the best, most genuine life possible. Please arrive to class on Monday having viewed this presentation. I recommend that you take notes while viewing so you can recall key points for class discussion and for an in class writing response.
http://www.ted.com/talks/a_j_jacobs_year_of_living_biblically.html
A.J. Jacobs' writings stand at the intersection of philosophy, Gonzo journalism and performance art. Stubbornly curious and slyly perceptive, he takes immersive learning to its irrational and profoundly amusing extreme -- extracting wisdom and meaning after long stints as a self-styled guinea pig. For his widely circulated Esquire article, My Outsourced Life, he explored the phenomenon of outsourcing by hiring a team in Bangalore, India to take care of every part of his life -- from reading his emails to arguing with his wife to reading bedtime stories to his own son. A previous article, I Think You're Fat, chronicled a brief, cringe-inducing attempt to live his life in Radical Honesty, telling all the truth, all the time.
Jacobs is author of The Know-It-All, which documents the year he spent reading the Encyclopedia Britannica from A to Z, uncovering both funny and surprising factoids but also poignant insight into history and human nature. In 2007 he released The Year of Living Biblically, he attempted to follow every single rule in the Bible as literally as possible for an entire year. His latest book, My Life as an Experiment, is a collection of numerous personal experiments including living according to George Washington's rules of conduct, outsourcing every single task to India, and posing as a woman on an online dating site.
"A. J. Jacobs has written about the Bible in a manner that is brilliantly funny but unerringly respectful, learned but goofy, deeply personal yet highly relevant. I am covetous and wish him smited."
Mary Roach, author, Bonk
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Thursday, September 16
Hello, here is a copy of out of class essay #1 which was assigned yesterday in class.
English 20, Sections 15 and 17
Fall 2010
Catherine Fraga, Instructor
Out of Class Essay Assignment #1—200 points possible
Assigned: Wednesday September 15
OPTIONAL Rough Draft due (typed): no later than Wednesday, Sept. 29
Final Draft Due: Wednesday October 6
Let’s take a closer look at the issue of conformity/non-conformity.
The most interesting, focused and articulate essays I receive from students are ones where the students select their own specific topic and are genuinely intrigued by the topic.
The following prompts allow for a wealth of flexibility and choice. Your focus will be on art, literature or film. You will select one prompt only.
Focus: the 1950s (or a time period of your choice)—Voices against Conformity
Premise: Many in the 1950s worked diligently for the comfort and conformity displayed on such TV shows as Father Knows Best and Leave it to Beaver. But regardless of the affluence of the new American middle class, there was still poverty, racism and alienation in America rarely depicted on TV.
Dozens of people rejected societal norms through their artwork, creativity and lifestyle. They used words, art, film and music to rebel against the cookie-cutter mentality of the established power structure and mass-marketed culture.
Prompt One:
Many writers during this time period (referred to as the Beat Generation) adamantly refused to submit to the conformity of the 1950s. (these writers included Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Diane Di Prima, Sloan Wilson, J.D. Salinger, William Burroughs, and others) Select two writers from this era and write an essay in which you provide the following:
• a brief history of the country’s mood;
• background and details about the writers and his/her work;
• the impact of these writers’ work on readers and critics at that time;
• how the work challenged the status quo; and
• the repercussions/influences of the writing today.
Your essay will be both informative and analytical: your thesis will prove the value and influence of the writing, or not, on people’s lives, then and now.
Prompt Two:
Many artists during this time period adamantly refused to submit to the conformity of the 1950s. (these artists included Willem De Kooning, Hans Hoffman, Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Clement Greenberg, and others) Select two artists from this era and write an essay in which you provide:
• a brief history of the country’s mood;
• background and details about the artists and his/her work;
• the impact of these artists’ work on viewers and critics at that time;
• how the work challenged the status quo; and
• the repercussions/influences of the artists’ work today.
Your essay will be both informative and analytical: your thesis will prove the art’s value and influence, or not, on people’s lives, then and now.
Prompt Three:
According to an Internet article on Conformity in U.S. History: “While the 1950s silver screen lit up mostly with the typical Hollywood fare of Westerns and romances, a handful of films shocked audiences by uncovering the dark side of America’s youth.”
Many filmmakers of this time period adamantly refused to submit to the conformity of the 1950s. (these films include The Wild One; Blackboard Jungle; Rebel without a Cause, etc) Select a minimum of two films from this era and write an essay in which you provide:
• a brief history of the country’s mood;
• background and details about the films and their themes;
• the impact of this work on viewers and critics at that time;
• how the work challenged the status quo;
• and the repercussions and influence of the films today.
Your essay will be both informative and analytical: your thesis will prove the films’ value and influence, or not, on people’s lives, then and now.
OTHER WAYS “INTO” AN ESSAY ON CONFORMITY/NONCORMITY:
1. you may want to focus on non conformity in a different era; for example, the 1960s (hippie movement, free love, etc.) might garner some interest in a particular area of film, literature, music, art, or?
2. you may want to focus on non conformity in a different AREA not mentioned above…such as political, sexual, or?
Things to Consider:
This is NOT an essay in which you write an in depth analysis of the literature, film, music or art of the time period you are focused on. To do that, you would need to carefully read, view, listen or view the works at great length.
Instead, you are conducting research to discover the mood of the country and the status quo during a particular time period—background about two non conforming artists/writers/filmmakers/musicians—why and how their work was considered non conformist—and how their work influenced those living then…and now.
Your thesis might read something like this:
Although 1950s America appeared to be almost unrealistically content, many artists at this time successfully combated the blissful charade by using innovative methods and themes in their work.
English 20, Sections 15 and 17
Fall 2010
Catherine Fraga, Instructor
Out of Class Essay Assignment #1—200 points possible
Assigned: Wednesday September 15
OPTIONAL Rough Draft due (typed): no later than Wednesday, Sept. 29
Final Draft Due: Wednesday October 6
Let’s take a closer look at the issue of conformity/non-conformity.
The most interesting, focused and articulate essays I receive from students are ones where the students select their own specific topic and are genuinely intrigued by the topic.
The following prompts allow for a wealth of flexibility and choice. Your focus will be on art, literature or film. You will select one prompt only.
Focus: the 1950s (or a time period of your choice)—Voices against Conformity
Premise: Many in the 1950s worked diligently for the comfort and conformity displayed on such TV shows as Father Knows Best and Leave it to Beaver. But regardless of the affluence of the new American middle class, there was still poverty, racism and alienation in America rarely depicted on TV.
Dozens of people rejected societal norms through their artwork, creativity and lifestyle. They used words, art, film and music to rebel against the cookie-cutter mentality of the established power structure and mass-marketed culture.
Prompt One:
Many writers during this time period (referred to as the Beat Generation) adamantly refused to submit to the conformity of the 1950s. (these writers included Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Diane Di Prima, Sloan Wilson, J.D. Salinger, William Burroughs, and others) Select two writers from this era and write an essay in which you provide the following:
• a brief history of the country’s mood;
• background and details about the writers and his/her work;
• the impact of these writers’ work on readers and critics at that time;
• how the work challenged the status quo; and
• the repercussions/influences of the writing today.
Your essay will be both informative and analytical: your thesis will prove the value and influence of the writing, or not, on people’s lives, then and now.
Prompt Two:
Many artists during this time period adamantly refused to submit to the conformity of the 1950s. (these artists included Willem De Kooning, Hans Hoffman, Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Clement Greenberg, and others) Select two artists from this era and write an essay in which you provide:
• a brief history of the country’s mood;
• background and details about the artists and his/her work;
• the impact of these artists’ work on viewers and critics at that time;
• how the work challenged the status quo; and
• the repercussions/influences of the artists’ work today.
Your essay will be both informative and analytical: your thesis will prove the art’s value and influence, or not, on people’s lives, then and now.
Prompt Three:
According to an Internet article on Conformity in U.S. History: “While the 1950s silver screen lit up mostly with the typical Hollywood fare of Westerns and romances, a handful of films shocked audiences by uncovering the dark side of America’s youth.”
Many filmmakers of this time period adamantly refused to submit to the conformity of the 1950s. (these films include The Wild One; Blackboard Jungle; Rebel without a Cause, etc) Select a minimum of two films from this era and write an essay in which you provide:
• a brief history of the country’s mood;
• background and details about the films and their themes;
• the impact of this work on viewers and critics at that time;
• how the work challenged the status quo;
• and the repercussions and influence of the films today.
Your essay will be both informative and analytical: your thesis will prove the films’ value and influence, or not, on people’s lives, then and now.
OTHER WAYS “INTO” AN ESSAY ON CONFORMITY/NONCORMITY:
1. you may want to focus on non conformity in a different era; for example, the 1960s (hippie movement, free love, etc.) might garner some interest in a particular area of film, literature, music, art, or?
2. you may want to focus on non conformity in a different AREA not mentioned above…such as political, sexual, or?
Things to Consider:
This is NOT an essay in which you write an in depth analysis of the literature, film, music or art of the time period you are focused on. To do that, you would need to carefully read, view, listen or view the works at great length.
Instead, you are conducting research to discover the mood of the country and the status quo during a particular time period—background about two non conforming artists/writers/filmmakers/musicians—why and how their work was considered non conformist—and how their work influenced those living then…and now.
Your thesis might read something like this:
Although 1950s America appeared to be almost unrealistically content, many artists at this time successfully combated the blissful charade by using innovative methods and themes in their work.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tuesday, Sept. 14th
Just a quick reminder...
Be sure to bring the Student Handbook to class tomorrow.
Be sure to bring the Student Handbook to class tomorrow.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday, Sept. 13th
Greetings,
For your information...
I have placed the entire season of Breaking Bad on reserve in the library. The library Book Reserve room is no longer where it used to be, across from the main entrance to the library.
Now you have to go into the library and check it out at the main circulation desk. As you face the main checkout desk, to the right you will notice some computers. You will have to look up the number of the item under my name and bring that number to the check out desk. There are three separate discs: Episodes 1-3; Episodes 4-6; and Episode 7.
See you Wednesday.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sunday, September 12th
Hello, hope your weekend was an enjoyable one.
As you know we will be viewing the first episode of Season One of "Breaking Bad" in class tomorrow.
Please come with the materials you need to start jotting down thoughts and details in your Character Study Journal.
Remember, you may not decide right away what character you will focus on, so it is best to observe and record a lot.
See you tomorrow!
As you know we will be viewing the first episode of Season One of "Breaking Bad" in class tomorrow.
Please come with the materials you need to start jotting down thoughts and details in your Character Study Journal.
Remember, you may not decide right away what character you will focus on, so it is best to observe and record a lot.
See you tomorrow!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Saturday, September 4
Greetings...here is a copy of the handout I distributed in class Wednesday regarding the Character Study Journal.
Have a great and safe weekend. See you Wednesday.
English 20
Fall 2010/Prof. Fraga
Sections 7-15-17
CHARACTER STUDY JOURNAL FOR “BREAKING BAD”
We will view all seven episodes of the first season of “Breaking Bad.”
Once you view the first episode, you must decide on one character you will pay “closer” attention to than the others. After each episode you will write your very specific observations about this character in a Character Study Journal. You may handwrite these entries or type them, your choice. Remember, though, you will be utilizing these entries when composing Essay 3, so be certain they are legible and readable for you.
Characters (select one only)
1. Walter White
2. Skyler White
3. Walter White Jr.
4. Jesse Pinkman
5. Hank Schrader
6. Marie Schrader
Some of the things you may want to record are:
• What does this character do (and not do) and why?
• What do others think about your character? And how do you know?
• What motivates your character to do what he/she does?
• What influences this character to do what he/she does?
• What was your first impression of this character and does it change as you view new episodes? Why or why not? In which ways?
• What are this character’s goals, dreams, desires, needs? How do you know?
• Do you like this character? Why or why not?
• Is this character a believable one, a genuine one? Why or why not?
This list of ideas is not meant to be complete. They are just to get you started. The crucial thing is that you are as specific and articulate as possible as you fill your journal with observations from each episode. This will eventually be submitted along with Essay 3.
Be sure to label each of the seven entries: Episode 1, Episode 2, etc.
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