Dracula

1. Characterize the environment with a focus on gothic elements (look up the characteristics if you are in doubt)

2. How can we use Freud's model of the mind in our reading of this story? Provide textual examples.

3. What view on sexuality and death are depicted in the story?

4. Why is this story sooooo fantastic? - Objectively speaking(!)

The Black Cat

SEMINAR (1/3 2011)

Form a hypothesis for the analysis of this story. You must consider themes and purpose. This will be the frame for our analysis.

Points to consider:

Find evidence for/examples of the unreliability of the narrator.

What does the black cat in the story symbolize? You may want to consider the significance of its name, Pluto.

Frankenstein

Read through the comprehension questions after each excerpt. Pick a few of the points below and choose a focus for your reading.

1. Characterize Victor Frankenstein

2. What views are represented in the excerpt regarding life, death, religion, science?

3. Read lines 29-40 again. How does Victor describe his scientific breakthrough?

4. Focus on the use of language and imagery when Victor discovers the secret of life - what do you think?

5. Characterize the changes in Victor's mood as his creation progresses.

6. Consider question 6 on p. 93 - what causes Victor's anxiety?

Material

It seems that both Sara and I are unable to forward the material. Those of you who did not get it will have to pick it up at the office at Randers HF & VUC. You should do so soon since there is quite a lot and you will need to participate in the discussions here on the blog.
Best,
Chanett

Exam dates

Just to let everyone that the written mock exam (terminsprøven) will be on Tuesday, 15th March and your written exam will on Friday, 27th May. We will not know when the oral examination will take place before Friday, 19th May.

Conference

Dear all

I believe we have a conference on Ludus. I will upload the texts (the Horror compendium) and the written assignment (Delprøve 1 + 2). I'm not sure they will be there before the weekend, though.

Best,

Chanett

ps. Those of you who already have the material may disregard this message ;)

Theory

Read the theoretical texts (Weisberg, Krogh/Schmidt and Schmidt)

1. Do you agree with N. Schmidt's views on why we read horror?

2. What are your own expectations for this theme? What do you expect to learn? What do you expect will be the focus of our analyzes?

3. Which of the aspects and sub-genres of horror mentioned in the material do you suppose you would prefer?

4. What scares you? (Do not say grammar!)

- Mwuuaaahahahahahaaaaaa.... :-o

Plan for "horror"

Horror

25/1: Discussion of theory

2/2: Discussion of Frankenstein (excerpt - Mary Shelley)

8/2: Discussion of Dracula (excerpt - Bram Stoker)

11/2: HAND IN WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT (Parenting + grammar)

22/2: Discussion of Suffer the Little Children (Stephen King)

1/3: SEMINAR - read and analyze The Black Cat + The Raven (E. A. Poe)

Plan for seminar: Aspects of the American Dream

Seminar, January 2011
Dear all
We will be working in matrix groups (like you did for the fairytale theme). You will need notes from the blog.

We will analyse the poems in class so make notes and write on the blog so we have a point of departure. This is a new genre and it might be a good idea to do a little research.

You have not been asked to do a "delprøve 1" this time. Bring your grammar books and let us see where they take us :)

I'm looking forward to seeing you!

Best wishes,
Chanett

Ps. Feel free to add comments on the different texts - it will benefit your work in class!

I hear America singing (Whitman) & I too (Hughes)

We will be working on the poems when we meet. Go to the label "Poetry" posted by Sara and consider the questions in relation to the two poems.
Furthermore, I want you to consider the time and context of the poems.
What aspects of the American dream are presented in the two poems?

Posts on the blog regarding these subjects will be helpful to our work on the analysis.

Ted Williams, Columbus OH homeless man, with golden radio voice

How is this for an American Dream? Tell me what you think.

Our America

1. Sum up the differences that LeAlan Jones sees between the "two Americas". Provide evidence from the text.

2. Put "Our America" into perspective by comparing the text to one or two of the other texts we have read on this theme. All the texts should be covered when this discussion ends:

What are the differences in the view on the American Dream?

What views on the American people are conveyed in the texts? - sum up differences.

Is America presented as an example for the rest of the world or the opposite? Provide evidence?

Adam

1.What is the genre?
2.Who is speaking in the text?
3.What is his view on the American Dream?
4.React to his view on Capital punishment? How is this view related to the American Dream?
5.Discuss his view upon love and marriage
6.Is his view upon the American Dream exceptional?
7.What seems to be the topic?
8.To whom is the text directed?
9.How does our generation seek the American Dream? Has the concept changed?
10.Put into perspective of the other texts we have read on this theme.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

Happy New Year, folks!

There seems to be a scarcity of written work in our inboxes - what could be the reason? Get your b**s into 2011 and hand them in (please!)

Sara & Chanett