E2: American Winter

Write a 7-10 sentence paragraph for each:

• What does American Winter have to say/show about poverty and how Americans handle it?
• What does American Winter have to say about getting involved in helping others? What are your thoughts on helping others and how did you develop them?

English 4: Activism

Activism: people taking action to create a specific change in society

• What is a current problem in our world that deserves notice?
• What is the solution to the problem?
• Does it deserve activism? Why? How?

• What is a problem in our nation that deserves notice?
• What is the solution to the problem?
• Does it deserve activism? Why? How?

• What is a problem locally (Oregon/Pendleton/PHS) that deserves notice?
• What is the solution to the problem?
• Does it deserve activism? Why? How?

• What is a problem that currently is getting a lot of media attention that you don’t think deserves it? Fully explain.

• What is a problem that is not getting much media attention? Why does it deserve to be part of the national conversation? Fully explain.

30 for 30: Hillsborough (2013)

• In the news on April 15, 1989, one of the lead stories was about a riot in a soccer stadium that killed nearly 100 people; originally, the deaths were blamed on rowdy fans. The truth is a little different.
• What is an inquest? How does the process work? How would it have been handled differently in the United States?
• Who are Duckenfield and Burman? What impact did they have on how events played out?
• Why did it take 25 years between the events in Hillsborough and a documentary about it? Best Guess (amend your answer after the movie)
• Why do these deaths matter? Explain.
• Were the deaths in Hillsborough preventable? How?
• Who was ultimately responsible for how wrong things went? Explain.
• What was the purpose of this film? How do you know?
• Should the film maker have used more graphic imagery? Explain.
• Can you think of any other situations where families have had to fight so hard or wait so long for justice/compensation? Explain.
• What impact on sport stadiums and crowd control worldwide are evident based on the events of Hillsborough? Explain.

English 2: Wrap Up

Read articles on the Pistons and write 3-sentence summaries.

Watch Bad Boys documentary, write daily synopsis, write a 3-sentence summary, write an analytical paragraph and turn it all in.

3-sentence summary

• What was it about? (name it)
• What was the message?
• Was the source/information reliable?

Analytical Paragraph

• What was it about? (name it)
• What was the message?
• How do you know? (two examples explained)
• What did you learn?
• Why does it matter?

E4 & H4: Wrapping Up

Activism: people taking action to create a specific change in society

• What is a current problem in our world that deserves notice?
• What is the solution to the problem?
• Does it deserve activism? Why? How?
• What is a problem in our nation that deserves notice?
• What is the solution to the problem?
• Does it deserve activism? Why? How?
• What is a problem locally (Oregon/Pendleton/PHS) that deserves notice?
• What is the solution to the problem?
• Does it deserve activism? Why? How?
• What is a problem that currently is getting a lot of media attention that you don’t think deserves it? Fully explain.
• What is a problem that is not getting much media attention? Why does it deserve to be part of the national conversation? Fully explain.

Each set should be answered with a paragraph. We will have a two-day graded class discussion (the answers and the discussion are worth points).

H4: Documentaries

30 for 30: Hillsborough (2013)—In the news on April 15, 1989, one of the lead stories was about a riot in a soccer stadium that killed nearly 100 people; originally, the deaths were blamed on rowdy fans. The truth is a little different. 

• Read, answer questions, and discuss the related articles––
• What information was omitted from the original coverage that could changed opinions? [Give an example of information omitted from many news sources that could change public opinion. Why do you think this happens?]
• How did media bias affect this tragedy and the public’s perception? How does media bias affect other newsworthy events? Why do you think this happens?
• What programs that touch on current news topics are clearly biased? How do you know? 
• Were these articles biased? How do you know?
• Where do you get your information? Is it from reliable sources? How do you know?
• Pre-watching questions––
• Why did it take 25 years between the events in Hillsborough and a documentary about it? Best guess (amend your answer after the documentary)
• Why do these deaths matter? Explain.
• Post-watching questions––
• Were the deaths in Hillsborough preventable? How?
• Who was ultimately responsible for how wrong things went? Explain.
• What was the purpose of this film? How do you know?
• Should the film maker have used more graphic imagery? Explain.
• Can you think of any other situations where families have had to fight so hard or wait so long for justice/compensation? Explain.
• What impact on sport stadiums and crowd control worldwide are evident based on the events of Hillsborough? Explain.

