NOTE: I have a tendency to change and shift the schedule around so try not to get too ahead!
Mon 9/5: NO SCHOOL
Tues 9/6: In-class essay on Plato
Weds 9/7--Read and mark the following:
Confucius excerpts in the reader
Read all of the sayings/analects on pages 35-36 (1-9).
On pages 37-48, only read the analects that have black brackets by them.
Read Mencius 49-52.
Think about the following questions:
What do Confucius and Mencius mean by the "good" or "virtuous" man?
What's the most important saying or analects of Confucius in your opinion and why?
Where does good come from according to Confucius? According to Mencius?
What do you do if there's a bad ruler acc. to Confucius and/or Mencius?
Come up with your own question (but make it textually-based).
Mark specific passages to support your ideas.
Fri 9/9--Read Zhuang Zi excerpts pp. 54-64 of reader numbers (stop at very top of 64, at "profit and loss!").
Please note that pages 57 and 58 are in the wrong order--read page 58 first and then page 57.
If you prefer, you can annotate the PDF online.
Please note that the staple is on the right.
The reading begins with "Free and Easy Wandering"
Pay close attention to the metaphors that Zhuang Zi (Chuang Tzu) uses; they will help you understand his thinking.
Mon 9/12--Finish reading Zhuang Zi excerpts and post three questions on Canvas under "Discussions."
One question should be a close reading question.
One question should be a discussion question.
One should be a question about larger issues/personal relevance.
After you've written your questions, use the rest of the word count to answer/explore a question someone else has posed on the response chain.
Word count: 375 words
Weds 9/14--Response on Zhuang Zi (400 words). Please post on Canvas.
Pick your own passage/metaphor or analyze the one I've provided on Canvas.
Analyze the language of the passage and the image carefully.
Look for the larger implications of the metaphor/s.
Choose specific words and phrases from the passage to embed in your own writing.
If you choose your own passage/metaphor, please write out the passage before starting your response (and provide the page number)
Please respond briefly to the two people ahead of you on the response chain.
400 words (not including quotations)
Thurs 9/15--Response to prepare for in-class essay:
400 words (not including quotations)
Please respond briefly to the two people ahead of you on the response chain.
For this response, please do the following
Write an essay question comparing Plato, Confucius, and/or Zhuang Zi
Answer your own question or someone else's
Further instructions posted on Canvas.
Mon 9/19--NO CLASSES
Tues 9/20--IN-CLASS ESSAY on Zhuang Zi, Confucius, and Plato.
Homework: Preparation for in-class essay
This assignment is private (will not show up on the discussion site).
Weds 9/21--Read and annotate Nervous Conditions, Chapt. 1 and part of 2 (bottom of page 26 ". . . below you instead of above.").
Look here for a PDF of the novel (to be used only until you get a paper copy):
Attached below, please find a study guide for Nervous Conditions that will help you with names and with understanding the culture.
Fri 9/23----Read and annotate Nervous Conditions, 27-52 (25 pages).