Let the Games Begin, and May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor

I couldn't resist the Hunger Games quote there!

Yes, let high school begin. Many of the best years of my life were spent here in these halls (I graduated in 1980). It's a formative time and a time during which you will make decisions that will affect the rest of your life. I'm here to help you develop a sense of curiosity about the world. That's the main reason I became a teacher. During the 180 days (or so) we have together I think that you'll find that learning is interesting and that the thinking and writing skills you learn here will help you feel more engaged in life. So, it's time to begin . . .

To find the syllabus for the course, check this link which will take you to a Google Doc:
2013/2014 American Lit Syllabus

If you read the syllabus tonight, we can just start right in today doing some learning, right? I know that you guys don't really want to just sit around all day listening to teacher after teacher tell you the class rules.  That wouldn't be a whole lot of fun. And as I said earlier, learning is supposed to be fun.

Today:

Journal:
My All-time Favorite . . .

In your notebook, date today's journal entry (Tuesday, September 3) and write "My All-time Favorite" at the top.
Then answer the following 5 questions:
1. My favorite book is ________________ and I like it because ___(2-3 sentences) _____
2. My favorite movie is ________________ and I like it because ___(2-3 sentences) _____
3.  My favorite poem is ________________ and I like it because ___(2-3 sentences) _____
4.  My favorite song is _____________ and I like it because ___(2-3 sentences discussing the lyrics)
5. My favorite thing about myself is ____________________________________________

Books: Remember, you can always just do a Google search to help you find the answer to anything. For example, search for "awesome books that teenagers like" or "cool books"
Poems: Poemhunter.com
http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15433
Lyrics to songs: lyricstraining.com
Movies: IMDB.com

"I saw a man pursuing the horizon"

BY STEPHEN CRANE

I saw a man pursuing the horizon;

Round and round they sped.

I was disturbed at this;   

I accosted (approach intending to talk to) the man.

“It is futile,”(pointless to resist) I said,

“You can never —”

“You lie,” he cried,   

And ran on.

See "Resources" tab for how to set  up your class notebook, which has a journal section

Tomorrow we will discuss the poem I Saw a Man: Matisse website
And we'll start off the year with a fun writing assignment: Garbage Man Essay

: Icarus
Vocabulary, The Crucible
Crucible 1-47
Extra credit words (not required) Set 1
Extra credit words (not required) Set 2