30 for 30: Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau (2013)—follows the life of lifeguard, surfer, and adventurer Eddie Aikua who disappeared at sea in 1978

• Read, answer questions, and discuss the related articles––
• Why is it important for people who are native to an area to keep their cultural traditions? Support and explain.
• Why was it so important for the Polynesian Voyaging Society to make their trips? To continue on after the first, unsuccessful, voyage? Support and explain.
• Why is it important to try to make a positive difference in your community? How did Eddie Aikau do this? How and why did others do this in his name? Support and explain.


• Pre-watching questions––
• What does it take to be a hero? Explain.
• How do you inspire others? Good or Bad.
• Who inspires you? How?
• Post-watching questions––
• What qualities made others listen to Eddie Aikau?
• Why did people latch on to the tagline "Eddie Would Go"? How does it represent part of Eddie Aikau's legacy?
• What made Eddie Aikau insist on becoming the first North Shore lifeguard? What did it say about him as a person?
• Why did the film maker choose to "re-enact" certain events? What impact did that have on the way you reacted to the film?
• What was the purpose of this film? How do you know?

How to Die In Oregon (2011)—Oregon is currently the only state with a "Death with Dignity" Law. Then Senator Gordon Smith tried to get the law overturned three times (and failed each time)

• Read, answer questions, and discuss the related articles––
• 
  
• Pre-watching questions––
• Should terminally ill people have the ability to choose to end their lives early? Explain.
• What is the difference between Euthanasia and Death with Dignity? Explain.
• Why won't other states enact this law? Explain. 
• Post-watching questions––
• How has your understanding of terminal illnesses, their management and care, changed after watching How to Die in Oregon?
• How has your understanding of the Death With Dignity law changed after watching How to Die in Oregon?
• What impact did the opening scene have? How did it set the tone for the film? Explain.
• How does Cody Curtis' journey affect the viewers? Why do you think she was the primary subject of the film?
• What elements are similar to the other documentaries?

Other documentaries to follow

Read, answer questions, and discuss the related articles––

Pre-watching questions––

Post-watching questions––

English 4: Spring Documentaries

30 for 30: Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau (2013)—follows the life of lifeguard, surfer, and adventurer Eddie Aikua who disappeared at sea in 1978

• Pre-watching questions––
• What does it take to be a hero? Explain.
• How do you inspire others? Good or Bad.
• Who inspires you? How?
• Post-watching questions––
• What qualities made others listen to Eddie Aikau?
• Why did people latch on to the tagline "Eddie Would Go"? How does it represent part of Eddie Aikau's legacy?
• What made Eddie Aikau insist on becoming the first North Shore lifeguard? What did it say about him as a person?
• Why did the film maker choose to "re-enact" certain events? What impact did that have on the way you reacted to the film?
• What was the purpose of this film? How do you know?
• Read, answer questions, and discuss the related articles––
• Why is it important for people who are native to an area to keep their cultural traditions? Support and explain.
• Why was it so important for the Polynesian Voyaging Society to make their trips? To continue on after the first, unsuccessful, voyage? Support and explain.
• Why is it important to try to make a positive difference in your community? How did Eddie Aikau do this? How and why did others do this in his name? Support and explain.

30 for 30: Hillsborough (2013)—In the news on April 15, 1989, one of the lead stories was about a riot in a soccer stadium that killed nearly 100 people; originally, the deaths were blamed on rowdy fans. The truth is a little different. 

• Pre-watching questions––
• Why did it take 25 years between the events in Hillsborough and a documentary about it? Best guess (amend your answer after the documentary)
• Why do these deaths matter? Explain.
• Post-watching questions––
• Were the deaths in Hillsborough preventable? How?
• Who was ultimately responsible for how wrong things went? Explain.
• What was the purpose of this film? How do you know?
• Should the film maker have used more graphic imagery? Explain.
• Can you think of any other situations where families have had to fight so hard or wait so long for justice/compensation? Explain.
• What impact on sport stadiums and crowd control worldwide are evident based on the events of Hillsborough? Explain.
• Read, answer questions, and discuss the related articles––
• What information was omitted from the original coverage that could changed opinions? [Give an example of information omitted from many news sources that could change public opinion. Why do you think this happens?]
• How did media bias affect this tragedy and the public’s perception? How does media bias affect other newsworthy events? Why do you think this happens?
• What programs that touch on current news topics are clearly biased? How do you know? 
• Were these articles biased? How do you know?
• Where do you get your information? Is it from reliable sources? How do you know?

