English 112

Re/Viewing Griffin

Having read, theoretically reread, and discussed Griffin, why not return to her and respond to her writing "with fresh eyes"? This blog is kind of open as to your writing; the prompts are ideas, not point-by-point questions that require responses...
as always, you can also 'dialogue with' (comment upon) another's post if you wish.

• One of the things that (as I mentioned in class) really moves me is that in reading "Our Secret," I see how people can truly believe that what they are doing is "right," or "moral," though to others the same actions are deemed atrocities. Did the text lead you to question something that is not necessarily overtly addressed in "Our Secret," yet leads you-- perhaps through your repertoires-- to connect, to question, to try to work through?
• We had discussed what "problems" we think Griffin is working to solve through her writing. In some ways, the writing then becomes more difficult to access... or does it? Might this very visual text actually enhance understanding?
• Try writing using Griffin's style. Identify a problem and develop symbolism to work through the topic. (I made an attempt at this... if you'd like, you can read it here.)
• Imagine a conversation with Susan Griffin. You might want to create an interview and ask questions (and create her answers) or you might want to fashion a true conversation in which you both ask and answer questions, or simply exchange ideas.

Don't forget... post by 8 p.m. Sunday :-)

posted by Andrea Beaudin @ 2/23/2006 11:10:00 AM 0 comments

Considerations for Griffin

(These links may not work; if not, you'll have to access through consuls-> course reserves. If you have a slow 'net connection, you can download this reading in parts (you need to read all parts for Monday) Our Secret Part 1 Our Secret Part 2 Our Secret Part 3
Otherwise, here's the whole text: Our Secret

• What are her themes/threads (not characters or people, but images or symbols)?
• What is the significance of these themes?
• What other images/themes/metaphors would work as well and how?
• Although it’s easy to identify what “Our Secret” is "about," identifying purpose (thesis) might be a bit more difficult. What do you think is her thesis, and how would you support your claim?
• Do you think that writing “Our Secret” more traditionally would be as effective? Why or why not?
• Why do you think she writes in this manner? What can her writing style teach us about writing–academic writing specifically?

posted by Andrea Beaudin @ 2/08/2006 06:04:00 PM 0 comments

Prompts for Freire

• This essay is a work in translation. What difficulties or challenges do you think it may present due to this?
• At the end of the essay, Freire states,
  

  “In the revolutionary process, the leaders cannot utilize the banking method as an interim measure, justified on grounds of expediency, with the intention of later behaving in a genuinely revolutionary fashion. They must be revolutionary–that is to say, dialogical– from the outset.” (270)

  What do you think Freire means by this statement, and what are its implications for education as a whole?
• Review Freire again with close attention to how he develops his essay and addresses his reader. Is he practicing what he preaches? How so or not?
• What lessons might Freire want you, as a writer, to take away with you?
• How do you think you could integrate those lessons into your writing?

posted by Andrea Beaudin @ 2/01/2006 05:16:00 PM 0 comments