Things That Make Me Go Screaming Into the Dark!

Thank you, Robert McCloskey:

 

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

NOTICE

Final Exam Schedule and MORE!

Remember to check on the date and time of your final exam.
Go to:
Spring 2013 Final Exam Schedule

Read over the study guide to the Kite Runner that is on the blog. This will help direct your reading, make you aware of important topics or elements in the novel. Depending on how you learn, it could help to make notes, either in the text or notebook; I’m a very big fan of notes that help me remember.

First day of class next week: discussion of ideas/topics/questions covered in the study guide. I will also answer questions YOU may have about the book. As you read, make notes if you have questions. Do not expect to be “finished” with the book once you have turned the last page. The point of English 1102 and this final assignment, is to realize that often it is important to go back into the book, to dig information and details that you might have missed in the initial reading. This is another reason to take notes in the book as you read.

Second day of class next week: a QUICK Quiz over the book. This shouldn’t take more than 15-20 min. of our time. It will be objective and we will have time to discuss major ideas/topics in the novel, as we started doing on Monday/Tuesday.

Our last regular day of class will fall on either Monday, the 29^th, or Tuesday, the 30^th, the next week. If we have not discussed writing about literature, we will do so then.

REMEMBER: you can use one 4x6 index card on your final exam, which will be an essay over the novel.

Writing the Literary Essay over The Kite Runner

 How to prepare for the final essay in English 1101

Read the potential topics carefully. Make notes on those which could be paired together; for example, #1 and #6 are closely related so it makes sense to assume that only one of these could be a topic for the final essay.

Next, determine what the topic is asking you to write about and put the topic in your own words, which need not be complicated. For example, 1 & 6 could be asking:

What are the other influences on the life of Amir . . . OTHER THAN the rape of Hassan and the torment and guilt Amir feels afterward?

Before you begin your essay, you begin a list of possible influences and make notes of how each incident or person affected Amir. You might list any of the following:

Rahim Khan - Dad’s business partner- tells Amir that “there is a way to be good again.” This prompts Amir to return to Afghanistan . . . why? To try to restore the relationship between he and Hassan, but… Hassan is dead. Keep going with explanation . . . Sohrab   - - - R.H. is one of the people who encourage Amir when he is a child—esp. in regards to his writing . . .

Soyraya - in sharing her past “sins” Amir realizes that it is possible to accept oneself, to atone for past mistakes and to regain one’s self-esteem (for lack of a better word) 

Baba - is a primary influence on how Amir sees the world and how Amir’s values are formed – The greatest teaching  Baba presents to Amir is that  . . there is only one sin, which is theft; Baba’s actions leave their impression on Amir as well . . . the exodus from Afghanistan . . . Baba leaves a land where he is among the wealthy landowners; when they arrive in CA., USA, Baba . . .

Sohrab

Assef

His exodus from Afghanistan

The notes you make to answer the question might go on a 4 x 6 index card. You probably would not need a large number of notes, just names spelled out, reminders, etc. to help you on the day of the final.

ORGANIZATION OF ANY ESSAY TOPIC FOR THE FINAL:

1^st paragraph – you introduce the book & the author, give any necessary background to the topic you’ve chosen. EXAMPLE:

In Kahled Hosseini’’s novel, The Kite Runner,  Amir, the narrator and main character, is driven to become the man he is because of his cowardly response and guilt after he witnesses his best friend’s rape when they are children. However, Amir does not realize that many other influences have shaped his life. Among the many other influences are Rahim Khan, ___________________, __________________________, ____________________________ and __________________.

2^nd paragraph - Rahim Khan – details, examples, explanations

3^rd para. – Soyrara – details, examples, explanations

4^th par. – Baba- details, examples, explanations

NOTE: REMEMBER TO KEEP THE ORGANIZATION TIGHT—whatever the order you chose to follow in the first paragraph, follow in the development of the body

WRITE AS THOUGH THE AUDIENCE HAS NOT READ THE BOOK.  THIS IS AN ANALYSIS, NOT A BOOK REPORT.

