English, Liberal Studies - 2/10

Guidance on Topic Selection for Writing an Essay

  • Library Sources:

    • Importance of utilizing prior sources.

    • Online access to public library resources available.

    • Challenges with finding a story of appropriate length (approximately 150 pages).

  • Guidelines for Topic Selection:

    • If facing indecision, follow two criteria:

    1. Identify the most interesting topic among the six possibilities.

      • Reflect on personal interest and engagement.

      • Consider the research requirements for the topic.

    2. Assess which topic aligns with one's strengths for producing quality work.

      • Understanding personal writing abilities or comfort with the subject matter.

    • If still uncertain between two topics, send a thesis statement for each to the instructor for guidance.

Discussion on Romantic Love as the West's Undeclared Religion

  • Prompt: Examination of the statement "Love is now the West's undeclared religion."

    • Focus on romantic love within European-based cultures.

    • Open floor for reactions: Agree, disagree, thoughts?

  • Arguments for Romantic Love's Role:

    • Discussion on LGBTQ rights, using the slogan "Love is Love" as a historical reference.

    • Consideration of romantic love's centrality to personal identity and community dynamics.

  • Historical Context of Marriage:

    • Traditional marriage's function primarily around procreation and family alliances.

    • Notion that romantic love was not a significant factor historically in marriage.

    • Example: Marriages in history revolved around practical needs (food, shelter, family benefits).

    • Observation of shifts in focus towards romantic ideals, particularly post-18th century.

  • Philosophical Considerations:

    • Discusses the challenge of prioritizing romantic love against more basic human needs.

    • Mention of Joseph Campbell's idea that arranged marriages may still embody love despite lacking the typical romantic spark.

  • Divorce Rates and Cultural Context:

    • Higher divorce rates in cultures prioritizing romantic love, suggesting possible societal or patriarchal influences.

    • Reflection on the consequences of societal norms on the personal conditions of marriage.

Discourse on Reason vs. Emotion and Storytelling

  • Market Outlet Video and Bill Myers Interview Discussion:

    • Exploration of distinctions between fact and opinion, reason and emotion.

    • Emphasis on the need for proof when claiming something as a fact, especially in a scientific sense, suggesting reliance on statistics and experiments.

  • Literary Reference - Life of Pi:

    • Summary on the fable-like storytelling aspect.

    • Reflect on the protagonist's claim to a fantastical story involving a tiger and the subjective truth of storytelling: "Which version of my story do you prefer?"

    • Discussion on preference for more dramatic, engaging narratives.

Concept of Divinity in Human Stories

  • Comparison of Science and Divine Elements:

    • Exploration of how stories containing divine elements are often more engaging than purely scientific narratives.

    • Correlation between humanity's preference for narratives that include a divine being against stories solely based on atoms.

Pronoun Usage and Respect for Individual Identity

  • Correct Pronoun Usage:

    • Importance of accurately using pronouns; emphasis on context and personal choice.

    • Guidelines provided on how to correctly use first, second, and third person pronouns.

    • Subjective (I): "I ran to the store."

    • Objective (me): "He gave the book to me."

    • Possessive (my): "That is my book."

  • Discussion on Non-Binary Pronouns:

    • Understanding and utilizing plural forms (e.g., their) for individuals who identify outside the traditional gender binary.

MLA Formatting Guidelines and Group Discussions

  • Guidance on MLA Essay Format:

    • Importance of proper formatting, especially for the works cited page.

    • Clarifications on spacing, title usage, and citation styles.

  • Group Activity on Marriage and Love:

    • Students to share thoughts on how different cultures view love and marriage in modern-day contexts.

    • Discussion included examination of historical shifts, use of literature (Shakespeare), and cultural expectations in romantic relationships.

  • Concluding Thoughts from Group Discussions:

    • Recognition of love's variability across cultures and its economic implications in historical context.

    • Final assessment of romantic love's role in shaping personal relationships today versus historical paradigms.