Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Course Recap for Monday, October 15, 2012

Carrie Presentations
You presented your presentations on Carrie, making the argument that one of the 3 main characters was the monster of the piece.  You had a thesis, and you defended it using evidence from the movie and outside research.  I want you to note how you were able to prove your points with research that wasn't directly about the movie itself.  I also want you to note how the research came second to the evidence you presented from the movie. These presentations are  mini-examples of what you will be doing in your second project (see Project 2 Assignment Sheet under Class Documents).

"Sonny's Blues" by James Baldwin
We then discussed the short story "Sonny's Blues" and after our discussion we created potential thesis statements for an analysis of the piece.  Those of you who did not do the reading missed out on the points for the thesis statements and 10 extra credit points.

Thesis Statements
The best way to start forming a thesis statements is to start by asking yourself very specific questions about the piece.  Try to ask more in-depth questions that go beyond the surface of the piece.  Question the choices the creators made.  Why do you think they chose to make the piece go that way instead of another way?  Ask yourself how different societal factors affect the piece.  Question a character's actions or their motives.  If you see recurring patterns in the piece ask yourself why they are there? And then try to answer them to the best of your ability based on your knowledge of the piece.  You will then have the beginning of a good thesis statement.

Homework
  • Come to class with an idea of what you want to do your second project on. (Due Wed 10/17)
  • Write a 1-2 page analysis on Sleep Deprivation Chamber by Adrienne Kennedy (Due Wed 10/24)

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