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Butler's RDG 081 Homework Page

  This page last updated

Friday, May 9, 2008 2:28 PM

For maximum usefulness and minimum confusion, please read the following carefully!

  • This assignment calendar is updated frequently. The date and time of the last update will always be posted at the top of the page in red.
  • Sometimes I will add new assignments; sometimes I will delete or cross out assignments; sometimes I will postpone assignments.
  • The exact assignment due next meeting will always be given in class.
  • Next week's assignments may be changed in class. If you are absent, call or e-mail for the assignment!
  • Articles and items that are hyperlinked with a blue underline are available on the internet. Some assigned articles will only be available as handouts in class. Some will only be available online.

Past weeks' assignments are placed at the bottom of this page.

Final Exams Week:

No class: study and show up on time for your scheduled exam:

Note the early exam time: Thursday, May 8, 9:30 A.M.-11:20 A.M.

What to review for the final exam:

(15 % of your final grade)

(Oh, vacation starts after the exam)

Computer Commons Lab Fee Eliminated starting this summer!


The Computer Commons’ $15 per semester lab fee is being eliminated during the summer session, bringing it in line with the Library’s no charge status for computer use. Microsoft Office will be installed on the Library computers, so that students may access it in both the Computer Commons and Library without having to pay a fee. Also being installed are pay stations that will allow students’ college ID cards to function as debit cards to purchase printing generated from the computers. The pay-for-print-fees and procedures follow the standard practices that students are familiar with using at city libraries and other public facilities. Similar systems are in use by other colleges in the district such as Mesa Community College and Phoenix College.

 

You want to start over? OK, go ahead:

Week #1
Tuesday, 1/15/2008

PVCC Student Life Calendar

"Reading ability: use it or lose it."

Thursday 1/17/2008

"Read not to contradict and confute, nor to believe and take for granted...
but to weigh and consider." --Francis Bacon

Homework due:

None: First day of class. Go buy your books!

Required Materials:
1. Text : Read and Respond, 4th Edition, by Swinton and Agopsowicz
2. Text : The World of Words, 7th Edition, by Richek
3. Text: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
4. Required: A dictionary: a recent COLLEGE EDITION (©2000 or newer)
(Recommended: The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition.)

5. A computer disk or mini jump drive to store your word-processed papers.
6. A stapler, for your papers. (No paper clips, please)
7.Recommended: A yellow highlighting pen.

In-Class Activities:

  • Introduction to the course:
    • The Syllabus: Course materials and expectations
    • Student Information Sheet
    • "Secrets of Straight A Students"
    • Introduction

Emerging Leaders Program
Homework due today:
  • Purchase Read and Respond, 4th edtion (ISBN: 1891487825)
  • Bring World of Words (WOW) textbook
  • Send me your e-mail address(and tell me who you are).
  • Read course syllabus (available as a yellow handout in class)
  • Sign yellow "Student Information Sheet."(last page of Syllabus)
  • Read Secrets of Straight A Students (handout available in class or online)
  • If you need to: sign up at A & R to use the Computer Commons in E Building ($15.00)
In-Class Activities:
Week # 2

Tuesday 1/22

"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." -- Joseph Addison

Thursday 1/24

"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

Homework due:

3 levels of reading AUDIO slide show
(20 minutes, with sound)

This is the slide show I presented in class, here for your review.

Or, without sound:

Butler's 3 Levels of Reading Here
(no sound)

 

Homework due:

  1. Bring Reading plan:
    Write (type) a paragraph or two telling what kinds of things you want to read, what subjects you want to read about, and when and where you will do it.Example of a Reading plan


  2. WOW, pages 22-34. Write out answers to pages 27-34.

  3. Bring your Dictionary

In-Class Activities:

  1. Go over Reading Plans
  2. Dictionary Worksheet
  3. Begin conferences
  4. WOW pages 22-34 review



Homework assignments from Read and Respond must be typed. All essays and paragraphs must be typed/word-processed.

Reading Response Journals and W.O.W. exercises do not need to be typed, but you are welcome to do so if you wish.

