Communication Arts: Conversations with Clouser

\”Live Like You Were Dying\”–Tim McGraw

1. Listen to Tim McGraw’s song, “Live Like You Were Dying.”

2. Write a paragraph explaining what you think Tim McGraw meant by the phrase, “live like you are dying?” Use examples from the song to support your response.

3. Write another paragraph explaining the connection between this song and the book Tuesdays with Morrie.

Hint: Morrie had made a “profound decision the day he walked out of the doctor’s office with a sword hanging over his head.” Do I wither up and disappear, or do I make the best of my time left? he had asked himself.

He would not wither. He would not be ashamed of dying” (Albom 10).

We have spent some time learning how to identify the mood of an image and the details that create it.    Based on the knowledge you have gained, write a blog post that answers the questions below. Remember, mood is the feeling created in a literary work.

1. Which horror trailer (The Notebook or Toy Story) more effectively creates a scary mood?

2. What techniques are used to create this mood and why do you think they work?

After viewing the music video and/or the commercial of “She Can Play” what do you think the song’s message is? Why do you think the songwriter referenced Athena and Aphrodite? In other words, how do these goddesses strengthen his message?

Morrie says, “We put our values in the wrong things” (Albom 123).

 ”You can’t substitute material things for love or for gentleness or for tenderness or for a sense of comradeship” (Albom 125).  Based on your knowledge and experiences, explain what you think Morrie means by these comments and why you agree or disagree with his philosophy.

Are women and men viewed equally?

      Respond to the statement, “…living with a stained conscience is the hardest thing there is.” Use examples from real life or the short story “Someone Who Saw” to support your stance.

Odysseus, the Hero

Odysseus, the Greek hero, is known for his intelligence, and bravery; he used reason and cleverness to outwit the Cyclops and escape his capture. What people in our society possess similar character traits to Odysseus? Explain your choice.

A hero can be defined as someone who prevails in extreme circumstances and dramatizes a sense of morality, courage and purpose. Many times people think of famous politicians or sports players as heroes, but heroes can also be “everyday” people. Identify a person (famous or not) you believe is heroic and provide at least three supporting details for your claim. Then read and respond to at least one of your classmate’s posts.