Unit 1
Out of the Cave: Introduction to Philosophy and Persuasion (9/9-11/8)

Weekly tasks

• Task #1: Write down all lexicon words and definition in your notebook. Be sure to number them (i.e., Lexicon #1, Lexicon #2, etc.).

• Task #2: Read, annotate, watch, and take notes on Plato's "The Allegory of the Cave."

• Task #3: Complete Notebook entry 1.

Weekly tasks

• Task #1: Write down all lexicon words and definition in your notebook. Be sure to number them (i.e., Lexicon #1, Lexicon #2, etc.).

• Task #2: Take notes on the rhetoric and the rhetorical appeals. Be sure to put the rhetorical triangle and Venn diagram in your notebooks.

• Task #3: Create a sales pitch for a Bad Product and present it to the class!

Weekly tasks

• Task #1: Write down all lexicon words and definition in your notebook. Be sure to number them (i.e., Lexicon #1, Lexicon #2, etc.).

• Task #2: Read, annotate, and discuss Stephen King's "Why We Crave Horror Movies" and Chuck Klosterman's "My Zombie, Myself: Why Modern Life Feels Rather Undead."

• Task #3: Complete notebook entry #2.

• Task #4: Read "A Letter to NFL GMs," answer the MC and writing portion of our Common Assessment #1.

Weekly tasks

• Task #1: Pick a prompt from Collegeboard to write your college essay or cover letter on (or make your own prompt!).

• Task #2: Practice creating at least two captivating introductions (either on the same prompt in a different methods or two different prompts).

• Task #3: Practice writing a compelling story of a pivotal moment in your life or for your future, especially focusing on showing instead of telling.

• Task #4: Practice formulating a meaningful reflection with both methods, return to the beginning and ending on an action.

• Task #5: Submit your college essay or cover letter draft for feedback.

• Task #6: Write down both lexicon words in your notebook.

• Task #7: Take notes on the differences between abstract ideas and concrete details.

Week Breakdown

• Monday the 4th

  • Take notes on James Baldwin, reading the historical background and video on him.

  • Write down lexicon #10: Exigence.

  • Read, annotate, and discuss "A Letter to My Nephew" by James Baldwin, taking note on his rhetorical strategies (how he uses ethos, logos, and pathos).

• Tuesday the 5th

  • Finish reading, annotating, and discussing "A Letter to My Nephew."

  • Write your own short letter to someone in your family or younger version of yourself. Impart your wisdom!

• Wednesday the 6th

  • Write down lexicon #11: Authorial choice

  • Read and note the exigence for Baldwin's "A Talk to Teachers"

  • Begin reading, annotating, and discussing Baldwin's "A Talk to Teachers."

• Thursday the 7th

  • Finish reading Baldwin's "A Talk to Teachers."

  • Introduce the final assignment

  • Go over how to create a strong thesis statement.

• Friday the 8th

  • Write a 3-4 paragraph essay on either "A Letter to My Nephew" or "A Talk to Teachers" in which you analyze two authorial choices Baldwin decides to use in his piece to persuade his audience.