Week 16 syllabus: December 9 on
WRITING A COMPARISON ESSAY is superficially simple. “An apple is crunchy, while an orange is juicy,” does compare the two; however, this comparison is superficial. So there’s more to writing one of these beyond creating a t-chart. How might we compare the friendships of Gene and Finny, and of Al and Birdy? How does one write about more than similarities and differences, “Gene and Finny are X, whereas Al and Birdy are Y?” We’ll begin writing such a paper this week.
MONDAY
Hammering out initial thoughts about Al and Birdy. Their friendship is an unlikely one. Birdy is bookish, silent, an ornithologist in training who shuns his peers. Al is an exceptional wrestling star, sexually flirtatious and a natural leader. Why, then, do they become close friends? What is at the heart of their friendship? Go beyond identifying ONE trait or ONE event that might connect the two. Answer this question using several examples from the film to support your answer: “Just as gravity draws heavenly bodies toward one another, what draws Al and Birdy together, and keeps them together, as friends?” Use direct quotes from the film, using the posted clips to obtain exact direct quotes (word-for-word what is said) and indirect quotes (your illustrative language, describing what happens in the film).
HW: A typed and PRINTED copy of your answer is due tomorrow. It should have more than one paragraph. It should have more than one direct, and one indirect, quote (two or more paragraphs, two or more quotes).
TUESDAY
Reading circles. We will begin peer-reading and providing feedback on the printed copies of your written answers. What has the writer missed? We will spend one reading-round on content, and one reading-round on style.
HW: Revise. Bring in another, revised answer to the Birdy question to class tomorrow, printed.
WEDNESDAY
Just as we did with Al and Birdy, students will begin writing abotu Gene and Finny. What draws these two Devon students together, beyond the obvious? We will begin writing these comparisons in class today. Same guidelines as the Birdy version, with the exception of indirect evidence (you’re quoting a novel, not a film, so no IYOW quotes.
HW: Typed and PRINTED version of this Knowles comparison between Finny and Gene is due tomorrow in class.
THURSDAY
Continue watching the film Birdy. During the film, I will have writing conferences with student.
HW: Reading through the independent reading assignment. Tomorrow we are meeting in the library for a presentation on the novel choices you have. You will also complete an evaluation of your annotations on A Separate Peace, due tomorrow.
Friday
In Northfield library to select and begin reading your novel choice. I will collect your annotations on A Separate Peace.
HW: Purchase and read the first chapter of your selected novel by class on Monday.