Introduction to the Course
Please read the article and then respond to it in writing for 2-3 minutes.
Much of our class will use this technique to brainstorm ideas for stories, poems, plays, films, non-fiction and other writing projects. The fundamental idea of this course is to use our research and responses to a variety of topics to inspire our artistic impulses. Secondly, it is a course that urges the artist to depict him or herself in relation to or as the other. We will be examining power structures and hegemonic cultural groups in relation to each other, using this topic to reach a more universal and engaged POV about our own selves, our own cultures, and the world audience itself.
This course is a literature course, a course in ideas, as well as a practice from which to write and capture authentic voices.
You will be allowed in many cases to make your own path, as you build a writing/project portfolio.
But first, let me introduce to you the field of cultural studies. Let's read.
And respond.
Activity: Alone on an index card, identify the hegemonic group(s) that you feel you belong. Take 2 minutes to explore this. Then: in groups of 3-4 share those aspects of yourself and see if others share this group or "label." Discuss which groups you feel more akin or stronger towards. Try to explain why and engage in a discussion with your peers. Finally, after each member has an opportunity to share and discuss, together answer both questions:
Respond.
HOMEWORK: Please read the essays in part one of David Sedaris' Me Talk Pretty One Day. You do not have to read: Go Carolina!, 12 Moments in the Life of an Artist, and The Youth in Asia. We will cover these next class. As you read the other essays, pay close attention to the style of the creative non-fiction essay. How does the author keep what would be an otherwise private or "boring" topic interesting? How does Sedaris use language, structure (narrative), or character effectively in his writing? Be prepared to share your ideas next class.
Much of our class will use this technique to brainstorm ideas for stories, poems, plays, films, non-fiction and other writing projects. The fundamental idea of this course is to use our research and responses to a variety of topics to inspire our artistic impulses. Secondly, it is a course that urges the artist to depict him or herself in relation to or as the other. We will be examining power structures and hegemonic cultural groups in relation to each other, using this topic to reach a more universal and engaged POV about our own selves, our own cultures, and the world audience itself.
This course is a literature course, a course in ideas, as well as a practice from which to write and capture authentic voices.
You will be allowed in many cases to make your own path, as you build a writing/project portfolio.
But first, let me introduce to you the field of cultural studies. Let's read.
And respond.
Activity: Alone on an index card, identify the hegemonic group(s) that you feel you belong. Take 2 minutes to explore this. Then: in groups of 3-4 share those aspects of yourself and see if others share this group or "label." Discuss which groups you feel more akin or stronger towards. Try to explain why and engage in a discussion with your peers. Finally, after each member has an opportunity to share and discuss, together answer both questions:
- 1. What are some characteristics that your generation share?
- 2. Who or what would you define as the voice of your generation?
Respond.
HOMEWORK: Please read the essays in part one of David Sedaris' Me Talk Pretty One Day. You do not have to read: Go Carolina!, 12 Moments in the Life of an Artist, and The Youth in Asia. We will cover these next class. As you read the other essays, pay close attention to the style of the creative non-fiction essay. How does the author keep what would be an otherwise private or "boring" topic interesting? How does Sedaris use language, structure (narrative), or character effectively in his writing? Be prepared to share your ideas next class.
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