© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Chapter 15: Reading in the Humanities and Arts Academic Reading, Fifth Edition by Kathleen T. McWhorter

© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Learning Objectives: To learn specialized reading techniques for literature To develop an approach to studying visual arts To learn to read and use criticism To identify predominant thought patterns To adapt your learning skills to the humanities and arts

© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Literature focuses on the search for reasons, values, and interpretations in all areas of human interest and experience. Read slowly and carefully. Plan on reading the work several times. Ask questions to establish the literal meaning first; then work on interpretation. Annotate as you read. Identify themes and patterns.

© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Understanding the Language of Literature Descriptive Language - words that create sensory impressions or responses Connotative Language - words that suggest meanings beyond their literal meaning Figurative Language - a way of describing something on an imaginative level – Sam eats like a horse. – The exam was a piece of cake.

© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Reading and Analyzing Poetry Read the poem once straight through, without any defined purpose. Use punctuation to guide your comprehension. Read the poem a second time. Notice the action (who, what, when, where). Analyze the poem’s intent.

© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Reading and Analyzing Poetry Determine who is speaking. Establish the speaker’s tone. Identify to whom the poem is addressed. Reread difficult or confusing sections. Check unfamiliar references. Analyze the language of the poem for connotative meanings and figures of speech.

© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Reading and Analyzing Short Stories and Novels Plot - basic storyline Characterization - actors in the story Setting - time, place, and circumstances Point of View - perspective of the story Tone - author’s attitude Theme - main point or message of the story

© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers The Visual Arts: canvas, clay, fiber How to Study Art – See as well as look. – Identify the subject matter. – Consider the title. – Study the visual elements. – Write your reactions. – Analyze the work. – Consider the meaning of the work.

© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Reading Criticism Read the original work carefully. Make a preliminary interpretation of the work. Recognize that not all critics agree. Make certain that interpretations are substantiated with references. Regard your own interpretation as valid. Make notes on your readings, recording key points.

© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Thought Patterns in the Humanities and Arts Process Chronological Order Cause and Effect Comparison and Contrast

© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Learning Strategies for Humanities and Art Courses Learn appropriate terminology. Learn classifications. Focus on themes and patterns. Highlight and annotate as you read. Write for review (plot summaries of short stories for instance). Predict exam questions. Discuss the work with a classmate.

© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Summary Questions What are some strategies for reading poetry? What are some strategies for reading short stories and novels? What are some strategies for reading literary criticism? What are some study strategies for literature and the arts?

© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Read the poem at the end of chapter and complete the exercises following the selection. “Leaves” by Lloyd Schwartz