No Blog homework, BUT you must bring in a portion of your rough draft for me to look at on Wednesday. If you come to class with it, you get an A. If you don't come to class with part of your rough draft, you get an F. Very simple.
Also, Make sure you have a completed rough draft for the peer edit on Friday 4/30!!! Again, if you show up with it you get an A for a quiz grade, if you don't have it or dont show up to class, you will receive an F for a quiz grade and also lose 5 points off of your final paper grade.
**Be prepared to discuss the stories on Monday and be prepared for a quiz on Wednesday**
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Wright's " A Man Who was almost a Man"
NO Homework for this week. With that said, please be prepared to discuss the story on Wednesday and Friday. Your participation this week will be counted towards a HW assignment. Come to class prepared with connection to your life and/or other stories that we have read.
Please work on your rewrites. THEY ARE DUE WEDNESDAY.
Please work on your rewrites. THEY ARE DUE WEDNESDAY.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery"
Think about the exercise we did in class on Friday about paying attention to reoccuring images/symbols. I also asked that you think about the idea of "mob mentality" and what that means (think about "Blood-Burning Moon," the video "without Sanctuary" and "lynching in Tennessee")to individuals and society as a whole.
Choose 1 question to answer. Please make sure your response is at least a page and uses examples and your anaylsis to prove your thoughts.
1.) Discuss the degree to which the tradition of the lottery has been kept. why does no one want to make a new box? Why is the whole institution not abandoned?
2.)Does the rhyme "Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon" adequately explain the institution of the lottery? What other reasons might people have for such behavior? What is the social function of a scapegoat?
3.) On your first reading, when did you begin to suspect what happens at the end of the story? How soon might it become evident? What are the most important hints?
Choose 1 question to answer. Please make sure your response is at least a page and uses examples and your anaylsis to prove your thoughts.
1.) Discuss the degree to which the tradition of the lottery has been kept. why does no one want to make a new box? Why is the whole institution not abandoned?
2.)Does the rhyme "Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon" adequately explain the institution of the lottery? What other reasons might people have for such behavior? What is the social function of a scapegoat?
3.) On your first reading, when did you begin to suspect what happens at the end of the story? How soon might it become evident? What are the most important hints?
Friday, April 2, 2010
Diaz's "How to Date a Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl and Halfie" & Toomer's "Blood-burning Moon"
**Remember that the final draft of Paper 2 MUST be handed in, IN PERSON, NO LATER than 9 AM, Monday April 5th. Please include all of your rough drafts, free-writes and peer review sheets!****
Diaz's "How to Date a Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl and Halfie" & Toomer's "Blood-burning Moon"
Think about the ideas of race and identity in the two stories. Please answer the following questions. (the answers should be long enough to fully develop your ideas!)
1.) Skin color is always a crucial element in any story of racial conflict. How does Toomer describe Louisa's skin color? How would we interpret that description?
2.) What are the cultural differences in the expectations of a “Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl, or Halfie?" How do their different expectations cause the narrator to treat them differently on the date?
Have a good weekend!
Diaz's "How to Date a Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl and Halfie" & Toomer's "Blood-burning Moon"
Think about the ideas of race and identity in the two stories. Please answer the following questions. (the answers should be long enough to fully develop your ideas!)
1.) Skin color is always a crucial element in any story of racial conflict. How does Toomer describe Louisa's skin color? How would we interpret that description?
2.) What are the cultural differences in the expectations of a “Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl, or Halfie?" How do their different expectations cause the narrator to treat them differently on the date?
Have a good weekend!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Paper # 2 topics
Paper Assignment #2
Characterization & Theme
Due Date: Rough Draft due- Wednesday March 31st- mandatory workshop
Please select one topic from the ones listed below. Turn in all your rough work, and put your final draft on top; make sure your final draft is stapled on the top left side.
Your paper must include citations (at least 2) from the LiterActive document library and the short stories you use, and you must provide a Works Cited List using the MLA documentation style provided on your LiterActive Disk.
You may also use any of the YouTube videos I’ve shown during class or any of the articles on the syllabus instead of one of the LiterActive documents as a source.
Failure to cite your sources correctly, and place commas and periods where they belong, will cost you points on your paper grade (since it just takes patience and time; not taking that time shows that you do not care about your work).
Please remember to explain the word choice in the quotations you use and demonstrate the connections you see between the passages you choose and the idea you are proving.
Write simply and straightforwardly.