Other documentaries to follow

Pre-watching questions––

Post-watching questions––

Read, answer questions, and discuss the related articles––

English 4: Documentary Citations

"Amanda Palmer: The Art of Asking." YouTube. TED, 1 Mar. 2013. Web. 18 Dec. 2014. 

"Neil Gaiman - Commencement Speech at the University of the Arts 2012." YouTube. Peter Shev, 23 May 2012. Web. 19 Dec. 2014. 

Poster Girl. Dir. Sara Nesson. Perf. Robynn Murray. Virgil Films and Entertainment, 2010. AmazonPrime. 

Stories We Tell. Dir. Sarah Polley. Lionsgate, 2013. AmazonPrime. 

2057. Prod. Uwe Kersken. Perf. Michio Kaku. Gruppe 5 Filmprduktion, 2007. DVD.

English 4 & WW: Outline

Argument/Counterargument Outline (Must have at least two strong arguments)

• Topic (Research Question)
• Thesis Statement (Answer)
• Argument #1
• Important piece of information; explain the information; what does the information imply?
• Counterargument–what specific group is against the argument provided by the information above? why? what do they have to say? why are they wrong?
• Argument #2
• Important piece of information; explain the information; what does the information imply?
• Counterargument–what specific group is against the argument provided by the information above? why? what do they have to say? why are they wrong?
• Argument #3
• Important piece of information; explain the information; what does the information imply?
• Counterargument–what specific group is against the argument provided by the information above? why? what do they have to say? why are they wrong?
• Argument #4
• Important piece of information; explain the information; what does the information imply?
• Counterargument–what specific group is against the argument provided by the information above? why? what do they have to say? why are they wrong?
• Source Material (correctly formatted for MLA)
1. Article 1
2. Article 2
3. Book? or Article 3

English 4 & WW: Short Research Project

• Jan. 5–Generated topics based on documentaries for English 4/on books for WW 
• Class discussion
• Graphic Organizer
• Jan. 6–Developed multiple research questions based on topics; determined how much information is easily accessible 
• Partnered Graphic Organizers
• Jan. 7–Used oslis.org to find three articles on the topic, then print them or email them to yourself.
• Use the powersearch to find articles; they should be no less than 600 words (copy the citation onto a word document)
• The shorter the article, the less information provided
• The less information, the less interesting the paper is
• The less interesting the paper, the lower the grade
• Jan. 8/9–Read articles and took notes
• What specific information answers the research question?
• Does the article change your understanding of the topic? How?
• What does other side have to say? Who said it? Why is it wrong?
• Connections–
• How does manipulation of information affect what you know about the topic?
• Was it difficult to find information for/against your topic? Why?
• Was their obvious bias to much of the information? How?
• Jan. 12–Write argument/counterargument outline
• See handout
• Jan. 13/14–Type up first draft of paper with bibliography
• Jan. 15–Edit and revise draft
• Does the introduction draw the reader in? Does it provide a solid claim/thesis?
• Check spelling and word usage (the first thing on spellcheck is often the wrong word)
• Do the sentences make sense when read aloud?
• Does the flow of information (movement from one idea to the next) make sense?
• Are the pieces of support explained?
• Are the pieces of support properly attributed to their sources?
• Is there a bibliography? Does it follow MLA formatting?
• Jan. 16–Type up revisions and turn paper in 

Amanda Palmer: TED Talk on “The Art of Asking” (2013)

• What is good art? How does one make it?
• Why is it important to ask for help? When should one ask for help?
• Why is failure important?
• Why is it important to have a community? A support system? A group of friends? Why does this remain important throughout someone’s life?
• What is art worth? How do people determine the worth of art?
• What is the essence of Palmer’s advice?

