Archives for September 11, 2014

HW10 due 9/15: Where are You Going… Forum Response

1. Research and take notes on Joyce Carol Oates.  These notes should be written in the notes section of your binder.  As you are researching Oates, consider what details are important to understanding/appreciating her writing.  Note those details.
2. Read and annotate Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where are you Going, Where have you Been?” Review the annotating expectations in the course syllabus. Focus your annotations on thematic observations.
3. Forum Response–Post your response in the appropriate class forum in the pre-created thread. DO NOT START YOUR OWN THREAD! 🙂 Must be posted by midnight Sunday night.

HW12 due 9/12: Man’s Search for Meaning In-Class Essay

What is Viktor Frankl’s view of the human condition?

Ultimately your objective for this essay is to craft a thesis reflecting Frankl’s view of the human condition. TONIGHT, you can write out the thesis for this essay.

The following are major players in his argument:

  1. Frankl titles Part II of his text “Logotherapy in a Nutshell.”  Scholars suggest his thesis here can be reduced to the Freidrich Nietzsche quote (Remember, Frankl himself cites it on numerous occasions):

“He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.”

  1. Inner life/value and spiritual freedom
  2. Discovering meaning in life in three different ways:
  • By creating a work or doing a deed
  • By experiencing something or encountering someone (Love)
  • By the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering

Your essay should demonstrate control/understanding of both Part I and Part II of the text. This essay is unlike English essays of the past!  Your thesis is actually what you believe to be Frankl’s argument. There should be no critical discussion!

Be sure to bring in your copy of Man’s Search for Meaning and your notes!