List Poems

Post your poem here as a comment before class next Wednesday.

Note that the original, "Possibilities," is 39 lines (but only 31 begin with "I prefer"). Your poem should be a minimum of 32 lines (remember that lines and sentences are not the same thing in a poem). 

It is possible for you to "bend" the lines a bit to suit your own poem/poetry. Thus, a line like the one with Dickens/Dostoevsky could become: "I prefer Lady Gaga to Michael Buble" or if you'd like to use alliteration you might say, "I prefer Metallica to Madonna." In this way, you still express a preference that characterizes the speaker (most often that will be you)

Also, please remember that some of the lines are parts of a sentence (two lines equal one sentence). This helps to break up the pattern a bit. Be aware of this and do the same, although you may choose to do it in slightly different spots.

Here is a copy of our samples  if you'd like to write your list poem with a sample poem on the split screen view in Word.

A Favourite Stanza of Poetry

Choose a favourite stanza and share it here. Explain why you like it and point out any poetic devices like simile or metaphor or rhyme. Bring a copy to class on Friday.

If you have no personal favourites, try to find one at the links below. Remember to choose something that reflects good practice (as in our top ten list from today).

Weekly Poems at Slate.com

Canadian Poetry Online (list of poets by name with links to poems)

Poetry Daily (a new poem every day)

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. 


*Note: Please print a copy to bring to class that day.

Wag the Dog? Part Two

``Why does a dog wag its tail?'' Brean asks at one point. ``Because the dog is smarter than the tail. If the tail was smarter, it would wag the dog.'' In the Breanian universe, the tail is smarter, and we, dear readers, are invited to be the dogs."—Roger Ebert in his review of Wag the Dog.

Assignment One: complete at blog before class on April 6

Read Roger Ebert's review first. (also, be sure to do Part One, below)

Write about a favourite scene in the movie. Post your response here as a comment. (Maximum 250 words; minimum 150 words) Make a critical comment, modeling your answer on Ebert's writing. Be specific in your description and be clear on whether you think the scene was (or was not) effective. What were the filmmakers trying to say in the scene?

Please bring a printed copy of Assignment One to class.

Assignment Two: (to be printed and brought to class on Wednesday, April 6) DO NOT POST

Write about your experience with the media unit. What were your favourite activities? What was the most memorable video/film/program for you? What other activities would you have liked to try (use your imagination!)?

Wag the Dog? Part One

Script (by David Mamet) for the film, Wag the Dog. You may also wish to rent or borrow the film to watch it again. Here is a fantastic resource: full cast list for Wag the Dog, plot summary and, best of all, a glossary of vocabulary and idiom with examples.

Make notes on your reaction to the film. Did it seem ridiculous and exaggerated to you? Why do you think the film was made? Was it purely for entertainment or for some other reason?


Watch the following videos at YouTube. You can turn on closed captions if you need to.


Pentagon Blackout (Part 1)
Pentagon Blackout (Part 2)
Pentagon Blackout (Part 3)
Pentagon Blackout (Part 4)


Congress Testimony of Nayirah (before first Gulf War)


Take notes about your reactions to the information presented. Did you know any of this before now? How has this information changed (or not changed) your thinking?


I will post a further assignment before the second week of the holidays that requires a written response. For now, all I ask is that you view and consider the information presented.

NOTE: There is no need to provide a written response to Part One, but good quality notes are always beneficial to helping you keep track of information.

Report on Advertising During a Favourite Show

Watch a favourite TV show (including the commercials). Count the number of advertisements shown. What products or services are being sold? What messages are you being given by the ads? Do you or would you use any of these advertised products? Why or why not? Did you see any advertisement twice? Write about your experience in paragraph form. (150 to 200 words)

Here is a link to an English class in 2009 responding to this assignment.

Links to Sir Ken Robinson's Lecture and Graphic

Here is the link to his lecture, Changing Education Paradigms

Here is the link for the graphic used in the lecture. (note this is a large file and will take time to upload to your computer; save a copy locally if you wish)

Homework (due Wednesday, March 2)

Address one of the following questions in a paragraph answer of 150 words.

Why are drop out rates so high (in secondary and postsecondary education) in your opinion?

What is more important to our future, the arts or the sciences?

Find out more about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). What is your reaction to this information?

Post your answer here as a comment and please bring a word processed and printed copy to class on Wednesday.