Like Melanie, I was baffled that Antigone might be used to teach freshmen composition. I imagine the discussions surrounding that text and argumentation would be something out of my nightmares: initial silence followed by restive shuffling then outright rebellion. And while I do like bringing in examples from literature to "problematize" argumentation (like Jack and Heinrich's arguments in White Noise, which are hilarious), I don't think slapping Antigone down on their desks and expecting a room full of non-humanities majors to discuss the work would is realistic. More than likely, this type of process would repulse students further to writing, and that would be a failure to the class. I'm wondering if there are other texts that might interest students in seeing forms of argument (probably not White Noise, either).
Also, maybe this is showing my hand, but I'm a tyro when it comes to formal argumentation, and I'm wondering if we could be pointed toward resources to investigate rhetorical forms and moves. I feel like each Thursday, Nathan says something incredibly relevant about writing and interacting with students, but my background in rhetoric is lacking and I would love to know more about what he is saying without bugging the man. Perhaps I'm now the student who is struggling with forms since I don't have a sufficient background in rhetoric. Help?
I'm pretty sure compulsary reading of White Noise is the solution.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes it is.
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