Thinkspot: what makes a good student?

What is the common component in these 3 visuals??????

    

  

Some help for the “Human Spirit” writing task.

Setting this writing task has been interesting- some students wrote a full opinionative essay quickly, others have really struggled, most have found the task difficult. This is to be expected- firstly, writing your own opinion down about anything is hard at the best of times, and secondly, writing about such complex issues makes it more so. But herein lies the challenge of the Expository essay- you really need to be able to THINK and WRITE quickly, with the added pressure of time limitation and (in thebcase of Year 12) with an ENTER score at stake.

So….some things to help you.

MATERIALISM or MATERIALIST PHILOSOPHY is a predominant contemporary way of thinking about the universe (and us people therein) which basically sees everything as consisting of matter. Our dreams, hopes, ambitions, capacity to love, etc etc….are simply higher-order brain functions. Our brain is matter, and a complex “machine” that is able to produce these “brain states.” Thus, the “human spirit” would basically be seen in terms of insinct/survival/morality and such. The best we could hope to be is “good” people that assist others in developing our societies, governments, arts and so on, so that the human species prospers. HUMANISM is a predominant philosophy that develops out of this.

On the other hand, DUALISM or SUBSTANCE DUALISM is a view (developed by Rene DESCARTES) that sees us as having a soul and a body. Descartes is famous for his “I think therefore I am” statement….if you elimate everything you percieve as being able to be proven deceptive vis our senses, you CANNOT elimate the fact that you are perceiving. So, since all things physical can be eliminated as being untrustworthy to our senses, the fact that we, as thinking things, remain, proves that there is more to us than matter. This view is still popular. Religion and theology is also very influential in developing these views.

The ancient Greeks had in place their VIRTUES…..again, still highly influential as these componenets of character we still admire and aspire to. As the wiki says: “Virtue (Latin: virtus, Greek: ἀρετή “arete”) is moral excellence. A virtueis a trait or quality subjectively deemed to be morally excellent and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being. Personal virtues are characteristics valued as promoting individual and collective well being. The opposite of virtue is vice. (look up “virtue” on the Wiki for a comprehensive listing)…However, in Western thinking, the he four classic Cardinal virtues are:

• temperance: σωφροσύνη (sōphrosynē)
• prudence: φρόνησις (phronēsis)
• fortitude: ανδρεία (andreia)
• justice: δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē)

 

So…what then is “the human spirit?”  It is indeed complext to even define. However, what could be said is that the human spirit is something that is displayed mainly vis ACTIONS, and that these actions are usually seen as being indicative of “human spirit” in times of both good and bad. So, in the same way that we saw that people overcome alienation in different ways, it could be said that these ways reveal the “spirit” of that person. Perhaps….perhaps not. You need to come up with your opinion. But if you are really struggling (as many are) perhaps the following topic sentences may help in getting you started:

What is a “human being” exactly, and how do we define what is human? I believe a human being…..

Humans are capable of great good, and great evil. When we talk of the “human spirit” we mean that…..

The human spirit can be seen in the actions of individuals when….

The human spirit can also be seen in the actions of groups of people, and even whole communities…..

So, while it is is hard to define what the human spirit is, we could say that……

 

Hope this helps. Thinking is hard. Writing about what we think on these sorts of things is equally difficult. Enjoy the ride. 😀

 

 

This week’s work and Holiday study plan

 

Throughout this week and over the holidays you will need to gather resources for your Expository Essay. Therefore the following tasks need to be completed (otherwise you have some “holiday homework” 😦 )

1. 500 word minimum statement on what you believe the “human spirit” to be.

2. A text selected for your “own text” element of the task.

3. An informational file detailing information relevant to this text (i.e quotes, text details, lyrics, etc)

4. Any other information that you believe will assist you in your expository essay (quotes from well-known people, ideas, and so on)

Note: for the SAC you may have ONE double-sides A4 cheat sheet….. so make sure you take full advantage of this opportunity.

Context: Your text

You will need to have a text of your own to reference in your expository essay. This may be a film text, novel, news article, song lyrics….but you WILL need to have information that you can use for your SAC prepared and ready to use. One site I looked at had the following list of “inspirational” movies- there are certainly some good ones here!

