A reminder to meet in the Writing Center in the morning L-221. (The lab closest to the elevator.) What else, bring all your books and your questions about research. We will be talking about composition and style within the context of writers Hardy, Dyson and Guy. We'll look at how audience impacts these rhetorical choices.
Oh, bring your money in for the Hardy book. I think students owe me $14?
I have one too many. I think it's Johnny's. Oh, the essays will be back by Tuesday. We'll have little mini conferences during the class meeting. We are meeting in tbe lab until further notice. Dress warmly.
In Guy try to read ahead. Just keep going. We'll try to wrap up the book mid-month, by November 15, so we can leisurely stroll through The Elephant Man.
For Elements of Style we'll look at a different section each week continuing with "Elementary Principles of Compost ion" for the week of 11/6; A Few Matters of Form and Words and Expressions Commonly Misused the week of 11/13; and "Approach to Style" and "Afterword," 11/19. Develop 5-6 questions and/or comments for each section. We'll converse on line about it each week.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Due dates for Research Essay
I forgot to include the due dates on the Research Essay Notes. The dates are as follows: The planning sheet and 5-10 sources are due Thursday, November 8. An introduction and conclusion, along with an outline are due Tuesday, November 13. The first draft of the essay is due, Tuesday, November 20. The final draft is due Tuesday, November 27.
There are no exceptions to these dates unless a student wants to turn the final draft in early.
Today in class I handed out hardcopies of the library guide to research and a website evaluation worksheet. Semhar already had something similar in her notes. I don't know if the rest of you have already completed a similar task. The questions are different as are the websites you can choose to evaluate. We will complete this task in pairs on Thursday, November 1.
I gave students a copy to two essays to read on censorship. The essays are arguments. Discussion questions follow the essays. We'll talk about the essays on Thursday. The essay response will be our freewrite on Thursday, so read it in advance.
Homework is to read two chapters in Guy's book. Other reading includes reading the introduction to Blood Beats. Students are also to read a selection of their choice. Post a response to teh selection here. We will talk about this on Thursday, November 1.
We'll talk about arguments a bit on Thursday also: deductive and inductive, logic, claims and support, fallacies, syllogisms, appeals and audience, discourse communities, enthymemes.... (Hacker pp. 344-368). We will do the exercises on pp. 367-368).
There are no exceptions to these dates unless a student wants to turn the final draft in early.
Today in class I handed out hardcopies of the library guide to research and a website evaluation worksheet. Semhar already had something similar in her notes. I don't know if the rest of you have already completed a similar task. The questions are different as are the websites you can choose to evaluate. We will complete this task in pairs on Thursday, November 1.
I gave students a copy to two essays to read on censorship. The essays are arguments. Discussion questions follow the essays. We'll talk about the essays on Thursday. The essay response will be our freewrite on Thursday, so read it in advance.
Homework is to read two chapters in Guy's book. Other reading includes reading the introduction to Blood Beats. Students are also to read a selection of their choice. Post a response to teh selection here. We will talk about this on Thursday, November 1.
We'll talk about arguments a bit on Thursday also: deductive and inductive, logic, claims and support, fallacies, syllogisms, appeals and audience, discourse communities, enthymemes.... (Hacker pp. 344-368). We will do the exercises on pp. 367-368).
Monday, October 29, 2007
Social Entrepreneur con't.
Visit http://alameda.peralta.edu/projects/20013/EnglishSabirpathfinder.doc
http://alameda.peralta.edu/projects/20013/EvalWebWksht.doc for the assignment: Evaluating a web page.
Other resources
http://alameda.peralta.edu/Projects/20013/researchsteps.pdf
http://alameda.peralta.edu/projects/20013/researchquestion.ppt#256,1
http://alameda.peralta.edu/projects/20013/EvalWebWksht.doc for the assignment: Evaluating a web page.
Other resources
http://alameda.peralta.edu/Projects/20013/researchsteps.pdf
http://alameda.peralta.edu/projects/20013/researchquestion.ppt#256,1
Social Entreprenuers
Social Entrepreneurs and other assignments
On "Frontline: World," I saw a program about a micro-lending organization called KIVA where lenders who want to help small businesses in Uganda. Now KIVA is all over the world. All loans have been paid back 100 percent. Visit http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/uganda601/video_index.html to see the video.
Here is a link from this site to other entrepreneurs. Choose one's that interest you: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/socialentrepreneurs.html
The organization is in San Francisco. There is a link to other Frontline programs about Social Entrepreneurs. Watch this program and over the week, watch two others. Respond to the following questions: What is a social entrepreneur? What problem did the person profiled identify? What is the name of the organization they started? Describe their relationship to the community they serve. Why did they decide to address this issue? What is the local component? How does the community own the process?
You need to define "social," "entrepreneur," and "philanthropy." This should be a part of your introduction. A philanthropist gives money to worthy causes. A entrepreneur is a business person. A social entrepreneur is a business person whose business creates social good and economic development in a community where poverty was a barrier to its financial growth. I will give you a handout to begin your research process tomorrow. If you want to stop by my office the handouts will be in a folder in the bin by Tuesday, October 30.
