Wednesday, January 13th

Starter #3: Respond to the above quote.

1. What does “refilling” mean?
2. Discuss the extent to which this quote applies to you. Questions to consider: Does this quote resonate with you? Why or why not? Do people energize you or drain you? What group situations/settings/dynamics might make you seek alone time, if at all?

Class Biz

• Homework/Cal for the rest of the week​
• Get  a library card by January 29th! 
• Pass out the "Solitude" unit readings and go over the CHANGE in seminar prep guidelines: SCRATCH OUT a. and b. and add "ANNOTATE" to the instructions.
• Schedule of "Solitude" readings

1. By B.O.C Thursday : Reading #1 + Journal Response (In your starter docs)
2. By E.O.C Thursday, 1/14: Reading #2
3. By B.O.C Tuesday, 1/19: Reading #3
4. By B.O.C. Wednesday, 1/20: Reading #4
5. SEMINAR: Thursday, 1/21 (Seminar prep due B.O.C)

Solitude Unit Essential Questions

• To what extent have our technological advancements and changes in societal structures exacerbated feelings of loneliness and prevent opportunities for solitude?
• To what extent is it important to be self-reliant?
• What obstacles prevent us from cultivating self-reliance and solitude?
• What main claims from Emerson and Thoreau about self-reliance vs. conformity and solitude v. society apply to the ways in which we interact and “connect” in today’s world?
• What are the benefits of solitude and self-reflection? Time in nature?
• To what extent do Thoreau, Emerson and McCandless’s ideas serve as a guide for how you want to live your own life? Which ideas resonate with you? Which do you reject?

Agenda

This Week's Essential Questions 4 Corners​

1. Social media, computers, and smartphones prevent opportunities for solitude.
2. You should try to fit in with the society and  culture around you.
3. It is important to be self-reliant.
4. Non-conformity is admirable.
5. Time in nature has no bearing on one's well-being.
6. I dislike being alone for extended periods of time.

Super Quick overview of the Romantics/Romanticism

Read Reading #1: “The End of Solitude” (6 pages) Warning:  This article is quite difficult, and may have terms/references you don’t understand!  Look them up.  For a challenge, try the unmodified article here:  http://chronicle.com/article/The-End-of-Solitude/3708

1. Identify the main argument of this essay
2. Choose a line/passage/idea that stands out to you- mark it with a star.
3. Jot down your clarifying questions/confusions.  This is key for seminar coaching later!
4. Write one question that this article sparked that would generate good discussion
5. Journal entry responding to an idea or a specific line in the text.  Make sure you reference what you are responding to!  Write for at least 10 minutes.

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HOMEWORK:  DUE THURSDAY

1. Finish reading and working "The End of Solitude" 
2. Finish journal entry on "The End of Solitude" (Complete this IN YOUR STARTER DOC)

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Whole Class Wrap-Up (If time)

1. ​Idleness is to Boredom as Solitude is to Loneliness: What does this mean in the context of the article?
2. P. 4, Paragraph 1: Author says people in their 20's have no time or desire for solitude. Is this true in your experience?
3. P. 6, paragraphs 2 and 3: What does he mean here?
4. Page 7, last paragraph: What is his point about saying gregarious means "part of the herd".  What is the bigger claim he is making?