Supplementary readings updated

I've sent out two readings that pertain to The Giver and Number the Stars. In addition, I will update the Supplementary Readings section of the blog.

Please note that the readings contain some spoilers. You may wish to wait until you finish The Giver to read them. These are optional readings, though we will discuss their most important points in class.

Mini extra credit assignment and "The Giver" trailer

Since a few people sounded interested yesterday, I'll offer 5 extra credit points to anyone who wants to experiment with the kind of "painting music" that Noah and Paul do in Boy Meets Boy. In other words, just put on some music you like and paint and/or draw and/or color along to it. Let me know what music you chose, too (writing the name on the back of your illustration is fine). The deadline for this is April 10, same as the rest of the extra credit.

You've all been working very hard this semester, so I hope this offers you a little fun if you choose to do it. :)

Also, here's the trailer for The Giver. I encourage you to check it out so we can discuss it in class! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJNNugNe0Wo

March 18

Below is the writing activity we will do in class. I will collect this and count it as participation points for last Thursday (our movie day). If you cannot attend class today but wish to earn participation points for Thursday, please email me your response to one of the questions. 

In addition to Coraline, we will discuss Boy Meets Boy pages 1-43 and Chapter 11 of Hintz and Tribunella in class today. 

Please answer one of the following questions about Coraline. Feel free to reference Hintz and Tribunella in your response.

1.  Do you think Coraline counts as a fairy tale? Why or why not?

2.  In what ways does Coraline adhere to traditional gender norms? In what ways does she subvert them?

March 13

Today we will watch Coraline in class. I've emailed out a supplementary reading you may find interesting. It concerns the theme of "stranger danger" in the film and the ways in which it departs from the original book. This is not required reading, but it can help you think about the film in new ways.

Please note that Coraline is "required reading" for the course. If you can't attend class today and you have not seen the movie, please contact me so we can figure out a way for you to borrow the DVD. We will discuss the film next week and some of the questions on the final will pertain to it, so please make sure you view it one way or another!

Self-Selected Text Project Assignment Sheet

I have emailed the assignment sheet to you. Remember that this project is due April 15. Let me know if you have questions!

Today in class we will discuss "The Little Mermaid," "The Snow Queen," and Chapter 4 of Hintz and Tribunella. We'll be trying something a little different as far as discussion goes.