Student Life Newsletter (if you are interested)

 

Week # 3

Tuesday 1/29

"This thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down but the staying down." -- Mary Pickford

Thursday 1/31

Student Life Calendar

Homework due:

  1. Bring Textbook Read and Respond (R&R).
    (Download R&R chapter 1 here if you don't have the book)
    1. R&R chap 1, read pages 1-10
    2. "Self-Check Review," page 10: answer questions 1-6, typed.


  2. Complete the Yellow WoW Passages, pages 1-2(yellow handout)
  3. Complete the Dictionary Worksheet
  4. Bring your Dictionary
  5. Bring your Reading Plan if you didn't already turn it in.
  6. Bring some index cards. (3 x 5)

In-Class Activities:

A handy resources for life at PVCC:
http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/counseling/
Homework due:
  1. R&R chapter 2, pages 11-22
    1. "Self-Check Review," page 22, questions 1-5, typed.
  2. Bring 24 vocabulary cards wrapped with a rubber band, for chapter 1 WOW.
In-Class Activities:
  • Reading Response Journal (cream handout)
  • Parts of Speech Quiz Practice:
    • "Learn well the parts of speech because that is one of the most important ways to help you improve your vocabulary and become a better reader."
  • Go over R&R chapter 2, pages 11-22
  • Intro R&R chapter 3

 

Extra Credit Opportunities!

Attend one of the daytime or evening Grammar Workshops, presented by an experienced English professor,
take notes, pick up handouts, and write a paragraph about it for 15 points extra credit.

Grammar is the logic of speech, even as logic is the grammar of reason
--Richard C. Trench

OR

Attend one of the Life Long Learning Seminars,
take notes, pick up handouts, and write a paragraph about it for 15 points extra credit.

Student Life Newsletter, if you are interested. Student Life Blog

Week # 4

Tuesday 2/5

As Thomas Jefferson said: "A nation that is ignorant and free, is a nation that never was and never will be."

Thursday 2/7

Homework due:

  • R & R chapter 3: read pages 23-27, and do exercises 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, handwritten on paper

In-Class Activities:

  • Practice with Vocabulary Cards
  • Review R&R 3.1-3.3
  • Intro R&R 3.4-3.7

 

Extra Credit: 10 points
Support for you!

Go to the Learning Support Center (LSC)
and meet someone who works there,
and ask them a question.
Bring back a handout and their signature,
and a typed paragraph about the LSC.

 

 

Student Life Newsletter, if you are interested.

Student Life Blog , if you are interested.
Homework due:
  • R&R pages 28-38, do Activities 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 and 3.7, typed.
  • Study for WOW 1 quiz
  • Easy WOW 1 practice (the quiz will be harder, but of the same words and type.
In-Class Activities:
  • W.O.W. chapter 1 quiz
  • Go over R&R 3
  • Intro R&R chapter 4
  • Intro 4 steps to finding the Main Idea

 

How to convert a .wps or .wpd word processing file to a
universal .rft (rich text format) file

for sharing with people whose computers can't open
.wps or .wpd.

Watch the 3 minute video.

Example of Main Idea and supporting examples:
Do the Facts Ever Lie?
Week # 5

Tuesday 2/12

Thursday 2/14

"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." -- May Smith

Homework due:

  • Don't forget to read every day and write in your Reading Journal
  • R&R, chapter 4, pages 39-47, and Activities 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4.
    • Go ahead and underline in the text, as directed, but type out your underlinings for your answers. Read all directions carefully for each activity.

In-Class Activities:
  • Review WoW Quiz #1: Write why you got the score you did.
  • INTRO WoW 2 words
  • Asimov "What is Intelligence?" (cream handout)
How To Get an A on the
W.O.W. vocabulary tests!

 

Homework due:

In class activities:
Week # 6

Tuesday 2/19

Thursday 2/21

"Clear thinking is a very rare thing, but even just plain thinking is almost as rare. Most of us most of the time do not think at all. We believe and we feel, but we do not think." --Leonard Woolf, 1936, British author
Homework due:
  • R&R, chapter 5, pages 59-70, and exercises 5.1, 5.2, and Self-Check Review on p. 70. (Do not do 5.3). Follow directions carefully
  • WOW chapter 2, all exercises
  • Reading Journals due: 5 entries or more.

