Homework: 

READ: For our October 6 class, please read “A Talk to Teachers” by James Baldwin.

WRITE:  Blog Post (at least 300 words) In “A Talk to Teachers,” James Baldwin writes:  

I would try to make [the student] know that just as American history is longer, larger, more various, more beautiful and more terrible than anything anyone has ever said about it, so is the world larger, more daring, more beautiful and more terrible, but principally larger – and that it belongs to him. I would teach him that he doesn’t have to be bound by the expediencies of any given administration, any given policy, any given morality; that he has the right and the necessity to examine everything. 

First of all, what do you think of what James Baldwin was saying in his speech? What stood out the most to you? 

Secondly, what do you think you have the “necessity” to examine, or the obligation to learn more about? To put it another way: what do you wish had been taught to you in school that wasn’t? Why do you want to know about these topics? 

Update:  In class, we’ll start thinking about Unit 2, so please have an idea (or possible ideas) for general topics you might want to research for your Unit 2 Project!  Also, all papers will be graded by the end of Weds. Please make sure to listen to my comments (click the link in your comments on Essay One)!

Category: Unit 2! 

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I will grade your essays within the next week.  I will post your grades and comments privately in the comments on your essay post.  I will send an email to the class when all essays are graded.