E Block: Student Choice Essays

Choose your strongest short essay from your writer's notebook. Edit and refine it; proofread and spellcheck it; post it here.

B Block: Short Essays

Post your strongest short essay here.

Writing and Visual Imagination: Crtitique #1

Please post them here.

Autostereograms

Autostereograms are algorithmic images which allow people to see three-dimensional images by focusing on two-dimensional patterns. In the 90's stereograms, or "magic eye" images were popularized. When I mentioned them during a slide lecture in our Visual class I was surprised by the fact that very few students knew of them. Maybe I'm getting old.

If you're curious, click on the links below. Choose a fixed point in the center of the image and stare, allowing your eyes to relax or "blur". Eventually, you will see a three dimensional image appear. Be patient- it may take a while, and some people are simply unable to see them.


Penguins


Horse

F Block: Students' Choice Short Essays

Post your edited and proofread essays here.

D Block: Students' Choice Short Essay

Post your edited, proofread short essays here.

The Real Thought Police

Click here. Enough said.

Utopias and Dystopias

Part A: To supplement our reading of 1984, we have discussed the qualities of both utopian and dystopian societies. Visit the two links below. Make sure to view the video segment regarding Denmark. Post your responses here. What utopian qualities are found in Dubai? How about Denmark? Are they realistic? Close to actual utopias? Explain.


The World: Dubai

Denmark: The Happiest Place on Earth


Part B: Last week, you were asked to read an excerpt from Eric Wiener's Geography of Bliss. Answer the following questions regarding the excerpt: 1. What is la chasse au bonheur? 2. Explain how we may be "slouching toward happiness...in evolutionary terms." 3. Explain the quote from Jeremy Bentham. 4. Describe the anecdote regarding the Polish citizen.

"God Grew Tired of Us"

Freshmen- after viewing "God Grew Tired of Us", consider and respond, with highly specific and well articulated analysis, to the following prompts:
1. A benefit of this documentary lies in the opportunity to view our own (American) culture through the eyes of the Dinka. What aspects of our culture, which we may or may not take for granted, are polarized by this different perspective?
2. Construct a "mini-essay" which compares and contrasts the "American Dream" with the "Sudanese-American Dream". Use specific references to the film and the novel.
3. In the film, John is reunited, after 17 years, with his mother. She expresses her elation through a Dinka song and dance, a traditional expression of joy. How does John respond to this? How does this poignant moment illustrate the paradoxical experience of East African immigrants?

Committee for Sudan

The following students have signed up for the Committee for Sudan: Anthony B., Kristy C., Alexander D., Lindsay G., Bradley J., Kimberli L., Brandon M., Amanda M., Johnathan N., Brianna R., Cassandra S., Natalie T., Panayiotis N., Sarah N., Caisey C., Cameron H., Chris W., Jay H., Ally S., Taryn K., Samantha G., Peter L. and Michelle D.


Our first meeting will be tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 12th at 2:05 in room 245.


Click here to read the article about Franco Majok's visit to NHS last year.