In-Class Activities:

Please remember that if you are absent, the homework is still due on time unless previous arrangements are made with the teacher. Tests and quizzes cannot be made up unless previous arrangements are made.

Homework due:

  • Read R&R chapter 6, pages 71-74
    • Outline the topic, main idea, and major details of "The Myth of Romantic Love," pages 73-74.
    • Then write a summary paragraph of the article. Be sure to include three things in your first sentence.
  • WOW 2 vocabulary cards

In Class Activities:

 

Maricopa Scholarships click here!

Week # 7

Tuesday 2/26
Student Life Calendar

"Let us read with method, and propose to ourselves an end to what our studies may point. The use of reading is to aid us in thinking."
-Edward Gibbon

Thursday 2/28

Dr. Butler will be absent today (Thursday, 2/28)

Class is canceled.
Homework due:

  • Write a one paragraph response to "The Myth of Romantic Love."
  • Read R&R pages 75-82; write a summary and response to "Men's Job's--Women's Jobs."
  • Study for WOW Quiz, chapter 2
  • Study for a quiz on the 3 levels of reading according to Butler

    In-Class Activities:

  • WOW Quiz, chapter 2
  • Discuss "Men's Job's--Women's Jobs."
  • Introduce WOW 3 words

  • Introduce "Learning Words" by Malcolm X (handout)

    Here are the notes on "Writing a Summary"
    		•
    Homework due:
    • WOW 3 vocab cards or exercises due.
    • Read "Learning Words" (also available as a class handout) by Malcolm X and type a summary/response
    In-Class Activities:
    • Dr. Butler will be absent today (Thursday, 2/28) Class is canceled.
    • Please prepare and bring next Tuesday's homework, as well as today's homework on Malcolm X.
    Week # 8

    Tuesday 3/4

    Thursday 3/6

    "In our culture repetition rather than research often leads us to believe something must be true. We need to use good critical thinking skills to find the truth."
    -John Bonavitacola

    Homework due:

    • WOW passages, chapter 3 OR vocab cards to turn in for credit. (One or the other, not both).
    • Study for the WOW 3 quiz on Thursday 3/6
    • read this other website on Elements of fiction
    • Do yellow Passages on Chapter 3, part 1

    In-Class Activities:

    Homework due:
    • Write a one paragraph essay about yourself using 5 words from WOW 3.
    • Study for WOW 3 Quiz

    In-Class Activities:

    • WOW 3 Quiz
    • More practice finding the Main Idea
    • Introduce Randall's "How to Improve Your Vocabulary" (R&R, pp. 17-21)
    • Intro WOW 4

     

     

    SPRING BREAK March 8-16, 2008

    Week #9
    Tuesday 3/18
    Thursday 3/20
    Homework due:
    • R&R pages 17-21: Written Summary of Randall's "How to Improve Your Vocabulary"followed by your Response. One page total (What 3 things belong in the first sentence of your summary?)
    • WOW 4 vocabulary cards
    In-Class Activities:
    Homework due:
    • Figurative Language packet, page 6:
      • On a separate typed page, put the letter of the correct answer and then explain the figure: what's being compared to what? How are they alike? (typed, of course)
    • bring I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

     

    In-Class Activities:

    • WOW 4 quiz
    • Review for Midterm
    • Figurative Language activity
    Week #10

    Tuesday 3/25

    "I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book."
    -- Groucho Marx

    Thursday 3/27
    Homework due:

    Study for Today's Midterm:

    In-Class Activities:
    • Midterm exam

    Homework due:

    • bring I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
    • WOW chapter 5: vocab cards or exercises on your own (no credit)

    In-Class Activities:

  • Midterm grades and review.

  • Figurative Language activity
  • WOW 5 word pronunciation
  • Introduce I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and read intro and chapter 1 aloud.
    • Wk#11

    Tuesday 4/1

    Thursday 4/3

    Student Life Calendar

    Homework due:

    • Read Caged Bird, chapters 2
    • Writing Assignment: Find a figure of language in Caged Bird and then:
      • "quote" (include page #),
      • label,
      • and explain one figure of language
      • Here's an example of how to do it:
        • QUOTE:"If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat. It is an unnecessary insult." (page 4)
        • LABEL:This is a metaphor
        • EXPLAIN:in this metaphor the triple dangers and pains of being Black and female and living in the South are compared to the danger of a razor at the throat. And the additional awareness of being displaced is compared to the rust which makes the razor even more dangerous:and it just makes life that much harder.

