Sergei O'Sullivan 12/19/2016

12.19.2016

IWBAT distinguish between topic and theme

IWBAT analyze how multiple texts can develop different themes about a common Text

Today in class we discussed the difference between Topic and Theme. This discussion clarified what past teachers have attempted to teach us. We learned how a Topic is an idea or subject that occurs in the text. We went into different topics that have been present in the Great Gatsby. This included Daisy's and Gatsby relationship, partying, wealth, and concluded that there are many more we could have talked about. After this we went on to explain what theme is, and how it is different from topics. A theme is a particular Claim about a topic. These claims should be supported by the text. Some of examples were, "Spending money is more important than being with family" and "Christmas is a time for punishment and fear". These examples are taking a stance, thus making them a theme. We talked about myths about myths which was ....

1. There are only one single theme for a text
1. There are MANY themes, (of varying importance)
2. A theme is a lesson
1. When you're younger--. Complex texts develop more complex themes
3. A theme is can be only one word long
1. NOPE!!!!!!!!!!!! That's a topic.

After debunking these myths, we we talked about different topics in Notorious B.I.G.’s song, “Juicy”. That included Childhood, struggle, stereotypes, discrimination, money, The American Dream.

12/19/16 - Colin Higdon

Today we began English by taking out our notes and books. We took some notes on Topic vs Theme. Topic is an idea or subject that occurs in the text. Theme is a particular assertion about that topic. We then looked at the songs "Juicy" by Notorious BIG and "Children's Story" by Black Star. We identified the themes and topics of each song. For example a theme of "Juicy" was "the American dream is achievable even when the odds are stacked against you." An example of a theme from the song by Black Star is "doing hood-rat-stuff with your friends is a risky way to reach the American dream." because Black Star talks about guns, violence, and other bad tings that get people money and power. We continued this for the rest of the class period until the bell rang. 

Christina Bally- 12/19/2016

Today in class we discussed the difference between a topic and theme in a literary piece. We were given the definition of both and analyzed the differences. Many common perceptions about what a theme is were given to us and we were told that they were myths. We then were given examples of works where the theme was common to another work yet the theme was different. The example given was two different Christmas stories in which Christmas was the theme for both yet both contained more different topics. We then analyzed two different hip hop songs. Both of these songs had similar topics. Although the topics were pretty much the same, the themes were very different. We then realized that topics and themes don't always coordinate.

12. 19. 16Sarah kokoszka

Today In class we clarified what a topic and theme is. In our past English classes, we have learned that a topic is just one idea in a story or piece of writing. We also learned that a theme is one lesson through out the whole entire writing. In class today, we clarified that yes a topic is an idea, but a theme is more in depth. A theme, is more than one word, and it can be a claim rather than just a lesson. To add,  there are hundreds of themes throughout a piece of writing, rather than just one. To practice a theme vs topic, we listened to two different songs. These two songs were rap songs that both had a similarity within topics but a differ in themes. Both songs had the topic of the American dream, success, race, hard work etc.... although they both had the same topic, they both portrayed a different theme. In the first song we listened to, the theme showed that the American dream is achievable by any person. In the second song we listened to, it demonstrated that the American dream is not always this big amazing goal you think it is. Both these texts had basically the same topics but the way it was portrayed by using other types of vocabulary that there was a different theme. The first song showed a positive theme, and that the American dream can be accomplished by everyone. But I'm the second song it showed that the American dream is not the best thing in the world. To sum up, class today was basically practicing finding topic and themes with evidence to show. Evidence is key to topic and theme and we must be able to always have it to make our claim stronger.

12-15-16 Jimmy Bliss

Today in English class, Mr. Rivers explained in detail our "Does Money Buy Happiness" assignment. Mr. Rivers stated that this assignment will be due on Monday morning, instead of the original Friday due date, in effort to give us enough time to work on it thoroughly. Mr. Rivers assigned us each a power point to complete, each listing what needs to be done in order to receive full credit. First, you must make your stance on if you believe money can buy happiness or not, and support your answer with articles and quotes. For example, I said that money can buy happiness, and found an article to prove my points. After you find online articles, you must find 2 quotes from "The Great Gatsby" and explain how they support your answer. Finally, you have to find a song that supports your side of the argument. You must insert lyrics to the song you are analyzing, and then provide a link to the source. On the next slide, one must explain how their song relates and strengthens their argument. The final step in the project is to write your conclusion. This includes your concluding thoughts about whether or not money can buy happiness. We had the entire period to work on this project.

