Global Snapshot of Women (The Handmaid's Tale)

Step 1: Read and annotate Ch. 1 "Night" (Yes, it is a mere 1+ page long.)

You all will quickly realize that The Handmaid's Tale is a satire. It wasn't published in a vacuum; rather, it was published with a purpose and in a context. But is it still relevant today, 25 years post-publication?

Step 2: Listen to this interview with Margaret Atwood.

Step 3: In an effort to get an answer to the above question and explore more of what Atwood references in this interview, I would like for each of you to research and compose a brief report on the state of women somewhere in the world. Choose a place; tell us about the rights and lives of women there.

Two requests:

1. You can't post about a place that someone else has already posted on. Make sure you read the previous posts before you begin your response.

2. Include your source(s) in MLA format at the end of your response. Don't worry about parenthetical citations, though.

Be thoughtful. Be accurate. Be specific. Be thorough. Be current.

General length: 1-2 well-developed paragraphs

Value: 20 points.

I look forward to your findings. See you Wednesday.

The Taming of the Shrew

What is your response to Kate's final speech of the play?

Aim for 2 good paragraphs--and the more close reading, the better.
Don't forget to read your classmates' posts before you post your own.

The Taming of the Shrew: Act 2

A lot happens in Act 2. We hear a lot more from Kate, two marriages are arranged, disguises are played out in supposed success, and words are used as weapons over and over and over again. Something should have piqued your interest.

In this space, post a response to your reading. You may choose what you address, but I want you to push yourself to analyze the text closely. Therefore, your response needs to include at least one direct reference to the text, complete with citations. Excellent responses will probably include more than one direct reference.

Try to teach us something about this section of the play. Draw some conclusions, make us think, challenge us to argue with you. Whatever you do, don't summarize the plot.

Responses should be a thoughtful, well-developed paragraph. Shoot for at least 8 sentences.

I look forward to hearing what you have to say about your reading. See you whenever the roads are clear!