Journal #12: "Arab, American, Muslim...Marine"

While and/or after you read "Arab, American, Muslim...Marine" by Bill Bazzi, take notes on your own ideas as you read.  What did you find to be interesting, surprising, humorous, disturbing, enlightening, etc?  Reflect on this reading in one paragraph (worth 5 points).

Journal #11: "Operation Blend In"

While and/or after you read "Operation Blend In" by Maz Jobrani, take notes on your own ideas as you read.  What did you find to be interesting, surprising, humorous, disturbing, enlightening, etc?  Reflect on this reading in one paragraph (worth 5 points).

Journal #10: Israel-Palestine Role Play Response Questions

1.  Describe how the experience yesterday impacted your view of the peace process? (3-5 sentences)

2.  What is the major stumbling block in the peace process, in your character's eyes?  What is the biggest issue that needs to be resolved for the peace process to go forward? (3-5 sentences)

Israel-Palestine Role Play

Come to class on Wednesday able to portray your assigned role for our Israel-Palestine role-play.  Read the description of your role and take notes on a half-sheet of binder paper or index card to remind you of your "talking points."  On Wednesday, we will be breaking into circles immediately to begin the role-play exercise.  Please also bring your response question sheet to class.

Homework for 10/11

As you complete the Arab-American Handbook Chapter 1 reading, take 8-10 notes about what you feel are the most important points that the author is trying to make.

Journal #8: Arab-American Handbook Chapter One

Summarize everything you remember from yesterday's Arab-American Handbook reading.  1 paragraph.

In-Class Short Essay: Contrasting the Literature of Israel and Palestine

Write a short essay contrasting the Israeli and Palestinian literature we read in class.  ("Shoes" and "The Bus Driver Who Wanted to Be God" is the Israeli literature and "A Child Borrowed His Uncle's Gun..." is Palestinian.)  Here is how to organize your essay:

1st two paragraphs:  How are the stories of Israel and Palestine different?  (You may discuss any of the following:  setting, plot, characters, writing style, theme, tone, etc.)

2nd two paragraphs:  What do the stories say about their respective societies?

Essay is due on Thursday, 9/30/10. Since it will be done mostly in-class, handwritten is fine.

Journal #7: Before we read Palestinian literature...

Part One:

In 5 sentences or so, describe what you think Palestinian literature will be like.  In what ways do you think it will be different than Israeli literature? 

Part Two:
Make a list of differences you see in this piece, "A Boy Borrows His Uncle's Gun," compared to other literature that you've read.  List at least 5 characteristics.