    

12-14-16 Connor Gormley

Today in class we went over the blog post of the former day.  We went over Robbie's analysis of what happened on Mr. Rivers's day off, but first we had a quick lesson in possessive nouns like "Mr. Rivers's day off". We learned that if a proper noun ends with an "s" then you still put an apostrophe s even though it may look or sound funny. If it not a proper noun and it ends in s then you just put an apostrophe at the end. After this quick tutorial we analyzed Robbie's blog post of yesterday. Robbie's post could either be determined as fact of fiction depending on your perception. I was personally there and I could swear that it happen, but if you look at the blog post of Julia you can see that see interpreted the day very differently. After inspecting this blog we then turned our attention to Gatsby. We discussed Daisy and Gatsby's interaction and meeting. We realized that the weather is a symbol for how Jay is feeling. Whenever Jay is feeling anxious and nervous the weather is always raining. Once he gains confidence though the sky clears up and becomes sunny. In the beginning of their meeting Gatsby acts very clumsy and unlike his normal self when he meets Daisy. This could possibly because this has been more than 5 years in the making and he is super nervous. At first the interaction is awkward but then once Nick leaves them alone he comes back to them hitting it off. Once Gatsby shows Daisy him house and they go there she becomes a lot more interested in Jay. This could possibly point out the fact that Daisy is potentially a gold digger. After a while Nick realizes that he is not needed anymore and he leaves. This shows that Gatsby is not very grateful for Nick's help in reigniting the spark between Daisy and Jay.

River's Day Off :)

Something was off in class today. Something beyond just the absence of our teacher. The sub was very relaxed and ordered us to check Google Classroom for our assignments. Like a scene out of Lord of the Flies, the absence of an adult has led to the rise of a power-hungry barbaric savage. Young Dog has claimed the throne. His first action as almighty dictator was to banish all the females and minorities (pretty much all the non-WASPs).  Many objected to this law, however fewer objected to his brute strength. Young Dog used his brute strength to summon a lasso out of his backpack and ordered all the anarchists to shut up and get in the closet. James, a well-liked patriot in the class, stood up to his authoritative rule. James dashed for the door in hopes of finding a teacher or anyone that could help. His sprint was halted by an immovable object. Young Dog's barreled chest and stork-like extremities brought James to a crashing stop. James fell to the ground and attempted to scurry to his feet. His efforts were abruptly ended by a fierce blow of a desk to his skull. Towering above his unconscious body, Young Dog took out a canister of gasoline and began pouring it on the rebels body to make an example out of him. He took out a Zippo lighter,  and pressed a huge cigar to his lips. He lit the cigar with perfect balance and symmetry and gave it a puff. He allowed the cigar to fall from his mouth. Looks of terror ran across my peers faces. I could not stand for these autocracies any more. I reached into my backpack and pulled out my first aid kit and fire extinguisher and yelled "Finally this came in clutch!". I quickly channeled my inner Fire Marshall Smokey the Bear and put James's screaming to an end. I directed my attention towards the menace that was reigning terror. I reached into my first aid kit and pulled out my wooden stake. I grasped the stake with white knuckles and locked eyes with the beast. Young Dog's inner satin was prominent in his eyes as they gleamed back at me. The classroom morphed into the Valley of Ashes with only Doctor Eckleburg to witness. I let out a loud roar and charged the monster. He matched my charge like two comets in the same orbital path. We collided with a force so great Einstein could not comprehend it. The Valley of Ashes transformed into a cloud of dust. The only remaining structure was a gallant warrior menacing over the crippled body of Young Dog, the wooden stake protruding from his heart, well his heart if he had one. I called my chauffeur and he drove me back to my lovely estate in West Egg where I spent my remaining days stalking some chick named Daisy. We then did the assignment.