Journal #7: "The Underground War in Gaza"

1.  In what ways does Joe Sacco, author of “The Underground War in Gaza,” attempt to remain neutral and show both sides of the conflict?  Explain (in detail) what parts of the piece seem to present the Israeli military’s position and what parts of the piece show the Palestinian perspective.  

2.  Do you think Sacco manages to remain unbiased, or does his own perspective seem to permeate his neutral journalistic stance?

Israel-Palestine Peace Organizations Group Research Assignment Links

10th Grade PowerPoint Requirements link

Peace Project Requirements link

Short Essay: Israeli and Palestinian Literary Analysis (Due Wed., 10/9)

In what ways does the literature of Etgar Keret (Israel) differ from the literature of Darwish and Kanafani (Palestine)?   In what ways do you think these authors reflect the political situation of their particular region?

Use your chart to contrast the subjects/themes, tone, characterization, and setting.  Discuss at least two literary elements.

Requirements:  

•May be hand-written or typed

•Short Introduction (4 sentences) that contains a THESIS statement. 
•Two body paragraphs (8-sentences)
•Conclusion paragraph (4 sentences)

Journal #6: Before We Read Literature from Israel-Palestine...

In one paragraph, describe what you think Israeli and Palestinian literature will be like?  For example, what are their stories going to be about?  How might the subjects, characters, setting, and tone of Palestinian literature differ from that of Israeli literature?  Think about the realities of living in a conflict zone while responding, as well at the role of the arts in a conflict zone.

Reflection Questions on the film, Promises (Due Monday, 9/30)

Please answer the following questions in complete sentences on binder paper.

1.  What happens to people when "normal" means being surrounded by war? (5+ sentences)
2.  Over the course of the film, how do the children change? (5+ sentences)
3.  What is the message of the film?  Overall, what is the film trying to teach us about peace-making? (5+ sentences)
4.  What kinds of circumstances do you think contribute to extremism on each side of the conflict? (5+ sentences)   (In other words, what kinds of things make people accept and adopt extremist points of view?)
Total = 20 points

The Gaza Flotilla Raid: A Comparative Study of Media

Before attempting this assignment, familiarize yourself with the Gaza Flotilla Raid by viewing the following Associated Press video:   Gaza Flotilla Raid AP Coverage May 31, 2010

In this assignment, we are going to compare and contrast news media on the Israeli-Palestine conflict to try to find the persepctive and bias in each media outlet's reporting.  You will read three articles on the raid of a "Flotilla" of humanitarian aid attempting to break through the Israeli blockade of Gaza that happened on May 31, 2010.  Take notes describing how the articles are different.  Make one column for WAFA (The Palestinian News Agency), one column for Al Jazeera (the major news agency for the Arab world), and one column for The Jerusalem Post (Israeli news agency).

Your task:  As you read each article, briefly summarize the content of the article paying careful attention to whose perspective it appears to represent.  You will notice differences in the content as well as who is being interviewed.   After you summarize the content on your chart, please write two paragraphs summarizing your findings and discussing what you think really happened.

Here are the links to the three articles:
WAFA (The Palestinian State News Agency)
Al Jazeera (Arab News Agency)
Jerusalem Post (Israeli News Agency)

Article in Spanish

Journal #5: Walls Between People

Answer in one 8-10 sentence complete paragraph.
1.  What kinds of problems do you think are created when walls are put up separating ethnic groups, or groups of people with differing cultures/religions?
2.  WHY do you think a physical separation of peoples causes these problems?

Journal #4: "Operation Blend In" and "Arab, American, Muslim....Marine"

Read "Operation Blend in" by Maz Jobrani and "Arab, American, Muslim....Marine" by Bill Bazzi.  For each of the readings, answer the following in paragraph form in your journal.

1.  What is the author's message in each of the essays?  How do know?  (USE QUOTES/PARAPHRASES)
2.  How would you describe the author's tone (attitude)?  How do you know?  (USE QUOTES/PARAPHRASES)

(10 points total, at least 2 paragraphs)