All Manner of Things

They say all good things must come to an end, and it seems that phrase has proven itself true, especially regarding break. Break was pretty good, too short (isn't it always?), though the end kinda sucked, since I began to feel the omnipresent pressure of homework. Anyway, enough complaining, on to the new year.

This semester flew by quite rapidly, and amazingly, we are, in about a week's time, about to become second semester seniors. Incredible. I still can't quite comprehend how fast time has flown the past few years. It seems not too long ago that we were stumbling around looking for our rooms on the first day of school. Its been a fun trip.

Enough reminising. Time for english. This past semester has been a fun and quick one. English class has managed to keep itself productive while still feeling fun or laid back. Thanks to everyone for keeping the class interesting and appropriately non-stoic. Here's my list of pros and cons about this semester.

Pros:
Interesting pieces of work
Poetry section was done well
Nice amount of group work/projects
Appropriate amount of homework
Lighthearted feel
Good class, in terms of people

Cons:
The Stranger Essay (Mr. H,you should have told us how you wanted it before we all went and flunked it)
Poetry section Part II: THE REVISIT!!!
Interesting pieces of work
Scattered film selection- Apocalypse & T2 good; whatever the heck that bad 80's existential movie was, terrible.
Mr. H's hard grading scale
The Swimmer - I dislike how we were unable to find a conclusion or true meaning behind this short story

That's about all I have to say about that. I was gonna talk about some of the short stories, but it seems several people have beat me to it, so I thought I'd write on my views about the semester. Anyways, good luck to everyone for finals, and I'll see you all next semester. Love, Sir Kristopher, the Talley-Rey

Comments

[Matt E]

It really is too bad that winter break is so short especially with the loads of homework that are assigned every night. It's amazing how fast time has flown by. The school year is nearly half finished. The harsh grading really does belong on the cons. The other English students I have talked to feel that their class is actually easy. On the other hand, it's a great experience to have an English teacher challenge his class as much as he does. Also, what was the meaning of The Swimmer?

[Selena P.]

I agree with the harsh grading also. This is the hardest english class I have ever taken. Hopefully this means we'll all rock our colleges or whatever. And "whatever the heck that bad 80's movie" (TRUST) so does not belong on the cons.

[Eliezah D]

Wow, appropriate amount of homework, eh (I'm getting in touch with my nonexistent Canadian side)? Most nights, I have more English homework than all of my other classes combined. And, being an almost second semester senior, which I also cannot believe is finally here, I am not very apt to wanting to do this homework. I think you forgot another con, also--that our "King Lear" essay is due on the day of the final. I have to say, though (through clenched teeth), I am learning a lot! I wonder what next semester will hold?

[Katie T]

Appropriate work load, definitely. So far, I have not felt as though we have done busy work, which is a refreshing break from most of my english classes. Also, I certainly agree that the harsh grading scale is quite grueling. AP english would be nothing had we gotten any other teacher! However, all we can really do is take advantage of this, right? If all goes well, we'll be receiving the fives on the AP, and won't have to revisit existentialism in college! Also, this really is an advantage. At OPRF, English classes have gotten a reputation for being sub-par, so this really is an opportunity that few students get. Let's make the most of it!

[Lee A]

Although we are soon to be second semester seniors, I feel it will not be over soon enough. Personally I am sick of the work and the repetative nature of school. They tell us that they are preparing us for the real world while they imprison us in a building and take most of our time with school and homework, depriving us of the real world. Although it seems this semester was quick and I admit was interesting, the work has ruined it for me. I know I am ranting but I know some of you must agree that all our work seems like busywork, even if it isn't.

[Kitty O'C.]

K"tr":
Because I'm "always the jokester" I'll take another approach to this blog... thanks. Anyway, I like how you broke down the pros and cons of the past semester. Except you forgot one pro-- the sweet field trip we had, and the one coming up (<-- tight). Other than that, I pretty much agree with you.

[Patrick b.]

Hey what's crackin. I have actually really enjoyed this year in English, and feel that I have learned much about writing and language. Doesn't it just warm your heart Mr. Headlamp? Just kidding Mr. H. One thing that I would add to the cons, personally, would be blogging. I don't really have that much to say about the things we are reading while out of class. I am not saying that I am not interested in the class discussions, it is just once I am finished with English, my mind moves onto lunch.
Meah, anyway, I have a feeling that this final is going to be quite difficult. I feel that I dont really understand the Swimmer at all, I feel that I dont completely understand the Secret Woman, and I kind of get the angel story. I hate how typing can't capture sarcasm. Without sarcasm, I am kind of an a-hole. Right then. This year of English has been fattamax.

Patarack

[CiCi F.]

Hola amigos! Gracias Patrickico for mentioning blogging- it's been a big part of this class, and more importantly, we've never done it before. I don't think it's necessarily a con because it's a good idea and when it goes well it's really beneficial. Everytime I'm up till 2 writing a paper I reference this blog. We don't have enough time in class to cover everything, so it is helpful, but I have to say, if we weren't required to do it, I wouldn't be sitting at my computer right now trying to think of something to comment about. Which brings up another dilemma, maybe it's just me, but our conversations seem a little bit forced. just a little. Maybe that goes with the fact that it is forced, so possibly if this were voluntary the conversation would be more natural like in class. No se.

One more thing I really appreciate is that we're not learning for the AP but rather understanding literature. This is my first year that English was actually a class, and I have to say I've enjoyed it.

P.S. 13 weeks until APs and then out.

[lucianarez]

Well, english has been a pretty good class this year. To me, it's been just the right amount of homework for an AP class. I mean, considering it's an AP...it's been pretty manageable, no? I think what's made it hard is the extracurricular activities and homework from all our other classes on top of that.
But Mr. H is great...always "treating" someone. I mean, how many of your other teachers can pull that off? Haha.. No one fret though! We've got one last semester together and like Cici said, 13 weeks till APs. Yay!

[Cam Anton]

Kristopher-
We always think break is too short no matter how long it is. As for me, I spent most of my break in a pool with the swim team. I liked the different get-togethers we held, especially at Ruth's Christ Steak House (GRADE A!!!). Other than that, I had fun skiing and visited my family in the quad-cities. It was fun, but it was towards the end of break and I found myself wishing for more. See what I mean?

[robinh]

Kris- Dude, that 80's movie was soooo cool. I like how I can't even remember the name yet I say it is good. Aaaaaanyways, I agree with your pro's/con's and pretty much think that it's the people in the class who make it alright. I am still recovering from Katie's "boob job" comment.
Here's to Second semester... may Mr. H. please change our presentation groups, mine stinks.