lecture recording on 12 March 2025 at 10.34.57 AM

Grading Overview

• The overall grading system includes a generous factor known as the 'gift add percent,' which contributes an additional half a percent to the overall grade calculation. This mechanism highlights how even small increases can positively affect final grades and averages.

• Significance: The introduction of the 'gift add percent' encourages students to strive for consistent performance across all assessments, as cumulative successes can significantly impact their overall standing.

• Understanding the implications of this 'gift add percent' is vital for students, as it can shift their focus towards cumulative performance rather than isolated assessments. This awareness may motivate students to take each assignment seriously, recognizing its potential collective impact on their final grade.

• In honors classes, while an 80% average is considered acceptable, this particular course has shown enhanced performance, achieving a commendable class average of approximately 85%. This statistic reflects the dedication and effort of students and the effectiveness of instructional methods employed.

Class Expectations

• Emphasis is placed on the understanding that academic achievement is an ongoing process; grades are accumulated over time, likened to a marathon race rather than a dash. This analogy serves as a reminder that perseverance and long-term effort often yield more favorable outcomes compared to short bursts of intensive study.

• Mindset and Approach: Students are encouraged to develop a growth mindset, understanding that mistakes and challenges are integral to the learning process. Participation, effort, and resilience in overcoming difficulties are often more critical than attaining perfect grades.

• This upcoming quarter will place a strong focus on poetry, especially on the works of William Shakespeare. Key areas of study will include various types of sonnet structures (such as Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets) and a thorough exploration of the play 'Romeo and Juliet,' which will serve as a primary text.

• Vocabulary development will be conducted in three units (units 8-10), with quizzes scheduled after each act of 'Romeo and Juliet' to reinforce understanding and retention of key terms utilized in the text. Vocabulary will encompass literary terms pertinent to poetry and drama, fostering both comprehension and expressive abilities.

Classroom Management

• To create an optimal learning environment, students are explicitly encouraged to put away mobile phones and other distractions during class sessions. This policy ensures that attention remains undivided during instructional time, thus enhancing engagement and interaction. Strategies for minimizing distractions will be discussed, such as designated phone storage areas.

• Students who miss class due to illness have the opportunity to submit late assignments without facing severe penalties, promoting a supportive academic atmosphere that values health and well-being. The rationale behind this flexibility also encourages students to prioritize their health without fear of academic repercussions.

• However, it's crucial to note that there are still deadlines that must be strictly followed for grading purposes, particularly regarding academic eligibility for athletes under low scoring conditions. Meeting these deadlines is essential for maintaining academic standards while allowing for compassionate guidelines regarding health-related absences.

Poetry Focus

Sonnet Introduction

• Students will be comprehensively introduced to sonnets, an essential element of their poetry unit. The curriculum will cover various aspects of sonnet structure, including rhyme schemes, thematic content, and historical significance, as well as the evolution of the form over time.

• Types of Sonnets: Students will explore different forms of sonnets: Petrarchan (Italian) sonnets characterized by an octave followed by a sestet, and Shakespearean (English) sonnets that consist of three quatrains followed by a couplet. The variations will provide insight into different stylistic approaches among poets.

• The instructor plans to assess students' understanding of sonnet concepts prior to the spring break through formative assessments, which may include quizzes, written analyses, and peer discussions. These assessments will help gauge comprehension and encourage collaborative learning.

Haikus and Sonnet Forms

• A haiku, recognized for its distinct structure, consists of three lines with specific syllable counts of 5-7-5, emphasizing the importance of brevity and imagery in capturing a moment or feeling. Conversely, sonnets must comprise exactly 14 lines, following various rhyme schemes such as ABAB, AABB, or ABBA, which define their rhythmic flow.

• Crafting Poetry: The instructor illustrates how strict adherence to these poetic forms exemplifies artistic discipline. Students will practice writing both haikus and sonnets, emphasizing the exploration of themes and emotions while adhering to formal constraints.

