Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Feminism

92 minutes

     1.   Review class norms 

     2.   Small groups discuss “I Was Once Miss America”:

a.   Discuss your response to the essay and share your charts

b.   The last sentences of the essay are: “Some experiences are universal. A girl is a girl whether she lives in West Omaha or Sweet Valley. Books are often far more than books.”  Discuss how this is true for Roxane Gay (as revealed in her essay.) How might this be true for you?

c.    Look at the way Gay structures her essay. Identify and discuss what she does to create coherence and connections between these things: Vanessa Williams, Sweet Valley High, and her own self-image. Locate specific paragraphs where these connections are made and be prepared to share out with the class  

     3.   Discuss essay as a whole class: how does Roxane Gay reveal her personality? What did you discover about the structure of her essay? 

     4.   Individually, look at your list of obsessions, pastimes, interests, and passions. Add to the list. Then brainstorm specific stories or situations that center on one of these obsessions or passions or interests, etc. 

     5.   Begin drafting the story of your passion, obsession, etc. 

     6.   FOR NEXT TIME: (Friday, September 21) Bring in a complete draft of a personal essay that explores one of your passions or obsessions, etc. (2-3 page, double spaced, typed) 

      

        DUE FRIDAY: 2-3 page typed draft of personal essay about an obsession or passion of yours