Into the Wild journals

Journal #1:
Read through some trail journals
Part One: Think about 15 things would pack if you were to hike into the wild for 15 days in a remote mountain region. For each item, explain why you brought this item and how it might help you survive. You can make a list and offer an explanation, but keep in mind the items will need to fit into your backpack and you will not have an outside source of power.
Part Two: On a scale of 1-10 (1 equals I would be eaten by bears within the hour and 10 equates with I could live for a year this way without a problem), how would you rate in terms of survival in the wild for a month by yourself. What skills do you possess which would help you in a situation like this? What skills don't you possess which might hamper your survival? Does an adventure like this appeal to you at all? Why or why not?

Journal #2:
Listen to the song "Society", by Eddie Vedder. Lyrics are here in case you missed it in class: "Society lyrics"
As you listen, underline the lines that strike you as important or that you like. Then, take 1-2 lines and write it at the beginning of your journal. Respond to this quote in any of these forms:
Write your own "Society" poem
Write a persuasive "speech" in response
Write a brief fictional scene which illustrates the idea of this quote

Journal #3:
Read the following excerpt from Chris McCandless in a letter to Ronald Franz:
"You are wrong if you think Joy emanates only or principally from human relationships. God has placed it all around us. It is in everything and anything we might experience. We just have to have the courage to turn against our habitual lifestyle and engage in unconventional living."

In what ways do you agree with McCandless? In what ways do you disagree? In your own life, what would constitute unconventional living? Do you have any aspirations to live an unconventional life? Explain your answer with specifics.

The Catcher in the Rye journals

Journal #1: If you were absent for this one (song clips from "Rock Around the Clock"), please come see me.
Journal #2: Sensory detail memories. Completed on block day. If you were absent, please come see me.
Journal #3: Choose one memory from Journal #2 and write a descriptive paragraph. Make sure you think about sentence structure and sensory details, including vivid verbs.
Journal #4:

Choose one of the beliefs from CITR take a stand, one that you feel most strongly about and articulate your position and use support to build your argument. Sheet is here, in case you need it:catcher in the rye take a stand

Journal #5
Choose three passages from The Catcher in the Rye that you feel illustrates Holden's flaws or vulnerabilities. Explain why you chose this passage and offer insight on what it shows about his struggles. It may be easiest to set up a table with two columns and put the passage (with page number) on the left hand side and the response on the right.

 

College essay journals

Journals are a place to write more informally in terms of voice, but still maintain the conventions expected in English. Unless indicated otherwise, journals should be at least one page, double-spaced in length. You are expected to work in class on the journals and then go home and finish them, if necessary. Journals #1-#5 are due Friday, September 28.


Journal #1: What do you believe in? Thinking about the "This I Believe Essays" we read, brainstorm your beliefs. It can be a simple list of many beliefs or  a paragraph about one belief you feel strongly about. Page requirements do not apply to this journal.

Journal #2: What is your legacy? Using "Portraits of Grief" from the New York Times as a model, write a snapshot that someone might use to represent your life. Write in third person. You can make up quotes, imagining what someone might say about you. Try to bring yourself into focus and avoid cliches if you can. It should be between 200-300 words.
Portraits of Grief link: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/us/sept-11-reckoning/portraits-of-grief.html#/portraits-of-grief/0

Journal #3: 
Write down the first 3-5 sentences of the opening of your book. Why do you think the author (and editor) decided on this opening? Be specific in your answer.
In the first 1-2 chapters, what is revealed about the narrator? Use specific evidence to support your ideas. What is the tone of the writing so far? How would you describe the tone of the book so far? Why?

Journal #4:
Try to get underneath one of your beliefs (journal #1) or one of the lines from "I am From" poem.
Write a poem which follows this beginning:
Underneath my shirt is my skin
Underneath my skin is my heart
Under my heart is...
Under that is...

Keep going, trying to excavate what is under the things you hold close to your metaphorical heart. (This shouldn't be an exposition on anatomy!)
See my poem I read aloud in class for ideas: Underneath sample

Journal #5: 
This journal should be two developed analytical paragraphs:


1.
Look at your notes for your memoir/biography/essay collection. Then look back at Journal #3. 
How has the writer developed the narrator or subject since the opening chapters? Has the development happened through scene, through the narrator's reflective voice, through a particular person or challenge? Try to articulate the writer's literary moves here and why you think he/she used them at this stage in the book. (one developed paragraph with a focus)



2. 
Choose one of the following noticings: Again & Again or Shifting Structure and reflect on the question, using evidence from the text. Then, reflect on the questions from the bookmark:
Again & Again: "Why did the writer decide to bring this up again and again?"
Shifting Structure: "How does this change things? Why might this shift be important?"