Modernism
Modernism Overview
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Overview
One of the thorny issues of discussing modernism is the word itself. What is “modern”? When does the “modern” age begin? What characteristics set off a work of literature, art, or drama as being “modern”? These are some of the issues with which we will begin our study of modern literature, questioning what “modern” literature, art, and drama means and examining the historical and political context in which these new approaches emerged. Essential Questions These are questions to address as we open our studies of modern literature. They are open to interpretation and admit of a plurality of answers, but ideally, the answers must be supported with reasons and examples. What we’ll do with these questions is simple: You’ll think about these questions in advance and use them as the basis for our discussion in class. Since class discussion is worth an important part of your grade, preparation for discussion is pretty important. I may have you write down formal answers to these questions for a writing grade, but I will announce this in class if so.
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Background Reading
NOTE: Readings are mandatory unless specifically marked “Optional.” They are given to help you understand the course material. If you’re having a hard time understanding something, the optional materials can often be very helpful to you. If you have suggestions for optional material you would like to see on this page, please email me at [email protected] with your suggestions. Discussion Questions for "Helen" and "To Helen"
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Reading Assignments
Outline or take textual notes on all textbook information that you are asked to read. I will give occasional open-note quizzes, so taking notes will definitely help your understanding. Please note that all reading assignments, unless otherwise specified, refer to your text, The Language of Literature. Icebreaker Text To essentially act as an “”icebreaker,” we’re going to examine two texts, both about the legendary Helen of Troy, stolen from her Greek husband Menelaus by the Trojan prince Paris. This event caused the ten-year Trojan War, a war that cost many lives and ultimately ended in the burning and destruction of the city of Troy itself. Questions we’ll ask about these poems:
Poem #1: Edgar Allan Poe, "To Helen" Poem #2: H. D., "Helen" |
Background Reading
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Background Reading
Helpful overviews on the following topics:
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Literature Readings
Short Fiction
Ambrose Bierce, "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"
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Short Story, "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"
Questions for “Owl Creek Bridge”
2. How does this story answer the question, “Is reality subjective? Is reality truly a matter of perception?”
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D. H. Lawrence, "The Rocking-Horse Winner" (1926)
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Text
Questions for “Rocking-Horse Winner”
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Poetry
Essential Questions
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Essential Questions for Poetry Study
Before we engage in a discussion of poetry, it is often helpful to ask this fundamental question: What is poetry?
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William Carlos Williams
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William Carlos Williams (American)
Questions for the Poems
Formative Assessment: Writing a Poem
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Ezra Pound
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Ezra Pound (American)
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T. S. Eliot
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T. S. Eliot
Questions for the Poem
Essay Assignment for the Poem
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e. e. cummings
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e. e. cummings
Questions and Teaching Plan for the Poem
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Additional Works
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Virginia Woolf
Other
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Assignments and Assessments
Note: These are possible assignments and assessments that may be given during this unit. They are placed here for your convenience and review if you would like to see a typical assessment for this course.
Formative Assessment
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Formative Assessment
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Summative Assessment
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Writing Assignments
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Resources for the Media-Minded
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Optional Resources
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