6^th par. Conclusion  - perhaps it would be helpful or effective to describe or characterize the person that Amir becomes—NOT from HIS perspective in the book, but as an objective reader (OR even subjective reader)

THE KITE RUNNER: Study Guides; Questions; Notes; Visuals . . . and More! Just Add READING!!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Reading Guide to The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Before reading, it would help to listen to the interview with the author at:

NPR interview with Khaled Hosseini – length is roughly 31 min. & there might be an extra credit question on the quiz from this interview

1. Topics in The Kite Runner – to HELP YOURSELF, write a clear statement about what the book says about this topic in the novel; no—I will not take it up, but it will greatly assist YOU as we discuss the book

 • Role of women
• Betrayal
• Brothers
• Guilt – hidden guilt vs. open guilt
• Redemption
• Exodus
• Fathers & sons – patriarchal society
• Class distinction

2. Style – comment on the author’s use of each of the following in the novel:

• Parallelism
• Character foils – look for characters in pairs OR characters who could be placed side by side for comparison/contrast
• Foreshadowing
• Flashback

3. Settings – both time and place and culture – consider five important cultural aspects of setting identified in the novel - e.g., Hazara vs. Pashtun

4. Identify at least 5 minor characters and their role in the novel

Movie Note:  There is a movie on The Kite Runner – I have no idea if it is a good translation of the book or not

A note on Cliff, Spark and the Monkey:

There is NO substitute for reading and studying a novel.  The concepts and connections that one makes, the knowledge one gains, the insight to humanity that is revealed cannot be summarized in the various “Study Aids” on the internet or book stores.  Yet that does not stop these cites from flourishing and providing what they claim is vital information. Listed below are three of these websites on The Kite Runner.  If you need a character list, to help remember who is who, pick one and use it. If you need to place the novel in context and understand the background and setting, pick one and use it. If you need something to do the thinking for you, forget it.  One of the greatest hazards of using a convenient Study Guide like “Spark ,” “Pink Monkey” or “Cliff,” is that by allowing the Study Guide to do the thinking, the student automatically assumes it is correct,  he  cheats himself out of evaluating the novel independently. Do you want something to tell you what to think? When used judiciously, thoughtfully, they can assist the student, but they cannot replace the critical thinking one does while reading and discussing the book.  

Visuals for The Kite Runner



Potential Topics for the final in-class essay over The Kite Runner:

1.  Amir, the narrator of  The Kite Runner,  claims that he became the adult he is when the reader first meets him on a winter day in 1975.  However, while that incident leaves a permanent scar on the psyche of Amir, there are other influences on his childhood and his development as a man of conscience. Identify three additional influences on Amir, other than Hassan, and through plentiful examples and explanation, show how Amir was forever marked by them.
 
2.      The theme of possible redemption echoes through the second half of The Kite Runner. We hear it in the promising words Rahim Khan offers to Amir: “There is a way to be good again.” We follow Amir’s tortured path as it leads to his atonement (or potential for atonement) in the novel’s final pages. In addition to Amir, other characters seek their own redemption as well. Discuss what each of the following characters have done for which they seek forgiveness and redemption, their efforts to attain their own atonement, and whether they achieve it: Baba, Sanaubar, and Rahim Khan.
 
3.      The story of Amir and Hassan could not exist without the class difference between Amir and Hassan.  Defend this argument by using specific plot points and historical facts to ground your argument.
 
4.      Explore the way in which courage is portrayed in the novel. What constitutes true bravery? What are the key moments when characters are brave and who is the bravest character, if any? Use specific examples from the text to support your argument.
 
5.      The novel begins “I became what I am today at the age of twelve.” To what is Amir referring? Is his assertion entirely true? What other factors have helped form his character? How would you describe Amir?
 
6.      Amir had never thought of Hassan as his friend, despite the evident bond between them, just as Baba did not think of Ali as his friend (page 22). What parallels can be drawn between Amir and Hassan’s relationship, and Baba and Ali’s? How would you describe the relationship between the two boys? What makes them so different in the way they behave with each other? What is it that makes Amir inflict small cruelties on Hassan? Had you already guessed at the true relationship between them? If so, at what point and why?