Visit 3 websites this week -- Monday-Wednesday, October 29-31, and respond to the questions listed above for each social entrepreneur. Post here.
Social Entrepreneur Essay Assignment
For your research project, I want you to find someone, if possible who uses his or her art for social change. This Thursday, November 1, poet, activist, Amiri Baraka is at UC Berkeley at a reading. Friday, November 2, he is at EastSide Arts Cultural Center. He would be a great topic for your research. He doesn't live here,so this is an opportunity to talk to him about art, activism and social change.
Handout: The Social Entrepreneur Essay research worksheet is a way to define what a social entrepreneur is compared to a philanthropist. Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, Lil' Kim, the Waynan's Brothers, Oprah Winfrey are examples of artists and entrepreneurs (businesses people). I don't know if one would call them social entrepreneurs or just philanthropists.
See a librarian at the reference desk to help you define your search and identify the SE you'd like to profile in your 6-10 page essay.
Due dates
The planning sheet and 5-10 sources are due Wednesday, November 7 or Thursday, November 8 to share.
An introduction and conclusion to the essay are due: Monday, November 12.
The first draft of the essay is due: Wednesday, November 19 or Thursday, November 20.
The final draft is due Tuesday, November 27 or Wednesday, November 28. Put the essay, the planning sheet, and all the works cited and bibliography pages on a disk. You can use the same disk the midterm was on.
On "Frontline: World," I saw a program about a micro-lending organization called KIVA where lenders who want to help small businesses in Uganda. Now KIVA is all over the world. All loans have been paid back 100 percent. Visit http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/uganda601/video_index.html to see the video.
Here is a link from this site to other entrepreneurs. Choose one's that interest you: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/socialentrepreneurs.html
The organization is in San Francisco. There is a link to other Frontline programs about Social Entrepreneurs. Watch this program and over the week, watch two others. Respond to the following questions: What is a social entrepreneur? What problem did the person profiled identify? What is the name of the organization they started? Describe their relationship to the community they serve. Why did they decide to address this issue? What is the local component? How does the community own the process?
You need to define "social," "entrepreneur," and "philanthropy." This should be a part of your introduction. A philanthropist gives money to worthy causes. A entrepreneur is a business person. A social entrepreneur is a business person whose business creates social good and economic development in a community where poverty was a barrier to its financial growth. I will give you a handout to begin your research process tomorrow. If you want to stop by my office the handouts will be in a folder in the bin by Tuesday, October 30.
Visit 3 websites this week -- Monday-Wednesday, October 29-31, and respond to the questions listed above for each social entrepreneur. Post here.
Social Entrepreneur Essay Assignment
For your research project, I want you to find someone, if possible who uses his or her art for social change. This Thursday, November 1, poet, activist, Amiri Baraka is at UC Berkeley at a reading. Friday, November 2, he is at EastSide Arts Cultural Center. He would be a great topic for your research. He doesn't live here,so this is an opportunity to talk to him about art, activism and social change.
Handout: The Social Entrepreneur Essay research worksheet is a way to define what a social entrepreneur is compared to a philanthropist. Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, Lil' Kim, the Waynan's Brothers, Oprah Winfrey are examples of artists and entrepreneurs (businesses people). I don't know if one would call them social entrepreneurs or just philanthropists.
See a librarian at the reference desk to help you define your search and identify the SE you'd like to profile in your 6-10 page essay.
Due dates
The planning sheet and 5-10 sources are due Wednesday, November 7 or Thursday, November 8 to share.
An introduction and conclusion to the essay are due: Monday, November 12.
The first draft of the essay is due: Wednesday, November 19 or Thursday, November 20.
The final draft is due Tuesday, November 27 or Wednesday, November 28. Put the essay, the planning sheet, and all the works cited and bibliography pages on a disk. You can use the same disk the midterm was on.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Homework
The midterm is now homework due Monday, October 29. Students can bring their essays to me on a disk. I will put a folder on the wall over the bin for drop-off. If you are not on campus Monday, you can give me the disk Tuesday. I will bring Blood Beat to school Monday for the six students who needed copies. Read the post below for details about the midterm, homework and the research essay.
We'll read Afeni for Thursday. We'll probably be able to read the book in a few meetings. We might read some of it aloud. Have a great weekend! You can email any questions to me you might have about the assignments.
We'll read Afeni for Thursday. We'll probably be able to read the book in a few meetings. We might read some of it aloud. Have a great weekend! You can email any questions to me you might have about the assignments.
Midterm
Today is the midterm. I think I'll have students post it here with all the attachments. Your grade with narrative will be given to you separately. Post your planning sheet, outline and essay here. You can give me the notes and Tupac related assignments. Please include a works cited page and a bibliography with Dyson, Tupac Shakur, and one other scholarly source.
There was a rumble when I shared this request with students, so for students who finish their essays by 12 noon, and copy them onto my disk. I can post them on the blog.
