(9th and 10th) Combined Discussion #22

April is National Poetry Month!

In celebration, our discussion this time centers around the sometimes simple, but more often complicated genre we call poetry.

You have two discussion options -- please read over the directions carefully before making a choice. If you wish to make an "A" on this discussion, please remember to comment on someone's post with more than "this is good/cool/interesting." 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with the term "Poet Laureate," please see this link for more information first.

Discussion Option 1 -- Access the link on NPR about America's Poets Laureate to learn a bit about poets who have received this recognition. If you discover one that you like, find a poem of theirs on Poets.org. Re-post this poem in your comment with the title and author, and answer these questions:

• Why did you like this poem?
• How do you think this poem reflects the author?
• Do you think that this poem proves that this poet deserves recognition of being Poet Laureate, and why?

Discussion Option 2 -- Access the link on NPR about America's Poets Laureate to learn a bit about poets who have received this recognition. Then, think about poets or lyric writers you personally enjoy. Answer these questions:

• If you could choose one poet to be next year's American Poet Laureate, who would it be, and why? This person could be dead or living. 
• Find a sample of this person's poetry on Poets.org or another web site and re-post it with title and author in your comment. 
• Explain how the poem you chose is proof that this person deserves the recognition of Poet Laureate.

NOTE: Any lyrics or poetry posted must have a maximum PG-13 rating, and any language must be starred out (like this --> *****). If in doubt, e-mail it to me and ask my opinion before posting, or choose another poem.



Directions:

• Choose a discussion topic, and answer it completely according to the directions. Indicate in your comment which discussion question you are answering.
• Use the pen name you provided at the beginning of the year.
• Use correct spelling and grammar at all times.
• In order to receive an "A," you must not only post your answer, but comment on a peer's ideas as well. Please remain positive and polite when doing so. 

Due Date: This post will remain open for comments and discussion until Monday, April 29, 2013 at 5:00 PM; after this time comments will close.

(9th AND 10th) Combined Discussion #21

Welcome back, everyone!

I've been seeing lots of success with the recent combined discussions, so I would like to continue the trend for a while longer.

This week does involve a bit of reading, but fear not -- the articles in question are quite short.

As an extra, anyone who posts an answer in Shakespearean English (it must still make sense!) will get some bonus credit; you can find many glossaries online to help with this.

To begin, click the PBS website links to access the biographies of those living in Shakespeare's era. You are encouraged to choose and read at least TWO of the articles to help answer the discussion questions, chosen from the following list:

• Elizabeth I
• Henry VIII
• Ben Jonson
• Christopher Marlowe

Discussion Questions (choose only one):

1. Choose one of the biographies you read. Which (from your class play) characters' personalities do you believe might have been inspired by this person, and why? Explain your answer with evidence from the article.
2. Choose one of the biographies you read. Based on your understanding of Shakespeare and his writing, do you believe that he would have made this individual a hero or a villain in one of his plays, and why? Explain your answer with evidence from the article.
3. Out of the four biographies, which individual do you believe had the greatest impact on Shakespeare as a writer, and why? Explain your answer with evidence from your article.

Directions:

• Choose a discussion question, and answer it completely according to the directions. Indicate in your comment which discussion question you are answering.
• Use the pen name you provided at the beginning of the year.
• Use correct spelling and grammar at all times.
• In order to receive an "A," you must not only post your answer, but comment on a peer's ideas as well. Please remain positive and polite when doing so.  
• EXTRA CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN IF YOU WRITE THIS ANSWER IN (UNDERSTANDABLE) SHAKESPEAREAN ENGLISH!

Due Date: This post will remain open for comments and discussion until Monday, April 15, 2013 at 5:00 PM; after this time comments will close.