1. Using one of the following stories to prove that the character who appears most normal and follows mainstream cultural constructs is the one in greatest need of human compassion and transformation. Make sure you provide sufficient evidence for your viewpoint and that you explain your evidence clearly. This essay topic asks you to construct a convincing and persuasive argument that proves something. You may choose to write this on either “Sonny’s Blues” or “Everyday Use.”
2. What do you believe Jean Toomer is trying to teach you through his story “Blood-Burning Moon”? What do you make of Tom Burwell and his choice of action? What do you make of Louisa? Is she really oblivious to what is happening at the end of the story?
3. Discuss the use of music in Baldwin and Toomer. How are jazz and vocal music used in these stories. Please note the different time periods in which these stories were written. The contexts are different, so make sure you differentiate the historical background’s impact upon the use of music in the story.
4. Discuss the similarities between Mrs. Dutta and Sonny’s brother. Why are these similarities significant thematically?
5. What is Walker’s commentary on the value of education in the story “Everyday Use”? What is your evidence. Why would she want to convey that message?
6. Discuss the first sentence of “Mrs. Dutta Writes a Letter” and the amount of information it carries. Show how this one sentence foreshadows so much. Think carefully about the simile. Discuss the importance of the title, particularly the verb. What is so amazing about the result of the writing that it appears in the title? What does this teach you about writing-to-learn as opposed to having your thesis statement before you begin to write?
Characterization & Theme
Due Date: Rough Draft due- Wednesday March 31st- mandatory workshop
Please select one topic from the ones listed below. Turn in all your rough work, and put your final draft on top; make sure your final draft is stapled on the top left side.
Your paper must include citations (at least 2) from the LiterActive document library and the short stories you use, and you must provide a Works Cited List using the MLA documentation style provided on your LiterActive Disk.
You may also use any of the YouTube videos I’ve shown during class or any of the articles on the syllabus instead of one of the LiterActive documents as a source.
Failure to cite your sources correctly, and place commas and periods where they belong, will cost you points on your paper grade (since it just takes patience and time; not taking that time shows that you do not care about your work).
Please remember to explain the word choice in the quotations you use and demonstrate the connections you see between the passages you choose and the idea you are proving.
Write simply and straightforwardly.
1. Using one of the following stories to prove that the character who appears most normal and follows mainstream cultural constructs is the one in greatest need of human compassion and transformation. Make sure you provide sufficient evidence for your viewpoint and that you explain your evidence clearly. This essay topic asks you to construct a convincing and persuasive argument that proves something. You may choose to write this on either “Sonny’s Blues” or “Everyday Use.”
2. What do you believe Jean Toomer is trying to teach you through his story “Blood-Burning Moon”? What do you make of Tom Burwell and his choice of action? What do you make of Louisa? Is she really oblivious to what is happening at the end of the story?
3. Discuss the use of music in Baldwin and Toomer. How are jazz and vocal music used in these stories. Please note the different time periods in which these stories were written. The contexts are different, so make sure you differentiate the historical background’s impact upon the use of music in the story.
4. Discuss the similarities between Mrs. Dutta and Sonny’s brother. Why are these similarities significant thematically?
5. What is Walker’s commentary on the value of education in the story “Everyday Use”? What is your evidence. Why would she want to convey that message?
6. Discuss the first sentence of “Mrs. Dutta Writes a Letter” and the amount of information it carries. Show how this one sentence foreshadows so much. Think carefully about the simile. Discuss the importance of the title, particularly the verb. What is so amazing about the result of the writing that it appears in the title? What does this teach you about writing-to-learn as opposed to having your thesis statement before you begin to write?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Paper 2 & Homework for the next two weeks!
Your second paper is due April 5th, 2010
Homework for 3/19:
Pick a paper topic and free write everything you know about the topic, what it is that you want to prove in your paper. Bring this to class on Friday 3/19. We will be having a MANDATORY workshop on Friday. **If you do not have a free write with you, you will receive an "F" for the Homework assignment. If you do not show up to the workshop you will automatically have 5 points deducted from your final paper grade.
Homework for 3/31:
You need to read Toomer's "Blood-burning Man" and also you must bring a complete rough draft of your essay to Wednesday's class as we will be having a MANDATORY peer workshop. Again, If you do not have a rough draft with you, you will receive an "F" for the Homework assignment. If you do not show up to the workshop you will automatically have 5 points deducted from your final paper grade.
