12th AP** Extra Credit*** 1/20/15 State of the Union Address

All, your assignment tonight was to watch the "State of the Union Address".  After you have done this, please click the link below and read the article enclosed.  It is a fascinating study on how the words used during the "State of the Union" reflects the cultural and political climate of a given time period.  Please choose at least five different presidents and answer the question "What does the frequency with which this word was used during the State of the Union indicate about the audience for the speech and the context in which it was delivered?"  Leave your answers in the comments. 

Thanks. 

Ms. Mack 

"The Language of the State of the Union"

12th AP Comp: 11.25 Homework Part I

Hello AP'ers.

As you all know, the content of our class is the world around is; everything is an argument.  As such, as I've said in class your challenge is to be able to "enter the conversation" and respond intelligently to the claims that are presented and offer your own insights.  Being able to understand how arguments are made in books, magazines, essays, art, music, television etc is the crux of what our class is about; that is our raison d'etre  (look it up).  

As such, I've been considering ways to utilize podcasts in class.  They have become an essential journalistic outlet; providing a medium through which new ideas, discussions and debates on a wide range of topics are being brought to the forefront.  One of my favorites is a podcast called "Snap Judgement". Here is the description as written on their website :

"Snap Judgment is a themed, weekly NPR storytelling show. We focus on presenting compelling personal stories - mixing killer beats with real drama to produce cinematic, dramatic and kick-ass radio. We are sponsored by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and distributed through NPR and Public Radio Exchange (PRX)." (snapjudgement.org) 


The first part of your homework for this long weekend is to listen to the episode below.  While you listen, consider our discussions in class about the Compare/Contrast rhetorical mode.  Think about the "basis of comparison" for each of these stories.  Then complete your Compare/Contrast questions for the stories as a whole.  Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper to be turned in on Monday December 1.

Snap Judgement~Episode 424

Your hard work is greatly appreciated. 

Ms. Mack

Inaugural Post! ~Hello AP 2014!

Hello AP Comp class.

It's been a busy day, so sorry for the late homework post.  Good for you; you've found your way here.  Now that you're here...click the link to the right -------> that says "Ms. Mack's Homework".

You will find your homework there.

See you on Monday.
Ms.Mack

Oct. 9. 2012 AP Comp. Post your compare/contrast photos here.

If it doesn't let you post the photos in the comments section, email them to me.
Ms. Mack.

A message to next year's AP Composition class:

Hello future AP'ers,

I have received a few emails from a couple of you with questions regarding the summer homework.  I will address them individually.  But, for now, please post your name and your email address in the comments section of this blog. Also, if you've found your way to this blog, good for you...this is our class blog. This is where I post extra-credit throughout the school year for your class. The link to my separate homework blog is on the right side (------->) of this page.

I look forward to the first few days of school with you all. Again, please post your name and email address (a professional email; ideally the one you will use for college apps, senior exhibition correspondence etc.)  Make sure your homework is completed on the first day of school.

Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Ms. Mack

"...full of scorpions is my mind..." ~Winter Break Extra Credit!

"...I am in blood stepped in so far..."

Hello APers, it's the 11th hour of your winter break and you should be mostly finished with Macbeth; if not...you have some work to do.  You'll have a test on the entire book at the beginning of our next class.

Macbeth is a very troubled guy; he's a true example of how power has the ability to corrupt an otherwise virtuous individual. But who can Macbeth trust? Who is looking out for his best interests? For extra credit, respond to the questions: What advice would you give Macbeth right now? How can he maintain his role as king without betraying or murdering any more innocent people? Who are the people that Macbeth should trust and take advice from?

Post your response in the comments. Make sure your name is there as well. As always, email me with questions.

Enjoy your last few days of break,
Ms. Mack

12th AP Composition~ What does justice look like in today's world?

* As I mentioned in class today, part of your homework over this long weekend is to show an example of justice as we know it today.  Consider our social and political climate when you are choosing your example. Just as you've been challenged to do with To Kill A Mockingbird, please push yourself to think critically about the term justice; look below the surface. Post your photo, essay, political cartoon, blog excerpt...what have you....here. Make sure you include the source information. In addition, write a SOAPS analysis for your image or essay. I look forward to seeing what you guys find.

Enjoy your long weekend.

Ms. Mack