LAST WEEK WE FINISHED "Reality, Persona" by David Shields, selecting a non-fiction text, and began workshop on our verb essays. This week we will finish that workshop, revise those essays, and finish our viewing of the film Throw Mama from the Train.

Monday

Continuing the film Throw Mama from the Train, starring Danny DeVito (Owen Lifts), Billy Crystal (Larry Donner), and Anne Ramsey (Mama). It is the story of a community college writing teacher who is struck by writer's block after his wife steals and successfully publishes his first book. His student then inadvertently kills his wife, and expects the unwitting teacher to, in turn, kill his mother. Ramsey won an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress for her role.
HW: If you did not receive the packet of verb essays in class last week, pick one up from me in 330. Also, students who missed class on Friday should watch the first 35 minutes either tomorrow before school, or Wednesday before or after school.

Tuesday

Finishing the film, and a short journal entry. Silent workshop on the verb essays. I will also collect journals for a quarter grade.
HW: Remember, that you are to read the entire verb essay without writing anything, without even having a pen in hand. After reading, you should identify the top three comments for revision, AND underline your favorite sentence in the piece. These are due back to the writers on Wednesday.

Wednesday

Passing back all revised essays, journals, and grade reports. Then reading "She--Portrait of the Essay as a Warm Body" by Cynthia Ozick. We'll discuss her take on essays.
HW: A homework journal: identify one essay that has moved you, been meaningful or important in some way. What was it? Why did it matter? 2-3 pages in length.

Thursday

Journal entry. should have their non-fiction books with them, in class, today. We will review the independent reading assignment, and begin some SSR.
HW: Create a calendar for your independent reading, planning on finishing the book by the end of April. Begin reading.

Friday

Journal entry. Reading David Foster Wallace's "Consider the Lobster."
HW: Reading your non-fiction text.