Rocky– Famous for the scene where Sylvester Stallion runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rocky (1976) has inspired millions of people with the tale of the good-natured debt collector and club fighter turned heavyweight champion contender. A classic underdog story, the movie itself was an underdog because it was shot for only 1.2 million dollars and it took under a month to shoot. But just like the hero of the movie, the film shocked everyone when it made over 117 million and won three Oscars including best picture. The heart and determination of Rocky made those who watched it believe in him and believe in themselves.

Men of Honor– Based on a true story, Robert Deniro and Cuba Gooding Jr. pair up for inspirational story of Master Chief Petty Officer Carl Brashear (Gooding Jr.) and Master Chief Leslie William “Billy” Sunday (Deniro) In the movie Men of Honor. Carl Brashear is a man trying to become the first African American Navy diver. Throughout the movie he faces opposition from those who don’t want him to succeed, including Sunday. With only a 7th grade education, Brashear is driven to become the first African American Navy Diver. With a fantastic and moving closing scene, Men of Honor delivers the message that no matter the obstacle, success is possible.

Rudy– One of the most inspiring sports movies of all time, the 1993 film Rudy delivers a tale of the undersized, under talented, Daniel Rudy Ruettiger who dreams of playing college football for the Norte Dame Fighting Irish despite his father’s wishes. Because of his drive and desire, Rudy earns a spot on the team and wins the loyalty of his teammates. With Rudy being only 5’6” and 165 pounds, he has a very slim chance of even making the squad. The movie teaches that will and determination can make up for a lack of talent and stature. The climax of the movie is when Rudy makes a sack in the last play of the game against Georgia Tech. Afterwards, Rudy is carried off the field by his teammates.

Forrest Gump-This movie that is based on a novel by the same name tells the story of a man who has an IQ of 75 and unknowingly lives a highly influential and successful life. Despite having leg braces as a child and his obvious mental incapacities, Forrest’s mother assures him that “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”. With that advice, Forrest goes on to win the Congressional Medal of Honor, become a world famous ping-pong champion, own of a highly successful shrimp fishing company, and run across the country in three years; all of this with a seemingly ignorant awareness to the importance of his accomplishments. The movie also touches on the quandary of whether the events in life are because of predetermined fate or if all of life is a series of unplanned occurrences. This amazing inspirational story of triumph earned 677 million dollars worldwide.

The Pursuit of Happyness– Inspired by the real life story of Chris Gardner,The Pursuit of Happyness is one of the most inspiring movies in recent years. A single man (Will Smith) raising his young son(Jaden Smith) is reduced to sleeping in bus station bathrooms and homeless shelters while trying to sell overpriced medical equipment to doctors and landing the one available employment position with the brokerage firm Dean Witter Reynolds. He is bombarded by obstacles like his medical equipment being stolen by street performers, a night’s stay in jail for unpaid parking tickets, and a consistent lack of cash flow. Despite the overwhelming trials he had to endure, Gardner wins the sole employment position. Will Smith’s 6 consecutive #1 opening, brought in 27 million dollars in its first weekend.

Braveheart-A dramatically inspiring movie about courage and freedom, Braveheart takes the viewer back to 1300s and introduces them to the legendary Scotsman named William Wallace (Mel Gibson). After his childhood love interest Murron is killed by an English Sheriff, Wallace retaliates and eventually begins a revolution against the English. The movie has many well filmed and graphic battle scenes. William Wallace is both a brilliant military strategist and fearless warrior. Although the William Wallace character in the movie actually existed, the movie is based on an epic poem called Sir William Wallace, Knight of Elderslie. The cry for freedom that Wallace makes at the end of the movie right before his death is powerfully influential.

Ray-In a eerily accurate portal of Ray Charles, Jamie Foxx delivers a performance of a lifetime in the movie Ray. Ray Charles loses his sight as a child but somehow manages to learn to play the piano and elevated himself into one of the most beloved rhythm and blues artist in the world. In addition to Ray’s blindness, he also contends with racism and a drug addiction to heroin. Just one of those obstacles are enough to keep most people from success but Ray takes what his mother teaches him about “making your own way in this world” to catapult him to achievement. The movie grossed over 125 million worldwide and Jamie Foxx won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

