It's a delight to read the blog entries written by some of you, passionate people. It makes me happy that they sound genuinely written from the heart. (I have also checked for copy pasting).
I have no qualms giving near full marks for work that have been produced well.
Well done to those concerned.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Deadlines
Hello.
The deadline for keying in marks in on the 1st of June 2012.
Therefore I would appreciate that all RPs are emailed to me by the 25th of May 2012. That is a Friday.
Blogs should also be completed (including the four online tasks) by the same date.
Although I did mention earlier that I'll still be accepting RPs two days before the marks submission deadline, I think it's better if you get it out of your way ASAP. If you have any urgent matter to discuss concerning this, please email me quickly.
I will be updating the RP submission list soon.
The deadline for keying in marks in on the 1st of June 2012.
Therefore I would appreciate that all RPs are emailed to me by the 25th of May 2012. That is a Friday.
Blogs should also be completed (including the four online tasks) by the same date.
Although I did mention earlier that I'll still be accepting RPs two days before the marks submission deadline, I think it's better if you get it out of your way ASAP. If you have any urgent matter to discuss concerning this, please email me quickly.
I will be updating the RP submission list soon.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
RP Submission Updates
Zizie Ardina
Puteri Mostafa
Saria Limpot
Barisha Menon
Girija Ramkumar
Nurida
Kumaran
Gan Siaw Fui
Thayamal Raman
Sia Nga Yea
Yap Geok Peng
Yong Mei Sha
Puteri Mostafa
Saria Limpot
Barisha Menon
Girija Ramkumar
Nurida
Kumaran
Gan Siaw Fui
Thayamal Raman
Sia Nga Yea
Yap Geok Peng
Yong Mei Sha
Online Task 4
This is the last online task that you will have to do.
SPEECH is one of the interesting alternative text to be used in the literature classroom. The speech provided for you in the module is one by Martin Luther King.
Question:
1. Think of at least 3 benefits of using speeches by famous figures, in the classroom.
2. Go to www.youtube.com and find the audio-visual on the speech. In not less than 50 words, state would the audio-visual be of any use in helping understand the speech better? State your reasons.
3. Who is Martin Luther King?
4. Based on the questions below, analyse the features of the given written speech:
a. What is the purpose of the speech?
b. What is the tone of the speech?
c. What interesting major feature(s) can you see from the speech? (i.e.Repetition of phrases, emphasis on certain things said etc)
d. Any interesting facts that you can gather based on the background of the speech?
5. Suggest a while-reading activity that can be derived from this particular speech.
SPEECH is one of the interesting alternative text to be used in the literature classroom. The speech provided for you in the module is one by Martin Luther King.
Question:
1. Think of at least 3 benefits of using speeches by famous figures, in the classroom.
2. Go to www.youtube.com and find the audio-visual on the speech. In not less than 50 words, state would the audio-visual be of any use in helping understand the speech better? State your reasons.
3. Who is Martin Luther King?
4. Based on the questions below, analyse the features of the given written speech:
a. What is the purpose of the speech?
b. What is the tone of the speech?
c. What interesting major feature(s) can you see from the speech? (i.e.Repetition of phrases, emphasis on certain things said etc)
d. Any interesting facts that you can gather based on the background of the speech?
5. Suggest a while-reading activity that can be derived from this particular speech.
Online Task 3
This is the instruction for your online task 3.
In the module, you have gone through alternative texts that can be used in the literature classroom. One of the genres is BIOGRAPHY. In the module you have been given an extract on Nelson Mandela's biography. During the second face to face we have gone through the benefits of using biographies in the classroom. We have also gone through possible activities that could be done using biographies.
For this task, you are required to do something creative. You have to write a poem based on a famous figure. Before you say that writing poems is not your cup of tea, i would like to suggest a method that could help you produce a poem. When you see how easy it is to use this method, you might like to try it with your students.
The poem is a bio-poem.
For this assignment, you need to choose a famous figure to write on.
Since Nelson Mandela is featured in the module, write about him. Find more information on him and his struggle fighting against injustice.
Then go to this link to look at the notes on writing this type of poems:
http://dzthedandylion.blogspot.com/2009/09/well-done-to-those-who-have-managed-to.html
The link above is from a blog i created for one of the on-campus groups. Their assignment was to come up with a pesona poem (yours is a bio-poem) based on their favourite character from a short story (yours would be based on a famous figure). You can look at the examples of the poems they have done.
This can be an interesting post-reading activity and can be based on any literary text.
Good luck.
In the module, you have gone through alternative texts that can be used in the literature classroom. One of the genres is BIOGRAPHY. In the module you have been given an extract on Nelson Mandela's biography. During the second face to face we have gone through the benefits of using biographies in the classroom. We have also gone through possible activities that could be done using biographies.
