March 13, 2007

The Curriculum – The Syllabus, pp. 1 - 13

The Curriculum – The Syllabus, pp. 1 - 13

DUE DATE:  March 20

Vocabulary:

syllabus (5)
sociology (5)
inexplicably (6)
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (7)
theology (8)
demise (10)

CHOOSE ONE OF THE QUESTIONS BELOW TO RESPOND TO.  PLEASE IDENTIFY WHICH QUESTION YOU ARE RESPONDING TO BY NUMBER.  Identify yourself in your comments as we discussed in class.  First Initial, Last Initial. Use my email address as your email link.  Do not put in your own email address.

  1. What is the purpose of the curriculum?
  2. What are the early symptoms of Mitch’s disease? What is the progression after the diagnosis?  Research ALS online. Why is      Morrie’s diagnosis considered a “death sentence”?
  3. What is Charlotte’s initial reaction to the diagnosis? What does it mean when Morrie says “he felt as if he were dropping  into a hole.” (pg 7-8)
  4. What is Morrie’s approach to dying and how does he incorporate his years of teaching into his impending death?

 

March 16, 2007

JOURNAL ENTRY #1

DUE DATE:  March 20

JOURNAL - Would you rather die immediately and unexpectedly or would you rather die as expected after a long illness?  Why?

March 20, 2007

The Student – Orientation, pp. 14-31

The Student – Orientation, pp. 14-31

DUE DATE:  March 22


Vocabulary:

insatiable (16)
philosophies (18)
aphorisms (18)
narcissist (21)
insidious (22)
gaunt (27)
deferments (30)

  1. Type A people are characterized as: ambitious, highly competitive, always in a hurry, easily annoyed, feeling      always under a constant time pressure, impatient. Type B people are characterized as: non competitive, less driven, patient,      easy-going, relaxed, at peace with themselves and their surrioundings. Use these two types of personalities to contrast Mitch and Morrie.
  2. Examine Mitch’s reflections on the 16 years since he last saw Morrie and discuss      what event most impacts him.
  3. Analyze the changes in Mitch’s life after his uncle’s death. What chance circumstance will alter his      life?
  4. Examine Morries’ physical and mental condition during his first appearance on      “Nightline” and discuss how Ted Koppel first years about Morrie and      arranges to have him on “Nightline.”
  5. Analyze Koppels’ interview with M orrie: Morrie’s initial reaction, the subjects they discuss and the interaction between Koppel amd Morrie.
  6. Analyze the personification of death, “... he was not about to powder its nose”      (pg 21)
  7. Discuss the relationship that Mitch and Morrie have in 1976. What does this reveal about both of      them.
  8. Analyze Mitch’s first visit with Morrie after he learns of Morrie’s illness. Describe his actions in terms of his type A traits.
  9. Note the following metaphors and explain what they are trying to tell us:
    1. Time:       “water going down an open drain” (p.15)
    2. Morrie:       “lightening rod of ideas” (pg. 18)



March 21, 2007

JOURNAL #2

DUE DATE:  March 21

JOURNAL  What is your personality type?  Take this test and determine if you are an A type, a B type or a mixed type.   In your online journal entry for this week, identify which type you are and what it means for you.   

March 23, 2007

The Classroom – Taking Attendance, pp. 32 – 47

The Classroom – Taking Attendance, pp. 32 – 47

DUE DATE:  Sunday March 25 

Vocabulary
gingerly (35)
tabloids (41)
paparazzi (41)
lamented (42)

  1. Exampine Mitch’s thoughts about his past during his visit with Morrie. Why does he become introspective, or self reflective?
  2. Contrast Morrie’s physical condition with his mental state. Analyze his affect on Mitch. Note Morrie’s aphorism about dying. What does it mean and do you agree with      it?
  3. Discuss Morrie’s explanation of how he will die and compare with the information      about ALS. Analyze the metaphor,      “My tank is almost empty” (pg 37)
  4. What does the “tension of opposites” (pg 40) mean? Apply it to Mitch’s life after      college. Note the metaphor of      comparing life to a wrestling match. Discuss the tension of opposites in your own life. Do you agree with Morrie’s conclusion?
  5. Examine the effect on Mitch of his first visit with Morrie. How does it impact on his perception of      his life now.
  6. Discuss the newspaper strike and examine its effect on Mitch.
  7. Discuss Morrie’s continuing influence on Mitch during his college years.
  8. What does it mean that Morrie is a “bridge” (pg. 33)


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