Reading 836 --- Fall 2004 Calendar    

                                    Weeks 2 – 19  (August 24th – December 14th) 

 

Explanation of homework layout:  All activities listed next to the date (not in bold) is what we will do in class on that day.  All assignments which follow the abbreviated letters signifying homework (HM) will be due the following class. 

 

 

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                                     WEEK 2:  Getting Started

 

August 24th – Tues:  Introduction to class:  syllabus, policies, texts

                     Ensuring proper course placement

Activating Our Schema:  Freewrite on the following questions for 15 minutes: 

Looking at the course theme “Two Americas" what do you think this could mean?  What is life like living in the United States?  Does equality exist for everyone?  Is everyone treated the same and does everyone have the same opportunities?  Can you think of any groups in particular who may not receive the same economic, political and/or social opportunities?

Student Interviews

Going over the homework

Touring The Writing and Reading Lab

 

HM:  Get the four course texts:  Bluest Eye, Nickel and Dimed, Savage Inequalities, and Growing Up Asian American.  Also get the course reader and the hour-by-arrangement folder at the Skyline Bookstore.

 

In the Course Reader, do Exercise 1 (pp. 2-3), complete the “Student Survey” (p. 5), do Exercise 3 (p. 10-12), Exercise 5 (p. 14), and do Exercise 6 (p. 16).

 

In Course Reader, begin Chapter 2.  Read Brenda Smith’s article pp. 29-37. 

 

 

 

                              WEEK 3:  Growing Up Asian American

 

August 31st – Tues:  Going over the homework

Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion of Brenda Smith (pp. 29-37)

                           Examining your past, present and future reading self (p. 18)

                     Discussing reading strategies--focusing on summary writing, pp. 38-46

                     Activating schema for Growing Up Asian American

Beginning a KWL+ chart for the upcoming book (p. 41)

 

HM:  In Growing Up Asian American, read #1--"From Cebu" pp. 115-120, "Tragic Transition" pp. 127-130, #2--"From Farewell to Manzanar" pp. 131-144, #3--"From Quiet Odyssey" pp. 161-173, and #4--"Father Cures a Presidential Fever" pp. 175-190.   Prepare for a possible quiz on the reading for Tuesday. 

 

Also write a summary based on the first letter of your last name:   A-E Essay #1, F-K Essay #2, L-M Essay #3 and N-Z Essay #4.  See page 44 in the reader for advice in summary writing.  All summaries must be typed and over half a page.

 

In Chapter 3, complete “Prefixes I” (p.115): add an additional word using each prefix and use each of those words in a sentence—due 9/7.  Prepare for a quiz on this set of Prefixes on 9/14.

 

 

                         WEEK 4:  Growing Up Asian American

 

September 7th – Tues:   Sharing and discussing summaries

                     Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion of the essays

Check off Prefix I.  Also, figuring out words in context (p. 125)

 

HM:  In Growing Up Asian American, read "From The Joy Luck Club" pp. 223-230, "From Turning Japanese" pp. 231-234, "The Parrot's Beak" pp. 275-283, "From Clay Walls" pp. 301-318, and "First Love" pp. 380-392.

 

Write your first journal entry.  All journals must be typed and be one-page minimum and will be collected usually 3 journals at a time.  Always bring your journal to class for possible sharing.  Complete Journal 1 and answer the following:  Respond to Kim Ronyoung's chapter from Clay Walls (pp. 301-318).  First give a brief overview (summary) of her story and then give your opinion and reaction to the piece.  Possible questions to answer:  What did you learn?  What surprised you?  What are the implications of the class and/or race issues she raises?  What does this reveal about the Korean-American experience?  About culture clash?  About generation gaps?

 

Prepare for a quiz on the Prefixes I (p. 115) next class and always be prepared for a possible quiz on the reading.

 

 

 

 

 

** Reminder: the last day to drop a course without it appearing on your record is 9/10 **

               

 

 

                                   WEEK 5:  Savage Inequalities

 

September 14th – Tues:  Prefix I Quiz

In reader, examining main ideas pp. 131-133

Discussing and collecting Journal 1

Possible quiz followed by a discussion of the reading

 

HM:  Begin Savage Inequalities, read “Looking Backward” pp. 1-6 and Chapter 1: Life on the Mississippi pp. 7-39.

 

 

 

                                 WEEK 6:  Savage Inequalities

 

September 21st – Tues:  In reader, examining supporting details & paragraphs, pp. 141-144.

Possible quiz followed by a discussion of the reading

                          

HM:  Continue Savage Inequalities, read Chapters 2: Other People’s Children pp. 40-82 and Chapter 3: The Savage Inequalities of Public Education in New York pp. 83-132.

