February 13-17

It's Valentine's Day week, and in addition to the material we'll be discussing in the gender unit, we will have the opportunity to enjoy some treats and some work by e.e. cummings (American poet).  We've already read some interesting essays on the topic of gender, and I look forward to a more debates and discussions.

MONDAY: Journal warm-up.  Go over ACT/reading comprehension and outline activity answers from last week. Enjoy e.e. cumming's "somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond" poem in honor of Valentine's Day.  Discuss "Just Walk on By". Read and discuss "I Want a Wife": what is the author's purpose?  How does she build her argument?

Due: Read "Just Walk on By" and answer the questions at the end of the articles.  Read 20 more pages of your Independent Reading book.

Homework: Read "There is No Unmarked Woman" and answer the questions for Friday. 

WEDNESDAY: Journal warm-up.  Talk about "Professions for Women"article.  Discussion questions about your own future, division of household duties, hours you envision that you'll be working in your 20s, 30s.  Discussion about the gender pay gap issue, complex variables involved, and the possible reasons for it. View informational article.  Read blog entry from a young professional about what she wishes she'd known about negotiating her salary (beneficial for everyone in class, not just the girls).  Speaking and listening: Small group activity - improve the blogger's suggestions for phrases that could be used during a conversation with a potential employer that are respectful and effective in negotiations of salary, terms, etc. when accepting a position. Whole class discussion. 

Extension: If you have time, click here for a challenging and informative video from the Stanford Business School about negotiation.  I learn something new every time I watch the lecture.

Due: n/a

Homework: Read "There is No Unmarked Woman" and answer the questions for Friday.  Also, "Professions for Women" will be collected.

FRIDAY: Journal warm-up. Quiz. Ideal man/woman activity.  Video "Killing Me Softly" and "spiderweb" style discussion.  View current event articles about new weight/BMI minimums in place for fashion models in France and new Barbie dolls with different body types.  Prepare for next week's debate about requiring women to sign up for the draft, pass out worksheet (see below for links).

Due: Read "There is No Unmarked Woman" and answer the questions for Friday.  Also, "Professions for Women" will be collected.

Homework: (Note: due to junior scheduling next Friday, we'll do the gender debate prep next week and the debate the week after.)

Read the following articles articles and instead of paper questions, be ready for a short quiz on them for Wednesday, February 22:


1. How Science is Helping Us Understand Gender 

2. Glossary of terms

Please read an additional 25 pages in your independent reading book.

Enjoy the three-day Presidents' Day holiday weekend!