1. Bellringer: Feb. 18
Have your TFA notes out on your desk for me to check quickly.
Write on a piece of paper – make it a regular sized piece of paper.
What message about the Igbo people is Achebe making in part I?

2. Discussion question 1:
Even as Achebe works to educate his readers about African culture and to combat demeaning stereotypes, he does not present Igbo society as ideal or perfect. The portrait of this culture on the eve of its "falling apart" in Part I of Things Fall Apart is complex, sometimes contradictory and critical.
What aspects of pre-colonial Igbo culture does Achebe seem to question or criticize?
How does Achebe use characters like Obierika, Okonkwo, and Nwoye to offer such social criticism of Igbo society?
How do the people of Umuofia react to change?

3. Discussion question 2:
Note how Achebe introduces—but does not fully explain--Igbo customs, rituals, and ceremonies in the novel.
Why would Achebe choose to do this, considering that he wrote for an international non-African audience as well as his own people.
For example:
What do we learn from the kola ceremony of hospitality? Paul Brians explains, "Kola is a mild stimulant, comparable to tea or coffee, which is served on most social occasions in this culture. It is also one ingredient after which Coca-Cola is named. Note how the ritual for sharing kola is described without being explained.
How is awareness of rank observed in the drinking of the palm wine? Palm-wine is a naturally fermented product of the palm-wine tree, a sort of natural beer.

4. To conclude – you will submit this response
To conclude – you will submit this response. Based on Part I of the novel, how is Achebe attempting to address intolerance (both within the Igbo culture and in Western culture). Provide evidence from the text and from our discussion today. This response is your ticket out.

5. MLK’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” - if we have time after discussing part I of TFA
We will get to this part of the lesson on Friday, Feb. 20.

6. Reading Goals Use reading guide to help analyze King’s approach.
Evaluate his use of ethos, logos, and pathos to see if his piece is more persuasive or argumentative.
Prepare to answer the question: How does MLK employ ethos, logos, and pathos in “A Letter From Birmingham Jail” to construct his message?
Here’s another LONGER video which incorporates both “A Call for Unity” and “Letter from Birmingham Jail” if you need some help at home: Univerity of Texas at Austin's video
Reading Goals

7. How does King create his ethos for his intended audience
How does King create his ethos for his intended audience? Why can he not rely on his credentials and leadership roles?
How does King create a logical argument throughout his response?
How does King use pathos effectively? (not too much, not too little)
Discussion:

8. Answer the lesson question:
How does MLK employ ethos, logos, and pathos in “A Letter From Birmingham Jail” to construct his message?