Modern Day Transcendentalism

We have read excerpts from Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self- Reliance", Henry David Thoreaus' Walden, and watched Dead Poet's Society. We've analyzed comic strips and song lyrics for transcendental ideas (recall Gavin Degraw's "I Don't Want to Be"). Remember the 5 areas of transcendental thought we've been focusing on: self-reliance, non-conformity, free thought, confidence, and the importance of nature. Remember the importance of individuality.

*I want you to share your definition of transcendentalism. If someone asked you what it was all about, how would you explain it to them.

*Now tell me your thoughts on being a transcendentalist in today's society. Is it possible? What would be easy about it? What might be some obstacles? How easy is it to be an individual in today's world? Is it easier to conform? DISCUSS.......

(Photo by camille y.)

Inanimate Alice: Episode 5 by 3rd pd

Created by Sean R., Adam S., Justin G., DJ B., Ryan S., Ariel S.

Inanimate Alice: Episode 5 by 2nd pd.

Created by Ryan L., Matt L., Erik B., Stephen T., Anna H.

Inanimate Alice, Episode 1: China

You have just recently finished viewing Inanimate Alice, Episode 1: China. http://inanimatealice.com/ Using the "Student Reading Reflection" sheet as a guide, write about your "reading experience" of Episode 1.

The Crucible- Vokis

Play each of the "Vokis" to the right of the blog. (You just click the Play button under each character. Make sure the volume on the computer is on.) As a class, or individually, decide which character each Voki represents from The Crucible. Post a comment here telling me who each one is. You can call them Voki #1, #2, etc.

Blog Action Day 08 - Poverty

Wednesday, October 15, 2008 is Blog Action Day to raise awareness about poverty. So, let's join in. Post your comments on poverty. What is poverty? Who suffers from poverty? What can we do about it? What can you do about it? What is the world doing about it?
Please think, and comment.


www.blogactionday.org

Who Needs Parents?

You recently listened to a Newsweek article titled "Who Needs Parents" by Sharon Begley. It's an interesting article discussing Judith Rich Harris' book The Nuture Assumption which basically says parents have no effect on how their children turn out. The only thing parents contribute to their children is their genes (DNA). She claims a child's peers (friends) and the environment have more of an effect on who the child becomes.

Judith Rich Harris says, "Through no fault of their own, good parents sometimes have bad kids."

I want you to write and discuss your thoughts on this. "Good" parent? "Bad" kid? "Bad" parent? "Good" kid? What does it all mean to you? What makes you who you are and who you will become??