I forgot Blood Beats at home. Please come my my office Monday, October 29, 9:10-11 a.m. to pick up a copy. Call me if you need to get it later on that day. I am on campus until 3 p.m. Hardy's book is one you can skip around in until you land on an article that appeals to you. I really like the bonus disc (180-215) and the Outro (217-218)and Coming Attractions. I also like the articles: "i, too sing hollywood," "god made them phunky," "les nubians," "too deep."
If anyone has any of the music or films he reviews and wants to bring them in to share excerpts or clips, that would be great.
Homework is to read Hardy up to page 12 and one other article and be prepared to talk about the article: it's topic, style, tone and whether or not you agree with Hardy's argument. Write a response to Hardy. We'll call these responses: Letters to Ernest Hardy. Number them. Students will post them on the blog in a section devoted to theses letters and responses to each other's letters over the course of the book. I think we'll do the same for Evolution of a Revolutionary.
Research Assignment
Tuesday we will talk specifically about the research essay and I will share examples of student projects and also show you a couple of films on Social Entreprenuers. They are not all artists; however, your assignment is to find an artist who is using his or her craft for social change.
A second topic could be to do a literature survey of a contemporary of Tupac. A third topic could be a research essay on the history of hip hop within the context of African musical forms. A fourth could look at hip hop culture as a movement and focus on the work of key figures in this movement. A final topic could be to explore one or more of the four elements of the genre.
Original topics are also welcome, as long as it fits within the themes we've been exploring this semester and it is an analysis of the literature or art produced: hip hop culture, Tupac Shakur, Black Revolutionary Movements....
There was a rumble when I shared this request with students, so for students who finish their essays by 12 noon, and copy them onto my disk. I can post them on the blog.
I forgot Blood Beats at home. Please come my my office Monday, October 29, 9:10-11 a.m. to pick up a copy. Call me if you need to get it later on that day. I am on campus until 3 p.m. Hardy's book is one you can skip around in until you land on an article that appeals to you. I really like the bonus disc (180-215) and the Outro (217-218)and Coming Attractions. I also like the articles: "i, too sing hollywood," "god made them phunky," "les nubians," "too deep."
If anyone has any of the music or films he reviews and wants to bring them in to share excerpts or clips, that would be great.
Homework is to read Hardy up to page 12 and one other article and be prepared to talk about the article: it's topic, style, tone and whether or not you agree with Hardy's argument. Write a response to Hardy. We'll call these responses: Letters to Ernest Hardy. Number them. Students will post them on the blog in a section devoted to theses letters and responses to each other's letters over the course of the book. I think we'll do the same for Evolution of a Revolutionary.
Research Assignment
Tuesday we will talk specifically about the research essay and I will share examples of student projects and also show you a couple of films on Social Entreprenuers. They are not all artists; however, your assignment is to find an artist who is using his or her craft for social change.
A second topic could be to do a literature survey of a contemporary of Tupac. A third topic could be a research essay on the history of hip hop within the context of African musical forms. A fourth could look at hip hop culture as a movement and focus on the work of key figures in this movement. A final topic could be to explore one or more of the four elements of the genre.
Original topics are also welcome, as long as it fits within the themes we've been exploring this semester and it is an analysis of the literature or art produced: hip hop culture, Tupac Shakur, Black Revolutionary Movements....
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Blood Beats
I got the book Blood Beats today, so bring your money tomorrow to class (we meet in the Writing Center, L-234) from 9-11 for our midterm. If you missed class and don't have all the questions I will have copies tomorrow and you can spend a few minutes planning your essay. If you have a classmates phone number, now would be a good time to call. Some of the questions were from my English 1A class and those are posted at the Professor Wanda's Posse site. You can access it here if you go into my profile and scroll all the way to the end.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Today we had a visitor, Professor Sherrone Smith who was evaluating me for the tenure position I am seeking. She came in as students shared their initial plans for the midterm, based on one of the many questions developed over the past week by students in English 1A and English 1B. If you missed class, you want to stop by my office today and pick up a handout in the bin outside my office. Remember, there is no class tomorrow for students in the Peralta College District.
Carroll mentioned that she watched the film Biggie and Tupac on-line, so when she sends me the URL, I'll post it on the blog.
Announcements
Thursday, October 25, at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street, Oakland, there will be a panel about the Black Panther Party from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Visit http://alpha.dickinson.edu/oha/pdf/2007finalprogram.pdf. There might be other programs your like to attend, such as the workshop on Stanley "Tookie" Williams on Saturday, October 27.
I encourage you to attend. I plan on attending the 10/25 event and perhaps the one on 10/27. The conference is free for the community Dr. Curtis Austin assured me, so if you have any trouble, mention his name.
In class today we also talked about the Elements of Style reading.
The Midterm
Thursday, October 25, 9-11 we will meet in L-234, the Writing Center to write our essays. Bring your Dyson notes, the planning sheet, your books, your outline, etc.
The essay is to be 3-5 pages long. Your primary sources are Michael Eric Dyson's Holler If You Hear Me, Tupac's songs and poetry, and one scholarly reference. This reference could be the full-length article or a book referenced by Dyson in his notes.