If you have any questions about the policy, please feel free to email me or visit me during my office hours.
HAve a good week and spring break!
Homework for 3/19:
Pick a paper topic and free write everything you know about the topic, what it is that you want to prove in your paper. Bring this to class on Friday 3/19. We will be having a MANDATORY workshop on Friday. **If you do not have a free write with you, you will receive an "F" for the Homework assignment. If you do not show up to the workshop you will automatically have 5 points deducted from your final paper grade.
Homework for 3/31:
You need to read Toomer's "Blood-burning Man" and also you must bring a complete rough draft of your essay to Wednesday's class as we will be having a MANDATORY peer workshop. Again, If you do not have a rough draft with you, you will receive an "F" for the Homework assignment. If you do not show up to the workshop you will automatically have 5 points deducted from your final paper grade.
If you have any questions about the policy, please feel free to email me or visit me during my office hours.
HAve a good week and spring break!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
HW for 3/12
**Mid term Grades are due on Friday- EMAIL me if you have any questions. The grades are based on your in-class writings, quizzes, Homework assignments, Attendance and your participation in class.**
Homework for Friday:
We will be talking about the effect of Music in "Sonny's Blues"
1.) Find specific passages in the text that relate to music and to why music plays such an important role in the story.
2.) Google the history of Jazz music. Try to get a feel for what the movement was/is about? What do you think about when you think of Jazz? Think about this in relation to the title of the story.
Homework for Friday:
We will be talking about the effect of Music in "Sonny's Blues"
1.) Find specific passages in the text that relate to music and to why music plays such an important role in the story.
2.) Google the history of Jazz music. Try to get a feel for what the movement was/is about? What do you think about when you think of Jazz? Think about this in relation to the title of the story.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Housekeeping notes...
For those that were not in class on Friday 3/5, you can pick up your papers after class on Monday. Re-writes are due on March 17th-no exceptions, everyone must do a revision. If you have any questions on your paper, please feel free to see me in the writing lab during my office hours which have been changed to:
Monday 12-2 Berkshire 106
Wednesday 1-3 Berkshire 106
You also can email me with any questions that you have.
Have a good weekend and Happy reading!
Monday 12-2 Berkshire 106
Wednesday 1-3 Berkshire 106
You also can email me with any questions that you have.
Have a good weekend and Happy reading!
"Sonny's Blues"
**Chose one of the following questions to comment on for your homework assignment. Remember it should be at least 1 page typed, following MLA format** Be prepared to talk about your answers on Wednesday as Dr. Pruss will be visiting our class!
__________________________
Consider all the images of darkness in this story; if you list all of them, you will discover Baldwin's development (not a repetition) of a concept here. Which characters are associated with darkness? What does it mean for each character? Do the characters know others' darkness or only their own? Why or why not? Are they isolated? Can you mark a particular moment or certain moments of community in the story? What allows these moments to happen? Contrast the darkness in the story with the image of the "glowing" "cup of trembling." Can you discuss that "glowing" "cup of trembling"?
_________________________
Two brothers from one household, one follows a straight and narrow path teaching algebra, and one becomes a heroin addict. One closes himself off from parts of life, and one is totally exposed and vulnerable to the storms and balmy weather the world has to offer. One thinks, "My trouble made his real" -- an important line in the story. Can you speak about this line and the brothers' relationship?
__________________________
Consider all the images of darkness in this story; if you list all of them, you will discover Baldwin's development (not a repetition) of a concept here. Which characters are associated with darkness? What does it mean for each character? Do the characters know others' darkness or only their own? Why or why not? Are they isolated? Can you mark a particular moment or certain moments of community in the story? What allows these moments to happen? Contrast the darkness in the story with the image of the "glowing" "cup of trembling." Can you discuss that "glowing" "cup of trembling"?
_________________________
Two brothers from one household, one follows a straight and narrow path teaching algebra, and one becomes a heroin addict. One closes himself off from parts of life, and one is totally exposed and vulnerable to the storms and balmy weather the world has to offer. One thinks, "My trouble made his real" -- an important line in the story. Can you speak about this line and the brothers' relationship?
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A little Note about the Homework...
The blog is for your benefit not mine. Part of your overall grade is to participate in the blog and also bring me a hard copy of the homework assignment. It is your responsibility to post your minimum ONE-PAGE response by Tuesday at NOON. If you have not posted by then, you will receive a ZERO for the assignment and will not be able to hand in the hard copy.
