"Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted. That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons of history." — Aldous Huxley

March 29 - April 1

Monday:

Dystopian Films: Film Review format and due dates
Brave New World, chapter one due - Research Project due April 30th

Tuesday:

Huxley and the Beatles
Terminology and Analysis

Wednesday:

"Pen is mightier than the sword"- -Discussion
Songs of Protest for a Better World
Bring earphones to class

Thursday:

Reading Quiz - Discussion
Brave New World, chapters 3-4 due


Tuesday:

Brave New World, chapters 4-5 due

March 8- March 12

I think of our Whisky Priest as he faces his own execution in these last pages, and I can't help but contrast him with Theoden from Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and Return of the King. In Tolkien's epic, when Theoden, King of Rohan, faces possible extinction, he is rallied by Aragorn to ride out and meet his foe head on. As the King leaves Rohan in the third installment, he is aware that he will not return but will fall in the face of Mordor's armies. Yet, he goes and leads his men to whatever end they will find. His undaunted courage in the face of death contrasts sharply with our priest, but there is something noble in the humanity of the priest in his final hours. After all, as Greene says, "we are all good at zero hour."

Monday: The Power and the Glory, pages 190-202 due

Tuesday: Review

Wednesday: The Power and the Glory, pages 202- 222 due

Thursday: Review - Essay topics distributed

Friday: In-Class Essay

Photo Essays due March 24 (3rd and 6th) and March 29 (5th)

March 1- March 4

As we continue grappling with lyrics, music, and film, we begin to wrap up Greene's text and find connections in unexpected places. The Whisky Priest leaves the utopia of the Lehr's and heads back down into the brewing storm. The end is near and certain. Will Greene provide our protagonist with a moment "between the stirrup and the ground?"

Monday: Power and Glory, pages 161- 182 due with Response

Tuesday: Rattle and HUm Continued

Wednesday: Rattle and Hum discussion

Thursday: Power and Glory, pages 183- 190 due with Response

Friday: Career Day