reading writing

Unit Two: Narrative/Story The overall goal of this unit is to gain a better understanding of how narrative works through language, how we are shaped by narrative, and how our own stories shape our interpretations. Readings from different genres (narrative poetry and short fiction) will develop the unit theme and introduce you to different reading strategies. As in Unit One, you will continue to hone critical reading and writing skills in order to increase your overall effectiveness as thoughtful university-level readers and as well-informed members of your community. In addition, this unit sharpens and reinforces skills central to the goals of Focused Inquiry, such as critically responding to texts, preparing for whole class and small group discussion, supporting conclusions with appropriate evidence, and generating written work for assessment Inquiry Questions: Why do people tell stories? What is the role of story-telling in society? What is the structure of the narrative? How do our own backgrounds and experiences shape our responses to other people’s stories? What does it mean to be a critical reader or to read critically? How can I increase my effectiveness as a college-level reader? What are some basic reading strategies that I can apply to a variety of textual situations? What are some basic methods for reading critically? How can I improve my writing skills through reading? How can increasing my effectiveness as a college-level reader help me to become a better student overall? How can developing my critical reading skills help me to become a better designer? What is the importance of critical reading skills in terms of responsible citizenship? Major Assignments/Individual Writing: You are to write a 2 to 3-page essay or “reader’s profile” in which you reflect on the value and skill of reading, how your reading habits have changed/improved as a result of this unit, the difference between critical and pleasure reading, and why you think reading is (or is not) necessary. You will be required to mention two to three of the assigned readings and show evidence of having engaged with the texts. You should use at least three appropriate critical terms or elements of narrative in your analysis or discussion of the readings. At least one quotation should be incorporated correctly into your essay. Some questions you might answer include: What was your most (and least) favorite of the reading assignments, and why? What memories and personal responses did the narratives trigger? How did the texts work to create those memories and responses? Why did the writer tell this story? What is its purpose? What is the most important element the writer used (character, theme, plot, setting, time, tone)? Which character did you relate to most, and why? Readings: “Ground Swell” by Mark Jarman “Oranges” by Gary Soto “My Body is a Palm Tree that Grows on Bahr al-Arab” by Soaud Al Sabeh “The Spiced Chicken Queen of Mickaweaquah, Iowa” by Mohja Kahf “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien “Happy Endings” by Margaret Atwood