Archives for March 2015

HW12G due 3/ 11: Iambic Pentameter

1. Pick up your poetry journal and write at least 20 lines of your own iambic pentameter! Rules:

  • Write some single lines and some pairs of lines.
  • Write some lines, or pairs, that are conversational, some that are simple, some that are more complicated in construction, some that are descriptive, some that are silly, some that are grave.
  • Write with increasing speed as rhythm and line length become second nature.
  • While you may revise and rewrite, do not polish or strive for any effect beyond metrical.
  • Try to use a variety of word lengths. Heed Alexander Pope’s warning against monosyllables: “And ten low words oft creep in one dull line.”

HW12C due 3/12: The Stranger

1. The Stranger–read and annotate the first two chapters!  While annotating, pay attention to Meursault’s characterization and the tone/mood of the opening chapter of the novel.

Reminder, the class readings are meant to (among other things) help inform our interpretation/understanding of all subsequent readings.

*Again, I only have 19 copies of The Stranger so, if you can, please buy a copy. This is the version we will read in class. 

HW10 due 3/12: Siddhartha Intro

1. Siddhartha–By Thursday’s class you must print out and read the following links:
Introduction to Buddhism
Buddhism 5 Minute Introduction
The Four Noble Truths/The Eightfold Path
2. Siddhartha Glossary–Print out and familiarize yourself with this list by Monday, 3/16.

IMPORTANT: I have fewer copies of Siddhartha than I thought! To be exact, I have 28 worn copies. I have 67 sophomores! So, I need as many of you as possible to buy this version. We will begin reading this weekend so you have a few days to purchase a copy. Thank you!

HW10 due 3/10: Class Forum

1. Class Forum–The End of The Alchemist

* We are starting Siddhartha this week, so if you would like to buy your own copy (which I strongly suggest), this is the version we will use in class.

HW12C due 3/10: Kierkegaard

1. Kierkegaard–Print and read this handout on Kierkegaard. Remember, the ultimate scholarly goal of this course is to be able to synthesize multiple philosophical principles from a number of sources. While The Stranger is Camus’ philosophical vehicle, having a base understanding of Kierkegaard gives greater depth to philosophical conclusions drawn from The Stranger. Don’t forget to annotate!
2. (DUE THURSDAY, 3/12) The Stranger–read and annotate the first two chapters!  While annotating, pay attention to Meursault’s characterization and the tone/mood of the opening chapter of the novel.

*Again, I only have 19 copies of The Stranger so, if you can, please buy a copy. This is the version we will read in class.