272Q: Hero Blog (Hahd fo' Be one Hero)

Vogler's Hero Journey .pdf

2012-01-26T13:42:00.002-10:00

This document represents a strong overview of the Hero's Journey discussed briefly today:

http://calvarydevoted.org/Public/studies/film/stages-of-the-hero.pdf

Marshmallow Eating

2012-01-19T10:02:00.000-10:00

We have numerous marshmallows in our lives: sweet, tasty marshmallows. Some of these might be family, work, relationships, school—the important marshmallows.

Others might be marshmallows like Facebook, PS3, XBox, Wii, 3DS, iPad, going clubbing, skateboarding, hanging out, drinking coffee, watching Family Guy re-runs... These marshmallows are equally tempting.

Choose wisely! Delayed gratification is an important indicator of future success! Do you really need to go clubbing tonight? Do you really need to buy that new article of clothing? Or do you want to?

Today's Handout: Epic Poem Heroes

2012-01-18T12:58:00.000-10:00

Hero Epics

Epic Hero Handout

Syllabus Quiz: Return to me in class

2012-01-13T09:16:00.001-10:00

Syllabus Quiz: For those of you who didn't do it.

Syllabus Quiz Link

Some of you were unable to complete this Syllabus Review because you missed the first class. Please return this to me next class, since it is worth participation points.

Mr. K

My favorite fictional hero

2012-01-12T15:06:00.000-10:00

Arguably, at the moment, is Severus Snape

First off, no, I do not identify personally with Snape completely. Let's get that out of the way. I don't have greasy black hair or a hooked nose, and besides, only in my dreams could I hope to have Alan Rickman's dulcet voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw6Swr-ME40

Old school analysis of Severus Snape:

Setting: Snape is Hogwart's School, and he has never left, because much of his formative experiences stem from there. He manifests himself completely as House Slytherin. In a closer analysis of House Slytherin, it's easy to see why Harry Potter could have done well there: ambition, greed, desire—in evolutionary sequences and in general biology, those traits can be very useful and successful. When ambition, greed, desire become megalomania, desire for power and control, and raw, unfiltered evil, then you get a Lord Voldermort.

Character: Snape creates a catharsis bubble. In earlier sequences through the series, we find that Snape was mercilessly harassed by the 'popular' Quidditch jocks at Hogwarts, especially James Potter. When we first meet Snape, we think that he is the Simon Cowell of the school: powerful, eminent, critical, obnoxious, controlling. When we see Snape through the eyes of the looking glass, and intriguingly enough, through Harry's eyes, we see a fragile, awkward, dorky, greasy, nebbish teen—and that's where the character catharsis comes from, since many adolescents feel exactly the same way.

Tensions: Snape prevents Harry Potter from becoming full of hubris. Here is a classic quote from the first book:

"How extraordinarily like your father you are, Potter," Snape said suddenly, his eyes glinting. "He too was exceedingly arrogant. A small amount of talent on the Quidditch field made him think he was a cut above the rest of us too. Strutting around the place with his friends and admirers ... The resemblance between you is uncanny." (PA14)

This quote particularly cuts into Harry's soul; after all, Snape is 'dissing' his dead daddy. The primary focus on phrases like "exceedingly arrogant' and 'cut above the rest' are probably meant to make Harry's lightning scar burn up with emotive rage. Then again, this quote fully demonstrates a different type of 'love' he has for Harry, Lily's son. If the woman you really loved had a son who could easily fall into the Dark Arts because the Death Eaters love control and mastery, and they revel in spells like the Cruxiatus or Avada Kedavra, then you;'d want to protect him from that path.

And ultimately, this tension in Snape, whether to be a kindly mentor like Dumbledore, or the Simon Cowell of the school, in my mind, is what keeps Harry Potter honest and level. Snape shaves off Harry Potter's innate celebrity ethos and tells him: Learn your chops, Potter. Don't be complacent and arrogant. Work for this. Work for your mom and dad's memory. Be the best you can be without letting it get to your head. (After all, Tom Marvolo Riddle, the future Lord Voldermort...ended up the opposite way).

