Debates

Please get organized so that on Tuesday we already have the teams set. Please look at the links I posted.

Yet another tie

I noticed we have another tie-euthanasia- so if one of the teams would like to change their topic to Euthanasia, OK by me.

Debates

On your right you'll find under DEBATES a very useful link with everythig you should know about debating (Debating rules). Please read it.

Start preparing your themes (same-sex marriage or forced marriage). I've posted a few links, try finding more so that next class in your teams you can start preparing. You'll have to decide on the MOOT, and also who is going to be the 1st , 2nd , 3rd speaker for or against.

Adjustment to assignment dates

I decided to make some adjustments to the assignment dates.

Our 1st debate session will be on the 5th of June.
The second session will be on the 12th June, which means the 5th assignment will now be on the 17th June.

Yakoobi's Student - Poem

Our young and childish games
Could somehow reveal, tell apart
Those who believed in burning flames
From those who had indeed a good start.

I was taught not to feel ashamed
From the beginning of my time;
No real authority when masters came
But lots of it in my own mind.

Bearded men, a Holy book,
A stage to play along
Was the reality that made us think
About what’s good and wrong.

Our knowledge was immense
And our lives were put at risk
Just to unveil that great light,
That great Holy bright
Instead of a closed fist.

Among all the other girls,
I am blessed to be
As brave as a the birds,
As brave as Yacoobi.

Themes for debating

As you can check from the poll, forced marriages and same-sex marriages are ahead.

I've decided to postpone the debates: our 1st session will be on the 5th, then we will set another
date for the second group. On the 3rd June ,I'd like to do some preparation in view of the debates

Poem on Handout 4.4A

From the womb to the tomb



Morning is here, morning is near
And now it is time to leave
The house which makes my future safe
Seems to be waiting for me

Morning is here, morning is near
But I have no idea
That God has made to wrap my faith
Just like the chadari I wear

Morning is here, morning is near
I cannot breathe, no one can help
That alley is the perfect place
For me to help myself

Morning is here, morning is near
I gasp for breath, I feel relieved
But the hand of the God who wraps my faith
Is coming over to me

I feel humiliation, I feel pain
Red raindrops hit the floor
I feel beaten as I am beaten
Until my heart can beat no more

Morning is no longer near
But I know mourning is here
I wish morning had come for my heir
But he was drowned in my own tears

Morning has turned to night
I knew it was time to leave
As I exposed myself I was exposed to death
But there should have been time to live.

Mourning is here…

Debates

We have decided that one team is doing Forced Marriages, as the other topics are tied will you please vote to see what our 2nd topic will be. On your right, under Debates check the link I just posted on debating rules, it explains all you need to know about debates.

Please vote

Hi all,

Please vote in the poll

Assignment 4 (Class) May 29th

For this assignment please bring exam paper. You can bring your English/English dictionaries as well as your copies of The Kite Runner.

Added new video on Afghanistan

Check on your right under Afghanistan (videos)

Kite Running Tournament

Some pictures related to the kite running tournament, taken from the movie! :)

Big think link

Check the link on the right under debates. It has interviews with experts on several ethical issues.

Debates

In preparation for the debating sessions, please refer to the link on the right (Ethical issues for debating) under debates.

Choose one topic per group (6 students per group). Vote in the poll on the blog.


Thanks!

Assignment nº 3-Creative writing (point of view)

Assignment 3 - point of view (home) due May 27th

ASSIGNMENTS UNTIL THE END OF THE SEMESTER

Our next classes will be dedicated to preparing the following assignments:

• Assignment 3 - descriptive writing - point of view (home). This will be due 27th May.
• Assignment 4 - report on chapter of novel (class) - Thursday 29th May. This is based on an excerpt from The Kite Runner, requiring your interpretation of its relevance and its meanings.
• Debates - 3rd/5th June.
• RESEARCH PROJECT - REPORT based on either on novel or forum contribution, incorporating contributions to blog discussion and research. Book report due Thursday 29th May.
• Assignment 5 - argumentative article (class) - Thursday June 12th
  

Opium abuse in Afghanistan