Category: Literature

Personal Experiences with Reading and Writing about Literature

Posted on | by Brian Leakey

Explore key literary concepts and skills. Through discussion, we’ll deepen our knowledge.

Prepare: As you prepare to write your discussion post, take a few moments to review the content covered regarding the following topics:

  1. Defining literature.
  2. Forms of literature and their characteristics: a novel, novella, short story, poetry, drama.
  3. Literary theories.
  4. Close reading for literary analysis.
  5. Developing a descriptive thesis.
    Reflect: Take time to reflect on how literature, forms of literature and their characteristics, and literary theories have affected how you communicate with others and, perhaps, how you believe others respond to you.
    Write: Based on the content in this module, write at least two sentences on each of the 5 concepts or skills listed in Prepare. In the first sentence, write a summary of what the concept is or means to you. In the second sentence, give a specific example from your own reading and writing of how you experienced or applied the concept.

Respond: Respond to posts of at least two classmates. The goal is for each of you to get two different responses. If someone already has two, responses, choose first a classmate with no responses, then a classmate with only 1 response. When you respond, point out what you have in common, and say why you think you and your classmate might have a similar experience. Then choose one element of your classmate’s post that differs from your experience and say what you learned from that difference.

The two main characters in The Sun is Also a Star

Posted on | by Brian Leakey

How do the two main characters in The Sun is Also a Star explore issues of identity and belonging, and what challenges do they face in finding their place in the world?
What role do cultural and societal expectations play in the lives of the main characters, and how do these impact their sense of identity and belonging?
How does the book deal with issues of immigration and the immigrant experience, and what message does it convey about the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating different cultural identities?
How do the various secondary characters in the book contribute to the theme of identity and belonging, and what insights do they offer into the experiences of young adults today?
How does the author use language and imagery to explore the theme of identity and belonging, and what effect does this have on the reader’s understanding of the book’s message?
In 300 words or more, write about your thoughts on what we have addressed—offering any key insights, interesting critiques, and observations gained from the readings. Feel free to offer any views and opinions that arose as you learned from the materials. What did you find interesting? How does the information contribute to your life? Discuss anything you feel is relevant to the materials. This section has no strict form or essential content you must address. Still, you must address information acquired from what you learned in this unit and how the information provided insight and depth to your understanding. But, again, feel free to flow at random here with the materials in mind.

In detailed paragraphs (one paragraph for each response), answer two or more of the following questions to the best of your ability. Please bring your own thoughts and feelings to your responses.

How does Starr’s journey throughout the novel reflect the theme of agency? Discuss the moments when she takes control of her narrative and makes choices that assert her individuality and voice.
In what ways does the character of Maverick embody resistance in The Hate You Give? Analyze his actions and decisions that challenge the oppressive systems and advocate for justice.
How does the novel explore the theme of agency through the portrayal of Starr’s parents? Discuss how their guidance and support empower Starr to find her own agency in the face of adversity.
Resistance is a significant theme in The Hate You Give. Analyze the role of protest and activism in the story and how it empowers individuals and communities to fight against systemic injustice.
The Hate You Give raises questions about the limits of individual agency and the power of collective resistance. Discuss the instances in the novel where characters come together to create change, and explore the significance of community support in the pursuit of justice.
In 300 words or more, write about your thoughts on what we have addressed—offering any key insights, interesting critiques, and observations gained from the readings. Feel free to offer any views and opinions that arose as you learned from the materials. What did you find interesting? How does the information contribute to your life? Discuss anything you feel is relevant to the materials. This section has no strict form or essential content you must address. Still, you must address information acquired from what you learned in this unit and how the information provided insight and depth to your understanding. But, again, feel free to flow at random here with the materials in mind.

