Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Discussion for Thurs, Feb 16
Be sure to get the first 34 pages read of JSF's Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Seriously, I've been warning you about getting the book since the beginning of class, so do what you can to get it. We'll talk about this short section in class on Thursday.
Also, since MBD's visit on Tuesday superceded our plans to talk about representation of tragic/big events (see post below), then we'll talk about it on Thurs. Be sure to come prepared to talk about your event.
Also, since MBD's visit on Tuesday superceded our plans to talk about representation of tragic/big events (see post below), then we'll talk about it on Thurs. Be sure to come prepared to talk about your event.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Responsibility, representation and witness
On Tuesday (2/14), we'll have a discussion about what responsibilities a writer has in the representation of a particularly difficult or tragic event. How must she represent the primary witness's account? How can she add her own ideas without disrespecting the event or the people affected by the event? Should she even worry about these concerns, or are tragic events like 9/11 unrestricted fodder for public discussion?
In preparation for this discussion, I would like you to come prepared to talk about one particular representation of a tragic event. It could be a song, a movie, a book, an article, whatever, as long as it represents something that's difficult to represent. It doesn't have to be a global event like 9/11; it could be a private event like alcoholism, child abuse, or something else that demands to be handled delicately. You can bring notes about this representation of the event in order to talk about it. I'll come prepared to talk about the novel we'll be starting next week, which deals with these difficult issues of representation, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Buy it now if you haven't already!
In preparation for this discussion, I would like you to come prepared to talk about one particular representation of a tragic event. It could be a song, a movie, a book, an article, whatever, as long as it represents something that's difficult to represent. It doesn't have to be a global event like 9/11; it could be a private event like alcoholism, child abuse, or something else that demands to be handled delicately. You can bring notes about this representation of the event in order to talk about it. I'll come prepared to talk about the novel we'll be starting next week, which deals with these difficult issues of representation, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Buy it now if you haven't already!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Interview due Thurs, Feb 9
As I mentioned in class, there are a few things that I'd like to accompany your interview write-up when you turn it in to the dropbox on the learn@uw site.
Please be sure to add a cover letter to the front of your paper. What worked well in this paper? What did you find challenging? Would you have preferred a different format for your interview? Did it make you reflect on anything about 9/11, politics, memory, etc.? You don't have to answer all of these questions; I simply want you to use the space of the cover letter to reflect on the writing experience in this context.
Also, please turn in your notes for the interview. If they're typed, then just add them to the same document at the end. If they're handwritten, then make sure your name is on them and bring them to me in class on Thurs.
Please let me know if you have any questions in the meantime. Good luck!
Please be sure to add a cover letter to the front of your paper. What worked well in this paper? What did you find challenging? Would you have preferred a different format for your interview? Did it make you reflect on anything about 9/11, politics, memory, etc.? You don't have to answer all of these questions; I simply want you to use the space of the cover letter to reflect on the writing experience in this context.
Also, please turn in your notes for the interview. If they're typed, then just add them to the same document at the end. If they're handwritten, then make sure your name is on them and bring them to me in class on Thurs.
Please let me know if you have any questions in the meantime. Good luck!
