English R1B

Other Readings and Media

"Jamaica Kincaid, A Small Place

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, The Mistress of Spices

Arundhati Roy, The Cost of Living

Diana Hacker, Rules for Writers

A substantial course reader"

Description

Often mentioned but rarely explained, the term ?globalization? provides one way of thinking about the economic, social, and cultural processes of recent years. For some, globalization promises a world at our fingertips, an exciting world free of boundaries and borders. For others, it means an intensification of suffering and inequality on a global scale. This course offers a user-friendly introduction to globalization?s often sharply opposed meanings. Class material will be drawn from a variety of sources, ranging from fiction and film to recent scholarly and political writing. While presenting important ideas and frameworks for thinking, these sources will also provide occasions to develop skills in reading, writing, and critical analysis. Assignments move from personal response papers to formal academic essays, culminating in a 10 pp. research paper and oral presentation at the end of term. Students can expect frequent exercises in peer-editing and revising. An area of special focus will be the elements of the research process, which we will target and practice in both in-class and out-of-class activities, including hands-on sessions in the library. No previous knowledge required.