An update

Several students called me last night to say they wouldn't be able to come to class because of the weather, but we carried on with only half the group in attendance.

In order to keep us all on the same page as far as the assigned readings, I decided to postpone the reading listed on the syllabus for next week. I will hand out the Debra Dickeron essay "Racist Like Me" next week, and I've decided to eliminate the Wendell Berry piece altogether.

This means the only thing you need to be concerned about for next week's class (Feb. 25) is Essay #1. I've pasted the instructions below for anyone who might have misplaced them.

Reminder: We will start next week's class at the library instead of the regular classroom.

Instructions for Essay #1

Choose one of the following options. Your essay should be 2 to 3 typed, double-spaced pages long. The pages should be stapled together. At the top of your first page, include your name, my name, the course title (EN103) and the date you’re turning it in. The essay will be due in class Wednesday, Feb. 25.


Option A: Preaching vs. Teaching

In his essay “Conspiracy Theories 101,” Stanley Fish argues that the principles of academic freedom do not grant teachers the right to try to convince students to adopt their personal opinions and beliefs. Do you agree, or disagree? Write an essay either supporting or disputing Fish’s general thesis, using at least one specific example of a topic on which a professor should or should not, in your opinion, discuss his personal beliefs with students.

You are welcome (but not required) to discuss the ideas brought up by Lewis Lapham in his essay “Time Lines” or Clive Thompson in “Manufacturing Confusion” if you feel they are relevant to Fish’s argument or to yours.


Option B: The Same Old Story

In his essay “Time Lines,” Lewis Lapham acknowledges that teaching history as a series of stories (or narratives) is problematic, but it is better than not teaching history at all –- or teaching it in such a way that students won’t find it interesting and therefore valuable. Do you agree or disagree? Write an essay either supporting or disputing Lapham’s position on this matter, using at least one specific example of a historical event, development or subject that either should or should not be taught in the form of narrative(s).

You are welcome (but not required) to discuss the ideas brought up by Lewis Lapham in his essay “Time Lines” or Clive Thompson in “Manufacturing Confusion” if you feel they are relevant to Fish’s argument or to yours.