OC Schedule 2010

Click on the link to find out your time. You'll need Microsoft Word 2007 to open it. Schedule will also be posted in class.

Macbeth commentary Act V scene viii

I didn't score this commentary very high (it was in the 2 range) as it relies on plot summary, doesn't offer much interpretation, and lacks a sense of purpose. Also, it's far below the 9 minute threshhold. However, IBO marked it four full points higher than I did, placing it in the high 3/low 4 range. Remember, your IOP score will also be averaged in (these scores tend to be much higher); combined with an average IOP score, this student's IA grade would definitely be in the 4 range.

Caged Bird commentary, from chapter 18

I awarded 17 points to this commentary, which would put it in the "5" range.
This was one of the 10 commentaries the IBO requested to hear; they scored it higher than I did by a couple of points.
The specific scores I awarded were as follows:
A. 4 points
B. 5 points
C. 4 points
D. 4 points

Sample Commentary from Macbeth

This sample comes from Act II, scene ii of Macbeth. You received the extract in class and had 20 minutes to prepare a commentary; here's your chance to compare your thoughts with the commenters.

Here is the labelled map of Scotland shown in class on Thursday, 10/7.

Oral Commentary Sample

This excellent sample of commentary, from Charles Dickens' Hard Times, was played and discussed in class on Tuesday, 10/5/2010.

Week 2: Jan 11-15

Mon. We reviewed the quiz, filled out the cover sheets and submitted World Lit assignments. Oral Commentaries will be conducted on Thursdays and Fridays, so last alterations of the schedule were made. Finally, we read parts of Oedipus the King, our first work of drama, part III of the IB Syllabus.

Tues. After reviewing the quiz, the class discussed aspects of "The Dead". For a book as satirical as Dubliners, the story---especially its conclusion---is remarkably different in tone. Instead of snidely critiquing flaws of characters, Dubliners, Irishmen, and for good measure all human beings, Joyce seems to offer a more hopeful future. Gabriel has grown: he recognizes that "snow is general all over Ireland," but that's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, the description of the falling snow has an unmistakable beauty to it which draws the reader toward its positive qualities (as opposed to the cold, paralyzing qualities which we've come to expect). Symbolically, the snow thus suggests hope for Gabriel, Dubliners, Ireland and all people.

Spring Semester, Week One (Jan. 4-8)

Mon. Welcome back from break! Students took notes on SATIRE in Joyce's Dubliners.

Tues. Today we reviewed the final and read Joyce's short story "A Mother".

Wed. Students wrote their reactions to two characters: Mrs. Kearney and Hoppy Holohan. We focused on the characters as being part of a larger satire. In this case, Irish mothers and "public life" seem to be satirized. Much vigorous discussion followed, centering largely around Mrs. Kearney's control issue and Hoppy's game leg.