For Friday (11:45)

Hello all,

Today, we began by exploring human perceptions of identity. The discussion focused on what constitutes identity: the body or the brain/soul. This debate helps one to focus on the various issues of identity. Are you you because of your body? Or, is the you-ness located in your mind? Humm...

This discussion led us into our knowledge nugget on Beloved. The nugget focused on perceptions of identity in the work and therefore in the reader. The nugget also referenced issues related to how rhetoric allows the identity to function in the story.

Following the nugget, we discussed the issues from the nugget. Some of the interesting perspectives offered focused on empathy and sympathy. We also explored ideas about who and what gets to create a lens for our readings. This discussion led to our exploration of the rhetorical analysis that you posted on your blogs. We talked about how one constructs knowledge by using other texts, and how we "read" these texts. We discussed the various ways to use these texts and these readings to teach others about issues and ideas.

We also briefly discussed the technology needed to record your interview conversations for the StoryCorps-like interview. Remember, with MACs you can use garageband, or you can download programs like audacity.com (which is free). For PCs, you can use the recording software on the PC (microsoft has a recording toolbar) or you can use sayandpost.com which functions as a small downloadable application. Remember, you can also use your phone, as most phones have this application. If you need to borrow a recording device, please let me know, and I can lend you one.

The conclusion of class focused on your peer and self-evaluations. Remember, you should be actively reading the texts at this point and generating notes for your letters. Your letters will be due on Monday. You need to complete one for yourself and one for your peer.

For Friday:

Read: n/a

Write: Letters to Peer and Self

Do: Letters to Peer and Self
Locate interviewee and prepare technology.

Take care, and email me with questions,

Kat