• Such discipline in poetry parallels the rules and regulations found in sports, highlighting the importance of structure in creativity. This thematic connection reinforces the notion that both fields require practice, dedication, and adherence to form.

Definition of Poetics

• Poetics is defined as the study of poetic meter and sound, shedding light on the importance of rhythm structures and rhyme schemes in crafting poetry. Understanding poetics fosters an appreciation of the intricacies involved in poetic creation.

• Meter Exploration: Meter involves the patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables, which are fundamental to understanding the musicality and flow of poetry. Students will explore different meters, including iambic pentameter, trochaic tetrameter, and dactylic hexameter, with hands-on activities that emphasize reading, writing, and analyzing meter in various poems.

Analysis of Sonnets

• Sonnets, traditionally consisting of 14 lines, often adhere to specific rhyme schemes such as ABAB or ABBA. Understanding these schemes is crucial for analyzing the thematic and emotional weight of sonnets.

• Historical Context: The historical context of sonnets reveals their origins tied to wealthy patrons of poets during the 13th century in Italy, allowing poets to explore complex themes in a structured format. Notably, Giacomo de Lentini is mentioned as a pioneering figure in the development of sonnet structures. Students will investigate how the context of patronage influenced the themes and styles of sonnets.

Major Concepts in Meter and Rhythm

Iambic Pentameter

• One of the most significant metrical forms, iambic pentameter, consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, with each line comprising five such iambs. This rhythm is prevalent in Shakespeare's works, providing a distinct musicality to the language that enhances its emotional and thematic impact.

• Hands-On Practice: Discussion points include how to identify meter using the syllable patterns in lines, enhancing students' abilities to appreciate the rhythmic qualities within poetry practically. Exercises may involve reading aloud, performing line scans, and rewriting lines into different meters to observe shifts in tone and meaning.

Thematic Elements of Sonnets

Example Analysis

• The class will delve into the analysis of notable sonnets, including Shakespeare's famed "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" This sonnet serves as a prime illustrative piece, capturing the transition from a problem (the fleeting nature of beauty) to a resolution (the eternal nature of the poem itself). Students will examine the language, imagery, and rhetorical devices used in the sonnet to understand its depth, analyzing metaphors, similes, and personification.

• Critical Thinking: Furthermore, students will compare sonnets from different poets, discussing how their themes and approaches reflect their contexts, enhancing their comparative analytical skills.

Shift in Tone (Volta)

• The term "Volta" will be introduced to signify a pivotal shift in tone or argument within a sonnet, typically occurring after the initial eight lines. This concept is key for interpreting the emotional depth and thematic implications of the poem. Students will practice identifying where the volta occurs in various sonnets and discuss its importance in poetry, encouraging deeper reflections on how poets use shifts to enhance emotional resonance.

Formal Elements: Octave and Sestet

• The structure of sonnets is divided into two main parts:

  • Octave: The first eight lines often present a problem or a question, setting the stage for the exploration of the theme or argument. The analysis will include how the octave establishes the tone and engages the reader's curiosity.

  • Sestet: The final six lines typically resolve the problem or offer a new perspective, providing a conclusion that reflects the overall argument of the poem. Students will explore how differing sestet structures (curtains of resolution such as CDC DCD, and others) can shape the concluding thoughts.

• Recognizing these structures allows for deeper analysis and understanding of how sonnets convey complex themes and emotions underlying the poetic form. Students will be encouraged to create their own sonnets, practicing the octave-sestet structure in their compositions, and sharing their poems in peer review sessions to foster collaborative learning.

Conclusion and Future Learning

• As the course progresses, students will continue to explore various examples of sonnets, focusing intricately on both content and structure. This will help solidify their foundational understanding of poetry and enhance their analytical skills in literary studies.

• Ongoing Projects: Additionally, students will be encouraged to integrate their learning into creative writing assignments, fostering greater appreciation for poetry in a personal context. Possible projects may include creating a portfolio of original poems in different styles and an analytical essay contrasting their works with those studied in class, promoting both creative expression and critical analysis.