Have each section’s reading completed by the due dates marked in parentheses. Expect quizzes, discussions and writing assignments.
Textbook: The Bedford Reader (Eds. Kennedy, Kennedy and Aaron)
A. Women in Dialogue (Fri. 4/4)
- Alice Walker, “Everyday Use” (267)
- Fatema Mernissi, “Size 6: The Western Women’s Harem” (252)
- Jessica Cohen, “Grade A: The Market for a Yale Women’s Eggs” (114)
- Jamaica Kincaid, “Girl” (367)
- Sandra Cisneros, “Only Daughter” (584)
B. Controversial Topics and Current Events (Mon. 4/7)
- Anna Quindlen, “Homeless” (198)
- Brent Staples, “Black Men and Public Space” (208)
- Roger Rosenblatt, “We Are Free to Be You, Me, Stupid, and Dead” (215)
- Kathy Pollitt, “What’s Wrong with Gay Marriage?” (548)
- Charles Colson, “Gay ‘Marriage’: Societal Suicide” (554)
- Edwidge Danticat, “Not Your Homeland” (572)
C. Race, Culture and Language (Wed. 4/9)
- Maya Angelou, “Champion of the World” (93)
- Amy Tan, “Fish Cheeks” (99)
- Gloria Naylor, “The Meanings of a Word” (488)
- Christine Leong, “Being a Chink” (494)
- Dogoberto Glib, “Pride” (505)
D. Dark Humor and Satire (Fri. 4/11)
- Shirley Jackson: “The Lottery” (123)
- Sarah Vowell, “Shooting Dad”(154)
- Robert Benchley, “My Face” (170)
- Jessica Mitford, “Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain” (308)