HUM LIT Blog Central

This week I hope to kick off the class with some unpredictable readings, a kind of safari adventure in language. If we can “unlearn” or rethink some limiting habits or prejudices about how and why read, this will empower us as readers… of everything from poems to want ads.

Perhaps the motto for the week should be: take nothing for granted. Even very commonsense and obvious “truths” are worth taking the measure of again –like the idea that literature is written by talented and inspired individuals for the purpose of self expression.

In-class write/discuss: What is literature?

• What is literature, how would you define it? What is not literature? Are there essential qualities in a text that mark it as special?
• Do we approach “literature” differently than other things we read?
• What does it say about literature that we study it? What do good readers/students/teachers of literature do?

Smal/Large Group Discussion: Exhibit Varieties of Texts (web selection)

• Groups - What marks your reading as literary or non-literary?
• Are there qualities in the language or expectations that arise given the “type” of writing it is?
• Can it be read within a literary frame? Should it? Do you want to? What difference would it make?
• In what ways does it seem appropriate to read, discuss, even interpret it in Hum Lit?

Syllabus review
Note -Preview: How to approach readings from the Theory Toolbox

HW Mon: Check/reset email and network login. Begin reading Varities of Texts (handout)
HW Weds: Finish Varieties of Texts and read “Why Theory” handout
HW Fri (for Weds after Labor Day): Read Grimms Tales (download, print from e-readings)