Today in class we looked at what it means to think critically about a text and then used Sherman Alexie's essay as an example for discussion. Students were to use the questions in 50 Essays (pp. 7-8) to frame the discussion, along with the four questions at the end of the essay.

I hope students spoke about the writing's form and how Alexie developed his topic and organized his thoughts on how he learned to read and value literacy, which he says saved his life.

Tomorrow's homework is to read MLK Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and bring the essay to class annotated using the tools on pp. 7-8 in 50 Essays. Hacker also has a nice section on pp. 70-71 that looks at "Writing about Texts."

If you like, read also the essay in 50 Essay by King called "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" (203). What stylistic similaries do you notice between the two speeches? Is there a difference in tone? Who is the audience? What kinds of examples does King use? Does he vary them? How so?

Even if you have not read "Letter," think about the questions raised, as well as what type of argument King raises here. Is it a claim or policy, a claim of fact or a claim of value? Does he use inductive or deductive reasoning?

What assumptions does he raise? What are the pivotal moments in the oration? Think about the imagery. What analogies does he cite?

If you could do a rewrite, what would you add or update or subtract with what consequences?

What makes his speech timeless and timely at the same time?

Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream Speech and the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington (August 28, 2013-August 28, 1963).
There have been many activities connected to this event over the past weeks, culminating in tomorrow's historic date. there are also many activities following tomorrow's anniversary.

I Have a Dream: http://www.archives.gov/press/exhibits/dream-speech.pdf  (text)

 http://www.religionnews.com/2013/08/16/video-martin-luther-king-i-have-a-dream-speech-august-28-1963/ (watch it here)

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/26/martin-luther-king-anniversary-radio-4  (famous humanitarians read the speech)

For information, visit http://50thanniversarymarchonwashington.com/

http://www.democracynow.org/special/50th_anniversary_of_the_march_on

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_23935094/bay-area-bus-riders-recall-cross-country-trek

http://swampland.time.com/2013/08/25/on-50th-dream-anniversary-obama-seeks-mlk-moment/

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/08/26/president-obama-president-clinton-and-president-carter-commemorate-50th-anniversary-

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/08/23/presidential-proclamation-50th-anniversary-march-washington-jobs-and-fre