      Optional, extra credit study guide questions
      to help focus your reading

      Answer all five questions in complete sentences for 10 points:

      5.1 Explain what Maya means by "powhitetrash."
      5.2 Why does Maya admire Momma so much, if Momma just puts up with the rude behavior of the white girls?
      6.1. Give three reasons why Maya and Bailey do not like Reverend Thomas.
      6.2. Describe the humorous events that occur during the church service.
      7.1. How is it that Momma is the only Black woman in Stamps referred to by whites as "Mrs. Henderson?" Explain.

    In-Class Activities:

  • Figurative Language activity: How to read a poem
  • Discuss CB
  • QUIZ on MB chapters 1-7 (Easy if you have read the chapters)
    		•
    Homework due:
    • Study for quiz on WOW 5
    • Read Caged Bird Chapters 8-10 and type answers to three study guide questions, only one from each chapter:

      8.1. Why doesn't the "Depression" affect Blacks as much as Whites in Stamps?
      8.2.Why are Bailey and Maya upset when they receive Christmas gifts from their real mother and father?

      9.1 When Maya's father announces he is taking the children with him to St. Louis, how does each person feel about it? Bailey Jr., Maya, Uncle Willie, Mama?
      9.2 When Maya sees how beautiful her mother is, how does that affect Maya's perception of her relationship with her mother?
      9.3 At the end of this chapter, how does her father's announcement that he's leaving them affect Maya and Bailey?

      10.1 Describe the character of the children's real mother, Vivian. (More than just what she looks like)
      10.2 Describe the character of Grandmother Baxter, who is Vivian's mother.

    Here's an example of how to write a character description:

    Mama Henderson was actually the paternal grandmother of Maya and her brother Bailey. She was a hardworking, enterprising and resourceful woman who had sold meat pies to hungry workers in two different parts of town and became the owner of a general store that became the "lay center of activities in town." She made clothing for Maya from hand-me-downs, and slippers for herself. She was also a strict, religious woman who rose early and prayed daily, and who issued orders to the children as she arose. She was also able to forgive, as she recounted many times to Maya, "with no rancor," how a babysitter had dropped her son Willie on his head, causing him to be permanently disabled. Finally, she demonstrates quick resolve to protect her family when she orders the children inside and her son Willie to hide in food barrels until the possibility of danger from a white mob passes. When the "powhitetrash" girls behave rudely in Mamma's store, she shows great self-control and cleverness in handling them in a very dangerous situation.

    In-Class Activities:

    • WOW 5 Quiz
    • Fig. Language Packet: "Lake Isle of Inisfree"
    • Discuss CB
    • Intro Chapter 6 WOW
    Wk. #12 

    Tuesday 4/8

    Thursday 4/10

    Homework due:

    • Read Caged Bird Chapters 11-17 and type answers to these three study guide questions, one full paragraph each:

      • :Chapter 15: What does Maya learn about herself from Mrs. Flowers?
      • Chapter 16: What does Maya learn about herself from Mrs. Cullinan?
      • Contrast the characters of Mrs. Flowers and Mrs. Cullinan

    In-Class Activities:

    • Fig. Lang activity: Lake Isle of Innesfree
    • Discuss CB

    Homework due:

    • Read Caged Bird Chapters 18-22 (there will be a quiz)

    • Study words from Chapter 6, WOW

    In-Class Activities:

    • Caged Bird quiz and discussion
    • Vocabulary Review
    Wk. #13

    Tuesday 4/15

    Thursday 4/17

    Homework due:

    • Study for WOW 6 Quiz
    • Read Caged Bird Chapters 23-29 (There will be another quiz)

        In-Class Activities:

      • WOW 6 Quiz
      • Caged Bird quiz and discussion
      • Intro WOW 7
      • Parts of Speech Review: Jabberwocky
      • Poetry Packet:
        • Favorite poems (p. 10)
        • Psalm 1

      Homework due:

    • Read Caged Bird Chapters 30-32 (There will be a quiz)
    • Favorite Poem from Poetry Packet, page 10:
      • Read all the poems on p. 10 and type a paper in which you explain the figurative language of one of the poems,and tell why its your favorite.