“One” by Metallica

Posted on | by Brian Leakey

SOON
Using the internet or your phone, listen to the following songs:

“One” by Metallica
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
“Paranoid Android” by Radiohead
After listening to the above songs, answer the following questions in your discussion post:

What musical influences do you hear in each of these songs and how would you categorize each of them in a genre? (grunge, heavy metal, rock?)
Listen carefully to the lyrics and share a few sentences as to what each of these songs is about. Thematically they are similar and project a sense of aloneness and cynicism, but what topics do they address? What was happening in American culture during this time that might have contributed to these feelings as expressed in these songs? Could it be a generational (Baby Boomers v. Generation X) reaction? Or do you think this is something else entirely.
In response to at least three of your peers, do you agree with your peers’ response? Why or why not?

The coming-of-age theme

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How does Eleanor and Park’s relationship evolve throughout the course of the book, and what do you think it symbolizes in terms of the coming-of-age theme?
What are some of the significant themes in Eleanor and Park, and how do they relate to the experiences of young adults today?
How does the book deal with issues of identity and self-discovery, and what message does it convey about the process of growing up?
What role does family play in the main characters’ lives, and how do their family dynamics shape their experiences and relationships?
How does the book explore the theme of love and first relationships, and what message does it convey about the challenges and rewards of young love?

In 300 words or more, write about your thoughts on what we have addressed—offering any key insights, interesting critiques, and observations gained from the readings. Feel free to offer any views and opinions that arose as you learned from the materials. What did you find interesting? How does the information contribute to your life? Discuss anything you feel is relevant to the materials. This section has no strict form or essential content you must address. Still, you must address information acquired from what you learned in this unit and how the information provided insight and depth to your understanding. But, again, feel free to flow at random here with the materials in mind.

 

ONE PLAY ACT

Posted on | by Brian Leakey

a 700- to 1,050-word play that incorporates a clear beginning, middle, and ending. Your play must have at least two characters. Grammar and punctuation variations are acceptable if they serve the needs of the piece.

700 WORD PLAY and then 125 words PART B
Create questions and provide your responses that discuss the following:

How you, as the writer, used common elements, structures, form, and terminology used in dramatic plays and screenplays; for instance, how does the format change the way characters are introduced or the impact of dialogue and setting?

Evaluate a current program

Posted on | by Brian Leakey

Evaluate a current program

  1. Identify an existing program (name, where it is, etc.) this could be where you work, where you volunteered for SW220 or SW321, or any other program. Maybe the food bank, Boys and Girls club, etc.
  2. Who are the clients, staff and other entities who make up the program? (Inputs)
  3. Next, describe the program- what are the expectations of the program?
  4. What are the services, treatments or interventions provided? (Program process)
  5. What is the direct product of the program? Job training, investigations, meals provided, etc. (Outputs)
  6. What do you think the outcomes are- what is the impact of the program on the recipients? It could be improved health, lower unemployment, resume’ building, etc. (Outcomes)
  7. Who are the stakeholders? These are the individuals or groups who have some investment or interest in the program. They could be staff, funders, the public, government, etc.

Is college education cost effective?

Posted on | by Brian Leakey

Is college education cost effective?
Consider your college education as a sort of program that is designed to produce a desired outcome. Is it cost-effective? This exercise is far from accurate in determining this but may make you feel better about being a poor college student.

  1. Write down a job that you had prior to entering college, or one that you are working at now.
  2. Go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website ( http://www.bls.gov/) and locate the most recent National Compensation Survey (use current wages if you are employed now).
  3. Look up the hourly wage of the job noted in Step 1 (or job that most closely resembles what you are doing). Multiply the hourly wages by 2080 (40 hours per week x 52 weeks per year) based on the assumption that you are working full time to estimate your annual earnings.
  4. Write down one or two jobs that you would like to hold once you have completed your education. Look up the hourly wages of one of those jobs. Multiply the hourly wages by 2080 to estimate your annual earnings.
  5. Using your own bills, or estimates provided by your own school, estimate the cost of a college degree (include four years or more if appropriate, housing, meals, interest on student loans, etc.).
  6. Subtract the annual income in Step 3 from the annual income in Step 4. In theory, this should be the annual wage benefit of having a college degree.
  7. Divide the cost of your education by the annual wage benefit found in Step 6. This is an estimate of how many years it will take to make up the cost of your education given the discrepancy in wages.
  8. Write a brief cost-effectiveness report in which you evaluate the efficiency of your own college education.