For students who want to access the COA databases off campus you need to visit the library and get the access code from the librarian at the reference desk. Bring the hardcopy to class Thursday. Please include this reference in a bibliography.
Late work
I am accepting late assignments for the next three weeks or through November 12. This includes blog assignments.
Carroll mentioned that she watched the film Biggie and Tupac on-line, so when she sends me the URL, I'll post it on the blog.
Announcements
Thursday, October 25, at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street, Oakland, there will be a panel about the Black Panther Party from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Visit http://alpha.dickinson.edu/oha/pdf/2007finalprogram.pdf. There might be other programs your like to attend, such as the workshop on Stanley "Tookie" Williams on Saturday, October 27.
I encourage you to attend. I plan on attending the 10/25 event and perhaps the one on 10/27. The conference is free for the community Dr. Curtis Austin assured me, so if you have any trouble, mention his name.
In class today we also talked about the Elements of Style reading.
The Midterm
Thursday, October 25, 9-11 we will meet in L-234, the Writing Center to write our essays. Bring your Dyson notes, the planning sheet, your books, your outline, etc.
The essay is to be 3-5 pages long. Your primary sources are Michael Eric Dyson's Holler If You Hear Me, Tupac's songs and poetry, and one scholarly reference. This reference could be the full-length article or a book referenced by Dyson in his notes.
For students who want to access the COA databases off campus you need to visit the library and get the access code from the librarian at the reference desk. Bring the hardcopy to class Thursday. Please include this reference in a bibliography.
Late work
I am accepting late assignments for the next three weeks or through November 12. This includes blog assignments.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Midterm Questions
I haven't had time to type the questions yet for the midterm to post here. I will bring a copy of the questions to class tomorrow. You will meet me in the lab Thursday, October 25, 9-11 a.m.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Homework
Today in class we almost completed the film "Biggie and Tupac." Homework is to reflect on the film through the lens of what we know about Tupac and his date with death. What did the inclusion of Biggie's life into the picture add to what you now know about the artist we are studying. How did seeing Tupac on camera, meeting the people who knew him, his family--add to his portrait? Are there songs or poetry you could reference that reflect the mood of the piece? It doesn't have to be songs or poetry written by Tupac. Wasn't it interesting that both Tupac and Biggie wrote songs for their mothers? What different mothers they were too, yet the same in many ways with regard to their sons.
The response should be minimally three paragraphs.
I returned papers today, one's written so long ago I'm certain you thought they'd calcified :-) Anyway, thanks for your continued patience. Students who received a B or better grade post the essays on the blog where assigned. You can revise them first, if such is indicated. I still have to respond to some of your emailed essays. Look for these responses by 10/22.
I will post the midterm questions on the blog later today or tomorrow. Choose one questions and develop an initial plan: topic, audience, purpose, question you want the essay to answer, main writing strategy. I will give you time Tuesday to go to the library to find another source (on of the new reference books or an article from the database) to support your claim.
We will develop our outlines 10/23 in class. These outlines include a thesis sentence. If you want to start on this in advance, please do so. Students will bring these outlines, with references already plugged in. These outlines, the initial planning sheet, the reading logs from Dyson, are also due with the essays. Please bring your Dyson book with you.
Announcements:
Human Rights Watch Film Festival began last night.
Visit www.unaff.org
The Oakland International Film Festival begins tonight http://www.oiff.org
Reminder: DJ Kool Herc is next week at Bruno's in San Francisco.
Dia de Los Muertos at the Oakland Museum: the Dia de Los Muertos exhibit officially opens Sunday, October 21, 12 noon
The response should be minimally three paragraphs.
I returned papers today, one's written so long ago I'm certain you thought they'd calcified :-) Anyway, thanks for your continued patience. Students who received a B or better grade post the essays on the blog where assigned. You can revise them first, if such is indicated. I still have to respond to some of your emailed essays. Look for these responses by 10/22.
I will post the midterm questions on the blog later today or tomorrow. Choose one questions and develop an initial plan: topic, audience, purpose, question you want the essay to answer, main writing strategy. I will give you time Tuesday to go to the library to find another source (on of the new reference books or an article from the database) to support your claim.
We will develop our outlines 10/23 in class. These outlines include a thesis sentence. If you want to start on this in advance, please do so. Students will bring these outlines, with references already plugged in. These outlines, the initial planning sheet, the reading logs from Dyson, are also due with the essays. Please bring your Dyson book with you.
Announcements:
Human Rights Watch Film Festival began last night.
Visit www.unaff.org
The Oakland International Film Festival begins tonight http://www.oiff.org
Reminder: DJ Kool Herc is next week at Bruno's in San Francisco.
