Section outline

    • Before class:
    • 1) Prepare for class discussion:

    • Read Edward Gorey's book The Doubtful Guest. Copies are for sale in the BMC bookstore.

    • READ: Excerpt from Umberto Eco's book Kant and the Platypus: Essays on Language and Cognition File
    • READ: Active Reading Strategies File

      In college, students read a variety of texts for different purposes. For example, reading an article or short story to discuss in class requires different strategies than reading a textbook chapter before a lecture. This handout provides tips on the kind of deep, engaged reading that will help you prepare for a seminar discussion or write a paper about a text.

    • READ: Participating in Class Discussion File

      Not sure how to join an academic conversation? This handout offers advice on preparing for and participating in class discussions.

    • Read the assignment for the short paper due on Sept. 13 (see below). Have questions about the assignment? Ask in class.