Yesterday in class we read an article from Expanded Academic, a database here at the college on the COA website entitled: A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America by Christopher Clausen. It was published in The New Leader (1993) and looks at two books, one by Takaki, the other by Robert Hughes, whose Culture of Complaint has a similar topic as Takaki, even if dissimilar views.
Students met in groups to read, then talk about the article and write a response they then gave to me. I shared most of the responses this morning in class. We then practiced skimming the chapter preface for Contradictions in Takaki's book. Thursday we will practice annotating.
I am not sorry I chose a history book, what is unfortunate is that this class is not tied to a history class where the book is explored in more detail than we are able to because so many students are not where they are supposed to be. That said, I don't expect you to become an expert on U.S. history. Takaki is a great book to use to illustrate how to paraphrase, how to incorporate sources, how to develop a works cited and bibliography... Mirrors is the epitomy of scholary research, something we are trying to do.
Wednesday, September 22
We met in A-202E. Tomorrow we will meet downstairs in the LRC for the library orientation with Professor Jane.
Some students are struggling with Takaki because they have no historic or cultural reference for the material. This is where discussion is most helpful. Find classmates who are more familiar with the material than you to meet for literature round tables. I am also available. You do not have time to read the same sections repeatedly. There are also tutors available who can help students who are having trouble with comprehension, not because they can read, but because there is a cultural gap.
It is up to you to look up those references which are unclear, especially significant people and places. I mentioned a film students might want to see: Mountains That Take Wing at East Side Cultural Center, Friday, September 25, 7 PM. It is free and the two protagonists, Angela Davis and Yuri Kochiyama will be present to entertain questions. I will bring a copy of a review I wrote for students tomorrow.
Students met in groups to read, then talk about the article and write a response they then gave to me. I shared most of the responses this morning in class. We then practiced skimming the chapter preface for Contradictions in Takaki's book. Thursday we will practice annotating.
I am not sorry I chose a history book, what is unfortunate is that this class is not tied to a history class where the book is explored in more detail than we are able to because so many students are not where they are supposed to be. That said, I don't expect you to become an expert on U.S. history. Takaki is a great book to use to illustrate how to paraphrase, how to incorporate sources, how to develop a works cited and bibliography... Mirrors is the epitomy of scholary research, something we are trying to do.
Wednesday, September 22
We met in A-202E. Tomorrow we will meet downstairs in the LRC for the library orientation with Professor Jane.
Some students are struggling with Takaki because they have no historic or cultural reference for the material. This is where discussion is most helpful. Find classmates who are more familiar with the material than you to meet for literature round tables. I am also available. You do not have time to read the same sections repeatedly. There are also tutors available who can help students who are having trouble with comprehension, not because they can read, but because there is a cultural gap.
It is up to you to look up those references which are unclear, especially significant people and places. I mentioned a film students might want to see: Mountains That Take Wing at East Side Cultural Center, Friday, September 25, 7 PM. It is free and the two protagonists, Angela Davis and Yuri Kochiyama will be present to entertain questions. I will bring a copy of a review I wrote for students tomorrow.
posted by Professor Wanda's Posse at 11:58 AM
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