Literature

After reading the excerpts from the Tale of Genji, (link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vy50rupsjg4lx1u/TaleOfGenji_murasaki.pdf?dl=0) please write respond to each of the following questions about the text:  my professor’s brief video about the text link : https://youtu.be/McOpzdreljI 1) Who are the characters in the text? Why are they interesting?  2) What is the setting (time and place) of the text? Why is it interesting?  3) What is the plot of the text? Why is it interesting?   4) What are some themes in the text? Why are they interesting?   5) What are structural/ formal features of the text? Why is it interesting?   6) What are some historical contexts of the text? Why is it interesting?   7) What are some intertextual connections with other texts? Why is it interesting?   8) What personal connection do you have with the text? Why is it interesting?

Prompt: This discussion link will serve as an opportunity to talk to each other regarding the importance of the reading and why you find it important. Discussion here consists of responding to two questions: (a) What is the most important point raised in Plato’s Republic Book III? (b) Why do you think it is important? “What” is most important—part (a)—means you present an unbiased, straight-forward account of what you think is the most important point in the reading, with as full an explication of what this point means. The “why” part—part (b)—is evaluative, which means you offer critical analysis, reflecting on why this point matters.  Instructions: Make your initial post by 11:59 pm EST Wednesday. Initial post limited to 250 words (but no fewer than 225). Response to classmates’ posts should be between 150-200 words.  Both parts to the question (a & b, above) should be given equal weight.  Read “Tips for Discussion Assignments” (link located below) for guidance here. Grading Rubric  Grades will be determined—in part—by how well you follow the instructions.

Instruction: Special attention will be given to analyzing/criticizing the documentary. I already know what the documentaries are about. Tell me what they got wrong, could have done better, etc. or provide some thoughts about how they relate to other questions/issues in foreign policy. Focus on the politics/policy in each documentary. Are there errors? In what ways is the documentary misleading? What have you gleaned from the readings, for example, that could allow you to more critically assess the claims presented in the documentary? What policy implications are suggested by the documentary? Do you accept these recommendations? Why or why not? WATCH: “China Undercover” (https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/china- undercover/), and/or “Battle for Hong Kong” (https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/ film/battle-for-hong-kong/) and/or “Trump’s Trade War” (https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/trumps-trade-war/) Format: All assignments are to be double spaced, with standard formatting (8.5 x ll paper, 1 inch margins, etc.) in a readable font (11 or 12 point). Grammar and spelling are not graded per se, but legibility is a necessary condition for coherent, persuasive prose

Please respond to the following questions, based on what you read in Takaki (pages 21-37). Each of the responses (#1-4) is worth 3 points. Who discovered America, according to Ronald Takaki? Was it Christopher Columbus? Why or why not (in other words, what evidence does Takaki use to prove his claims)? What is the significance of William Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, when it comes to English ideas about race and racial difference? In what ways did the English see Native Americans as being similar to the Irish? Be specific. If, as Takaki says, early encounters between the English and Powhatan initially offered opportunities for friendship, then what went wrong? What led to the outbreak of hostilities? OPTIONAL (Non-graded): additional comments and/or questions?