Another note...anyone who did not post to the blog for "A Rose for Emily" and did not show up to class on Wednesday, will not be able to make up the assignment by handing in a hard copy at the next class period.
Another note...anyone who did not post to the blog for "A Rose for Emily" and did not show up to class on Wednesday, will not be able to make up the assignment by handing in a hard copy at the next class period.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Faulkner's "A Rose For Emily"
Remember to post a minimum one-typed page response. See everyone Monday!!
What do you believe is the purpose of this story? Why does it exist? What impact does it have on you? What is its goal? What does it convey to you, and why is that significant? Why should anyone care about some former Southern aristocratic lady who lost her fortune and disobeyed the standard expectations and mores of her culture? Why should we care about some lady who poisoned a Northern day laborer and slept with him after he was dead? What's the point of this piece? Explain.
What do you believe is the purpose of this story? Why does it exist? What impact does it have on you? What is its goal? What does it convey to you, and why is that significant? Why should anyone care about some former Southern aristocratic lady who lost her fortune and disobeyed the standard expectations and mores of her culture? Why should we care about some lady who poisoned a Northern day laborer and slept with him after he was dead? What's the point of this piece? Explain.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Islamic Video
**Only 8 of you posted your responses for last week's homework, the time period has expired and if you did not post your response you will not recieve credit for last week. Also going forward, I ask that you post a minimum of a 1 page (typed) response to the homework assignments. Please remember in order to get full credit for homework assignments you must post your reponse on the blog AND bring a typed hard copy to class.** Have a good week. See you all on Wednesday 2/17/10.
Please watch the following video and post a one-typed page response to the video connecting it to the theme of enslavement/control of woman. Make sure you bring your response to class on Wednesday.
Please watch the following video and post a one-typed page response to the video connecting it to the theme of enslavement/control of woman. Make sure you bring your response to class on Wednesday.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Hemingway & Banks
There are two parts to the homework for this week:
1) Respond to the questions below and make sure you bring a typed copy of your response to class, otherwise I will start to deduct points.
2)Review the list of topics for your papers. Find one Literactive document that you think can connect to the topic of your choice. Begin brainstorming ideas/points/your opinion on the topic. Also, bring a copy of the Literactive document (if possible) or at least the name of the document so that we can discuss it in class.
Have a great weekend!
Think about the idea of invisibility. Is there any particular significance that the female characters in both stories are referred to as "the girl" ? Why or why not?
What does the word 'girl' mean? (Yes, you'll have to look it up in the dictionary)
1) Respond to the questions below and make sure you bring a typed copy of your response to class, otherwise I will start to deduct points.
2)Review the list of topics for your papers. Find one Literactive document that you think can connect to the topic of your choice. Begin brainstorming ideas/points/your opinion on the topic. Also, bring a copy of the Literactive document (if possible) or at least the name of the document so that we can discuss it in class.
Have a great weekend!
Think about the idea of invisibility. Is there any particular significance that the female characters in both stories are referred to as "the girl" ? Why or why not?
What does the word 'girl' mean? (Yes, you'll have to look it up in the dictionary)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Gao Xingjian- "The Accident"
Please make sure you respond NO LATER than Tuesday at Noon. Also, please make sure you bring a typed word document of your response to class on Wednesday. Have a great weekend.
Please pick out 1 or 2 "signifcant" passages from the story and tell us why they are "significant" to you. What is it about the passage(s) that you liked? How does it connect back to the semester's theme? Remember that enslavement/control comes in many forms.
Please pick out 1 or 2 "signifcant" passages from the story and tell us why they are "significant" to you. What is it about the passage(s) that you liked? How does it connect back to the semester's theme? Remember that enslavement/control comes in many forms.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Jamacia Kincaid's "Girl"
After reading the interview with Jamacia Kincaid on page 1483-1484, please respond to the following question(s). Please use examples from the text to back up your reponses.
How is the conflict between the mother and the girl in "Girl" able to be connected to today's society? Do you think that there are still specific skills that a woman, or a man, are expected to possess? Do you think the mother is being oppressive or just trying to prepare her daughter for the real world?
How is the conflict between the mother and the girl in "Girl" able to be connected to today's society? Do you think that there are still specific skills that a woman, or a man, are expected to possess? Do you think the mother is being oppressive or just trying to prepare her daughter for the real world?
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