Part of my goal as a teacher is to expand my students' horizons of knowledge to include literature and to see how it relates to the larger experiences of the world. Two of my classes this year will be directly related to multicultural experiences. While the remaining three classes will be focused on skills required for their chosen paths immediately after graduation, students will still be responsible for an awareness of the world. Therefore, I have created this extra credit opportunity for all students.
The following programs can be found on public television: either WPBA-30 or GPTV-8. Please check for appropriate channel if you have cable services. Students have one week following the airing of the program to turn in a written response. Because of the extended time to turn in the response, students are encouraged to tape programs that are on late at night to watch at more appropriate times.
The written response must include a paragraph summarizing the program and a paragraph responding to the program. Each program response will be worth up to 10 bonus points no matter how long the program is. Students may complete this extra credit for up to 10 programs in one semester. An additional 5 points may be earned for discussion with a parent/guardian of the program documented by the parent/guardian's signature on the response sheet.
Wednesday, 10/6 Masterpiece Theatre: Moll Flanders (cc) Based on Daniel Defoe's renowned 18th-century novel, this adaptation by award-winning writer Andrew Davies (Middlemarch, The Final Cut) tells the exciting story of the notorious Moll Flanders, who survives on seduction, cunning and wit. Married five times, including once to her own brother, Moll has more than her fair share of adventures. When the stock of husbands runs out, she turns to a life of crime and soon becomes Britain's most wanted criminal -- with a fat price on her head and people crying out for her hanging. Eventually she's caught, but can Moll cheat the gallows? This comic and moving chronicle of Moll's life, as she unleashes her fighting spirit upon the unsuspecting world in an exhilarating romp through the riotous 18th century, stars Alex Kingston (ER) as Moll and Daniel Craig as Jemmy, the love of Moll's life. Ch. 8, 9:00 pm - 12:00 am
Thursday, 10/7 HOSTAGE - "Missing" explores the origins of the hostage crisis in Lebanon, recalling the 15-year civil war that devastated the country, from the violent beginnings in 1982 to the kidnapping of Westerners in 1984. Ch. 30, 11:00 pm - 12:00a
Saturday, 10/9 ANYPLACE WILD - "Outrigger Canoeing in Hawaii: Pacific Ocean Sleigh Ride" takes viewers for an exhilarating sail down the Kau coast of Hawaii's Big Island. The program also features folklore, traditions, and the ancient navigational methods that guided thousands of miles of Pacific exploration in canoes long before Columbus was born. CC Ch. 30, 7:30 - 8:00 pm
Sunday, 10/10 The World of National Geographic (cc) The Wilds of Madagascar -- This episode travels over high rocks and through dark caves to the last refuge of many species found only on Africa's island Eden, Madagascar. Ch. 8, 7:05 - 8:00 pm
Monday, 10/11 RED FILES - "Secret Soviet Moon Mission" presents a story of the mastermind responsible for the entire Soviet space program: Sergei Pavlovich Korolev. Under his leadership, the Soviets achieved amazing triumphs in rocket science, including the first man and woman in space and the first spacecraft to reach the moon. CC Ch. 30, 11:00 pm - 12:00am
Tuesday, 10/12 GOING PLACES - "Madrid"is a city renowned for charming narrow streets, world-class art collections and colorful nightlife. This program takes viewers to the festive capital of Spain, with side trips to Jerez, and the historic cities of Toledo and Segovia. Then it's south to Seville to learn the intricate steps of the flamenco! CC DVS Ch. 30, 9:00 - 10:00 pm
Thursday, 10/14 HOSTAGE - "A Deadly Trade" takes a look at the Beirut hostage crisis from 1984 to 1991. After the bombings of American and French embassies in 1983, complicated hostage and arms trade deals were undertaken by the US, resulting in the kidnapping of hostage negotiator Terry Waite. CC Ch. 30, 11:00 pm - 12:00am