        In-Class Activities:

    • Caged Bird quiz and discussion

    • Poetry Packet: "Our Lady of the Apple Tree" groups

      Extra Credit
      20 points

      "This is your Brain on TV" (R&R pp. 172-174)
      This is a challenging reading.

      1. Define the following ten words as they are used in the article, including part of speech: incessant, liberal, beneficient, admonition, obligatory, demise, susceptible, arduous, psyche, languor.
      2. Identify and explain fully the figurative language used to compare TV to the \mythical Cyclops.
      3. Write a one page summary and response to the article. In your response indicated your agreement or disagreement with the thesis of the article, and what you will do about it in your own life.

      .

      		•  
      Wk. # 14

      Tuesday 4/22

      Thursday 4/24

      Homework due:

    • Read Caged Bird Chapters 33-36 (Finish) (There will be a quiz)

    • Read a poem aloud (10 points):
      • Find a poem you like of at least 50 words length
        • Make copies for all the class.
        • Read your poem aloud to the class.
        • Explain the meaning of the poem and the figurative language, and tell why you like the poem so much.
        • 5 points extra credit: memorize and recite the poem aloud in front of the class.

        In-Class Activities:

      • CB Quiz
      • Poetry readings: Read a poem aloud
      • Vocabulary practice
      • Read some of Maya's favorite poetry, and read some of her poems:

        Maya's Poets

        Extra Credit: 15 points

        Write an original poem of at least 10 lines/50 words about Phoenix Arizona. Bring copies to class for everyone and read it aloud.

        Answer questions from the class.

        • Homework due:

        • Study for WOW 7 Quiz
        • Analyze the figurative language in "Our Lady of the Apple Tree," poetry packet, page 8: Explain the meaning of the poem by explaining the different figures.

        In-Class Activities:

        • WOW 7 Quiz
        • Read Helen Keller chapter (handout)
        • Intro WOW 8 words

        Battling College Burnout

        15 points extra credit

        "As the end of semester nears, and job, school and financial pressures mount, many students are feeling stress and anxiety. How to fight back."

        For 10 points extra credit, summarize this College Times article on the causes and cures for college student burnout. Then assess your own life and report whether or not you experience college burnout and if so, what you are going to do about it. Follow the format for writing a good summary and response.

        Week #15

        Tuesday 4/29

        "A 2003 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 68 percent of children under 2 watch TV or videos daily and 26 percent have a TV in their bedroom! Nonetheless, the pediatrics academy recommends that children of that age not be exposed to TV or videos, saying that learning to talk and play with others is much more important."

        Thursday, 5/1/2008

        Last Class

        Homework due:

        CHOOSE 1 or 2 or 3 or 4:

        1. Write a short essay (3-5 paragraphs) in which you state one character quality of Maya Angelou,and support it by three examples from the book. 20 points. For 5 points extra credit, use one example from her time in Stamps, one from her time in St. Louis, and one from her time in San Fransisco.

        2. OR... a three-paragraph essay showing how literacy helped Maya rise above the limiting circumstances of abandonment, rape, and prejudice.

        3. OR... Answer the Helen Keller questions regarding the essay we read on last Thursday (handout).

        4. OR... do two of the above, one required, and one for extra credit.

        In-Class Activities :

        • Poetry readings: Read a poem aloud
        • Poetry packet: "Chicago" poem analysis (p.11)

        Extra Credit: 15 points

        Summary and Response to "Bacteria,"
        pages 139-142 of Read and Respond
        Homework due:
        • Poetry packet: Page 12: Analysis of poem "Limited."

        In-Class Activities:

        • WOW 8 quiz
        • Grade sheets
        • In Class Final exam: Summary and Response to an article:
          • What are three things that go in the first sentence of your summary?
          • What else goes in the summary?
          • What are four qualities of a good summary

         

        So, what have you learned in this course?

         

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        Butler's RDG 081Homework Page         © 2007 Paradise Valley Community College.
        Questions/comments about this web page? Send me an e-mail!
        url: http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/~butler/rdg081/index.html