Some ideas for the creative aspect

O Scrapbook:O Google “scrapbook ideas”O Create a Pinterest account or if you’re

techy, do a collage on Publisher, and email it to me

O Visual depiction of important aspects of the story

O Prologue:O What happened in Weed (before Of Mice

and Men began)?O Alternative ending or extra chapterO Journal entries

Writing Workshop

# 1Organizing your arguments

and your research

Start with the central “yes/no” question, and take a stand

Your EditorialO Think of it as a debate

O What will be the central idea of your debate?O “Reading makes people more caring and

sympathetic”O What arguments can you make to support your

ideas?O What proof can you find to

support your arguments?

But wait!!!O Make sure you consider

counterarguments!!!O Considering the other side shows

you did your homework, and that you’re prepared for any « yeah, buts »

O It also allows you to refute the other with a stronger argument

Ask yourself:O What do I know? O What do I need to

know?

What I know

Of Mice and Men should be banned from high school English classes

OUnnecessary foul languageODepicts different forms of

discrimination that serve to dehumanize those touched:1. Ableism2. Misogyny3. Racism

O A violent ending (murder)

I got this from the source text

1. Ableism (elaboration)

OLennie depicted as a freakishly large yet stereotypical child-man, referred to as a “crazy bastard” (4), a “crazy fool” (9), a “dum-dum” (78) whom George used to obtain work.

OLennie portrayed as childlike, and as unable to control his impulses or use reason, needing George to take care of, and control, himO Ex. When he crushes Curley’s hand, and

accidentally kills the puppy, and Curley’s wife

2. Misogyny (elaboration)

OThe only female character is dehumanizedO Referred to as a “bitch”, a “piece

of jail bait”, and a “rat-trap” (32)O Not given a name other than

Curley’s wifeO Looked upon as a threat to the

men on the ranch since she is perceived as the cause of men’s loss of control

3. Racism (elaboration)OThe only Black character is referred to

as a “nigger” (78) and “the negro stable buck” (66)

OCurley’s unnamed wife reminds him that, even though she is lesser than men, she is still superior to a Black man;

OBeing a coloured man in the 1930s, he is very far down on the social hierarchy.

Key words/phrases

What do I need to know?

Do research to strengthen your position, and add support to your

arguments

Research: AbleismO Ableism in 1930s O Mental Retardation in 1930sO Historical perception of mentally

challenged

A person with disabilities

O “regarded as subhuman […] especially those labeled ‘mentally retarded’”(288)

O historically perceived as a “Menace to Society”, “Object of Dread”, “Object of Pity”, “Diseased Organism”, “Object of Ridicule”

http://www33.homepage.villanova.edu/edward.fierros/ableismA.pdf

Research ideasO Foul language or profanity in

literatureO Effects on teensO Profanity in media

O MisogynyO Women 1930sO Sexism 1930sO Modern misogyny

O Racism O Racism 1930s O California 1930s racismO Racist slurs

O Violence in literature

Your researchO Be picky with your resources – don’t just

settle!

Support Your Perspective• Appeal to the audience’s reason

– Use statistics and reputable studiesO Cite experts on the topic

O Do they back up what you say?O Do they refute the other side?

owl.english.purdue.edu

Cite Sources with Some Clout

O Which source would a reader find more credible?O The New York TimesO http://www.myopinion.com

O Which person would a reader be more likely to believe?O Joe Smith from Fort Wayne, INO Dr. Susan Worth, Prof. of Criminology at Purdue

University

owl.english.purdue.edu

Establish CredibilityO Cite credible sources O Cite sources correctly and thoroughlyO Use professional language (and design)O Edit out all errors

owl.english.purdue.edu

Cite Sources EthicallyDon’t misrepresent a quote or leave out important information.

Misquote: “Crime rates were down by 2002,” according to Dr. Smith.

Actual quote: “Crime rates were down by 2002, but steadily began climbing again a year later,” said Dr. Smith.

owl.english.purdue.edu

TomorrowO Considering your counterarguments

O How might someone disagree with you, or discount your arguments?

O Using transitions to help your ideas flowO Words to avoid in your writing