Tuesday, 10/19 The World of National Geographic (cc) Quest for Atocha -- The Spanish galleons Nuestra Senora de Atocha and its sister ship, the Santa Margarita, possess the qualities legends are made of -- mystery, treasure, and misfortune. In 1622, the Atocha and Margarita were bound for Spain, bearing riches for its motherland. When it was lost at sea, it became a romantic symbol of missing treasure. Its cargo manifest included a quarter of a million silver pieces of eight, 901 silver bars, 161 gold bars or discs, jewels, and South American artifacts. World of National Geographic follows the 20-year search and salvage of the Atocha by famed salvor, Mel Fisher and chronicles the tragedy and joy of his exploration. Ch. 8, 8:00 - 9:00 pm
Wednesday, 10/20 ICE MUMMIES: A NOVA MINISERIES presents a three-hour special that highlights the science of the frozen past. "Frozen in Heaven" takes viewers to the Andes and the land of the Incas for the discovery of a young, female mummy in 1995. "Siberian Ice Maiden" tells the story of an exhumed, nomadic princess found with fascinating artifacts of ancient royalty. "Return of the Iceman" reports on the latest scientific findings of the 5,300-year-old Iceman that captured the world's imagination in 1991. CC Ch. 30, 8:00 - 11:00 pm
Tuesday, 10/26 WONDERS OF THE AFRICAN WORLD WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES JR. explores Africa's rich culture and forgotten history in this six-part series. "Black Kingdoms of the Nile" takes viewers on an epic journey of discovery through Egypt and the Sudan. Highlights include the pyramids of Giza, the stunning temple of Abu Simbel, and the spectacular ruins of Meroe and Musawwarat. "The Swahili Coast" presents an intriguing historical puzzle. Who are the Swahili people and what are the origins of their age-old culture? Gates travels along the palm-fringed coast of Kenya and Tanzania and on to Zanzibar to talk with inhabitants who present conflicting stories of
heritage and history. CC Ch. 30, 8:00 - 10:00 pm
Tuesday, 10/26 WONDERS OF THE AFRICAN WORLD WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES JR. - "The Slave Kingdoms" unravels the real story of the transatlantic slave trade. From the coast of Ghana to the Asante capital of Kumasi to the modern republic of Benin, Gates talks with descendants of slaves and slave traders. "The Holy Land" focuses on Gates' search for the lost Ark of the Covenant. From Addis Ababa, Gates treks through the stunning landscape of the highlands to a final destination of Axum, where Ethiopians believe the Ark of the Covenant lies. CC Ch. 30, 10:00 pm - 12:00am
Wednesday, 10/27 WONDERS OF THE AFRICAN WORLD WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES JR. - "The Road to Timbuktu" is a fascinating journey along the mighty River Niger. Timbuktu was for centuries Africa's great center of learning with a university dating to the 13th century. Gates visits juke joints, outdoor markets and an extraordinary mud-built mosque on his way to the legendary city. "Lost Cities of the South" takes Gates from South Africa to Zimbabwe to discover the remains of a 1,000-year-old city and a town that was part of a network of urban settlements. Along the way he confronts the harsh realities that most South Africans still face each day. CC Ch. 30, 10:00 pm - 12:00am
Friday, 10/29 WORLD OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC - "Baja California" takes viewers to western Mexico's isolated peninsula where scorpions, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies thrive together. CC Ch. 30, 10:30 - 11:30 pm
Friday, 10/29 CROWN AND COUNTRY - "Portsmouth: Home of the Fleet and Seat of Military Power" takes a look at the oldest naval base in the world and one of the main reasons for Britain's maritime strength. Host Edward Windsor recalls historic strategic battles and boards the vessels that took part in them, including "The Victory," "The Warrior" and "The Mary Rose." He also visits the Southsea and Portchester castles to learn more about Portsmouth's checkered past. CC Ch. 30, 11:30 pm - 12:00am