In an effort to allow students to improve their grades in my class I am offering two extra credit assignments:
1. Greeting Cards for Injured American Soldiers - I believe that mail can be a wonderful things, especially for a person who is in the hospital over the holidays. In an effort to support our troops and spread some holiday cheer, I am offering you the chance to make holiday cards that we will send to:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001
I will accept up to two cards per person for extra credit. Feel free to make more of them, if you like. They can be Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Thanks for Your Efforts, etc. It does not even have to be a holiday card, just a card that will make someone happy. I will award up to 50 points per card (100 point max. total), based on the amount of effort put into the card. I will collect them and send them off in a large envelope. The cards are due by Friday, December 5, 2008. Please see me if you have questions about this extra credit opportunity.
2. Movie Analysis: We have analyzed "We are Marshall," "Take the Lead," and "Stranger in the Village" through the lens of what it means to be a stranger and how that is portrayed through word choice, actions, opportunities, guidelines for acceptable behavior and responses. Now you can flex those muscles on your own and analyze one more movie on your own. Points will be awarded based on the level of effort and the quality of your work. I expect that a quality, thoughtfully written essay could be worth 100 points, perhaps even a bit more if the anaylsis is detailed and accurate. Please see me so that we can agree on a movie that I am familiar with and one you want to view. Once you've viewed your movie please address the following questions in a type written essay:
Who is the Stranger?
What is the voice/identity of the “stranger” in the village? Why is he/she perceived as a stranger by others? Look for a anything that sets the “stranger” apart. (Speech, dress, customs, mannerisms, etc.) The stranger does not know the rules.
Consider:
o Word choice
o People’s reaction to the character
o Clothing, behaviors, mannerisms
With What Voice Does the Stranger Speak?
Examine or describe the behaviors, rule sets and distinguishing traits of the “members of the village.” Identify in particular any aspects of the villagers that contrast strikingly with the “stranger.” Any similarities of note? How much of this concept that you’ve adopted relies on specific incidents and how much of it is suggested or implied from the stereotyped associations upon which the author leans, or assumes the reader will make?
Accepted or Rejected?
Explain how and why the main character becomes accepted into or rejected by the community.
Consider:
o Whether or not the “villagers” change their actions/reactions to the “stranger.”
o Any adaptations of new behavior/mannerisms by the main character.
o Any adaptations of new behavior/mannerisms by the community that allows the main character to become integrated.
The Impact of the Stranger and the Community Coming Together
How has the stranger and/or the community changed as a result of their interactions?
Consider:
o How have the values changed within the community as a result of the “stranger”?
o Is the community better or worse off as a result of their choices?
o Is the stranger or next stranger to come along better off or worse off as a result of their choices?
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