For this task, you are required to do something creative. You have to write a poem based on a famous figure. Before you say that writing poems is not your cup of tea, i would like to suggest a method that could help you produce a poem. When you see how easy it is to use this method, you might like to try it with your students.
The poem is a bio-poem.
For this assignment, you need to choose a famous figure to write on.
Since Nelson Mandela is featured in the module, write about him. Find more information on him and his struggle fighting against injustice.
Then go to this link to look at the notes on writing this type of poems:
http://dzthedandylion.blogspot.com/2009/09/well-done-to-those-who-have-managed-to.html
The link above is from a blog i created for one of the on-campus groups. Their assignment was to come up with a pesona poem (yours is a bio-poem) based on their favourite character from a short story (yours would be based on a famous figure). You can look at the examples of the poems they have done.
This can be an interesting post-reading activity and can be based on any literary text.
Good luck.
Online Task 2
For online task 2, we are looking at marginalised literature.
Marginalised means sidelined, oppressed to a certain extent for some
group and worse for the other groups, and this applies to areas outside
literature. It is through literature that those from the marginalised
groups find their voice, to speak of their dissatisfaction especially
about their oppressed rights.
The topic is divided into two marginalised groups:
Women
Ethnic Minority groups
Marginalised writings are from writers who come from minority groups. When certain works are being marginalised, that means they are not included in the mainstream readings for literature. Works that are being taught and included in the syllabus are works from the CANON. So what is a literary canon?
A literary canon is
- the recogised/approved body of literature
- a yardstick to ascertain if certain work is said to measure up to the idea of literature
- developed to answer questions of which books to teach to the growing number of lit. students and teachers
- an autoritative list, it implies official status for the writers involved
To be entered into a canon is to gain priviledges as it confers social, political and economic status to those chosen (in the 19th century). Canonisation permits the member of the canon to be widely read and exist in the literary circles. Now, who are in the literary circle? Who are the gate keepers who choose certain works over others to be in the canon?
It is known that critics of the canon say that those whose works are in the canon are DEAD WHITE MALES.
One easy example would be Shakespeare. I'm sure you can name more famous literary figures who are DWM. A handout will be scanned and email tomorrow (hopefully- only additional info)
So who are the gatekeepers of this canon?
They are people at the universities of Cambridge and Oxford. They are professors, influential critics (white males- not necessarily dead yet). The writings chosen revealed, asserted and reinforced values of the canon makers (who are people from the middle class and higher). Writings of women are very few. George Eliot, a victorian writer whose name is Mary Anne adopted that male name to get herself published.
Feminists, marxists (literary critic groups) argued that works that are in the canon are not necessarily better than others but reflected the interest of the dominant culture.
Other marginalised groups - coloured people, gay, lesbians.
Today, there have been changes in the canon as time goes by. Also, more canons from different groups are emerging.
"Any 'canon' or literary syllabus will represent writings of a particular value for a particular group with particular purposes at a particular point in time" (Eagleton 1996)
- different measuring rods are used
- the voices of the non-DWM are heard i.e. people of minority cultures like native Americans, African Americans, Latinos etc
To conclude, some works like Shakespeare (I love him) have measured up so long that they probably will always be valued and be part of the canon. Some other works may fade away because later generations may find it dated, uninteresting and unexciting.
A question for you:
Do we have a canon for Malaysian literary works? Let's say we do, who do you think are in it? Consider the fact that their works are well-known and most importantly included as part of the school syllabus- (both in BM and English)
The poems by Erica Jong raises some feminist issues. What are they?
Do you think they are suitable to teach at the secondary school level? Explain.
Is Hillary Tham's poem more suitable?
The short tale from the Native American group is about a girl who is unsatisfied with her life. How is this a universal experience? Can it teach our students anything?
From internet sources find out more about Langston Hughes.
From your findings about his background, tell me about the dilemma he conveys through the poem CROSS.
I find "Dinner Guest: Me" laden with irony and sarcasm. Briefly state if you feel the same.
The experience in the poem Harlem is one that is true for many people. Do you agree?
Langston Hughes fights for the voice of his people. What is the movement called?
Copy paste this task as an entry on your blog with answers.
The topic is divided into two marginalised groups:
Women
Ethnic Minority groups
Marginalised writings are from writers who come from minority groups. When certain works are being marginalised, that means they are not included in the mainstream readings for literature. Works that are being taught and included in the syllabus are works from the CANON. So what is a literary canon?
