Reading and Writing While Thinking

I trust after this long hedonistic weekend of candy debauchery and lots of naps that you are ready and raring to go on to our first paper of the new quarter.  Well, ready or not here we go.

Today in the honors classes I had you and your partner discuss the thematic ideas and themes you came up with over the weekend.  You pointed out some holes and identified other possible pieces of evidence your partner might use.  Tonight you are to go home and, after printing off a hard copy of the story, re-read it, being sure to annotate it for all of your possible themes as you read.  Reading the story a second time with your themes in mind, should enable you to see some things that you missed the first time.  Be alert!  And have those highlighters and pens close by.

We also discussed the classic novels and the work you will be doing with those.  Basically, I need you and your partner to identify a classic novel you both agree to read.  Later this quarter (after Thanksgiving), you will be presenting info to the class.  You will either be arguing together for the book to remain a classic or to be taken off the classic list.  Should you disagree with each other, you will be debating your opinions on the classic issue.  We will be discussing what makes a book a classic later this week.  Let me know quickly your title quickly.  I have final say and I want to avoid any repeats if at all possible.

In the standard class, you had some good discussions on the plots of your stories and then dabbled with some thematic ideas.  Tonight I want you to do a sort of stream of consciousness writing--a brainstorming--of thematic ideas and themes.  You should write for two pages on any ideas or themes you come up with talking about possible evidence you would use or potential problems you might encounter.  I'll be looking for those two pages tomorrow.

You also will be reading a book on your own.  While your book will not be a classic, you will be making a presentation on whether or not your book should be elevated to classic status or if it is fine right where it is.  If you and your partner agree, you will present your information together.  Should you and your partner disagree, you will be debating the topic in front of the class.

All classes will make a trip to the IMC later this week.

Good luck.

Until next time...