University of Chicago Lab School- Ms. Jacobs' Page

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Themes in American Born Chinese


Now that you have read over half of American Born Chinese, you should now be able to see certain themes emerging that appear in all three different story lines within the graphic novel. Your assignment is to describe one of those emerging themes and explain, using specific examples from the text, how you see each of the three story lines embodying or developing that theme. Your post should be at least six sentences long. You may choose to write your answer in paragraph form if you wish. If you are unsure on what the definition of "theme" is, consult your literary term glossary at the back of your Humanities reader. Your comment is due by the start of class on Wednesday.

Image Source: http://bookdweeb.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/amchin.jpg?w=510


Monday, September 20, 2010

American Born Chinese: An Identity Journey


































Now that we have begun reading the graphic narrative American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang, feel free to use this blogpost to post comments/questions/connections as you read!


Image Source: http://www.nassaulibrary.org/YABookLog/American%20Born%20Chinese%20Jacket%20Cover.jpg

Monday, September 13, 2010

Identity and Escaping "The Box"



In humanities class we have discussed the different ways in which people choose to identify themselves and the challenges, decisions, and frustrations that go into creating one's "identity." You have made your personal identity collages and have explored various experiences that people have had coming to terms with their own identity.

One metaphor that we have discussed in relation to identity is the idea of the box---- the forces and obstacles that stand in the way of a person truly being able to be him or herself in some way. What are the forces that keep people inside of their boxes? What forces push them to escape?Think over the readings and discussions that we have had in class so far ("Theme for English B", "High Yellow White Trash", "Sylvia's Story","The Phone Booth on the Corner" and "Crickets") and think about the similarities and differences between each person or character's experience.In your post, write three to four sentences about a connection that you have found between at least TWO of the experiences that we have discussed/read/listened to in class.

Some questions you may want to consider as you write your post are:
What boxes do some of these people find themselves in? Are the forces keeping them in the box external or internal? Do you think they will be successful in escaping their boxes? How are some people's boxes similar? How are they different?

In addition, you can also throw out relevant questions or observations to which other students can respond.

*** Remember to use your first name, teacher's name, and class period when you sign your post. (Example: Bill, Jacobs 3-4) Also, if you choose to respond to what another classmate wrote, please do so in a respectful manner.

**** This assignment is due by Friday, September 17th*****

Image Source: http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/images/uploads/worldofboxes.jpg

Welcome to Ms. Jacobs' class blog!



Hello and welcome to my class blog for 7th grade Humanities! This blog will be a place where you can share your thoughts, observations, questions, and comments about topics and readings we discuss in class throughout the year. During the year, I will also post links to articles and websites that may be of interest to you. Sometimes I will also use the space for updates about events in school or in my advisory.

Your comments will be viewed by students in your own class as well as other 7th grade Humanities students at Lab. Please remember to show the utmost respect for other's ideas when making your posts. You may not always agree with what someone says in his/her post, but there is a way to challenge the ideas of others without disrespecting them.

Also, please be sure that when you make your posts you sign them with your FIRST NAME ONLY and with your HUMANITIES TEACHER'S LAST NAME and CLASS PERIOD (ex.- Patrick, Jacobs 3-4 or Sheila, Jacobs 8-9).

Remember, you don't have to wait for me to give you an assignment to post on the blog. If there is something related to our Humanities units of study on your mind, feel free to post!

See you in class and on the blog,
Ms. Jacobs

Image Source: http://ocfr.rice.edu/uploadedImages/News/RFPs/icon_humanities.gif