 

Complete Journal 2 (must be 2-3 typed pages) and answer the following:  Examining Chapters 1-3, first in one paragraph briefly summarize each chapter (make the summaries concise—no more than 4-5 sentences each).  Then describe some of the specific and the repeated problems, issues, concerns and/or obstacles that Illinois and New York have in common.  What do you think Kozol wants us to learn by looking at the issues that face the educational systems in each of these cities?  What do you feel are the causes and possible solutions of the problems and struggles described? 

 

In Chapter 3, complete “Prefixes II” (p.117): add an additional word using each prefix and use each of those words in a sentence—due 9/28.  Prepare for a quiz on this set of Prefixes on 10/5.

 

 

 

                                  WEEK 7:  Savage Inequalities

 

September 28th – Tues:  Check off Prefix II.  Also, figuring out words in context (p. 126)

In reader, examining organizational patterns, pp. 146-150.

Discussing and collecting Journal 2      

Probable quiz followed by a discussion of the reading

                                        

HM:  Continue Savage Inequalities, read Chapter 4: Children of the City Invincible pp. 133-174.

 

Prepare for a quiz on the Prefixes II (p. 117) next class and always be prepared for a possible quiz on the reading.

 

**Upcoming:  Bring your 16 Hours-by-Arrangement folder to class on Tuesday, October 12th to be checked.  You should have about half (8) of your hours completed at this mid-semester point

 

 

                                        WEEK 8:  Savage Inequalities

 

October 5th – Tues:  Prefix II Quiz

In reader, examining transitions, pp. 151-152.

Possible quiz followed by a discussion of the reading

                          

HM: Finish Savage Inequalities, read Chapters 5: The Equality of Innocence and Chapter 6: The Dream Deferred pp. 206-233.

 

Complete Journal 3 (must be 2-3 pages typed) and answer the following:  Select a particular issue in the book that Kozol raises.  Describe the issue and make an argument of your own in regards to that issue.  Do you agree/disagree/partially agree with Kozol’s point?  Explain using evidence from the book and use evidence from your own analysis, observations, and personal knowledge. 

 

In Chapter 3, complete “Roots I” (p. 119): add an additional word using each root and use each of those words in a sentence—due 10/12.  Prepare for a quiz on this set of Roots on 10/19.

 

Bring your 16 Hours-by-Arrangement folder to be checked next class.  You need to satisfy 16 hours outside of class to meet the requirements for this course.  This is the mid-point in the semester, so you should have approximately half (8) of your hours already completed.

                            

 

                             WEEK 9:  Finishing  Savage Inequalities

 

October 12th – Tues:  Checking off HBA folders: minimum of 4 hours needed

Check off Roots I.  Also, figuring out words in context (p. 127)

Quiz on the reading followed by a discussion of Chapters 5 & 6 and Journal 3

 

HM:  Prepare for a quiz on Roots I (p. 119) next class and always be prepared for a possible quiz on the reading.

 

Begin The Bluest Eye, read the opening and "Autumn" pp. 9-58.

 

Complete Journal 4 (must be 2-3 pages typed) and answer the following: 

Consider the description of the Breedloves' home (34-37) and family (39-42).  What is Morrison saying about the family environment in which Pecola grew up?  How does this family setting account for Pecola's feelings and behavior?  How does it connect to Morrison's larger themes in the novel that you see emerging?

 

Journals 3 & 4 due next class -- Tues 10/19

 

 

 

                                       WEEK 10:  The Bluest Eye

 

October 19th – Tues:  Roots I Quiz

Journals 3 & 4 Due

Possible quiz followed by a discussion of the reading and Journal 4

 

HM:  Continue The Bluest Eye, read "Winter" pp. 61-93.

 

 

                    

                                    WEEK 11:  The Bluest Eye

 

October 26th – Tues:  In reader, making and understanding inferences, pp. 153-157.

Possible quiz followed by a discussion of the reading

 

HM:  Continue The Bluest Eye, read "Spring" pp. 97-183.

 

Complete Journal 5 (must be 2-3 pages typed) and answer the following: 

The title of the novel refers to Pecola Breedlove's intense desire for blue eyes.  She believes herself ugly and unworthy of love and respect, but is convinced that her life would be magically transformed if she possessed blue eyes.  Describe how racial self-loathing corrodes the lives of Pecola and her parents, Cholly and Pauline Breedlove.  Also examine how racial self-hatred manifests itself in characters like Maureen Peal, Geraldine, and Soaphead Church.

 

In Chapter 3, complete “Roots II” (p.121): add an additional word using each root and use each of those words in a sentence—due 11/2.  Prepare for a quiz on this set of Roots on 11/9.

 

 

                                         WEEK 12:  The Bluest Eye

 

November 2nd – Tues:  Check off Roots II.  Also, figuring out words in context (p. 128)

Possible quiz on reading followed by a discussion

 

                     HM: Finish The Bluest Eye, "Summer" pp. 187-205 & Afterward pp. 209-216.

 

Prepare for a quiz on Roots II (p. 121) next class and always be prepared for a possible quiz on the reading.

