HS Language, Lit, and Rhetoric (Tu/We)

​Teacher: Jim Wojtak
Email: jwojtak@stanbridgeacademy.org

Grading
Description: This year we will explore the fabric of reality, the nature of knowledge, and how language is in fact the inescapable tapestry that creates what we perceive. We'll begin with JamesBurke and an introduction to Theory of Knowledge via The Day the Universe Changed. We'll then learn through the latest neuroscience how rhetorical device works on the human mind. Then it's onto Chomsky and Manufacturing Consent to understand how mass media applies these techniques. Along the way, we will examine and emulate the work of actual political pollsters as a way to produce our own series of persuasive narratives. We will look at the next stage of evolution in manipulative media—the algorithm—and learn, by comparing works by Bradbury to selected non-fiction, how social media is fundamentally altering not just perception and the nature of knowledge, but also the nature of consciousness itself. We will close with a literary exploration of the power-hungry human forces driving manipulative media with a close read of Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth followed by a final, reflective thesis.
Language, Literature, and Rhetoric Class Links
  • Zoom: Our virtual classroom until we're back on campus.
  • Google Classroom: Parents have to accept invitations to Google Classroom in order to receive notifications.
    In order to foster greater student independence, Stanbridge does not provide parents with student log-in information.
    If you would like access to your student’s google classroom, you will need to ask them for their log-in information.
  • ClassDojo*: ClassDojo is a communication platform connecting teachers, students, and parents to build efficient and successful classroom communities. ClassDojo will track and reward each student as they build positive habits. ClassDojo also provides an instant text messaging feature that will allow us all to communicate quickly and easily. Finally, ClassDojo provides an easy way for students to showcase their best work. Soon, you will receive an invitation from me to join ClassDojo and download the app. Once installed, both parents and students will be able to see student progress in real time. Please note that this is a pilot program...for the time being, only my classes will be using ClassDojo.

Course Content and Skills
The following is a partial list and is subject to change according to the needs of the class. "Content" refers to the literature and media we will consume during the class. "Skills" refers to the research-based programs we will use to increase our ability in language usage and reading comprehension.

Content
  • 1984 by George Orwell
  • The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • WordsThat Work: It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear by Frank Luntz (excerpts)
  • "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury
  • "The Veld" by Ray Bradbury
  • Manufacturing Consent by Noam Chomsky & Edward S.Herman (excerpts)
  • Video lecture:"TheScience of Manipulation: Orwell Comes to America"
  • Animal Farm by George Orwell
  • Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business by Neil Postman
  • "The Day the Universe Changed" by James Burke (excerpts)
  • Lecture: "Simulation and Simulacra"
  • Film: Thank You for Smoking (excerpts)
  • Film: Stare Into the Lights, My Pretties
  • Film: The Matrix

Skills
Achieve Writing Curriculum (grammar, syntax, structure of language)
  • Significantly raise awareness of language structure and function
  • Develop high levels of precision in language use and word choice
  • Write, read, and understand increasingly complex sentence patterns
  • Design richer, more varied sentences that naturally elicit higher levels of evidence and supporting detail
  • Develop confidence and skill in oral participation
  • Improve language decoding skills in all classes

Self-Regulated Strategy Development (instruction in self-guided long-form composition)
  • Setting goals and breaking them into steps as needed
  • Developing plans for meeting goals and monitoring progress
  • Implementing the plans
  • Self-monitoring
  • Revising the goals when needed

Online Course Learning Platforms
  • Newsela: Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that brings together engaging, accessible content with
    integrated assessments and insights to supercharge reading.
  • Bookshare.org: Free virtual books and audio books for those with documented learning differences. This is for student use only. Unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law.
  • Curriculet: A virtual classroom for the teacher-led reading, annotation, and analysis of literature.
  • Vocabulary.com: This site teaches words by systematically exposing the student to a wide array of question types and activities. As students learn new words, they also develop a deeper understanding of the nuance inherit to the English Language. In this sense, a student is not just learning vocabulary, they are also developing more advanced reading comprehension skills.

Distance Learning Expectations
  • Accept challenges.
  • Ask questions.
  • Make and learn from mistakes.
  • Keep trying.
  • Self-advocate.
  • Have parent email me and Linda when you are going to be absent.
  • Arrive on time.
  • Stay for entire class.
  • Use video during class.
  • Other than what is needed for class, have all other tabs and games closed.