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Philippe Ernewein
Teacher/Writer/Coach/Consultant/Student
The Beat Tour of Denver
The Beat Tour of Denver is scheduled sporadically & (sometimes) spontaneously; please contact me if interested in the tour. Please download the following documents prior to leaving campus:
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Kerouac Journal, "Private Philologies": May 1949, Westwood, CO
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Kerouac Journal, "Le Coeur Et L'Arbre" (Heart of the Tree): Summer 1949, Denver, CO
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Kerouac Map of Denver
Also, please bring your copy of On The Road.
Welcome to the Beat Generation
This week-long, introductory class is taught during the year at various times in conjunction with College Week, Special Studies Units and as part of a professional development series for teachers called "Teachers As Writers."
This unit includes The Beat Tour of Denver, a half or full day of experiential learning around Denver. The UbD-formated syllabus can be found here.
Course Texts:
Ann Charters (ed.), The Portable Beat Reader
Jack Kerouac, On the Road
Allen Ginsberg, Howl and Other Poems & Kaddish
Gary Snyder, Riprap & Cold Mountain Poems
Course Description:
This class is an introduction to the poetry, fiction, and non-fiction of the writers from the Beat Generation. This course will involve writing and reading on a daily basis. An example of “best writing” and a PowerPoint presentation are requirements for this course.
Objectives:
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To understand the political, social, and artistic climate during the time of the Beat Generation.
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To appreciate the continued interest in the Beat phenomenon forty years after the style became famous.
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To engage in and influence the ongoing critical debate about Beat ideas, Bohemianism, popular culture, and writing by being active creators of corroborating or competing texts.
Course Requirements:
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Daily attendance
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Complete reading assignments/pony cards
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PowerPoint presentation or Broadside creation
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Example of “best writing”
Definitions:
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“Best writing”= typed copy of the golden nuggets captured during the free write sessions. Minimum one-page, typed & double-spaced.
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Visual representation= 10 - 12 minutes, exploring one of the following topics: the Beat Generation, Atomic Bomb (& aftermath), an individual representative of the Beat Generation or the lasting influence of the Beats.
Tentative Schedule:
Monday
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Introduction: “What is the Beat Generation?”
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Review syllabus
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Kerouac’s rules of writing
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Timed writing
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Homework: visit rememberit.org/30 minutes journal
Tuesday
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Check-out Kerouac's rules about writing: Writing Modern Prose
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Share first free writing
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On The Road: movie trailer
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King Crimson's Beat
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Timed Writing
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Homework: visit rememberit.org/30 minutes journal
Wednesday
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Share free writing
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ML: Ginsberg
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Video: Ginsberg & Howl
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Homework: find "Beat" poem
Thursday
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Watch video (length 2:44): The Influence of the Beat Generation
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Journal Independently: answer question, "How has reading and listening to the writing of the Beat Generation influenced the writing you've done in class?"
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Share out: all-group (answer to question)
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Watch video with a partner (length 11:15): The Source (Beat Documentary, part 1). As you watch, take notes with partner, answer question: "What did you learn from this documentary clip that is new/What confirms what we've already learned in class?"
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Timed Writing: 10 minute free write (add to previous writing, or start new)
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By 8:00 am Friday, please email your best writing to Mr. Ernewein (PErnewein@denveracademy.org); minimum length, one page typed/double-spaced
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Feel free to reach out to Mr. Ernewein directly with questions through email.
Friday
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Post “Best Writing”
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Share examples of “Best Writing”
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