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Via: Online Schools

The End?

Your final portfolio

When you are finished with your satire...

When the Taliban came into rule in Afghanistan, women were essentially banned from participating in a public life. They had to cover their entire body, even their eyes, and were unable to have a job or go to school. Many were forced into marriages and abused by their husbands. Many women still face these issues today, especially those in more traditional families.

A new television show in Afghanistan is gaining attention because it features masked women who speak out about their abuse. After reading the article, please answer the following questions on your blog:

1. What does the mask symbolize?
2. What is the purpose of this show?
3. How do you think this show will be received in Afghanistan?
4. What risks might come with the airing of this show?


Afghan Women Speak Out

More satire stuff:

Props to PBS and Ms. Gardella for these tips:

Questions you should be able to answer in any kind of article, including a satirical one:

• What or who is the subject of the piece?
• What is the example's main message?
• How would you describe its tone, or the feeling you get from it?
• What makes it amusing/powerful/attention-getting?
• How do word choices, visuals, tone of voice, and body language work to convey a particularly idea or meaning? How would changing one of these key elements change the message?

Other tips before you begin writing:

1. Be knowledgeable about the topic, people, and point of view involved. Do your research and get as much information as you can about the topic of your choice. This will allow you to form a stronger opinion and express it more clearly. Know the message or point of view you want to convey, and then plan your satire so that you successfully deliver that message to your audience.

2. Be appropriate in your presentation. Satire is meant to amuse people, but you should keep [East's] conduct policies in mind when planning your article.

Satire Stuff :)

A classic example: A Modest Proposal

A modern example: The Onion Article

A warning: Satire, Or Just Stupid?

Extra Credit: Information Blackout

If you're looking for a little boost to your grade (an excused missing homework, or if you have all of your homeworks, 5 points added to your lowest article grade), complete this extra credit over the holiday break:

For 24 hours straight, I challenge you to have absolutely no interaction with any electronics. That means no computer, no cell phone, no T.V., no iPod, no radio-- nothing. If you can't make it 24 hours, take note of how long you lasted, and then write a paragraph on your blog detailing the experience. You'll want to address the following questions:

-How long did you last without any interaction with electronics?
-What difficulties did you experience while avoiding these devices? How did you feel?
-Did you find any surprising benefits from the experience? If so, what?
-Which piece of electronics did you find yourself having the hardest time ignoring? Why?
-What did you learn about yourself from this experience?

This must be completed on your blog no later than Sunday, January 2, 2011. Happy Break! :)

Creating the Photo Essay

You should have your five photos chosen for today that all relate to a certain topic or theme. Your photos shouldn't just show pictures; they need to tell a story. What are you saying about your topic?

Today, you have a few things to work on:

1. In what order are you putting your photos? There should be a logic to this. What comes first, and why? What's the last picture the viewer will see in the photo essay? Why leave that one for last?

2. Write your cutlines. These should be about one sentence per photo, and should address the 5 W's and the H. Don't worry about using names in your cutlines if you don't know the actual names of the people in your photos.

3. Write your artist's statement. This should be one paragraph, and it should address the questions posted in the Photo Essay document in my last blog entry. Write the artist's statement below the photos you post.

4. Title your photo essay with something original.


Here is a sample photo essay, titled "Hard Times in Brooklyn":

Sample Photo Essay

And here's how I'm grading your photo essay:


I. Photos:

 At least five photos: ________/5

 All photos pertain to one topic with a clear and meaningful theme: ________/5

 A wide range of photos is used (informational, emotional, angles): ________/5

 Logical, explained order to the photos: ________/5

 Each photo contains a cutline that follows guidelines discussed in class: _______/10

II. Artist’s Statement:

 Answers all of the questions in complete sentences: __________/10

 Time and effort is apparent: _________/10