Unit 1: Education Narrative Assignment

(1000-word minimum)

Due: Wednesday, October 13

Assignment

In discussing the education narrative genre, we have explored works by Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, Anita Jang, and Plato. In these pieces, the writers discuss how certain experiences have shaped their understanding of the world and/or their educational journeys. For this assignment you will use these writers as models (and perhaps inspiration) and write an education narrative of your own.

Choose one of the following options:

  1. In “Learning to Read,” Malcolm X discusses how he educated himself while being a prisoner. Likewise, Douglass recalls the process of learning to read and write in the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. With these texts in mind, discuss a personal experience that changed how you approached the learning process and/or shifted how you felt about your education. What was this experience? Why and how did it affect you? In your essay, be as specific as possible. Include details that put your reader inside the situation; for example, describe the setting and time period, include dialogue and sensory elements (sights, sounds, smells, etc.). In addition, include your thoughts and feelings about this experience.

 

  1. In Anita Jang’s student essay, she describes conversations she had with her grandmother about the Mona Lisa and how these interactions influenced her. These conversations ultimately led to her interest in the field of graphic design. With her story in mind, write about a valuable moment and/or relationship that shaped your interest in your chosen field. What made this experience valuable? Why and how did it influence your choices? In your essay, be as specific as possible. Include details that put your reader inside the situation; for example, describe the setting and time period, include dialogue and sensory elements (sights, sounds, smells, etc.). In addition, include your thoughts and feelings about this experience.

 

  1. In “The Allegory of the Cave,” the prisoners in the cave have a set view of the world, which is shaped by the limited information available to them. When one prisoner escapes, his experience of leaving the cave, as well as what he discovers outside of it, radically alters his ideas about the world. With Plato’s allegory in mind, write about a moment where you “woke up” in some way. Discuss how this moment changed a central belief, value, or idea you felt certain about for a long time. What was the original belief, value, or idea you had? Why and how did it change? In your essay, be as specific as possible. Include details that put your reader inside the situation; for example, describe the setting and time period, include dialogue and sensory elements (sights, sounds, smells, etc.). In addition, include your thoughts and feelings about this experience.

 

In developing your narrative, and regardless of what you write about, keep in mind Mike Bunn’s “How to Read Like a Writer” and what he says about purpose and audience. Considering these rhetorical elements will help you make decisions about content, style, and tone.

Here are the grading criteria for this project:

Your narrative…

  • focuses on either one event or on a series of connected events.
  • uses concrete and specific details to create a picture for your reader.
  • has an overall point.
  • reflects thoughtfully on the events discussed.
  • uses carefully chosen words, transitions, and is organized in a manner that makes your meaning clear.
  • uses tone, language, grammar, and sentence structure appropriate for your genre, audience, and purpose.
  • has been carefully proofread.
  • meets the required word count: at least 1000 words!
  • has been submitted on time.

 

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