There's not so much I want to say about the New School Dimensions other than I personally identify with the bullying aspects in the piece, the class-based structure since Snape does not seem as well off as other individuals, and the psychological dimensions, since Snape's Myers-Briggs is very similar to an INTJ personalty archetype.

Ultimately, I like Severus Snape because to me, he is the martyr and the earnest alazon-hero from the novel. He was protecting Harry from day one at Hogwart's, even if nobody or anybody would EVER acknowledge him for that. At least to me, that might be the very definition of heroism: not expecting a single ounce of recognition for one's valiant efforts.

Any Questions? Post them if you have them.

2012-01-12T09:32:00.001-10:00

Now that we are coming towards the end of the first week, I ask, "Got Questions?"

Read the Course Frequently Asked Questions, and then, if you have questions that still need answering, please post them BELOW.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO PUT YOUR NAME or CODENAME ON THIS POST IF YOU DON'T WANT TO.

Please remember, it's better to ask a question than to suffer in silence...

Think-Write #1.

2012-01-09T10:44:00.000-10:00

Please post your Think-Write#1 below.

As a refresher, here are the Think-Write questions:

1. Answer, using concrete evidence from the real world/examples, this question: "What makes it difficult to be a hero in modern times?"

2. Write a eulogy for yourself, using heroic terms.

3. Identify a 2006-2012 video game character that seems heroic or antiheroic. Explain how and why they get that vibe via textual and or visual evidence.

4. More points: Finish What's a Hero? to show me how 'mad' your textual analysis skills are.

Welcome to 272Q: The Hero. Post your hellos below.

2012-01-09T10:42:00.001-10:00

Welcome to Spring Semester, 2012, the Year of the Water Dragon.

As mentioned in class, please post your comment below, either a greeting or a question about the course.

You can choose to use your ANONYMOUS code name or your real name. Click on the Post Comment button below to post. If you want to make things easier on me and have nothing to hide, please just use your real name.

Kubota, Kubotz, Kubo, Mr. K

Smarthinking Tutoring

2012-01-03T13:17:00.000-10:00

Background: Each of you gets 5 hours of tutoring time in multiple subjects. You get extra points on your major drafts for using this service, especially during your 2nd draft.

Instructions:

UH System Student Instruction Flyer - 2011 Fall.docx

Dates of Operations:

Smarthinking Hours of Service - HST.pdf

To connect with a tutor, follow these steps:
1. Login to the MyUH Portal: http://myuh.hawaii.edu.

2. Click the MyTools tab.

3. Click the Connect Now button in the Smarthinking channel.

Need help with your writing assignments?

If you need help in the early phases of your writing assignment (generating ideas, brainstorming, outlining, or just some help getting started), then choose Writing (All Subjects) under the Connect with an e-structor now! icon.

If you have a completed draft of your paper ready to submit for review, submit it to the SMARTHINKING Essay Center by selecting the Essay Center choice under Submit your Writing. A professional writing tutor will give you the help that you need to improve your paper and your overall writing skills.

Need help with Math, Science, or Business Courses?
Connect with a live tutor by choosing the subject area in which you need help under the Connect with an e-structor now! icon. Then use the whiteboard to start a chat session with a professional tutor and type your question. After you have typed your question or problem, click the Enter Question button. You may have to wait a few minutes to get connected but once you do, you'll have the tutor's full and undivided attention!

My Google Voice #...(714) 367-4861

2012-01-01T16:09:00.000-10:00

I'm trying to increase my accessibility, and since so many of you have voicemail and text-messaging capabilities, please feel free to TEXT or LEAVE ME A GOOGLEVOICE message. GoogleVoice gives you the following abilities:

One Number
Use a single number that rings you anywhere.

Online voicemail
Get transcribed messages delivered to your inbox.

Cheap calls
Free calls & text messages to the U.S. & Canada.
Super low rates everywhere else.

Here's my #:

(714) 367-4861