GS 554 — Coming of Age in America: Contemporary Issues

Our discussion today began with the following texts: In Country by Bobbie Ann Mason, and Born on the Fourth of July (1989). Themes: The lasting and growing impact of war on our youth and their experience. Questions:  How can we foster a meaningful and nuanced understanding of issues related to war without relying on cliches …

GS 554 — Elaborating on Native American Perspectives

Our class discussion drew on our reading of Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Thomas King’s Truth & Bright Water, and the 1998 film Smoke Signals. Themes: Borders as human constructions. Belonging as something that necessitates that there are those who don’t belong. Varying definitions of success. Questions: How can humor …

Origins

It isn’t difficult to wax poetic about England. In fact, it’s disturbingly easy. Everywhere you turn, England presents you with a monolith of feeling and thought. We aren’t here for very long, but everyday has been crammed with important sites one after the other. It’s overwhelming, to tell you the truth. I’ve been joking with …

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