Neil Gaimain: Commencement Speech at the University of the Arts (2012)

• Why do we have speakers at graduations?
• What is the difference between school and scholarship, between school and education?
• What do successful people have in common? Define success.
• Why is failure important?
• What is good art? How does one make it?
• What is the essence of Gaiman’s advice?

English 4: Media and Information Manipulation

Documentaries to watch, discuss, and write about—we watch a variety of unrated documentaries in order to examine issues people today face, how to (and how not to) problem-solve, and the difference between communicating through film and through writing

Your January essay will be connected to the following topics:

• What is the purpose of the news?
• What is bias? How and when is it easily identifiable?
• What information is omitted that could change opinions? [Give an example of information omitted from many news sources that could change public opinion. Why do you think this happens?]
• Give an example of a news program or anchor who exhibits bias regarding a particular story. Why do you think this happens?
• What programs that touch on current news topics are clearly biased? How do you know?
• Where do you get your information? Is it from reliable sources? How do you know?
• How does a scene’s setting (music, images, dialogue, lighting, etc.) affect the information presented’s impact?
• Who is the ideal audience for a piece? How do you know? How does it impact the film?
• How does your frame of reference (personal knowledge) affect your understanding of a topic presented in the news media or in a documentary film?

2057: The Body. The City. The World (2007)

• What technology do you really hope to see in the future? Why?
• What is “Big Brother”? Does it exist? Why do you think that?
• What is “Little Brother”? Does it exist? Why do you think that?
• What are the chances we will end up in a world with some form of suspended animation? Why do you think that?
• What technology from each part is already on its way to existing? Why do you think that?
• What elements of this documentary do you like? Explain.
• What elements of this documentary do you hate? Explain?
• How likely is it that advertising will really be tracked according to our interests? Where does it already happen?
• What are the dangers of government scrutiny of individual citizens? Why do you think that?
• What are the dangers of private company scrutiny of individual citizens? Why do you think that?
• What are the dangers to people who oppose the government? Private companies?
• Notes:
• Big Brother is a term coined in Aldous Huxley’s 1984 and refers to government surveillance of individual citizens to ensure people do what they are supposed to
• Little Brother is a term coined by Cory Doctorow in his 2008 book of the same name and refers to the surveillance of the individual by other individuals

Poster Girl (2010)—the story of an Iraqi War Vet who came home and had to deal with severe PTSD

• Is there anything you have been planning to do your whole life? How does your image of this thing match Robyn's image of what life in the military would be like? Explain.
• Have you ever been broken/shattered/shocked by an event? How did your response compare to Robyn's?
• Is there anything from Poster Girl (lesson, idea, etc.) that you can connect to your own life? Explain.
• Who is Poster Girl meant for? How do you know?
• What information is Poster Girl trying to convey? How do you know?
• How does the Sara Nesson (filmmaker) want the audience to feel about the topic? How do you know?
• Why this topic? Explain.
• Why this approach? Explain.
• How do you see Robyn’s story being manipulated?
• How do you see information about the US Military or Veterans’ Services being manipulated? 
• What can be done to help people currently in the military? 
• What can be done to help people who have recently returned from active combat?

The Stories We Tell (2013)—Sarah Polly tries to understand her parents, their marriage, and why we tell ourselves different versions of the same story

• What are the things (3-5) that are the basis for a strong marriage? Briefly explain.
• What is your passion? What would make you give it up? Briefly explain.
• What kinds of people are best at keeping secrets—those who seem open or those who have obvious walls? Briefly explain.
• Why do we sometimes keep secrets from the people we love? Briefly explain.
• Why is Sarah Polly (the filmmaker) an obvious part of this documentary?
• Should we see other people’s stories? What needs does this fill for the audiences? Briefly explain.
• Have you ever gone through the same moment as someone else and had a totally different memory from that other person? Briefly explain.
• Have you ever read or watched a story that reminded you of your own life? Briefly explain.
• Why does Sarah Polly try to get everyone’s version of her mother and her parents’ marriage? Briefly explain. 
• Notes:
• Margaret Atwood is a Canadian author of science fiction that focuses on equality, equity, and abuses of power
• Diane lived large (and kept many secrets) while her husband, Michael, lived quietly and for the people he cared about

Workshop: Guided Research Paper

“Speech on the Vietnam War” by MLK (pg. 151)

• Provide a summary (what was the speech about? what was the speech’s message?
• Provide a synopsis (a list of key points and their major support)
• Why did MLK feel the need to give this speech? Support and explain.
• What are his biggest concerns and worries? Support and explain.
• Does it make more sense to use evidence (ethos) and logic (logos) or an emotional appeal (pathos) to get listeners/readers to support your side? Explain.