The Shawshank Redemption-Voted the most inspirational movie by British film fans in 2006, Shawshank Redemption is based on a novel by Stephen King and is also one of my favorite movies to watch. The movie tells the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) and Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman) as two inmates who spend nearly 20 years in a Maine penitentiary called Shawshank Prison. Andy is young banker in 1947 who is falsely convicted of murdering his wife and her lover and is sent to Shawshank to serve two consecutive life sentences. In the prison, Andy has a hard time adjusting and is violated by other inmates. He becomes acquainted with Red and his friends and because of his financial background, begins to offer his tax knowledge and services to the guards free of charge. Because of his usefulness, the Warden Samuel Norton moves Andy from manual labor jobs, to an office where he can launder money for Norton by creating a fictional human being named Randel Stevens. The movie outlines Andy’s determination and integrity as he works to get a library built inside the prison and educate the inmates so that they can earn their GED. The Shawshank Redemption received great reviews when it was released in 1994 but had a mediocre showing at the box office. However, it has enjoyed great success in television showings and in DVD sales.

Glory-After Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick) survives in a horrifying battle during the Civil War, he is offered a position to lead one of the first all African American units in the U.S. Army. He takes on that responsibility despite his doubts that the soldiers have the capability to become good fighters. Over time, the soldiers which include a gravedigger named John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman) and a runaway slave named Trip (Denzel Washington),begin to prove they are worthy of fighting for the Union States. The soldiers are a proud group of men and very patriotic despite the racism they encounter. The white officers and the black soldiers do have a powerfully exhibited bonding moment when the soldiers tear up their paychecks because they were paid less than what they were promised and also less than the white soldiers. Shaw and his commanding officer tear up their paychecks also in protest of this injustice. This movie has a moving closing scene as the soldiers storm an uphill Confederate fort while being targeted by gun and cannon fire. The movie had multiple award nominations and won three Oscars. Denzel took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor award.

Field of Dreams-This movie is about dreams and baseball. Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) is a perfectly sane man who is running a family farm in Iowa with his wife. The movie takes a twist towards the insane when Ray is standing in the middle of a corn field and hears a quiet voice that says to him, “If you build it, he will come.” The “he” that the voice is referring to is a Major League Baseball player who played in the early 20th century named Shoeless Joe Jackson. As well as being about baseball, the movie also hints at the importance of how couples should share in each other’s dreams. The movie is simplistic in its nature because of the lack of a powerful revelation or statement. It’s beautifully delivered as a story about a dream coming true.

Core Information: The Elephant Man

 

Directed by David Lynch

Produced by Jonathan Sanger, Stuart Cornfeld, Mel Brooks

Screenplay by Christopher De Vore, Eric Bergren and David Lynch

Based on “The Elephant Man and other Reminiscences” by Sir Frederick Treves
and “The Elephant Man: A Study in Human Dignity” by Ashley Montagu

Starring:
Anthony Hopkins (Sir Frederick Treves)
John Hurt (John Merrick)
Anne Bancroft (Mrs Kendall)
John Gielgud (Governor Carr-Gomm)

Music by John Morris
Cinematography Freddie Francis
Editing by Anne V. Coates

Release date(s) October 10, 1980 (1980-10-10)
Running time: 124 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: US$5 million
Gross revenue $26,010,864 (USA)

Awards:
The Elephant Man was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role (John Hurt), Art Direction-Set Decoration (Stuart Craig, Robert Cartwright, Hugh Scaife), Costume Design, Director, Film Editing, Music: Original Score, and Writing: Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium. However, the film did not win any.

It won the BAFTA Award for Best Film, as well as other BAFTA Awards for Best Film, Best Actor (John Hurt) and Best Production Design, and was nominated for four others: Direction, Screenplay, Cinematography, and Editing.

Memorable quotes: The Elephant Man

               

