Cell Log People Map Cell Tower Map

Helpful Resources:

Accuplacer Writing Samples

Trial Timing Outline

5/14/21

Announce witness selections to opposition.
Begin argument prep and witness questions

5/17/21 - 5/21/21

Complete role responsibilities according to instructions.
Have witness scripts complete before class 5/21
Practice questioning your team's witness during class 5/21
End of class 5/21 - provide cross examination questions to opposition witnesses
Submit all assignments before class Monday.

5/24/21

Mock Trial

5/25/21

Review for Exam

5/26/21 - 5/27/21

Exam

1/24/23 - 1/26/23

Review state graded essays
Today we are starting The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.
4 Corner Debate over essential ideas from the novel (distributed in class)
Watch Hulu trailer
Handmaid allusions in real life
Distribute books
Read chapters 1 - 3 together focusing on setting, structure, allusion and characterization

Homework:

Whatever is not finished in class

1/29/23

Read through chapter 4 focusing on setting, structure, allusion and characterization
Complete Close Reading Activity

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class

1/30/24 - 2/1/24

Finish allusion work.
1. Discuss as a class
Review Rhetorical Appeals and Devices
1. Rhetorical Appeals Prezi
2. Read two opposing articles on hijabs.
What is each author's argument?
Which argument is stronger? Why?
How do these articles relate to The Handmaid's Tale?

Homework:

None

2/2/24 - 2/5/24

Read chapter 5 together
Read “Testimony Before the Senate Hearings on the Equal Rights Amendment” by Gloria Steinem
1. Answer Common Lit questions
2. Complete a rhetorical analysis
Read chapter 6

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class

2/6/24 - 2/7/23

Read chapter 7.
Prepare for a formal Socratic Seminar on Thursday.
1. The preparation is half of your grade and the discussion is half of your grade.
2. Groups:
  1. Group 1: "Haunted by the Handmaids Tale"
    1. Julius, Amber, Addy, Zoe
  2. Group 2: CDC: Young women should avoid alcohol unless using birth control
    1. Emilie, Cameron, David, Eleni, Marisa
  3. Group 3: "Telling women of reproductive age not to drink is fear mongering"
    1. Trinity, Kami, Aiden, Josh, Jacob

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class

2/8/24

Seminar

2/9/24

Watch excerpt from episode 1 of the Handmaid's Tale show.
1. How is the beginning different from the book?
  1. What is the impact?
2. What are other differences?
  1. How do they impact the story?
  2. How do they impact the satire?

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class

2/12/24

Read chapters 8 and 9 as a class.
1. Discuss the satirical comments Atwood is making and how they are developed.

Homework:

Read “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid.
Complete the Google form.
Extra Credit Opportunity - Write your own poem about expectations placed on you that mimics Kincaid's style. Post here by Friday.

2/13/24 - 2/16/24

Tuesday & Wednesday

Discuss "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid
Read chapters 10-14
1. Divide in two groups
2. While you are reading, answer questions you are responsible for (on paper) to prepare for Thursday's two circle seminar

***Make sure to read all chapters, there may be a pop quiz.***

Thursday

Seminar

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class

2/20/23

Finish chapter 14 (we left off on page 84).
Read chapters 15 through 17.
Take some form of notes as you read. The format is up to you. It can be hard copy or online. There are two options here.
You may have a quiz or graded discussion tomorrow.

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class.

2/21/23

Handmaid's Tale Quiz Ch. 14-17
Read your assigned article and follow the instructions.
1. Make a copy of your assigned article and add it to the post.
2. Create your color coded key at the top of your article
3. Independently read and highlight for rhetorical appeals and devices.
4. Be ready to summarize your article and share interesting quotes with your class tomorrow.

2/22/24

Read the following articles and annotate for Ethos, Logos, Pathos and other rhetorical devices

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class

2/23/24

QFT Strategy - Discuss a current event and how it may relate to The Handmaid's Tale.
Discuss the articles from yesterday.