Dia de Los Muertos at the Oakland Museum: the Dia de Los Muertos exhibit officially opens Sunday, October 21, 12 noon
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Books on their way
I ordered 6 books from Redbone Press today. They will be here by Friday, October 19, so I will bring them to the college Monday, October 22. If you want to come by my office and purchase a copy, feel free to do so. I only bought 6, so students who did not tell me they needed a copy are on their own. It was $93.42 total. I got a 30 percent discount for you. The author Ernest Hardy got the Pen Award. The editor said the awards ceremony in New York was really fabulous! I am going to invite him to our campus for a talk about his writing and the aesthetics of hip hop culture.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Tuesday, October 16
Today in class we got into groups to finish Dyson. Students then developed essay questions for consideration for the midterm. The midterm is next Thursday, October 26. We will write it in class. It will be open book, open notes. I also hope it will be fun. I'd like students to post their midterms on the blog. The TA will send you your grade with a narrative to your email address. You will not have the opportunity to revise this essay.
I would like to see all of you before next week to check-in about your writing and goals for this semester. We'll take class time Thursday and Tuesday for this. Print our copies of your papers you've emailed me. Bring in papers I have returned, so we can have a substantive conversation.
The college bookstore does not have Blood Beat Vol.1. I am going to see if the publisher can send us copies by Thursday, October 18. I'll let you know what happens. I am ordering 6 copies.
I printed copies of the Tupac essay he wrote. If you have the book, read his introduction. We watched part of the film: The Murder of Biggie and Tupac. We'll continue Thursday.
Homework is to Watch the video: "I Wonder If Heaven Has a Ghetto" and respond on the blog here. You will probably notice repetition of lines from "Changes." Why is that? Also, when was this song released? Was it edited or was Tupac truly a visionary? (I'm speaking of references to Bush and Rodney as in King.)
I'll have the assignment for the research essay completed Thursday also for students. We can take time to discuss this further Thursday in groups. For homework due, Tuesday, October 23, students will develop a research plan.
I would like to see all of you before next week to check-in about your writing and goals for this semester. We'll take class time Thursday and Tuesday for this. Print our copies of your papers you've emailed me. Bring in papers I have returned, so we can have a substantive conversation.
The college bookstore does not have Blood Beat Vol.1. I am going to see if the publisher can send us copies by Thursday, October 18. I'll let you know what happens. I am ordering 6 copies.
I printed copies of the Tupac essay he wrote. If you have the book, read his introduction. We watched part of the film: The Murder of Biggie and Tupac. We'll continue Thursday.
Homework is to Watch the video: "I Wonder If Heaven Has a Ghetto" and respond on the blog here. You will probably notice repetition of lines from "Changes." Why is that? Also, when was this song released? Was it edited or was Tupac truly a visionary? (I'm speaking of references to Bush and Rodney as in King.)
I'll have the assignment for the research essay completed Thursday also for students. We can take time to discuss this further Thursday in groups. For homework due, Tuesday, October 23, students will develop a research plan.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Today is Pam's birthday. I found out that it is also National Coming Out Day. We listened to Changes in class and wrote a three paragraph essay discussing dominate themes, death, suffering, hopelessness and hesitant optimism. Students were to incorporate evidence from Dyson and the song into their paragraphs. I asked all the students to post their freewrites here.
We then got into Literature Circles and talked about Chapters 6-7,8. We are finishing up the book next week. Tuesday will be an opportunity to talk about any lingering questions. We will continue this discussion Thursday as we look at possible essay questions we could explore about Tupac for our midterm. We didn't get a chance to talk about the research essay but I do have websites you can look at to explore the social entrepreneur concept.
Bring in Blood Beats, Elements of Style, and Evolution of a Revolutionary. The latter is an easy read, really easy. Your brain will have an opportunity to relax after the vigor of Dyson. I'll try to remember to bring in my Tupac collection.
There is an essay on Tupac in Blood Beats we'll read Tuesday. Semhar mentioned a song we should listen to, and I forgot which one it was. If you see this Semhar, put it's name in the comment section. I noticed that there aren't many essays posted here. Scroll down and note the cyber-activities and post the relevant work.
We then got into Literature Circles and talked about Chapters 6-7,8. We are finishing up the book next week. Tuesday will be an opportunity to talk about any lingering questions. We will continue this discussion Thursday as we look at possible essay questions we could explore about Tupac for our midterm. We didn't get a chance to talk about the research essay but I do have websites you can look at to explore the social entrepreneur concept.
Bring in Blood Beats, Elements of Style, and Evolution of a Revolutionary. The latter is an easy read, really easy. Your brain will have an opportunity to relax after the vigor of Dyson. I'll try to remember to bring in my Tupac collection.
There is an essay on Tupac in Blood Beats we'll read Tuesday. Semhar mentioned a song we should listen to, and I forgot which one it was. If you see this Semhar, put it's name in the comment section. I noticed that there aren't many essays posted here. Scroll down and note the cyber-activities and post the relevant work.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
DJ Kool Herc
I told students about The Living Word Festival which began last week and continues through November 3. Visit www.youthspeaks.org. There is an event this Saturday, October 13, 8 p.m., at the Black New World, 836 Pine Street, Oakland. Tickets are $10 general and $5 for youth 18 and under. I wanted students to note Saturday, October 27, 9 p.m. DJ Kool Herc and James Brown's drummer Clyde Stubblefield perform together. DJ Funklor will join them. It's at the Bruno's, 2389 Mission Street, in San Francisco. It's a 21+ event plus ID. Tickets are $15, free with/Scourge Benefit Ticket. There is a lot more. Visit the website. If you want credit for attending anything, you have to write a review (250 words min.)
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Research Essay
Today in the library we looked at research tools: encyclopedias, data bases and other on-line search tools. Students were then released to get started on articulating their research question.
We will devote more time to exploring this in class Thursday. I mentioned that the Living Word Hip Hop Theatre Festival that Youth Speaks hosts each year in San Francisco started last week. There is also a concert series, music and poetry hosted by San Francisco State's Poetry Center, at the Red Vic Movie House on 16th Street in San Francisco. There is a concert featuring Cool Herc coming up I think in November. I have to check. Look for more later.
We are up to chapter 7 or 8. Why don't we just finish Dyson by Monday, October 15, okay? Start thinking about the essay you want to write based on the book. It will be about 5 pages long. I'm thinking we'll do a series of shorter research essays, not a long ten page tome.
Like that idea?
So this will be the first one, we might write it in class as a midterm. The second will look at the genre of literary criticism and will model itself after Blood Beats. I'll have you critique a live performance, a work or art or a film where the director is present. You will write this for a magazine or newspaper.
We are going to dash through Jasmine Guy's book. I'll probably have you do write a play or something on her life. We'll act it out.
Then we'll be heading for the end. Your final research essay will be both a presentation and a paper. You can work collaboratively. I encourage it. Each person writes their own essay; however, you can present as a group.
We will devote more time to exploring this in class Thursday. I mentioned that the Living Word Hip Hop Theatre Festival that Youth Speaks hosts each year in San Francisco started last week. There is also a concert series, music and poetry hosted by San Francisco State's Poetry Center, at the Red Vic Movie House on 16th Street in San Francisco. There is a concert featuring Cool Herc coming up I think in November. I have to check. Look for more later.
We are up to chapter 7 or 8. Why don't we just finish Dyson by Monday, October 15, okay? Start thinking about the essay you want to write based on the book. It will be about 5 pages long. I'm thinking we'll do a series of shorter research essays, not a long ten page tome.
Like that idea?
So this will be the first one, we might write it in class as a midterm. The second will look at the genre of literary criticism and will model itself after Blood Beats. I'll have you critique a live performance, a work or art or a film where the director is present. You will write this for a magazine or newspaper.
We are going to dash through Jasmine Guy's book. I'll probably have you do write a play or something on her life. We'll act it out.
Then we'll be heading for the end. Your final research essay will be both a presentation and a paper. You can work collaboratively. I encourage it. Each person writes their own essay; however, you can present as a group.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Meet in Library with Steve Gerstle
Reminder: We meet Tuesday, October 9, 9-11 a.m. in the Library with Steve Gerstle. He will be giving us a library orientation and an assignment.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
October 4
Today students shared their homework from Tuesday, we then listened to "Me Against the World," then read:"The Shining Star Within," "Starry Night," "If I Fail," and "What Is It That I Search 4." We spent some time in pairs discussing the song. Students were instructed to list themes and then develop and outline of the song's lyrics.
From there we read the poems, then discussed the common themes, as we referred to references cited in Dyson (chapter 4 which is about Tupac's education). We then talked about introductions and conclusions. I referenced Hacker (24) and listed on the board types of conclusions, emphasizing the importance of audience and purpose in determining what kind of conclusion you want to use.
One of the themes we saw repeatedly was isolation in the song. When we looked at the poems, especially "If I Fail" (27), students noted the triumph and optimism hinted at in "Me Against the World." We also noticed that in all Tupac's writing he gives advice, advice he is also extending to himself.
The assignment was to develop an introductory paragraph and a conclusion. The resources are: the song referenced above and one of the poems.
Students were encouraged to use their outlines (developed collaboratively in class) and develop an introductory paragraph(s) and a conclusion.
Students are to bring their outlines to class on Tuesday, October 9 on a disk so we can post them on-line at the blog.
I'd also like students to begin to dialogue here. After each class please give your feedback on the discussions and ask any lingering questions you might have which we could address here. The comments can be anonymous. This will help me when I get behind on the posts.
Reading
Students were also told to read up to Chapter 7 in Dyson's book.
From there we read the poems, then discussed the common themes, as we referred to references cited in Dyson (chapter 4 which is about Tupac's education). We then talked about introductions and conclusions. I referenced Hacker (24) and listed on the board types of conclusions, emphasizing the importance of audience and purpose in determining what kind of conclusion you want to use.
One of the themes we saw repeatedly was isolation in the song. When we looked at the poems, especially "If I Fail" (27), students noted the triumph and optimism hinted at in "Me Against the World." We also noticed that in all Tupac's writing he gives advice, advice he is also extending to himself.
The assignment was to develop an introductory paragraph and a conclusion. The resources are: the song referenced above and one of the poems.
Students were encouraged to use their outlines (developed collaboratively in class) and develop an introductory paragraph(s) and a conclusion.
Students are to bring their outlines to class on Tuesday, October 9 on a disk so we can post them on-line at the blog.
