Thursday/Friday

Thursday:

In a group, read out loud pages 3-31 of Beowulf.  Briefly summarize what happens and post it on your blogs.

HW: Read the BEOWULF comic.

Friday: You can watch a documentary on either BEOWULF or TOLKIEN'S MONSTERS.  Ms. Meyer has the video.

Email me at fieldingkent@hotmail.com if you have questions.

August 28th

Today:

Quiz on Branwen, Daughter of Llyr.

Words of the day.

Continue with notes on Beowulf.

HW: Write sentences will all vocabulary words.

Classwork Thursday/Friday

Finish reading "Branwen, Daughter of Llyr"

Then do the following:

1)  Connections: Characters – compare the characters of the two stories, which characters are alike.  You can compare kings, warriors, women.

   Answers should be 2-3 sentences for each character.

2) Compare the conflicts in the two stories in 2-3 sentences. 

3)    Compare the following themes in the two stories: The Role of Kings (think about who is a better king and why); The Role of Women (and yes there are women in “The Death of Conchobar”); The concept of magic (think about who uses magic in each story and what the purpose of magic is for); hospitality (yes its there in Conchobhar just not as clear); paganism vs. Christianity (perhaps more important in Conchobhar—think about the ending); man alone in a hostile world. 

Each comparison needs to be 2-3 sentences long.  

4)  Compare the endings of the two stories: how are they alike. 

5)     List your favorite moment from each story.

6    6) Find a photo for each of the characters in Branwen - post these to your blog.

      

      7) Find a song that fits a theme of Branwen.  

Qualities of a King

Notes: Quality of Kings and Warriors; Warrior Culture

Qualities of a King

Acts as peace keeper
Acts as Ambassador
Be a good host
Compassionate
Good Speaker
Loyal to his country
Sacrifices for his country
Ring giver or sharer of treasure
Rewards his warriors or knights
Law Giver and Judge
Fair in decisions
Good listening
Puts country before self
Noble, decisive, respectful
Punishes those who must be punished
Pays blood money or wergild when necessary
Handles pressure, doesn’t lose his temper easily
Keeps his word
Intelligent and wise
Stands for the beliefs of his country
Stands as a symbol of his country


Qualities of Warrior Tradition

Reputation most important thing for both Warrior and King
Honor – if honor is broken revenge is necessary
Loyality connection between King and his warriors
Warriors follow commands of King and protect him, King rewards them with food, shelter, treasure
Oath of Faithfulness exchanged between King and followers
Life after death based on deeds done in one’s life so that the poets will sing
Wergild vs Blood Revenge (blood money as a form of justice)
Banishment as a form of punishment
Murder of one’s family as the greatest sin
Importance of Hospitality
Wyrd – The Role of Fate (Destiny – Norns)

“Since a man may not avert his destiny, he should suffer it well.”

Qualities of Warrior

Superior physical and mental strength
Superior Morals – stands as symbol for his people
Superior Intelligence, Cunning, Mental toughness
Seeks or has done great deeds to build reputation
Honorable
Follows the command of his King, loyal to king and country
Brave, Courageous
Willing to risk life for others
Follows the idea of Wyrd
Self-Honor – important concept
Self-sacrifice, selfless
Leadership
Noble, chivalric (? – depends on tradition), just
Keeps the peace
Team player (?)

Branwen

Today - you have 30 minutes to finish group work on "The Death of Conchoblar".  We will then begin
"Branwen, Daughter of Llyr".

HW: Finish group work for presentations tomorrow.  Look up new vocabulary words.

Courtliness
Sedately
Accrue
Malady
Affliction
Gorge
Infamous
Purge
Loathsome

Branwen, Daughter of Llyr

Today - we will discuss your reading homework: an overview of the historical and literary times.

We will also set up your on-line textbooks.

You have group work assignments on "The Death of Conchoblar".

And finally, we have a story, "Branwen, Daughter of Llyr."

HW: Read/Finish "Branwen, Daughter of Llyr".

The Death of Conchoblar

Group work on story.  This work should be posted on your blogs.

Begin reading the introduction to the Anglo-Saxon period in your textbook.   This is homework if you do not finish in class.

On Monday we will be reading a story called, "Branwyn, Daughter of Llyr".

 English 12

Course Syllabus: 2012-2013

Instructor: Mr. Fielding

Phone: 983-3604

British Literature (English 12)

Course Description

Emphasis: British and World Literature, in-depth analysis of literature by ideas, themes and literary devices.

Align to the Common Core, British and World Literature, a writing and reading intensive course, integrates a variety of literary genres and informational reading with various writing techniques, speaking and writing projects, and the development of vocabulary and grammar skills appropriate to success in college.  It is designed to strengthen students’ comprehension of a wide range of reading materials found in high school and the world beyond, and to give students the opportunity to develop as a writer by introducing and incorporating many different writing strategies into the student’s own work.  The literary genres covered will include short stories, plays, poetry, and novels.  In non-fiction we will look at the structures of the personal essay, memoir, the analytical essay, and the persuasive essay.  The course will cover materials, in historical sequence, from the Anglo-Saxon period to contemporary works. Students will contrast the literary forms, stylistic techniques, and characteristics of the major literary periods. They not only analyze such devices as figurative language, imagery, speaker, and tone, they also relate the literature to the geographical, philosophical, political, religious, cultural, and social influences of those periods. A student who successfully completes British Literature is able to respond to works of great complexity and depth in an articulate and sophisticated manner.

Textbooks (some of all of the following): Holt McDougal: British Literature (anthology), Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Hamlet, The Inferno, Paradise Lost, Great Expectations, 1984. 

JOURNALS/BLOGS

Students will be required to keep a blog throughout the year.  This blog will be your journal writing for the year.  In this blog/journal will be reading reflections, lists of literary devices found in stories and novels, creative assignments that correspond with readings, pre-writing exercises, analytic writing. 

NOTE: I read every journal entry and you will lose points for skipping entries or not following directions.  If you do not understand an assignment please ask.

GRADES:

Tests – 25% of overall grade

Papers—25% of overall grade

Projects—20% of overall grade

Quizzes, class work, homework—20% of overall grade

Journals/Blogs—10% of overall grade

Scale:

100- 93 = A

92.49- 90 = A-

89.49- 87 = B+

86.49-83.00 = B

82.49- 80.00 = B-

79.49-77.00 = C+

76.49- 73 = C

72.49-70.00 = C-

69.49-67.00 = D+

66.49- 63.00 = D

62.49- 60 = D-

Below 60 = F

Late Work: Mark down 10% per day.  You are expected to turn in work on the deadlines due. 

Required Materials:

1 Spiral Notebook (use as a journal)

1 Pocket Folders (to keep handouts, note guides, returned work)

1 Binder with loose paper

General Guidelines:

1. Be prepared when class begins.  It is imperative that all pencils are sharpened and materials are ready when the bell rings. 
2. Class discussions should be conducted in an orderly and respectful fashion. 
3. Do not talk when I am talking.
4. I dismiss you, not the bell!
5. You may choose you own seat, but I reserve the right to assign seats or move you if I see the need.

Respect others and their property.  This respect extends to remaining quiet during announcements, directions, lectures, and presentations.  If you are talking someone else might not be able to hear.

Welcome Students!!!