List Poem: "A Note"

Beginning with "Life is the only way," write your own list poem using "A Note" as a model. Your poem must use the same number of words and structure as Szymborska's.

Try to find a rhythm to the words you choose (note the number of syllables as well as the number of words). Be careful to punctuate exactly the same way and be aware of how the poet has used punctuation to divide and compare ideas.

Post a copy of your poem to the blog before coming to Wednesday's class.

Be prepared to do a recital of your poem (please practice ahead of time!) and give some short remarks on the process you followed and any difficulties you experienced.

My Experience with Poetry

Write a 50-word paragraph that refers to your personal experiences with poetry. The experiences do not have to be at school, although they may be if you wish. Be specific please.

We will discuss your comments at the beginning of Wednesday's class.

"Ghost World": Recommend or Not?

The assignment is simple (150 to 200 words). Would you or would you not recommend the film, Ghost World, to a friend? Give your reasons clearly and please refer to the events and characters in the film in your comment.

Official Ghost World Web Site (Production notes; original trailer; videos of filming; cast and crew lists)

Remember to bring me a copy of your blog post, on paper, to hand in on Wednesday.

Looking Closely at Film: A Favourite Scene

Choose a favourite scene from a film. Mention two film elements used in the scene. Why are they used in your opinion? Write a short paragraph and post as a comment to “Favourite Scenes” at the blog. Bring a DVD copy of your film to class next Wednesday. If you have no copy, try to find the scene on YouTube so you can share it with us. Paste your URL (link) into your comment to this post.

See some examples from last year's class.

Film Analysis (Yale University): film vocabulary with short examples to view. *Note: Only use the left side menu and do not try to use the "go to" box (it won't allow you in!)

Link to Rewritten Sentences

Sentences from Wednesday's exercise.

Responding to "Our Loss of Wisdom" by Barry Schwartz

Answer one of the following questions in paragraph form:

1. How do you feel towards the lecture and why do you feel this way?

2. Does the lecture confront or confirm your personal beliefs? Explain.

3. Write about something important you learned from the lecture.

4. What stayed in your mind after the lecture was over? Why do you think that happened?

5. What made the lecture effective (or ineffective) in your opinion?

Write between 100 and 150 words. Provide a word count, please.

If you would like to read some published narrative essays from last year's class, visit these links.

Powerful Blood Ties Rosemary recounts the tale of her brother's death on Christmas eve.

Home, Sweet Home Rita's terrifying experience of the Kobe earthquake in 1995 leads her to a new appreciation of home.

Remembering the Folly Maryann remembers a fateful meeting with a good friend and regrets her actions that day.

The Railroad Man: A New Journey Marc writes of the death of the "backbone of his life," his father.

Disguised Donors In the aftermath of monsoon floods, Jatinder discovers that not all is what it seems on first glance.

Responding to "The Woman of the House"

Choose one of the following questions and answer in a 150 to 200 word paragraph.

1. Explore a social or ethical issue raised in the writing. Judge the behaviour of the characters or the views of the author. Are they right or wrong in your opinion?

2. Tell about how you feel toward this writing or its author and why.

3. Write about something that surprised you, angered you, delighted you, or evoked any strong reaction as you were reading. Write about anything that stays on your mind after reading

Responding to "How to Write with Style"

Write a short, 100-word, paragraph response to one of Kurt Vonnegut's suggestions about style. Following the procedures found in your "Academic Writing: A Guide," include at least one short quote from Vonnegut (not one of his rules; choose from one of the sentences instead) and be sure to incorporate it into your own sentence. Respond to what he says either positively or negatively and explain why you think that.

Due before class begins Wednesday, September 29.