All students of literature are likely to be asked this question at least once during their academic careers - and you may be asking yourself the same question. In this course, we will begin to answer that question by looking to variety of writers and genres and exploring how reading and writing effect our world. Some questions we might discuss: Can reading and writing help us to define who we are? What political effects does writing have? Do writers have any responsibilities to their readers? Is writing an effective way to challenge racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia? What political effects does writing have?
Since this is a freshman writing seminar, discussions will focus not only on our readings but on student writing as well. Students will be evaluated based on class participation, short writing assignments, and several short papers. Students will also be encouraged to participate in listserve discussions.
Writers will include Toni Morrison, Maxine Hong Kingston, Terry Tempest
Williams, and Audre Lorde, among others. Students will also be
required to
purchase a bulkpack. Some texts may be available through the Web.