class Notes 3/4-9

3/9/11	NOTES: Chalk talk activity: students had to write comments on the board about one or both of the following questions: “In what ways is Frankie strong?”  Responses included: none Trish is real friend doesn’t let anyone boss her around a ninja (stealthy) adamant determination (bordering on obsession) creativity persistence tries too hard “Why did the author select a boarding school as a setting?”  Responses: panopticon not many adults to interfere with them good place for secret society school can act as antagonist due to stricter rules parents not really involved all they have for guidance are teachers and friends more confidence- might push more Continued the movie, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.  Why are we watching this movie?  We’re watching it because the main character, Mac, is a rebel, although, at this point, he does not have a rebel cause.  Mac has been sent to the asylum to be evaluated because he didn’t want to serve time in jail for the statutory rape of a 15-year old girl, and various previous assaults.  The docs are telling Mac that they have found no evidence of mental illness.  This segment is filled with various escapades involving the residents of the asylum, precipitated by Mac.  In one scene, he takes them on a bus ride, during which he makes a stop to pick up Candy, a prostitute.  He proceeds to take them to a boat to go fishing.  When someone questions him as to his intentions, he introduces each of the residents as a doctor at the mental institution, and says that they have “chartered the boat.”  Later, during a staff meeting, Mac is described as “not crazy, but dangerous.” Nurse Ratched thinks that they can help him if they keep him on the ward.  Mac later wants to know why no one told him that they could keep him there, against his will.  He learns that most of the patients are there voluntarily; only a few were actually committed. HOMEWORK: Read to page 267, The Disreputable History...  Reading quiz on Friday.  Do RWR or quiz. (or both)
3/8/11	INTRO: Due to having a snow day, changes were made to the calendar. Any remaining rebel presentations must be done in class on Wednesday, or grade will be docked.  Thursday will be an “x”/movie day. NOTES: Spent some time discussing the book.  Gave reasons we thought Frankie was likable and reasons we found her not likable.  There were some differences of opinion on these:                                          Frankie likable                                                                    not likable - ninja-like                                                                - pretentious - nice                                                                        - stalking Matt - physically attractive                                              - obsessive - about the club - free-spirited                                                           - worries Matt will dump her - tries to get along with people                                - sneaky - doesn’t totally fall for social scene                        - lies about copying keys - is told she can’t participate, but finds a way         - has insecurities, thinks a lot                                                                                   about what to say                                                                                 - manipulative Watched more of movie, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.  In this segment, McMurphy asks for a vote to see if they want to watch the World Series.  Because of the inflexible rules of nurse Ratched, they don’t get to watch the game on the TV.  McMurphy, therefore gives a play-by-play anyway, inciting everyone to holler and jump around with excitement.  Nurse Ratched orders them to stop.  Questions to consider:  How is McMurphy a rebel?  How does Billy change? HOMEWORK: Read to page 244, The Disreputable History...
3/4/11	NOTES: Had a sub today.  Started watching the movie, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.  The setting is a depressing insane asylum.  So far we have met R. McMurphy, newly admitted there, and nurse Ratched, the “mother” of rules and regulations, as well as various other residents of the asylum. HOMEWORK: Keep reading The Disreputable History...