I'd also like students to begin to dialogue here. After each class please give your feedback on the discussions and ask any lingering questions you might have which we could address here. The comments can be anonymous. This will help me when I get behind on the posts.
Reading
Students were also told to read up to Chapter 7 in Dyson's book.
Recap October 2
On October 2, the class began with students breaking into discussion groups where they reviewed Chapters 1-2, 3-4, 4,5,6. We then as a class reviewed together important themes in the various chapters. We also reviewed how to write a log.
We referred to the song Holler if You Hear Me, which we'd listened to last week. We also read "Only for the Righteous" from The Rose that Grew from Concrete .
As a class we practiced developing a thesis using the song and poem as our topic. The homework was to develop your own essay incorporating 2. direct quotes, 1 paraphrase, and 1 block quote. Students were to cite from Dyson, Rose and his song, Holla.
The following are notes:
Only for the Righteous addresses a specific audience --this style of writing is consistence with Tupac's way of thinking. Take for instance in the song: Holla if Ya Hear Me he says:
"Tell my young black men, blaze up
Life's a mess don't stress, test
I'm givin but be thankful that you're livin, blessed
Much love to my brothers in the pen
See ya when I free ya if not when they shove me in" (Verse One).
Notice how he speaks to you black men, ones who share similar experiences, Tupac includes himself.
He is concerned about his community, men and women. He is concerned about the young girls like "Brenda" who think they have no options. A child with an addicted mother too, Tupac inserts himself into the unfolding drama and gives the 12 year old advice:
"Now Brenda never really knew her moms and her dad was a junky
Went inot debt to his arms, it's sad
Cause Brenda I bet Brenda doesn't even know
Just cause your in tha ghetto don't mean ya can't grow
But oh, that's a thought, my own revelation
Do whatever it takes ta resist tha temptation" (1st stanza)
We referred to the song Holler if You Hear Me, which we'd listened to last week. We also read "Only for the Righteous" from The Rose that Grew from Concrete .
As a class we practiced developing a thesis using the song and poem as our topic. The homework was to develop your own essay incorporating 2. direct quotes, 1 paraphrase, and 1 block quote. Students were to cite from Dyson, Rose and his song, Holla.
The following are notes:
Only for the Righteous addresses a specific audience --this style of writing is consistence with Tupac's way of thinking. Take for instance in the song: Holla if Ya Hear Me he says:
"Tell my young black men, blaze up
Life's a mess don't stress, test
I'm givin but be thankful that you're livin, blessed
Much love to my brothers in the pen
See ya when I free ya if not when they shove me in" (Verse One).
Notice how he speaks to you black men, ones who share similar experiences, Tupac includes himself.
He is concerned about his community, men and women. He is concerned about the young girls like "Brenda" who think they have no options. A child with an addicted mother too, Tupac inserts himself into the unfolding drama and gives the 12 year old advice:
"Now Brenda never really knew her moms and her dad was a junky
Went inot debt to his arms, it's sad
Cause Brenda I bet Brenda doesn't even know
Just cause your in tha ghetto don't mean ya can't grow
But oh, that's a thought, my own revelation
Do whatever it takes ta resist tha temptation" (1st stanza)
Monday, October 1, 2007
Field Trip Friday, October 5 at the Oakland Museum
There is a film about the graffitti art movement screening Friday, October 5 at the Oakland Museum. It is described below. While on-line at the OM website, I noticed there was a free film screening tomorrow evening.
Oakland Museum free film Tuesday, 10/2 and Friday 10/5
Free film: Miss Navajo at the Oakland Museum of California, at the James Moore Theatre, 1000 Oak Street, at 6:30, October 2, 2007. There is free parking in the museum garage on Oak Street.
Visit http://www.museumca.org/pdf/missnavajo510.pdf
First Friday Events
Public Japanese Gardens in the USA: Present and PastAuthor Reading and Book Signing, 5:30
For more than 35 years, David Newcomer has been searching out Japanese gardens in the U.S. His new book is a guide to gardens in Northern California. Included with museum admission.
Dude, Where's My Black Studies Department?
Author Reading and Book Signing, 6:30
Dude, Where's My Black Studies Department? The Disappearance of Black Americans from U.S. Universities. African American author Cecil Brown will be signing copies of his new book. Brown writes that Blacks have been vanishing from college campuses in the United States and “reappearing in prisons, videos, and movies.” He tackles this unwitting “disappearing act” head-on, with special attention to the University of California system and UC Berkeley, where Brown received his PhD in African-American Literature, Folklore, and Theory of Narrative. Included with museum admission.
Feria UrbanaFair/Sale 5–9 p.m.
Courtesy Feria Urbana
An urban fair of local artists and designers. One-of-a kind crafts, jewelry, clothing, fashion accessories, baby items, and more. Included with museum admission.
Ric Alexander, 5–9 p.m.