Various clips on protests—write a summary (what was the clip about? what was its message?) for each clip

• The Daily Show: Race/Off
• What is the obvious bias? Support and explain.
• What is the hidden bias? Support and explain.
• Last Week With John Oliver
• What is the obvious bias? Support and explain.
• What is the hidden bias? Support and explain.
• CNN: Mo Ivory
• What is the obvious bias? Support and explain.
• What is the hidden bias? Support and explain.
• Watch Now: America After Ferguson
• What is the obvious bias? Support and explain.
• What is the hidden bias? Support and explain.

First Outline:

1. Define Protest
• When and why is it necessary?
• focus on Ferguson (or another current protest site)--why are these protests happening? Are people being manipulated? Are we ever going to get the whole story?
2. Facts of Ferguson (or other protest)
• What event triggered the protest?
• What information is available, but not widely known?
3. Bias in Reporting
• Comedy
• Debate
• Satire
• Town Hall
4. Results: Ferguson (or other protest)
• What really gets accomplished?
• What's still going on?
• Why do protests lose their news coverage?
5. Conclusion
• So what?
• Now what?

What are the gaps in your outline? What information do you need?

OSLIS.org and other research; keep track of your sources and keep a running lists. Tie your notes to your sources.

Citations:

• Beers, G. Kylene, Martha Clare. Hougen, Carol Jago, William L. McBride, Erik Palmer, and Lydia Stack. "Speech on the Vietnam War 1976." Collections. Orlando, FL: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015. N. pag. Print.
• "CNN Mo Ivory on the Militarization of Police in Ferguson MO 8/14/14." YouTube. Mo Ivory, 14 Aug. 2014. Web. 13 Oct. 2014.
• "The Daily Show - Race/Off." YouTube. Comedy Central, 28 Aug. 2014. Web. 08 Oct. 2014.
• "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Ferguson, MO and Police Militarization (HBO)." YouTube. Last Week Tonight, 17 Aug. 2014. Web. 9 Oct. 2014.
• Martin Luther King, "Why I Am Opposed to the War in Vietnam" YouTube. Non-Corporate, 11 Jan. 2007. Web. 6 Oct. 2014.
• "Watch Now: America After Ferguson | Full Episode | PBS Video." PBS Video. PBS, 25 Sept. 2014. Web. 13 Oct. 2014.

E4: The Story of India (nr)

The Story of India (2007)—Explores the history of India from the major religions, to its influence on other cultures, to its colonization and independence.

Discussion Questions

• What are the two religions "born" in India? What do you know about them?
• What three products dominated trade with India? How do you know?
• Who is credited with helping the people of India gain their independence? How do you know?
• What do the greatest thinkers of India have in common? Explain.
• What did the film maker expect the viewers to already know?
• What was Ghandi's ultimate goal? Why didn't it work out (think Pakistan)?
• How did India's history with the Greeks, the Romans, and the Huns affect their reaction to British rule (rebellions)?

E4: Hillsborough

30 for 30: Hillsborough (2013)—In the news on April 15, 1989, one of the lead stories was about a riot in a soccer stadium that killed nearly 100 people; originally, the deaths were blamed on rowdy fans. The truth is a little different.

Discussion Questions:

• Why did it take 25 years between the events in Hillsborough and a documentary about it? Best Guess (amend your answer after the movie)
• Why do these deaths matter? Explain.
• Were the deaths in Hillsborough preventable? How?
• Who was ultimately responsible for how wrong things went? Explain.
• What was the purpose of this film? How do you know?
• Should the film maker have used more graphic imagery? Explain.
• Can you think of any other situations where families have had to fight so hard or wait so long for justice/compensation? Explain.
• What impact on sport stadiums and crowd control worldwide are evident based on the events of Hillsborough? Explain.

