Extra Credit Opportunities

There are a variety of cultural/literary events listed below.  Attending one of them can earn you extra credit.  For the performances, you must bring me your ticket stubs and/or program by 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22.  For the other events, you should write a reflective journal explaining what you saw/heard at the event and your reaction (what you found interesting, thoughts, or your opinion/thoughts that it made you consider).  I would need your journal entry on paper or emailed to me by the same day and time.

Leaving Czechoslovakia Exhibit Opening

Wednesday, Oct 17 | 7 p.m.

Cost: Free, but RSVP is required
Location: Central Library, 1000 Grand Avenue, Downtown Des Moines
This event is co-sponsored by the Iowa International Center, the Des Moines Public Library and Drake University, and is made possible by a grant from Humanities Iowa.

From 2009 through 2011, more than 150 interviews were conducted by the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library through its landmark project, Recording Voices & Documenting Memories of Czech & Slovak Americans. No one could have anticipated the personal drama conveyed in these stories.

Leaving Czechoslovakia presents the stories of 20th-century Czech and Slovak émigrés to America in their own words. Speakers at the opening will include Dr. Kieran Williams of Drake University, Dr. Mila Saskova-Pierce of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Recording Voices interviewee Peter Vodenka.

This event is free and open to the public, however an RSVP is required. RSVP to Rosie Johnston via email – rjohnston@ncsml.org – by October 12.

Women Writers Forum

Sunday, Oct 21 | 2 p.m.

Cost: Free
Location: Central Library, 1000 Grand Avenue, Downtown Des Moines
Sponsored by the Conlin Family Foundation

The Women Writers Forum will highlight the works of women writers, whose works specifically represent the female perspective. Authors will have the opportunity to read from one of their original works, and then take questions from audience members who are fans of the author, or have interest in specific genre of each author, as well as those hoping to have their works published.  Anne Carothers-Kay, Managing Editor of The Business Record, will be moderator for the forum.

Theatre Simpson: University

Friday, October 12 at 7:30pm 

Buy Tickets

Event runs from October 12 to October 14

Blank Performing Art Center, Barnum Studio Theatre, Indianola

University is an evening of short plays that focus on the lives, loves, struggles, and triumphs of a group of university students as they navigate their way through the complicated world of a college campus.

This show will play for two weekends in the Barnum Studio Theatre.

Cost: Adults $10.00; Non-Simpson Students $9.00; Groups 10+ $8.00; Student Groups $8.00

Les Miserable
Already happened, but you can use it if you went when it was here at the Civic Center

Des Moines Art Center--Journaling Activity
Visit the Art Center, explore the exhibits, and then choose either one piece you find interesting to write about or reflect on the Art Center exhibits as a whole.  Write about what you saw that you liked, didn't understand, find interesting, etc.

Hours of Operation
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 11 am — 4 pm
Thursday, 11 am — 9 pm
Saturday, 10 am — 4 pm
Sunday, Noon — 4 pm
Closed Monday
Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa
515.277.4405  
FREE admission 

Meet Anthony Robles
Born with one leg, NCAA Wrestling Champion Anthony Robles will discuss his inspiring book, UNSTOPPABLE: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion.
Date:  Monday, October 15
Location: Des Moines Central Library, Meeting Room One, Two, Three
Event Type: Author Visit
Age Group(s): Adult
Time: 6:30-8:00 PM
Contact:  Jan Kaiser jdkaiser@dmpl.org

Description:

 Anthony Robles is a 3-time All-American wrestler, Nike-sponsored athlete, ESPN Analyst, and motivational speaker. A graduate of Arizona State University, he is the 2011 NCAA National Wrestling Champion and finished his senior year with a 36-0 record. Robles received the “Jimmy V Perseverance Award” at the 2011 ESPY’s, is a recipient of the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award, and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012.

Jungle RJ Questions

AP Lang

Grissom

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

Reading Journal Questions

As you read the novel, you should of course make note of the general reading journal guidelines—the kinds of things that any good, critical reader would make note of.  In addition, these are a few text-specific questions to help you focus your reading:

1. What is the tone of the novel and where does it shift?  What is its effect?

 

2. Note connections to Fast Food Nation.

 

3. Pinpoint Sinclair’s purpose.  How do the various parts of the book help him make that point?

 

4. How does Sinclair create pathos?  Be specific.  How effective is it?

 

5. How does Sinclair create ethos?  Be specific.  How effective is it?

 

6. Analyze the way Sinclair uses elements of literature in the creation of his argument.  For example, how does he use diction, imagery, and figurative language?  Don’t just identify that he uses a metaphor however; analyze the effect of that metaphor on his argument.