Monday, September 10th, 2012

Speeches

Be ready to give your speech on Wednesday.



World Religions

DUE Wednesday, September 12^th, 2012

View the GLEE episode entitled “Grilled Cheesus.”

Respond to the following questions about the episode.

1)     What is the basis for Kurt’s belief that God does not exist?

2)     Besides the existence of the Grilled Cheesus, what is the basis for Fin’s belief?

3)     Rachel sings “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” as a prayer for Kurt’s dad. What do the lyrics of this song say about why people turn to religion and prayer?

4)     What do the lyrics to “I Want to Hold Your Hand” say about what Kurt believes in?

5)     What do the lyrics to Mercedes’ song “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” reveal about the role of religion in her life?

6)     At the end of the show, would you say that Kurt is religious? Or spiritual? Neither?

7)     What is the difference between being religious and being spiritual?

8)     Look up and read the lyrics to “What If God Was One of Us,” the song that closes the show. What do these lyrics mean to you?

Please type and double-space your response (12-point font). You must write at least two pages on these questions.

Please avoid one-sentence explanations. 

Literature

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DUE Thursday, September 13th, 2012

Read Charles Baxter’s “Gryphon.”

Read it again:

1)     Making notes in the margins.

2)     Circling and defining your vocabulary words.

Write a one-page formal analysis that begins with the prompt:

In Charles Baxter’s short story “Gryphon,” the author explores the theme of ______.

The rest of your essay should use specific evidence from the story to prove your point.

Your response must be TYPED, DOUBLESPACED and at least a PAGE in length.

IN ADDITION AND ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER:

1) Identify ONE simile in the story.

2) Identify ONE metaphor in the story.

3) Identify ONE symbol in the story.

4) Identify ONE motif in the story.

REMINDER: As always, there will be a 6-question quiz at the start of the discussion period.

ONE FINAL THING:

On the story, please write THREE points you would like to bring up in class. These points should be written in complete sentences and be as thorough as possible so that you will earn points by contributing to the class discussion.