7.  The strong underlying force of this novel is the relationship between Amir and Hassan. Discuss their friendship. Why is Amir afraid to be Hassan’s true friend? Why does Amir constantly test Hassan’s loyalty? Why does he resent Hassan? After the kite fighting tournament, why does Amir no longer want to be Hassan’s friend?

Organize your essay along the following guidelines:
·         first paragraph adequately introduces the book, author and your topic &  has an explicit thesis statement (an obvious main idea). 
·         the body paragraphs support your main idea with many definite, specific details from the novel. 
·         the conclusion brings graceful or memorable closure to your essay; it DOES NOT simply STOP abruptly. 

REMINDER!

Research Essays are due at the end of the next class.

I will not accept a late research essay nor will I accept one that is
e-mailed.

Ignorance or unawareness of this paper is no excuse.  Come to class; check the blog; find out what's going on. The onus is on YOU.

I appreciate each and every student who has come to class faithfully and on time this semester; your attendance and promptness does NOT go without notice, even if you're quiet.

Samples of Citations from the Essays in the Text

NOTE: nothing is boldfaced in your paper; I have used boldface type here, only to distinguish one example from another or for explanation

Internal Citations from Scott Carney’s essay on organ donations, page 615, par. 11:

If putting information from an essay into your own words, you still MUST give the citation that indicates the author and page number:

Even when organs like kidneys are available, doctors have a limited window in which to transplant the donor kidney. After 72 hours, the donor kidney is no longer viable (Carney 615). 

If you use the author’s name in your writing, you need only provide the page number:

Even when organs like kidneys are available, doctors have a limited window in which to transplant the donor kidney. According to Scott Carney, a reputable journalist, “a kidney has a 72-hour window before it needs to be transplanted into a patient” (615). 

The key to remember is that ANY information from the book MUST be cited.

ANY time you use a direct quote from a reference, it is best to introduce it into the paper.

If you have a quote over 4 typed lines, set your quote off from the left hand margin by 2 indents all the way down. Continue to double space, and introduce the quote with a colon.

Even when organs like kidneys are available, doctors have a limited window in which to transplant the donor kidney. After 72 hours, the donor kidney is no longer viable (Carney 615).  Because there is such a limited window of availability for “fresh” organs, Charles Krauthammer believes that organs should be available for money:

               Jkljg’paiojas’d;ponklsjadlkjvuiojp’awkltnpiouasp lkjds'pofui=90-         quj3wtrkl;wn'puio lkjsofdg'pojrwt'pojjgv'pojgw'pojgpwjg'pojipl  (621).  

The SHORT (3 page) Research Paper

Topics are due TODAY
     no changing them
     select one side or the other; do NOT try to do both

The paper MUST be structured according to the guidelines in chapter 14
     Introduction
          --get the reader's attention
          --provide necessary background and state the two sides of the issue
          --make certain the thesis statement clearly makes a claim

Make sure the entire paper (especially the first page) is in MLA format

The body of the paper should provide evidence (OR provide information on the opposite side of the issue) from at LEAST 3 of the 4 essays from the textbook. You are NOT required to use any other outside references; if you choose to do so, use NO more than TWO.

The next to the last paragrapth should contain a brief explanation by you (and any reference material you may choose to include) of the other side of the issue AND your refutation.

Remember that the conclusion gracefully brings the paper to an end; remember that an argument is reasoned and logical and must use facts/examples/evidence that is factual, that is supported, that is representative and typical. An argument is NOT the same as persuasion.

There MUST be a Works Cited page, which includes, in alphabetical order, the references used in the paper. Remember that your friend is Easy Bib.

YOU MUST INCLUDE IN-TEXT OR INTERNAL CITATIONS IN THIS PAPER.
Students always want to know HOW MANY.  The real answer is "As many as is needed."  A definite number is impossible to indicate, but I would expect at least 2-3 citations from each references listed on the Works Cited page.

This is your reference essay; it will count 20% of your grade; you may turn your paper in at the end of class on Monday, but you cannot email it to me or turn it in late. For better or worse, it is better turned in ON TIME, at the end of class Monday.