E4: Hawaiian Documentary

30 for 30: Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau (2013)—follows the life of lifeguard, surfer, and adventurer Eddie Aikua who disappeared at sea in 1978

Discussion Questions:

• What does it take to be a hero? Explain.
• How do you inspire others? Good or Bad.
• Who inspires you? How?
• What qualities made others listen to Eddie Aikau?
• Why did people latch on to the tagline "Eddie Would Go"? How does it represent part of Eddie Aikau's legacy?
• What made Eddie Aikau insist on becoming the first North Shore lifeguard? What did it say about him as a person?
• Why did the film maker choose to "re-enact" certain events? What impact did that have on the way you reacted to the film?
• What was the purpose of this film? How do you know?

E4: Blackfish

Blackfish (2013)—The story of Tilikum, a Killer Whale, kept in captivity who was responsible for at least three deaths

Discussion Questions:

• What are the benefits of keeping various types of animals in captivity?
• What are the down sides of keeping various animals in captivity?
• What is our responsibility to the animals we share the world with?
• How could captive animals be treated more humanely and still provide profit for the businesses that own them?
• What further training do "animal trainers" need to better work with their charges?
• Why shouldn't "wild" animals be treated the same way as "domestic" animals?
• Try to connect the ideas from the documentary (especially breeding in captivity) to the Siberian experiment in domesticating foxes (that National Geographic article we discussed at the beginning of the semester).

E4: How To Die In Oregon

NOTE: This is by far the most controversial of our documentaries. Students who are dealing with grief or potential grief are excused from these assignments. The purpose of watching and discussing each documentary is to make students think about how information is used, shared, and manipulated. Beyond these documentaries, how is the information you are taking in being managed (by addition or omission)?

Pre-Watching Questions

• Should terminally ill people have the ability to choose to end their lives early? Explain.
• What is the difference between Euthanasia and Death with Dignity? Explain.
• Why won't other states enact this law? Explain. 

Discussion Questions

• How has your understanding of terminal illnesses, their management and care, changed after watching How to Die in Oregon?
• How has your understanding of the Death With Dignity law changed after watching How to Die in Oregon?
• What impact did the opening scene have? How did it set the tone for the film? Explain.
• How does Cody Curtis' journey affect the viewers? Why do you think she was she the primary subject of the film?
• What elements are similar to the other documentaries?

E4: Google Me Discussion Questions

As always, you are welcome to write a paragraph analyzing the film instead of following the questions.

Pre:

• What kind of lives do you think people with your name have?
• How likely is it that you would be related to others with your name?
• What is Man's purpose?

Post:

• How is Google Me a passion project (what is a passion project)?
• What is Jim Killeen seeking to understand? Does he succeed?
• Were you surprised by which Jim Killeens were related?
• How did this differ from the other documentaries?
• What elements are similar to the other documentaries?

E4: Food Inc Discussion Questions

Please remember, these questions are designed as starting points for discussions. Pick a few that go together and write a paragraph or two about content, bias, and general elements of film.

• What are the differences between farmers and ranchers? 
• What are the differences between family farms and corporate farms?
• Who is Food Inc meant for? How do you know?
• What information is Food Inc trying to convey? How do you know?
• How does the Robert Kenner (filmmaker) want the audience to feel about the topic? How do you know?
• What is the farming system? How has it developed? (Please make it obvious where your answers different from the film)
• What information was left out that should have been included?
• What was the most surprising piece of information? Why?

E4: Poster Girl Discussion Questions

Please remember, these questions are designed as starting points for discussions. Pick a few that go together and write a paragraph or two about content, bias, and general elements of film.

• Is there anything you have been planning to do your whole life? How does your image of this thing match Robyn's image of what life in the military would be like? Explain.
• Have you ever been broken/shattered/shocked by an event? How did your response compare to Robyn's?
• Is there anything from Poster Girl (lesson, idea, etc.) that you can connect to your own life? Explain.
• Who is Poster Girl meant for? How do you know?
• What information is Poster Girl trying to convey? How do you know?
• How does the Sara Nesson (filmmaker) want the audience to feel about the topic? How do you know?
• Why this topic? Explain.
• Why this approach? Explain.