The Search for Yourself

Existentialism makes reflection meaningful. Without this background, reflections can seem meaningless or like grunt work (in fact, a nihilist would say that all reflection is meaningless). Existentialism requires us to take responsibility for our lives, our values, and our direction. It refutes essentialism, which argues that there is an essence that makes you, you (as defined by someone, or something else). Some terms to inform our discussion:

Determinism: The idea that our lives are pre-determined. There are several angles to this school of thought. Some believe that God has determined every aspect of our lives, others feel that every aspect of our personality is the product of chemical reactions and electrons moving through our brain; that there are essentially aspects to our existence that we will likely never fully understand that influence us in subtle ways that ultimately determine how we live.

Free Will: Refutes determinism. Our actions are entirely of our own making. We have control over our future and how our lives turn out. We must be responsible and accountable for every aspect of our lives. Free will is a battle over the hardship of reality, 

For the following scenarios, describe how free will and determinism will explain their thinking differently:

1. A boy steals bread to feed his family.
2. A man hijacks a plane, and crashes it into one of the twin towers.
3. A young lady on the verge of bankruptcy wins the lottery.
4. A young lady loses her house due to her gambling addiction.
5. A student hasn't handed in any assignments because they have been staying up late playing video games.
6. A student has fumbled during their soliloquy presentation.
7. Another student in your class seems to have everything going for them. Good marks, good relationships, good money.

Welcome back!

 English 12

In our final unit, you will be challenged with some high-level thinking through existentialism. We'll figure out some new terms, learn about Joseph Campbell and watch a film, Apocalypse Now - based on his novel The Heart of Darkness. 

Beware, this is a rabbit hole that will have you ask questions about yourself. The ideas in this unit will challenge your thinking about identity, faith, and the meaning of life. This knowledge can be used to begin understanding how you can accomplish self-actualization. Sound familiar?

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

ESSENTIALISM vs EXISTENTIALISM (this idea rejects essentialism):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaDvRdLMkHs

Video on Existentialism, Absurdism, and Nihilism:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaIbUAkSYEU

*Note - the sponsor for the above video is in hot water. Please skip over the sponsored segment from  1:17 - 2:17.

First, answer these questions. This will show you how existentialism affects you.

1. Do you have particular worries about the future?
2. Have you been through a major event that had you rethink your values, beliefs, and goals?
3. Consider your educational goals for next year. Have they been defined by someone else, or yourself?

Now, after watching the videos, answer these.

1. What is 'the absurd'?
2. What is nihilism?
3. How does an existentialist find meaning?
4. How does existentialism differ from essentialism?

English 10: WALL-E

After completing the movie and handout, you have considered some of the major themes of the film. Try these questions.

1. How does WALL-E depict the consequences of environmental neglect and consumerism?
2. How does the film suggest that technology can both help and hinder humanity?
3. What role does the Buy n Large Corporation play in the world of WALL-E? How does the film critique corporate responsibility and its impact on society and the environment?
4. What lessons does WALL-E offer about sustainability and the importance of preserving the planet for future generations? How do the film's ending and the actions of the characters reinforce these lessons?

English 11

 Greetings LOTF people!

As we prepare for the upcoming essay next week, we need to re-evaluate characters in light of our additional readings: Freud's structure of the psyche and defense mechanisms. As you can predict, we'll be getting two topics. The goal of this essay is to synthesize new ideas about how each of these items applies to Lord of the Flies.

For our preparation, we must go back to our character attributes chart one final time. Add a little more space, and put down information that now connects these characters to an aspect of Freud's structure. This informs a position that LOTF is allegory.

For the next part, we need to evaluate how these characters have used defense mechanisms to protect their vulnerable egos. We did an activity part way through the unit where we found some specific examples of characters using these mechanisms; now we have the 2nd half of the novel to content with. Same thing, but now from chapter 7-12. Find two examples of our main three characters (Jack, Ralph, Piggy) and determine which defense mechanisms they used. It's possible - even likely that they are using the same defense that they used once before.

These two activities will prepare us for the upcoming essay - perhaps you can even guess at the topic!

English 12: Synthesis

 Greetings grads! 

First of all, thank you for your wonderful topic ideas and research. I have reviewed these items and determined some topics for our selection, including the supplementary text to support your preparation. This will be a lengthy post including abstracts and context. Here we go.

Friday Fun

English 12
We're going to go over the components of the synthesis essay, but first - some review of the big ideas of 1984! In 4 discussion groups, we'll fill in some chart paper on the following:

1. The Role of Totalitarianism and Surveillance
2. Language and Thought Control: Doublethink and Newspeak
3. The Nature of Reality and Truth
4. Human Nature and Resistance
5. Love under an oppressive government

Whichever your group gets, create a map/outline on some chart paper. Locate a few examples within the text and consider the following:

• What does Orwell claim about your topic?
• How does 1984 show this?
• How is this applicable to our lives?

English 10

TED Talks Today!

English 11

1. How does the final hunt emphasize the theme of the loss of civilization and descent into savagery?
2. What is the significance of the fire at the end of the chapter? How does its use as a destructive force ultimately lead to rescue?
3. How does the image of the conch shell linger, even though it has been destroyed?
4. How does the conclusion of the novel reflect Golding's views on human nature?
5. In what ways does the officer’s presence bring a larger societal perspective to the events on the island?

Practice for TED!

 Today is practice day! Team up with 3 others, find a corner of the school and practice your TED talks.

Here are some things to work on for today's practice:

1. Build memorization: key words or phrases from your PowerPoint may help with this!
2. Practice gestures for emphasis. Try not to pace too much, but use your hands and gestures to emphasize points and keep attention.
3. Practice your voice. You should sound confident with variety of tone and volume.
4. Remember eye contact!
5. 5 - 7 minutes long.

It will feel odd presenting to each other, but this is the best way to get some early feedback before we begin these presentations on Friday.

Id, Ego, and Superego

 Today we explore the id, ego, and superego through chapter 11.

For each of the following categories, identify at least two examples in chapter 11 which indicate behaviours that align with that specific aspect of Freud's Structure of the Psyche.

1. The Id: Jack and His Followers

The id represents the unconscious, primal instincts, seeking immediate gratification without regard for morality or societal rules. Jack embodies the id in this chapter, fully succumbing to savagery and his desire for power. His group at Castle Rock mirrors this descent into unchecked aggression and hedonism.

2. The Ego: Ralph

The ego mediates between the id’s desires and the superego’s moral standards, trying to operate within the bounds of reality. Ralph represents the ego in this chapter.

3. The Superego: Piggy

The superego represents the moral conscience and societal values. Piggy serves as the embodiment of the superego in this chapter.

And more :)

1. The conch is destroyed and Piggy dies in this chapter. How are these events connected symbolically, and what does this signify about the state of civilization on the island?
2. What role does Piggy’s speech about rules and morality play in the chapter? How does his argument reflect his character and his belief in civilization?
3. How does Jack’s leadership style evolve by this point in the novel? What tactics does he use to maintain control over his tribe?
4. Consider the role of fear in this chapter. How does fear influence the decisions and actions of the boys on both sides of the conflict?