In week 8 of A.P. Literature, we concluded our Unit One: What is Literature? projects. Reflecting back before the project began, my understanding of just what elements of fantasy and humor add to a story was not what I expected. I learned more about each unique effect specific to the element of fiction, which helped me understand just why we use these elements, in general. The presentation portion was challenging, but with so much experience under our belts giving presentations, the nervousness and unsteadiness was not prominent. I have learned that maintaining composure is one of the most important aspects of giving a presentation, talking cool and relaxed, and really hit on what you want to say. All of those things have to happen after lots of research and an understanding of your argument, of course. Moving forward, this project introduced the 'so, what?' idea, that I can apply to all things in the future. Using that idea helps the audience understand just what the heck you're talking about. The next unit, dealing with tragedy, might get difficult because tragedy is not a topic we have thoroughly talked about in previous english classes. This year so far, I have opened up to group work more so than in previous years, I think when you have a challenging class like A.P. Literature, it is beneficial to take in and ponder other group members' opinions. That is another area that might be tough in the next unit, working individually, but then again, taking a look at other people's ideas is never a bad thing to do.
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In week 7, all of us had the chance to pick out another S.S.R. novel for the upcoming 6 weeks. I chose to read, A Prayer For Owen Meany, by John Irving, as an author study. My family and friends around me, for years, have suggested that I read this book. I am looking forward to diving into it as time moves on. This week, a lot of work was done on our What is Lit. project. My favorite moment from class, in relation to this project, was seeing Andy perform tour guide A and tour guide B. The biggest difference between the two was that, tour guide B was able to make jaws drop. Tour guide B made a lasting impact on the audience, one that attracted the audience, attracted me to learn a little bit more of the mysteries of the Statue of Liberty There was a major difference between the two, and I gained the most understanding of how to guide the audience through that presentation. For our presentations, next week, it will be key to dive in and use the tools we discussed. Some of those tools included extending beyond or the "so, what?" In other words, how can the audience use what you're talking about in the future, or apply it to their own life. Not many will be able to take away elements of literature and apply it to their own situations, unfortunately, yet should enhance them of something they did not previously know.
Halfway through the trimester, there is much to reflect upon. These first six weeks have been very informative, and I have learned more than I would have expected. Literary devices, a grasp of poetry, a handle on timed writings for the A.P. test, are all areas we have gained understanding in. I am thankful to be in this class, as I have said before. This class feels so different than any other, each and every day makes us think about our own, personal, lives and question the decisions that we've made. At least it has for me, anyway. The workload is not ridiculous, like it has been in some classes, it is fairly light yet each day we have to bring our best to keep up. As a junior, I want to work to stay on top and offer virtues to the class that a senior could. I feel like I have done that thus far, and I hope I can continue to provide some sort of insight for the class. This last week, we finished our S.S.R. book and completed an essay discussing the book. The topic that I chose to write about was dominance. Dominance is a fairly easy topic to write about, especially in my shoes talking about, The Quiet American, by Graham Greene. The next time we write an S.S.R. timed - writing, I have to prepare myself better by reading lots before the last minute. That always seems to be my problem; waiting until it's too late.
For week five in A.P. Literature, much of our focus was about exploring what makes literary devices effective in writing. For our unit one project, the task was to explore short stories covering two literary devices, and create a presentation. I think this is tough with limited guidance, but there is so much to say, especially behind humor and fantasy: the two topics our group chose. Both of which are so much more than just a joke in a story, or an adventure in a story for the sake of being told, a deeper meaning, as we often find, is evident.
In addition, we talked about John Keats' poem, Bright Star, which is a beautiful love story about a man and a woman, and the analytical perspective of a star and a man's love. Thus far in the year, this has been my favorite poem, one that has touched me the most. Keats' ability to compare the characteristics of a literal, bright star, and a man's love for a woman is something that takes time to analyze, and is thick in context. The other poems, like, I Felt a Funeral, in my Brain, were also touching and enhancing to read, but this poem really made me think about what matters most in a relationship. One idea that I took away from the poem was that while he was lying there, among his lover, he was completely vulnerable, 100 percent. To be completely vulnerable is a big risk , but can be one worth taking. |
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March 2017
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