Ashford ENG317 Week 3 Discussion (dq1+dq2)

Ashford ENG317 Week 3 Discussion 

Dq1

The Past’s Presence Today – Historical Representations in Art and Literature. 1st Post Due by Day 3. In all of this week’s readings, it is made apparent that history powerfully influences both narrative events and how those events are relayed to the reader. How do historical circumstances work to shape artistic expression? In what ways are this week’s readings reflective of the historical moments and circumstances in which they were written? For example, in Chopin’s “Désirée’s Baby” or in Crow Dog and Erdoes “Civilize Them with a Stick,” how is the social, historical, or political moment evident?

Choose two of this week’s readings from One World, Many Cultures, and discuss how each of the two pieces convey the historical and cultural moment in which the given stories take place. If you wish, you may also compare how history is represented in the two texts.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.

Dq2

Audience Reception and the Influences of History and Culture. 1st Post Due by Day 3. At the same time that history and culture impact creative activities like the telling of stories, history and culture also influence an audience’s experience and interpretation, or reception, of art and literature. Reflect on how audience reception is influenced by historical and cultural circumstances for the groups discussed in “TV as Birth Control” (p. 30). For example, while soap operas are known for their entertainment value, underprivileged people in developing countries create historical and/or cultural meaning.

Examine the reading closely, making note of the ways in which certain demographics or groups respond to the narratives in which they engage. How are the cultures and times in which the characters react to these stories 

evident in their responses? How is the author’s own cultural background and personal views evident in the reading? Do the narratives gain or lose certain meaning because of the cultural context and situations in which they are interpreted? Also consider the extent to which your own reactions to art and literature might be shaped by your culture, historical moment, and/or personal experiences.

Develop a post which explores the relevance of history and culture in people’s receptions of structured narrative, literature and/or art. Center your discussion on a thesis statement that addresses the larger significance, or the “so what?” of your argument. You may also wish to relate your interpretation to personal experiences relevant to your argument.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.