Assignments

Seminar 3: Carver

1

STEP 1: Read the short story "Cathedral,"

Actions  by Raymond Carver. Then, choose 2 of the following questions to answer in at least 6 sentences each, using direct quotes from the text to support your insights. In answering, be sure to apply Close Reading--10 Principles, as well as Close Reading-- Student Examples w/ Teacher Feedback and Close Reading/ Unpacking. Also, in examining this story, consider annotating (it can really help you make sense of the text!)

1. Which pattern--Freytag's Pyramid, The Hero's Journey, or 1 of the 6 Arcs of Storytelling (identify which arc)--do you think the story exhibits the best and why? Also, within that arc, is there a central conflict, crisis, climax, or moment of greatest tension? What is it? Is it resolved? Does it result in catharsis? If so, how?

2. What theme or themes does the story revolve around? What would you say is its final significance, symbolism, lesson, or moral--if any?

3. How would you describe the narrator's transformation? Who is he when the story begins? Who is he when the story ends?

4. What is the significance/ symbolism of drawing a "cathedral" of all things? 

5. Conduct a close reading of the final paragraphs. What do you make of this scene? More specifically, why is closing his eyes something the narrator feels he "ought to do"? By these means, is he still "looking"--as Robert asks him? Furthermore, what is the significance of the claim that "I didn't feel like I was inside anything"?  

6. Do you notice any similarities between this story and either of the last two stories? Explain.

7. STEP 2: Come up with your own question for discussion-- and answer it in at least 5 sentences. Be sure the question is an open-ended discussion question rather than a fact-based question. In other words, it should encourage conversation and needn't have an answer; instead, it should value exploration over verifiability. 

STEP 3:  Read Seminar Expectations. Then comment constructively on the responses of at least 2 peers in at least 5 sentences each, going beyond mere acknowledgement and/or flattery, furthering an exploratory and analytical discussion that complicates--rather than simplifies--the subject matter at hand. Grading rubrics below.

Summary Accurately and comprehensively accounts for the explicit facts and literal features of the text--i.e. surface details (e.g. author, title, character, plot, argument), summarized in the writer’s own well-developed words.

A- B

C D- F

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Analysis/ Evaluation Reflects a "close reading" of the implicit and figurative features of the text—i.e. depths (e.g. theme, implication, allusion, symbolism, moral, message, significance) by showing logic, making fine distinctions, and otherwise identifying relations among parts of the text that contribute to an improved understanding of the text as a whole.

A- B

C D- F

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Support Supports ideas with adequate evidence, citing specifics, quoting liberally, and explaining how the writer’s specific thoughts are in reaction to the specific thoughts of the author.

A- B

C D- F

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Audience Awareness Demonstrates awareness of the writer’s audience in both tone and information.

A- B

C D- F

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Grammar, Punctuation, Mechanics Exhibits clarity of expression; illustrates varied sentence structure; uses vivid and precise language; and contains few, if any, errors in the conventions of academic English.

A- B

C D- F

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome MLA Format Follows MLA 8 in-text citation guidelines, including properly formatted parenthetical references for every quote.

A- B

C D- F

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Assignment Fulfillment Proactively answers, completes, and/or addresses each aspect of the assignment, demonstrating attention to detail and seriousness of purpose.

A- B

C D- F

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Peer Engagement Comments on the responses of at least 2 peers, going beyond mere acknowledgement and/or flattery, furthering an exploratory and analytical discussion that complicates--rather than simplifies--the subject matter at hand.

A- B

C D- F