Discussion one
Prepare: Prior to writing your initial post, read Chapters 1 through 3 of Journey into Literature.
Reflect: Chapter 1 of our text provides a number of reasons why people choose to explore literature. Clugston (2014) writes that there is "a powerful curiosity about human relationships and how to cope in the world in which we find ourselves" (Section 1.1, para. 2). The text gives a number of general motivations for reading, but it is helpful to put those motivations into context. Consider what your motivations are for reading.
Write: Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length, not including references. In your post, answer the following questions:
What does literature offer an individual?
How has the importance of reading changed from earlier eras (pre-digital/audio/visual media) to our present day? Do you think we read differently now than we did in prior generations?
Do you think Clugston's quote is valid? How have perceptions regarding the value of literature changed, if at all?
What causes people's perceptions regarding the value of literature to change?
Incorporate readings found in Chapters 1 through 3 to help illustrate the points you make.
Discussion 2
Prepare: Prior to writing your initial post, read Chapters 1 through 3 of Journey into Literature.
Reflect: As we explored in the "Why Read Literature?" discussion, literature can provide us with a multitude of perspectives, ideas, and experiences. Additionally, there is a long tradition of critical reading and writing about literature (i.e., analyzing literature to seek a deeper understanding about various interests and concerns). Chapter 2 focuses on these ideas. Consider why people write and how that writing may benefit us.
Write: Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length. The minimum word count does not include references. In your post, answer the following questions:
Why might a writer feel compelled to write about literature? How does it benefit us personally and/or professionally?
What kind of writing and thinking skills do you hope that you will develop in this course based on the description of writing about literature in Sections 1.1, 2.1, and 2.3 of the text?
Incorporate readings found in Chapters 1 through 3 to help illustrate the points you make.