Mrs. Kendal: Why, Mr. Merrick, you’re not an elephant man at all.
John Merrick: Oh no?
Mrs. Kendal: Oh no… no… you’re a Romeo.
_____
Dr. Frederick Treves: Am I a good man? Or a bad man?
_____
John Merrick: I am not an elephant! I am not an animal! I am a human being! I am a man!
_____
Carr Gomm: Can you imagine the kind of life he must have had?
Dr. Frederick Treves: Yes, I think I can.
Carr Gomm: I don’t think so. No one could possibly imagine it! I don’t believe any of us can!
_____
Mothershead: Sir! I don’t quite… I don’t quite understand why it is you allow that sort of people in there.
Dr. Frederick Treves: Why? Because he enjoys it, and I think it’s very good for him.
Mothershead: Yes, but, sir, you saw the expression on their faces. They didn’t hide their disgust. They don’t care anything about John! They only want to impress their friends!
Dr. Frederick Treves: I think you’re being rather harsh on them, don’t you, Mrs. Mothershead?
Mothershead: I beg your pardon!
Dr. Frederick Treves: You yourself hardly showed him much loving kindness when he first arrived, did you?
Mothershead: I bathed him, I fed him, and I cleaned up after him, didn’t I? And I see that my nurses do the same. And if loving kindness can be called care and practical concern, then I did show him loving kindness, and I am not ashamed to admit it!
_____
John Merrick: There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you for some time now.
Dr. Frederick Treves: What’s that?
John Merrick: Can you cure me?
Dr. Frederick Treves: No. We can care for you, but we can’t cure you.
John Merrick: [matter-of-factly] No. I thought not.
_____
John Merrick: People are frightened by what they don’t understand.
_____
Bytes: Life!… is full of surprises. Consider the fate of this creature’s poor mother, struck down in the fourth month of her maternal condition by an elephant, a wild elephant. Struck down!… on an uncharted African isle. The result is plain to see… Ladies and gentlemen… The terrible… Elephant… Man…
_____
Dr. Fox: Have you ever mentioned his mental state?
Dr. Frederick Treves: Oh, he’s an imbecile, probably from birth. Man’s a complete idiot… Pray to God he’s an idiot.
_____
Plumed Dwarf: Luck, my friend, luck. Who needs it more than we?
_____
John Merrick: [haltingly] Hello… my name is… John Merrick.
_____
John Merrick: I am happy every moment of every day…My life is full because I know I am loved.
_____
Mrs. Treves: I’m very pleased to meet you, Mr. Merrick.
John Merrick: I’m very pleased…
[John begins to cry]
Dr. Frederick Treves: What is it, John? What’s the matter?
John Merrick: It’s just that I-I’m not used to being treated so well by a beautiful woman…
_____
John Merrick: [after seeing pictures of Dr. Treves’ family] Would you care to see my mother?
Dr. Frederick Treves: [surprised] Your mother? Yes please.
[John pulls out a small portrait]
Mrs. Treves: Oh but she’s… Mr. Merrick, she’s beautiful!
John Merrick: Oh, she had the face of an angel!
[sadly]
John Merrick: I must have been a great disappointment to her.
Mrs. Treves: No, Mr. Merrick, no. No son as loving as you could ever be a disappointment.
John Merrick: If only I could find her, so she could see me with such lovely friends here now; perhaps she could love me as I am. I’ve tried so hard to be good.
[Mrs. Treves begins to cry]

The Elephant Man: Material on David Lynch.

David Lynch is regarded as one of the finest filmakers of the current day.  There are a plethora of blogs that deal with his movies and many of them are excellent.

For example, click here to see a detailed analysis of the deeper thematic material in “The Elephant Man.”

Lynch is regarded as a surrealist film-maker. Research surrealism and discover what the term means and how it manifests itself in art. Given that one of Lynch’s concerns is the relationship between humans and machines (click here to see a website dealing with this) find other artists who have similar concerns. The Swiss sculptor sand painter H.R. Giger is one such artist, though his work is bizarre and challenging to view.

The Context: The Human Spirit.

At first glance, the context of “The Human Spirit” may appear trite and simple, but in fact it is a complex one that will require much thought on your part. The questions that arise from this Context are ones that have baffled and intrigued the greatest human minds throughout humankind’s history. These are question such as:

What is a human being? What IS IT to be human?

Are we just advanced biological mammals or is there more? If so, what is this? A soul? A spirit?

What is our purpose, if indeed there is any purpose?

How important are our actions? What motivates them?

What is a “good” person? What is a “bad” person?

….and so on.

 

Of course, there are no “set in stone” answers to these questions, but your beliefs concerning these issues reveal your philosophy regarding life and the reason for life. Tricky stuff to be sure!!

So……when we say the context is “The Human Spirit” we are looking at how humanity, in all ts facets and complexity, is portrayed in texts and what the creators of these texts are saying about humans and our capacities. To begin, write a paragraph, off the “top of your head” in response to the above questions. Give anecdotal evidence if possible.

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