English
Classroom Environment
Discussion of the physical environment:
Student mentions the room is cold and requires a fuzzy blanket.
Outside weather is described as mild, contributing to the irony of the cold room.
Composition 2 Course Objectives
Two primary functions of Composition 2:
Continued writing instruction.
Focus on establishing further academic writing skills.
Bridging to literature courses.
Prepares students for advanced studies in literature.
Not all students will take literature, but the class emphasizes critical thinking and academic writing skills across disciplines.
Writing Introductions and Conclusions
Purpose of Introductions
Introductions provide the following:
An overview of what the paper will cover.
Introduces the central thesis.
Common misconceptions:
Some view introductions as merely summarizing the paper.
Key Insights on Introductions
Importance of engaging the reader with a compelling opening.
Effective strategies include:
Using startling statistics or interesting facts.
Citing relevant quotes or telling anecdotal stories.
Asking a question that the essay will address.
Avoiding clichéd phrases:
Opening with dictionary definitions is discouraged.
Direct quotes without purpose are unhelpful.
Writing Conclusions
Conclusions should:
Summarize key points without merely repeating content from the introduction.
Update and evolve the thesis in light of the arguments presented.
Things to avoid in conclusions:
Introducing new information.
Providing definitive answers, which may come across as arrogant.
Effective Conclusion Techniques
Restatement and evolution of the thesis:
Reflect the deeper understanding gained through the essay.
Broaden the scope of discussion beyond the paper content.
Answer 'so what?' and 'who cares?' questions related to the topic.
Using a frame story to enhance engagement:
Introduce a story in the introduction and conclude it in the ending.
This technique creates a sense of completeness.
Conflict in Literature
Definition of Conflict
Conflict is described as:
The central issue or struggle that drives the narrative.
Engages the reader and propels the plot.
Key takeaway: Without conflict, there is no story.
Types of Conflict
Major types of literary conflict:
Man vs. Man (interpersonal struggles)
Man vs. Self (internal struggles)
Man vs. Society (social or cultural conflicts)
Man vs. Nature (environmental challenges)
Man vs. Technology (struggles against technological systems)
Man vs. Fate/Supernatural (challenges against destiny or otherworldly forces)
Multi-faceted Conflicts
A well-crafted story might feature multiple conflicts:
Both internal and external actions that intertwine with characters’ desires and obstacles.
Importance of Analyzing Conflict
Understanding the core conflicts helps in deciphering the central themes of the narrative.
Analyzing how conflict reinforces or evolves the central ideas is key to literary analysis.
Class Activities
Discussion Topics
Students discuss and analyze potential central ideas and conflicts in a given story (e.g., “The Moths”).
Partnership work to tie conflict analysis to central ideas developed through the narrative.
Example discussions include:
Internal conflict of the protagonist.
Societal challenges presented within the narrative paradigm.
Breakout Sessions
Students are assigned breakout sessions:
Focus on discussing conflicts and possible central themes of the text.
Report back with findings and insights to foster peer learning.
Instructor seeks feedback on the session timing and format to ensure effective learning.
Conclusion of the Session
Final instructions for group activities and concluding remarks:
Encouragement to engage critically with both the text and their peers.
Anticipation of further discussions on the interplay between conflict and central themes in upcoming classes.