The first Friday of every month takes on a whole new groove at the Oakland Museum of California! Hear live performances by leading Bay Area artists (tonight features the fusion jazz of Ric Alexander), enjoy the full cash bar and light dining in our café. Take a break from the music to hear insider secret stories about our galleries, practice yoga, catch a flick, meet an author, check out new merchandise at the Museum Store, and support local artists and designers at Feria Urbana and Oaklandish. Visit www.museumca.org/ffaf/index.html for additional information. Included with museum admission.
Simmin Joy, 5:30 & 7:15
Simmin Joy practices Anusara-style yoga in a class for adults that is deep and lighthearted, focused and fun. Bring your mat, sit down, relax—and breathe. Included with museum admission.
Sunset Cinema: Piece By PieceFilm. Screens 6:30-8:30 p.m.
KQED's Truly CA film series returns to the museum gardens. Nic Hill's film documents 20 years of San Francisco's controversial and often misunderstood graffiti art movement-a candid look at the story behind the writing on the wall. Bring a picnic basket and blanket and enjoy the film and complimentary beverages, dessert, and one glass of wine (with ID). Q & A after the film. Sunset Cinema is co-sponsored by the museum, the KQED Education Network, and the Oakland Film Office. Download the outdoor screening guide (PDF) Free.
Thursday Club 1967 Riot Photo. The Thursday Club © 2005. 8 p.m.
Filmmaker George Paul Csicsery was beaten at an antiwar demonstration in Oakland in 1967. Thirty years later he set out to find the police officers who were present at that event— and his best clue, a newspaper photograph of himself getting clubbed. The film looks at the now retired officers and reveals their thoughts on the protests of the ’60s. Included with museum admission.
Gallery Secrets RevealedCurator's Tour at 6 p.m.
Inez Brooks-Myers, curator of costumes and textiles, is a great story-teller. Hear some insider secrets in the Art and History Galleries. Included with museum admission.
Oakland Museum free film Tuesday, 10/2 and Friday 10/5
Free film: Miss Navajo at the Oakland Museum of California, at the James Moore Theatre, 1000 Oak Street, at 6:30, October 2, 2007. There is free parking in the museum garage on Oak Street.
Visit http://www.museumca.org/pdf/missnavajo510.pdf
First Friday Events
Public Japanese Gardens in the USA: Present and PastAuthor Reading and Book Signing, 5:30
For more than 35 years, David Newcomer has been searching out Japanese gardens in the U.S. His new book is a guide to gardens in Northern California. Included with museum admission.
Dude, Where's My Black Studies Department?
Author Reading and Book Signing, 6:30
Dude, Where's My Black Studies Department? The Disappearance of Black Americans from U.S. Universities. African American author Cecil Brown will be signing copies of his new book. Brown writes that Blacks have been vanishing from college campuses in the United States and “reappearing in prisons, videos, and movies.” He tackles this unwitting “disappearing act” head-on, with special attention to the University of California system and UC Berkeley, where Brown received his PhD in African-American Literature, Folklore, and Theory of Narrative. Included with museum admission.
Feria UrbanaFair/Sale 5–9 p.m.
Courtesy Feria Urbana
An urban fair of local artists and designers. One-of-a kind crafts, jewelry, clothing, fashion accessories, baby items, and more. Included with museum admission.
Ric Alexander, 5–9 p.m.
The first Friday of every month takes on a whole new groove at the Oakland Museum of California! Hear live performances by leading Bay Area artists (tonight features the fusion jazz of Ric Alexander), enjoy the full cash bar and light dining in our café. Take a break from the music to hear insider secret stories about our galleries, practice yoga, catch a flick, meet an author, check out new merchandise at the Museum Store, and support local artists and designers at Feria Urbana and Oaklandish. Visit www.museumca.org/ffaf/index.html for additional information. Included with museum admission.
Simmin Joy, 5:30 & 7:15
Simmin Joy practices Anusara-style yoga in a class for adults that is deep and lighthearted, focused and fun. Bring your mat, sit down, relax—and breathe. Included with museum admission.
Sunset Cinema: Piece By PieceFilm. Screens 6:30-8:30 p.m.
KQED's Truly CA film series returns to the museum gardens. Nic Hill's film documents 20 years of San Francisco's controversial and often misunderstood graffiti art movement-a candid look at the story behind the writing on the wall. Bring a picnic basket and blanket and enjoy the film and complimentary beverages, dessert, and one glass of wine (with ID). Q & A after the film. Sunset Cinema is co-sponsored by the museum, the KQED Education Network, and the Oakland Film Office. Download the outdoor screening guide (PDF) Free.
Thursday Club 1967 Riot Photo. The Thursday Club © 2005. 8 p.m.
Filmmaker George Paul Csicsery was beaten at an antiwar demonstration in Oakland in 1967. Thirty years later he set out to find the police officers who were present at that event— and his best clue, a newspaper photograph of himself getting clubbed. The film looks at the now retired officers and reveals their thoughts on the protests of the ’60s. Included with museum admission.
Gallery Secrets RevealedCurator's Tour at 6 p.m.
Inez Brooks-Myers, curator of costumes and textiles, is a great story-teller. Hear some insider secrets in the Art and History Galleries. Included with museum admission.
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