HW12, Due 9/23: Precis of That Individual

1. Much apologies for my absence today!  Hopefully, the sub gave you the necessary start for your weekend precis.  From the handout:

A precis (form both singular and plural, pronounced “pray—see”) is a brief summary of the essential thought of a longer composition.  It attempts to provide a miniature of the original selection, reproducing the same proportions on smaller scale, the same ideas, and the same mood and tone, so far as possible.  The writer of a precis cannot interpret or comment; his or her sole function is to give a reduced photograph of the original author’s exact and essential meaning. 

This is an exercise in scholarship/academics.  Again, you are to capture the essence of the source article. Do not inject your opinion.  Beyond the first sentence, you should never again use phrases like: “Kierkegaard says” or “He believes” or any of that ilk. Summarize as if you were summarizing your own work instead. Reference the sample precis for a model. Your precis should not be longer than 2 pages single-spaced. This will be weighed as a project/essay grade so put forth effort and thought (just as you always do).

2. Due Tuesday! Friedrich Nietzsche: Print, read and annotate the following sections: Middle, Later, and Final Writings.

Reminder: All handouts should be placed in your binder on the day that they are assigned (alongside your notes). Hold on to everything!  It all matters in a universe where nothing really does!

3. The Stranger by Albert Camus! We begin this bundle of joy this coming week; please purchase a copy if you can this weekend.

4. If you have 20 extra minutes, give this a look (or spare 5 seconds to listen to what he says at the 18:30 mark):

5. I hope if dogs ever take over the world and they choose a king, they don’t just go by size, because I bet there are some Chihuahuas with some good ideas.

6. Have a great weekend!