Starter (whiteboards): What is something that you LOVE about America?
Norms from my Syllabus
Plus...Cameras on in E-class! (unless this is impossible for you tech-wise)
Please remember to hit "TURN IN" on Google Classroom when you finish an assignment, even if that assignment doesn't require you to turn something in to GC directly. Does this make it disappear from your To-Do list?
Good work interpreting the Childish Gambino work!
Some positives:
We are thinking deeply about symbolism and how artistic expression can comprise social commentary.
I saw great use of evidence to support the claims you are making. Many of you quoted the song or supporting work.
TEA is in effect for most of you: Make a claim! Support it with evidence! Explain your connections!
Some writing tips:
1. Be sure to include citations if you use ideas that you got from somewhere else, even if you don’t quote them directly.
2. It’s okay (and recommended) in these types of academic paragraphs to avoid “I think” and “I believe.” It is usually stronger to state your claims directly.
3. A good way to structure a claim is by using the title and/or author’s name in the subject of the sentence, as in the following examples from your peers.
Some well-written “interpretive claims” about Childish Gambino:
Childish Gambino’s “This is America” is a masterful commentary on the racial injustices and targeted gun violence on the black community that flies under the radar of those who take it at face-value.
The song “This is America” by Childish Gambino depicts life as a black individual in America, as well as the things that distract American citizens from the violence, discrimination, injustice, and darkness that are a part of our present, past, and future.
Clarifying the PROJECT OVERVIEW
Questions from you guys about the project...
“I would benefit from verbally talking in class about the project and what it's about.” Here are some insights from y’all:
This project is diving deep into the inner-works of America and how we as individuals interact with America. It is also about rhetoric and ideology, both ours and our countries.
Rhetoric in American politics
I think that we will be exploring political parties, our own political views, polarization (opposition, disagreements, right and left, etc.), history, and why things are the ways that they are. I think that it will also prove us empathetic and humane, because we will do work to see another's point of view on something we don't feel good about. It will bring together humanity again, maybe even if just a little.
Having to see both sides of one of the issues and writing about it and sort off agreeing in a way seems super tough. It's hard to see a different perspective when you only think the way you view/see it is correct. I do think it is gonna be very interesting and spark lots of thoughts and conversations around certain topics.
The main purpose for this project is to help us each get a better understanding of what our opinions and standpoints are on certain issues, and to teach us how to civilly argue those viewpoints with others.
I think this project is about connecting with your own ideology and how it is affected by rhetoric. I think this means trying to decipher the way we go about understanding things, especially controversial ideas around us.
How much of this is studying history, politics, or present events?
For the empathy interviews do you need to choose someone who knows a lot about the topic or just a little bit about the topic?
Will we be able to talk to community members/people outside of our class to get an additional perspective?
Would we ever consider doing a socially distanced, outside exhibition?
When will we choose the question we want to study?
What will be the final product?
“Looking at the project options, what is an op-ed?”
Will we be doing a hands-on project?
How long will this project be?
How many points will this be worth?
How do you make change in the world without getting stuck on politics?
None yet, although I'm sure I will have some later as time goes on. KEEP ‘EM COMING!
Agree/Disagree protocol to replace Four Corners
For this one, hold up Green for Democracy, Red for Empire, Both for Both!
Share Out
What are the characteristics of each?
Which characteristics of each do we see in the USA?
What are our points of disagreement?
Is this question a false dichotomy? Could democracy be compatible with empire?
KEY QUESTION: What values, assumptions, and beliefs about human life drive each system? (This is the stuff ideology is made of….)
WHAT IS IDEOLOGY AGAIN?
Who can articulate a definition?
Ideology permeates many aspects of human life....
HARD COPIES OF READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK
Due next Thursday, Chapter 1 of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
HONORS only: Chapter 1 of A People's History of the United States