For Friday, Feb 28

Read and annotate to p. 195 in Morrison's Beloved, and write one page comparing how memory works in the novel and how it works in Kurosawa's Rashomon. Since the novel and the film have a lot to say about memory, your response will be more successful if you focus on particular moments from each text. 

For Friday, February 7, and Tuesday, February 11

We will discuss the Eula Biss essay and introduce Toni Morrison's Beloved. You have no new work for tomorrow since we didn't have a chance to introduce Morrison's novel.

For Tuesday, read pp. 3-33 in Beloved. As we discussed in class, write a one-page commentary about the reading.

Assignment for Wednesday, February 5

Read and annotate Eula Biss's "No Man's Land" (handout). Write at least one page (preferably typed) that explains, first, the different meanings of "no man's land" in the essay and, second, the contributions of those different meanings to Biss's argument.

Assignment for Monday, February 3

Read and annotate Shelby Steele, "I'm Black, You're White, Who's Innocent?" and write at least one page (preferably typed) in response to the following prompt: Steele writes, "I think the racial struggle in America has always been primarily a struggle for innocence" (p. 47). First, what does Steele mean by innocence? Second, using your understanding of American history and society, is Steele right?