that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. . . . With us it ain’t like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us. We don’t have to sit in no bar room blowin’ in our jack jus’ because we got no place else to go. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. But not us.”

–Chp.1 Of Mice and Men

First, I’ll do a little presentation on literary terms in Of Mice and Men. We’ll look at characterization and theme.

Then, groups will choose either George or Lenny and they’ll go through the methods of characterization and quote from chapter 1 a short sample that show that method and what it says about the character. Handout

Next, we’ll read a bit from chapter 2 and talk a bit about the new characters. I’ll then ask you to respond in a short writing assignment to the following prompt:

Take the discussion between George and the Boss.  What happens? What theme do you think Steinbeck is working with here and what is he saying?

Put your answer here.

Finally, we’ll take some time to work in memorizing pairs and work together to get the poems memorized.

HW: Read chapter 2 (pgs. 16-37).  Keep memorizing.  Remember, we see each other for a full A-day Monday.

Then, we’ll talk a bit.

HW:  Write up through section 3–explaining your solution–by Monday.

Take a look at this example to give you an idea of a strong persuasive essay. See this one as well (though it doesn’t have a section 4 “responding to critics”).

Here is a more complete, text-booky explanation of persuasion if you need it.

Then, I’ll go through the Pecha-Kucha assignment, have students break up into pairs, and then use either procon.org, opposingviews, or the KCLS database (Opposing Viewpoints) to choose propositions.  One student will be for the proposition and another will be against. Also, see this site for examples of pecha kuchas.

Finally, I’ll give you class time to begin your research for your topic. Next week, we’ll talk about presentation construction.

HW: Have 5-7 sources and a rough outline of how your argument will proceed.

1) What was the price of a coat during the 1930s when the book was set and published (1937)?

2) The book takes places in Salinas, California.  What towns are near Salinas? What’s the nearest big city?

3) Explain what a bindlestiff is and what their lives were like  in the 20s and 30s.

4) John Steinbeck was a controversial writer. Explain why he was famous and why he was controvesial.

5) Where does the title Of Mice and Men come from and what does it mean?

6) Give me a few of the lyrics of a popular song written within a few years of 1937.

7) How were mentally disabled people treated during the 1930s? Give your source and be as specific as possible.

Eight) Find and name a famous painting (and the painter) that was painted in 1937.

9) Something happened to one of Steinbeck’s early drafts of Of Mice and Men. What happened?

10) How did people dress in 1937?  Find 2 pictures: 1 of well-off people and another of working class people.

Resources: Life Magazine photo archive, American Memory, National Steinbeck society, Prices: Then and Now, Surviving the Dust Bowl.

After we do that and share our answers, we’ll start reading Of Mice and Men’s first chapter.

Finally, I want to spend some time memorizing our poems.  We’ll get buddy’s to help each other and try to get up to 14 lines by the end of the day.

HW:  Read chapter 1 (pgs. 1-16) and have 14 lines memorized.

Some good citation sites are:

• Son of citation machine
• EasyBib
• BibMe

In class, I’ll check your research logs and see where you are in research and give you a quick grade. I also want to remind you of the 5 steps of Persuasive Writing (hook, set up the problem, explain solution, answer critics, and call to action) and I’d like to look at least steps 1-2 by Friday.

HW: Finish research. Write first 2 sections of essay.

I’ll show you the wonders of the research log and then small groups will nominate someone to be ready to come up and…

1) Show a good persuasive prompt

2) Explain thoughts on how to do each of the 5 steps of persuasion: Hook, establish problem, explain solution, answer critics, and call to action.

3) Show 3 sources and talk about aspects of reliability, bias, and authority with them.

Then, you’ll get to work.  We should have completed research logs by next Wednesday.

Here is an alternative source: CQ Researcher

Take a look at this example to give you an idea of a strong persuasive essay.

Then, we’re going to analyze some Malcolm X. Each small group will be  responsible for creating a short presentation that analyzes, compares, and contrasts one aspect of Malcolm’s rhetorical strategies in both “The Ballot or the Bullet” and “Learning to Read.” Here are the topics:

1. Sound-based rhetorical figures (alliteration, anaphora, etc.)
2. Persona
3. Kairos
4. Implied and explicit assumptions
5. Logical Argumentation
6. Framing, metaphors, and allusions

Then, we’ll start a new phase.  I’ll show you what a pecha kucha is and ask you to take a look at OpposingViews.com and look around for some good topics for pair debates.

HW: Choose topics. Use the Opposing Viewpoints database

1) Look at the 1st paragraph. How does the author try to hook us? What works and what doesn’t?

.2) Look at the 2nd paragraph. Quote 3 segments where the author uses sensory detail to explain what is happening. What works/doesn’t?

3) What does the Mozart practice segment show us about the author? Why is it there?

4) Analyze the ending. How does the writer bring it all together? What does she tell us here?

5) Why do you think this won 5k? Did it deserve it? Explain.

Then, we’ll take some time to work on our own personal essays.

Finally, I want to take a look at Poetry Out Loud and choose our own poems.  Here’s the site and here are the qualifications. Choose a poem that is at least 14 lines long with extra credit for any choice over 25 lines. There is even a keyword search.  We’ll bust out the note cards in class to start the memorizing process.

HW: Finish the Personal Essay. Print it!

Persuasive essays are organized like this:

1. Hook the reader
2. Set-up the problem
3. Explain your solution
4. Defend it against critics
5. End with a call to action

I’ll talk about the best way to evaluate websites. What about Wikipedia?  Is it trustworthy?

Then, we’ll talk about research.  Here is a research log that can help you get started. Also, see this post about good alternatives to Googling. Also see this.

See this persuasive map that might help you get your ideas in order.

The rest of the class is dedicated to giving you time to find out the information (start with Opposing Viewpoints) that you need.

HW: Choose a topic and have at least 3 sources with an analysis of their trustworthiness and reliability for Friday