English Essay

Explaining Relationships (Writing Project 2)

The way we relate to each other, and to other living things and even to objects, differs widely from culture to culture, and individual to individual. Sometimes, looking at things through new eyes offers insight that people who are familiar don’t see. For example, some of you may notice nuances about American culture that are, to me, so commonplace that I don’t recognize them.

In this paper, you will explore a relationship and share your insights and experiences. Your topic may be familiar, new to you, or a combination of the two. Investigate the relationship Native Americans have with the land. See if you can figure out why many American men process Arab men as homosexual, when they are (most often) really homosocial but heterosexual. Why do women, even across cultures, often find each other, and common ground. What’s the relationship between time and culture? Religion and clothing? Words and music? The relationship could also be more personal, or bridge the personal and the social. My dogs are my babies, so I might include cultural feelings on dogs as pets, plus examples from my relationship with my pups. Many Americans don’t soccer/football in the same way many people around the world do. My dad, a musician, most certainly has a long-term relationship with his guitar, as does my ex-husband with his car (but, for me, a car is a tool and a convenience, but not so much a personality). People who garden process food differently from people who eat fast food, as do people who are vegetarian from people who eat meat. Do countries take on relationships that resemble relationships between family members (a bully big brother and bratty younger sister, perhaps)? Which family metaphor would you use to describe the relationship between US and Mexico? China and Tibet? How does the relationship between humans and time differ here from where you are from?

This paper should be 4-5 pages long. You are not required to use any outside sources, but, if you do, you must cite them appropriately in MLA style (if you need help with this, see me during office hours).

Week 7:

Mon. Sept. 26: Begin project 2

Wed. Sept. 28: Read pp. 60-65.

Week 8:

Mon. Oct. 3: Read pp. 68-78.

Wed. Oct. 5: Read pp. 80-89. Thesis workshop in class.

Week 9:

Mon. Oct. 10: October Break (no class).

Wed. Oct. 12: Paper 2 invention due.

Week 10:

Mon. Oct. 17: Rough draft due. Peer review in class. Read pp. 90-91.

Wed. Oct. 19: Class cancelled for conferences.

Week 11:

Mon. Oct. 24: Final draft due.