 

                                   WEEK 13:  Nickel and Dimed

 

November 9th - Tues:  Roots II Quiz

More practice with making inferences: “Solving the Jewelry Disappearance,” p. 160

Quiz on reading followed by a discussion of “Summer” and the Afterward

Activating our schema for Nickel and Dimed

 

                     HM:  Begin Nickel and Dimed, read the Introduction pp. 1-10 and

Chapter 1: Serving in Florida pp. 11-49.

 

After reading the Introduction, complete Journal 6 (1 typed page minimum) and answer the following question: In the Introduction Ehrenreich says, “…there was no way I was going to ‘experience poverty’ or find out how it ‘really feels’ to be a long-term low-wage worker.  My aim here was much more straightforward and objective—just to see whether I could match income to expenses, as the truly poor attempt to do everyday.” (6).  What do you think of her undertaking?  Do you feel she will be able to have accurate results?  Do you feel what she is attempting to prove necessary?  Important?  What do you think she will discover?  What obstacles do you think she will or will not face? 

 

** Journals 5 & 6 due next class -- Tues 11/16 **

 

 

 

                                        WEEK 14:  Nickel and Dimed

 

November 16th  – Tues:   Journals 5 & 6 Due

The Question Game, p. 161

Discussing Journals

Possible quiz on the reading followed by discussion

 

HM:  Continue Nickel and Dimed, read Chapter 2: Scrubbing in Maine

pp.51-119.

 

In Chapter 3, complete “Suffixes” (p.123): add an additional word using each suffix and use each of those words in a sentence—due 11/23.  Prepare for a quiz on this set of Suffixes on 11/30.

 

 

          ** Reminder:  The last day to withdraw from a course is 11/16 **

 

 

 

                                  WEEK 15:  Nickel and Dimed

 

November 23rd – Tues:  Check off Suffixes.  Also, figuring out words in context (p. 129)             

                     Thought Rubric, p. 165

                Possible quiz on reading followed by a discussion

 

HM:  Continue Nickel and Dimed, read Chapter 3: Selling in Minnesota

pp. 121-191.

 

Complete Journal 7 (in 2-typed pages minimum) and answer the following: So far, are your perceptions of poverty and prosperity in the U.S. changing?  How or how not?  Analyze particular elements of Ehrenreich’s experience and explain how they have changed, confirmed or contradicted your previous beliefs or understanding of poverty in the U.S..

 

Prepare for a quiz on Suffixes (p. 123) next class and always be prepared for a possible quiz on the reading.      

 

Reminder:  The final folder check is on Tuesday 12/7.  Bring your completed  

        folders…you should have the 8 by arrangement hours completed.

 

 

 

 

                                            WEEK 16:  Nickel and Dimed

 

November 30th  – Tues:  Suffixes Quiz

Questioning Circles, p. 168-169 (creating possible final exam questions)

Possible quiz on reading followed by a discussion

 

HM:  Finish Nickel and Dimed, read Evaluation pp. 193-221.

 

The final hours-by-arrangement folder check will be Tuesday 12/7. 

Be sure to bring your HBA folders to the next class!

 

Also, prepare for the Make-up Quiz next class (this quiz score will replace

your lowest 2 quiz scores).

 

Bring all four of the course texts to the next class: Growing Up Asian American, Savage Inequalities, The Bluest Eye and Nickel and Dimed.

 

 

  *Also, bring a self-addressed stamped envelope, to get a full printout of your grade *

 

 

 

                                WEEK 17:  Preparing for the Final Exam

 

December 7th – Tues:  Make Up Quiz on the reading

Final Folder check!!  You must have 8 hours completed to get full credit!

Possible quiz on reading followed by a discussion

Taking Timed Exams advice

Review for final exam

 

HM:  Complete Journal 8 (in 1 typed page minimum):  From reading the 4 books that you have in this class, what have you learned about life in the United States?  Have your views and understandings changed?  Explain how they have or have not.  What has reading these texts made you reassess?  Be specific and address each book in your discussion.

 

Prepare for open-book, closed note 2 ˝ hour essay exam on Tuesday, December  14th.  Bring all 4 books we have read.  Think about the theme for the course "Two Americas."  Highly Recommended: do a practice timed-essay exam uniting the texts we have read under this theme.

 

 **  Meet in the Computer Lab of Building 2, room 2117B  for exam **

                     If you handwrite the exam, bring lined paper, and if you type it, bring a disk. 

 

  * If you haven’t already, bring a self-addressed stamped envelope to get your course grade

 

 

 

                                         WEEK 18:  Final Exam

 

December 14th – Tues:  Journals 7 & 8 Due

Final Exam: 7:00-10:00pm
          in
Computer Lab: bottom floor blg 2, room 2117b

 

Part 1: Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes (closed note, closed book)

 

Part 2:  Essay exam on the 4 books:  Growing Up Asian American, Savage Inequalities, The Bluest Eye and Nickel and Dimed (open book, closed note)