Homework:

Read chapter 19. Be prepared to have a discussion on the articles you read Wednesday.

2/27/23

Use your annotations of Friday's readings to create an outline for the prompt below.

Construct a multi-paragraph essay in which you argue which author more effectively developed their argument. Consider their use of rhetorical appeals: ethos, logos and pathos. You must include support from both articles in your response.

Annotations:

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class

2/28/23

Review outlines
Read chapters 20 - 22

Homework:

Finish whatever isn't completed in class.

3/1/23

Watch clips from the show and compare it to what we have read.

Homework:

None

3/2/23 - 3/3/23

Read your assigned article and follow the instructions.
Group 1: Men are Stuck in Gender Roles
1. Meredith, Anya, Owen, Lauren, Porshe, Tyson, Jared
Group 2: How Men Get Penalized for Straying from Masculine Norms
1. Ava, Chase, Evan, Road, Ethan, Leah
Group 3: Toxic Masculinity: Hidden Trauma
1. Janson, Melia, Jacob, Megan, Aden, Sarah
Group 4: The Changing Landscape Of Masculinity And Men’s Mental Health In The Workplace
1. Audrey, Eric, Rayne, Lucia, Vinton, Izzy
Fishbowl: Teach the class about your article and connect to novel
Introduce Debate and determine teams

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class

3/6/23

Finish Debate Preparation
Create a persuasive opening statement and add it to your Debate Preparation. This should be like an introductory paragraph.
1. Grab the audience's attention
2. Introduce your argument and main reasons
3. NO EVIDENCE
4. Use the rhetorical appeals

Homework:

Prepare for debate

3/7/23 - 3/8/23

Debate

3/9/23 - 3/10/23

Debate reflection
Introduce new discussion format and Discussion Roles
1. Discussion Leader
  1. Chooses questions to ask and asks them
  2. Begins and ends the meeting
2. Harmonizer
  1. Thanks other members for participation
  2. Asks for clarification
  3. Rephrases others’ opinions
  4. Encourages other members to participate
3. Reporter
  1. Takes notes on the members’ contributions
  2. Asks members to repeat or rephrase
4. Devil’s Advocate
  1. Disagrees with other members’ contributions (constructively!)
Begin reading 23-30 paying attention to questions and passages distributed in class (electronic copy here)

3/13/23

Chapters 23-30 Discussion

Homework:

NONE

3/14/23 - 3/15/23

“Verses Written by a Young Lady, on Women Born to be Controll’d!” (1743) on CommonLit.
Take the Assessment
Discuss with a partner: Does the poem work as a potential insight into Offred’s state of mind--is she willing to take on a “slavish mind?
With your partner create an outline for the following prompt:
1. Prompt: Construct a multi-paragraph essay in which you argue whether or not you believe Offred is willing to take on a slavish mind. Consider what you learn through her actions and thoughts. You must use examples from the novel and poem as support.
Discuss outlines as a class

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class.

3/16/23

Reading day - Read through chapter 35 and complete Notice and Notes

Homework:

3/20/23

Small Group Passage Analysis
Share out with class
Read chapters 36-38

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class

3/21/23

Read chapters 39-41

Homework:

Read chapters 42-44

3/22/23

Read chapter 45 and skim the historical notes together.
RAFT Persuasive Project

Homework:

Project planning must be complete for Friday.

3/23/23

Field Trip

3/24/23

RAFT Persuasive Project

4/3/23 - 4/4/23

Writing Checkpoint 4

4/5/23 - 4/10/23

Review Writing Checkpoint 4
Writing Checkpoint 2
Review Writing Checkpoint 2

4/11/23

OST ELA II Test

**************

We will be starting a high stakes team competition during the unit after testing. If you earn a score of 9 or 10 on your essay, you will earn a point for your team. You may also earn a point for your team for a high score on the multiple choice.