The Next to the Last Essay!

Argumentation

The argumentative essay will be worth 20% of your grade!!!

Your final essay will be worth 20% of your grade!!!

Argumentation: chapter 14 --525-532;541-542

CHOOSE ONE of the following as your argumentative essay topic; use at least 3 of the 4 essays in the text to support your argument:

605: How Can We Address the Shortage of Organ Donors?

OR

630: Should Government Tax Sugary Drinks?

Essay should be at least 3 pages, in MLA format, WITH a Works Cited page AND internal citations

Keep in Mind How Much You Know:

You know how the first page of a paper in MLA format should look
You know what a Works Cited page is, what it's for, and where it goes
You know that an introduction should catch a reader's attention, provide background and state a thesis
You know that the body of the paper should provide reasonable, logical evidence that supports the thesis
You know that the evidence presented is stronger when you use concrete, specific details
You know that your paper must have a conclusion; it cannot simply stop
You know that the length requirement is just a number and nothing to be intimidated by
You know how to read essays critically, aware that it is necessary to think and evealuate the information presented--not take everything at "face value"

Peer Evaluation for C/C

READERS: This will count as a quiz grade. PLEASE GIVE FEEDBACK in left margin or on back for any "c" or "d" answers in numbers 3-5. Your comments or suggestions could be of great assistance.

1.       This paper sets up a comparison between:

_______________________________________    And    ______________________________________

2.       The title:

a.        Gives the reader some idea of what’s ahead in the paper

b.       Is clever and thought-provoking

c.        Both of the above

d.       Neither—OR is poorly conceived

3.       The first paragraph

a.        Introduces the broad area of the paper, becomes more narrow in focus and ends with a strong thesis statement which leads the reader into the body of the paper

b.       Attempts to introduce the topic, but does not provide clear information or enough background on the topic; the thesis is not as direct as it could be

c.        There is not enough development of the introduction to lead the reader into the body; there is a thesis statement, but very little else introduction, otherwise

d.       Even after reading the introduction, the reader is not sure that there is a clear purpose or comparison in this paper

4.       The body of the paper:

a.        Follows a tight organization, as it is established in the introduction, and provides many specific examples and abundant details, as necessary to support generalizations; there is a definite balance in the information provided on each subject

b.       The reader is able to easily follow the organization of the paper, which gives some examples and details to support generalizations; there is a balance in development in the paper—each subject is give approximately the same amount of development

c.        There is clear logic and organization in the paper and the reader is not confused; some examples are given, but more would be even more helpful to support the thesis, and the writer  should consider that the amount of information for one subject, should be balanced by roughly the same amount for the other subject

d.       Organization is skewed; the paper is difficult to follow; transitions are needed to achieve fluency and unity; there may be too much development of one subject, while not enough development of the other.

5.       The conclusion:

a.        Is thoughtful; the reader is aware that the writer has considered his/her topic and evaluated both for the comparison/contrast, and is now ending the paper with grace, leaving the reader satisfied for the time he given to read it

b.       Brings the paper to a graceful conclusion, with considered thought and an awareness of the reader

c.        Ends the paper adequately, thoughtfully, but perhaps could be improved

d.       Ends too abruptly or is too limited; gives the reader no real concept to think on

What this reader most enjoyed about this paper was:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

What this reader would like to see improvement in:

_______________________________________________________________________________________

On Sentence Variation

“This sentence has five words. Here are five more words. Five-word sentences are fine. But several together become monotonous. Listen to what is happening. The writing is getting boring. The sound of it drones. It’s like a stuck record. The ear demands some variety. Now listen. I vary the sentence length, and I create music. Music. The writing sings. It has a pleasant rhythm, a lilt, a harmony. I use short sentences. And I use sentences of medium length. And sometimes, when I am certain the reader is rested, I will engage him with a sentence of considerable length, a sentence that burns with energy and builds with all the impetus of a crescendo, the roll of the drums, the crash of the cymbals–sounds that say listen to this, it is important.” -Gary Provost