Introduction to Literature Conclusion 2011/6/7

What have we learned together? 1. close analysis: form and content (from part to whole; from notes to organized analysis) 2. text and contexts: literary genres (comedy of manners, dramatic monologue; metaphysical poetry, sonnet, medieval ballad, tragedy) & movements 3. themes: love seen from different perspectives; the influences of class, human mortality, capitalism and American Dream 4. activities: developing your learning methods thru’activities  A. teach and learn  B. discuss and learn 5. reading and writing an organized analysis of a longer text – journal samplesjournal samples 6. final examfinal exam Mid- Term Journal

Mid-Term: Part 1 poetry: 1) sound effects 2) meanings of words –denotation and connotation 3) meanings in context (the whole poem, its historical context, and our context)

Mid-Term: Part 3 The themes of love, art and death 1) Do not make sweeping generalizations about a historical period; 2) Do not easily equate a poem’s speaker and its poet (Shakespeare, Donne) 3) Is love eternal? In what ways is art “eternal”? Is Death a gentleman to you?

Teach and Learn Different ways of learning to understand and presenting/promoting a poem and to get interested in doing so. Multiple interpretations Personal experience of the importance of reading out loud, paraphrasing, checking dictionary, doing research, group discussion, etc.

Discuss and Learn 1.Learning to read a passage closely, then expand its meanings and significance in the text and to us. 2.Learning to learn from your classmates (again) esp. through discussion and negotiating differences.

Reading a Longer Text Like reading your own life, you need to (1) experience it yourself, instead of depending on plot summary, SparkNotes or Chinese translation; (2) take notes and re-read the text with the help of the notes (and study guides). Sometimes an e-text can help.

Journal and Essay Exam [Thesis Statement] + Logic  Sample 1: narrowing down the scope  Sample 2: giving a clear thesis paragraph and logical transitions  Sample 3 & 4: logic –re-ordering your ideas  Sample 4: making a main point about the symbols/objects in the play

Final Exam * Altogether you should answer 5 questions. Close Analysis-- Choose 2 (24 %) Essay Questions: 3 (75 %, 25 each) 1. An analysis of a poem (read this semester) in terms of its theme, content and form, as well as its historical context. 2. An analysis of one passage from the 5 passage of Frankenstein (to analyze its language, context, main issues (from multiple perspective), and its relevance to us). 3. A Essay on The Death of a Salesman--Find a Focus and Write an Essay : you can re-phrase the questions and give a title. Enjoy learning and good luck!