4/12/23

First, I am so proud of all of you for the effort you put in yesterday! It did not go unnoticed. I was very proud of all of you! I wish I could be with you today to start our new unit, but my son is sick AGAIN. Please complete the below activity.

To prepare for our Serial Unit, complete online stations on Wrongful Convictions and The Innocence Project.
1. You may work with a partner; however, Stations 3 and 4 will need to be done independently.
2. You must have this done before class tomorrow.
I will explain all of the connections tomorrow.

4/13/23

Is True Crime Ethical?
1. Click here to read two articles and provide your stance (more specific directions found in the linked document).

4/14/23

For background and contextual information, read the following two articles pertaining to our justice system and answer the assessment questions.
1. Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
2. Foster v. Chatman

4/17/23

Memory Game: 3/1/23
"Why do we remember certain things, but forget others?
Serial Season 1 Podcast Unit Introduction
Team Sorting
Distribute Investigator Files

4/19/23

Grab your Investigator Case Files from the green bin on the table by the door.
Listen to episode 1 until 20:51 (If following the transcript, you will stop on page 16 right before Adnan speaks).
1. While you are listening, you should:
  1. Complete Episode 1: Connotation Questions (in your folder - Investigative Journal Packet)
  2. Complete page 1 of the Lie Detector sheet (same packet as above)
  3. Take notes within your other packet as needed
Turn your Investigator Case Files unless you are not done. If you aren't done, finish it for homework and bring your file folder back tomorrow.

***Don't forget you can win or lose points for your team based on your effort and any notes I receive from the sub.

4/20/23

Continue listening to episode 1
1. Here is the transcript,
Finish the Lie Detector questions
As a team, prepare answers to the following questions (You do not need to complete the "Asia's Letters Questions in your case file):
1. What did Sarah leave out of her podcast regarding Asia's letters?
2. If you were Adnan's original defense attorney, would you have used Asia's letters? Why or why not?

***We left off on page 25 of the transcript ("I write her") and 38:19 on the podcast.

Homework:

None

4/21/23

Select two people from your team to share your answers to the following questions. You will have 3 minutes to regroup from yesterday. The team with the best answers will earn up to 3 points.
1. What did Sarah leave out of her podcast regarding Asia's letters? Why?
2. If you were Adnan's original defense attorney, would you have used Asia's letters? Why or why not?
Continue listening to episode 1
1. Here is the transcript,
Analyze each speaker's "Purpose and Perspective"

Homework:

TBD

4/24/23

Listen to episode 2
1. Here is the transcript,
Complete the "Episode 2 Perspective Activity" in your Case File

Homework:

Finish Episode 2 and Perspective Activity

We left off at 28:31 and page 48 ("The night before").

4/25/23

Testing Tuesday

4/26/23

Read/Listen to episode 3
1. Here is the transcript,
Complete the "Episode 3 Leakin Park" Activity in your case files.

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class.

4/27/23

Listen to episode 4
1. Here is the transcript,
Complete the "Episode 4 Inconsistencies" in your Case File

Homework:

Complete whatever is not finished

4/28/23 - 5/1/23

Finish Episode 4.
Listen to/read Episode 5 and use Google Earth to plot the route Jay says he and Adnan took the day Hae was murdered.
Learn about Cell Tower technology.
Use the cell tower maps to examine Jay's testimony.
1. What lines up?
2. What doesn't?
3. What does it mean?

Stopping point: 23.46,

pg. 114 of transcript ("Yeah (laughs) it doesn't...")

Cell Log People Map Cell Tower Map

5/3/23 - 5/5/23

Team Points - collect any other notes from
Introduce Crime Board Project
1. What is a crime board?
2. What are the goals for this project?
3. How do we get started?
4. Your team challenge
  1. Winning crime board will earn 5 points.
5. Pick team roles
Listen to Episode 6

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class

5/8/23 - 5/9/23

MAPs Testing

5/10/23 - 5/11/23

Listen to Crime Junkie: "What Serial Didn't Tell You"
Complete your Crime Board Project
1. Due before class on Wednesday

5/12/23

Split your team into 4 groups. Assign who will listen to/take notes for Episodes 9-12.

