What to do over the Winter Break

1. If you have not handed in a response to "The Destructors", write a response to "The Dark Knight" answering the same questions.

2. Watch a movie with a partner or two (or by yourself) and think about:

• What causes the darkness to emerge?
• How is the darkness shown? (in the setting, music, characters, other?)

Bring a synopsis of the movie to class on January 6.

3. Read your book... just to get ahead on your reading for January...

Have a good break!

Analysis of "The Dark Knight"

Questions to guide your analysis (brainstormed in class):

What are the causes/reasons behind the characters' actions?

Why does the darkness emerge in the characters?

What are the results/how are others affected by the actions of the main characters?

How to takes notes from the movie as you watch:

Divide your page into four sections labeled:

• Batman
• The Joker
• Harvey Dent
• Others?

Homework for December 8, 2008

1. Reread the story, "The Destructors" by Graham Greene found at the link:

http://www.geocities.com/borderline_ps2/00000098c8132df01.html

2. Write a response (alone or with a partner) to ONE of the following:

• What causes the darkness in the boys?

OR

• What is "dark" in this story?

Refer to the following criteria for a good response:

Good ideas:

• going beyond plot→imagination
• have depth, are meaningful, intelligent
• unique, original
  
• have insight
• explanation of the why

Organization:

• clear topic sentence/thesis
• ideas are organized logically
• ideas should flow
• ideas should develop →grow, build, deepen

Clarity and relevance:

• each sentence/point is relevant to thesis/topic
  
• supporting detail/included and is relevant
• examples are relevant and vivid