august 20

JOURNAL TOPIC: ("My Back Pages" by Bob Dylan/ covered by The Byrds)

Why is it that so many young people want to be older, and so many older people want to be young? How do you feel about your age? Be sure to explain your answer.

1. Journal
2. Socratic seminar (topics: remix/creative commons; socratic method; right to your opinion; "Richard Cory")

HW:
Memorize "Richard Cory"-- due Friday, August 24

Why "Richard Cory" now, when most American Literature courses start in chronological order with Native American creation myths or Colonial lectures? 

1. Because immediately after this, we will read a piece by an author from another country and discuss how culture influences writing.
2. Because this poem is uniquely, tragically relevant.  I first brought it to a World Literature course when one of the funniest, most beloved people ever killed himself the day before school started.  And I'm concerned-- between 2007 and 2015, teen suicide rates doubled for girls and went up 30% for boys.  According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, on average there are 123 suicides in America EVERY DAY.   Please click the links & read the articles by the beginning of class tomorrow (Tuesday, August 21). Think about Richard Cory and come to class prepared to discuss how literature reflects the versions of ourselves that only we know.

I can't think of anything more important to learn than living.  Can you?