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class

5/15/23 - 5/25/23

Final Project due May 24th by the end of class. Presentations May 25th.

4/15/21 - 4/16/21

Finish Episode 3 and complete investigative journal (Episode 3 slides only)
Next, we will focus on the science of Serial.
1. Watch a two part episode of the Docket (part 1, part 2) in which scientists, investigators and
  Forensic Pathologists review the crime scene and give you their perspectives on how the investigation was handled.
2. While watching, take notes.
3. Afterward, you will use your notes to write an argumentative paragraph.

***There will be 5 points awarded to the team with the best notes and best paragraphs. You may not copy, but you could certainly peer edit.***

Homework: Anything not completed in class.

Wednesday's stopping point: 8:11, pg. 58 of transcript ("They are suspicious")

4/23/21 - 4/26/21

Team point update
Listen to/read Episode 5 and use Google Earth to plot the route Jay says he and Adnan took the day Hae was murdered.
Read about Cell Tower technology.
Use the call logs, route and cell tower technology to examine Jay's testimony.
1. What lines up?
2. What doesn't?
3. What does it mean?

Stopping point: 11:29,

pg. 106 of transcript ("But, it is possible").

Cell Log People Map Cell Tower Map

4/27/21

Ohio State Testing

4/28/21

Finish mapping the call logs and comparing them to Jay's testimony.
1. What lines up?
2. What doesn't?
3. What does it mean?

Cell Log People Map Cell Tower Map

4/29/21

Listen to/read episode 6.
Keep track of evidence against Adnan
1. How does it look bad?
2. How could it be countered?
3. What is your opinion?

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class.

Stopping point: 27:48,

pg. 143 of transcript

("The cops went and talked... ").

4/30/21

Read/listen to episode 7.
Compare Adnan's case to Justin Wolfe's case.
Read "The Cell Phone Evidence in Adnan Syed’s Case Illustrates a Depressingly Common Problem"
1. Analyze how this information impacts the case.

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class.

Stopping point: ___,

pg. ___ of transcript

(" ___ ").

5/3/21 - 5/4/21

Listen to/read episode 8.
Analyze Jay's character (direct and indirect characterization
Listen to/read episode 9
Analyze Adnan's character (direct and indirect characterization

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class.

Stopping point: 25:34,

pg. 185 of transcript

("Jay didn't come from").

Stopping point: 32:51,

pg. 210 of transcript

("Her pain throughout").

5/5/21

Read/listen to episode 10.
Take notes for your team
Tomorrow, you will have a 10 question multiple choice quiz over this chapter.

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class.

Stopping point:,

pg. 232 of transcript

("She was less rigorous").

5/6/21

10 question multiple choice quiz over Chapter 10
Listen to/read episode 11
Complete a psychological evaluation of Adnan

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class.

Stopping point: 26.43,

pg. 256 of transcript

(" Did you say half? ").

5/7/21

Read/listen to episode 12.
After listening, analyze themes within the podcast.

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class.

5/10/21

Divide your team into three groups
Each group should listen to one of the following days of Adnan's Appeal Trial and take notes (one doc per group - put all names on it)..
1. Day 1
2. Day 2
3. Day 3
After each group is done. Fill your team in on your findings and consider how these findings affect your case.

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class.

5/11/21 - 5/12/21

Review any additional sources on the Serial Website that you haven't seen yet.
Research the case and possible theories using sources outside of the podcast.
Make sure to discuss findings with your teammates. Take notes here (The best notes will earn 5 Team Points).

Homework:

None

5/13/21

Review Mock Trial Organization and Roles
Pick team member roles
Determine your team's witnesses before tomorrow.

Homework:

Whatever is not completed in class.

Helpful Resources:

Helpful Resources: