Journal #19: Changes in Umuofia

Read through Chapter 21.  Describe the changes in Umuofia upon Okonkwo's return.  Which phrases, sentences, or passages of Achebe's are the most vivid in the description of these changes?

Journals 17 and 18: Things Fall Apart

Journal 17:  Nwoye's Conversion
After reading Chapter 16, explain why Nwoye joins the missionaries (1 paragraph.

Journal #18:  Sympathizing with Okonkwo?
After reading Chapter 17, answer the following:
1.  What is happening to Okonkwo's family?
2.  Do we sympathize with him?  Why or why not?  (1 paragraph total)

Journal #16: The Tortoise and the Birds

Describe what the folk tale, The Tortoise and the Birds, is about.  Why does Ekwefi tell Ezinma this story?  What is the moral lesson, and the lesson about nature?

Journal #15: Ezinma's Ogbanje

What does the story of Ezinma tell us about the customs and beliefs of this society?

Classwork and Journal Entry for 12/12

Hi students,
If you were not here today (Thursday 12/12), the you need to read Chapter 2 and the first 3 pages of Chapter 3 in Things Fall Apart and then respond to the following prompt in your journal.

Journal #12:  Achebe uses the first chapters to contradict the stereotypical European representations of African society.  How does Achebe emphasize the harmony, communication norms, and overall complexity of Igbo society?

Journal #11: One World Democracy

What would happen if global governance became a reality in the form of one big global democracy?  What are the possible effects (both positive and negative) of a one world democracy in which each person in the world gets one vote on issues of global significance?

What would be the challenges?

How would a utopian vision of world democracy differ from a dystopian vision of world democracy?

(2 paragraphs)

Journal #10: Define Your Utopia

What would your utopia look like?  Describe in detail what your utopian society would be like?  After you’ve created your utopia, transform it into a dystopia.

Journal #9: American Exceptionalism Cartoon

Discuss the cartoon below. What does this say about U.S. policy in the Middle East?  Does it match our discussion on U.S. ideology, values, and foreign policy?


1 paragraph

Journal #8: Pillars of Democracy

Link to Foreign Policy/Democracy PowerPoint

Out of the list of "pillars of democracy" in the above PowerPoint, which two do you think are the most important or do you feel most strongly about.  Please explain.  Write at least one well-structured paragraph.

Journal #7: "The Underground War in Gaza"

1.  In what ways does Joe Sacco, author of “The Underground War in Gaza,” attempt to remain neutral and show both sides of the conflict?  Explain (in detail) what parts of the piece seem to present the Israeli military’s position and what parts of the piece show the Palestinian perspective.  

2.  Do you think Sacco manages to remain unbiased, or does his own perspective seem to permeate his neutral journalistic stance?

Journal #6: Before we read literature from Israel and Palestine...

In one paragraph, describe what you think Israeli and Palestinian literature will be like?  For example, what are their stories going to be about?  How might the subjects, characters, setting, and tone of Palestinian literature differ from that of Israeli literature?  Think about the realities of living in a conflict zone while responding, as well at the role of the arts in a conflict zone.

Journal #5: Walls Between People

Answer in one 8-10 sentence complete paragraph.
1.  What kinds of problems do you think are created when walls are put up separating ethnic groups, or groups of people with differing cultures/religions?
2.  WHY do you think a physical separation of peoples causes these problems?

Journal #4: Analyzing Tone: "Operation Blend In" and "Arab, American, Muslim, Marine"

In The Arab-American Handbook, read "Operation Blend in" by Maz Jobrani (pg. 145) and "Arab, American, Muslim....Marine" by Bill Bazzi (pg. 149).  For each of the readings, answer the following in paragraph form in your journal.

1.  What is the author's message in each of the essays?  How do know?  (USE QUOTES/PARAPHRASES)
2.  How would you describe the author's tone (attitude)?  How do you know?  (USE QUOTES/PARAPHRASES)

(10 points total, at least 2 paragraphs)

Journal #3: Military Intervention in Syria?

After viewing the "Overview of Conflict in Syria" Powerpoint, please complete the following in your journal:

Please write one paragraph (8-10 sentences) explaining your position.  Should the United States intervene in Syria’s Civil War?  Why or why not?

 

Journal #2: Invading New Markets

On page 62 of your Rethinking Globalization book, you will see a cartoon.
1.  What do you see going on in the cartoon?
2.  What do you think the artist is trying to say with this cartoon?

Journal #1: On Indifference

1.  Define "indifference."
2.  Where do you see indifference in your community/school?
3.  Where do you see indifference on a global level
4. Where have you seen indifference in history?

All journal entries belong in your composition book.  (2 paragraphs of 10+ sentences.  5 points)