A literary canon is
- the recogised/approved body of literature
- a yardstick to ascertain if certain work is said to measure up to the idea of literature
- developed to answer questions of which books to teach to the growing number of lit. students and teachers
- an autoritative list, it implies official status for the writers involved
To be entered into a canon is to gain priviledges as it confers social, political and economic status to those chosen (in the 19th century). Canonisation permits the member of the canon to be widely read and exist in the literary circles. Now, who are in the literary circle? Who are the gate keepers who choose certain works over others to be in the canon?
It is known that critics of the canon say that those whose works are in the canon are DEAD WHITE MALES.
One easy example would be Shakespeare. I'm sure you can name more famous literary figures who are DWM. A handout will be scanned and email tomorrow (hopefully- only additional info)
So who are the gatekeepers of this canon?
They are people at the universities of Cambridge and Oxford. They are professors, influential critics (white males- not necessarily dead yet). The writings chosen revealed, asserted and reinforced values of the canon makers (who are people from the middle class and higher). Writings of women are very few. George Eliot, a victorian writer whose name is Mary Anne adopted that male name to get herself published.
Feminists, marxists (literary critic groups) argued that works that are in the canon are not necessarily better than others but reflected the interest of the dominant culture.
Other marginalised groups - coloured people, gay, lesbians.
Today, there have been changes in the canon as time goes by. Also, more canons from different groups are emerging.
"Any 'canon' or literary syllabus will represent writings of a particular value for a particular group with particular purposes at a particular point in time" (Eagleton 1996)
- different measuring rods are used
- the voices of the non-DWM are heard i.e. people of minority cultures like native Americans, African Americans, Latinos etc
To conclude, some works like Shakespeare (I love him) have measured up so long that they probably will always be valued and be part of the canon. Some other works may fade away because later generations may find it dated, uninteresting and unexciting.
A question for you:
Do we have a canon for Malaysian literary works? Let's say we do, who do you think are in it? Consider the fact that their works are well-known and most importantly included as part of the school syllabus- (both in BM and English)
The poems by Erica Jong raises some feminist issues. What are they?
Do you think they are suitable to teach at the secondary school level? Explain.
Is Hillary Tham's poem more suitable?
The short tale from the Native American group is about a girl who is unsatisfied with her life. How is this a universal experience? Can it teach our students anything?
From internet sources find out more about Langston Hughes.
From your findings about his background, tell me about the dilemma he conveys through the poem CROSS.
I find "Dinner Guest: Me" laden with irony and sarcasm. Briefly state if you feel the same.
The experience in the poem Harlem is one that is true for many people. Do you agree?
Langston Hughes fights for the voice of his people. What is the movement called?
Copy paste this task as an entry on your blog with answers.
Online Task 1
Ok now let us start with our first topic Extensive reading of
literary works from tradition literature: folktales, fables, myths and
legends.
Questions that I want you to respond to will be in bold and you will think about it individually and respond by copying and pasting the questions and answers on your blog with the title heading On-line Task 1.
I’m sure you have read all the texts for this topic.
Folktale
The Son of the Turtle Spirit is a Chinese folktale.
List some of the well-known folktales from Malaysia .
List some of the possible issues found in The Son of the Turtle Spirit
Are those issues universal in nature or are they only relevant in the Chinese culture?
Fables
Aesop fables are well-known. You should be able to find information about Aesop on the internet.
A fable is a short story that often involves speaking animals with easily grasped moral (p.401, Barnett and Cain). Everything in the story leads to teaching moral especially to children. The animals that could act and talk in the story are great entertainment to children. The length of the story is short to keep the children interested and at the end learn some moral values from it.
The morals, sayings and proverbs featured in Aesop fables have become common expressions used today:
e.g. Slow and steady wins the race (from The Hare and the Tortoise)
What are the other morals that can be gotten from the other fables by Aesop? List at least two
Myths
In the module, you are given a myth by Ovid entitled Pyramus and Thisbe . Ovid’s works have become an inspiration many artists and writers throughout the century. You can find more on Ovid on the internet.
One well-known literary figure from the Elizabethan age used Ovid’s Pyramus and Thisbe as a model to one of his famous plays. Who is he and what is the play?
The on-campus group also did another piece by Ovid called Daedalus and Icarus. For the in-class task they were required to work in groups and:
Simplify the language used in the story Daedalus and Icarus
OR
Turn Pyramus and Thisbe into dialogue form
They presented it to the class and handed in to me the written version of their task.
This is some of the possible activities that that you could try with your students in the future, using myths.
Legends
List some of the popular legends we have in Malaysia
The legend provided in the module is that of King Arthur taken from Book 1of Le Mort d’Arthur (The Death of Arthur) by Sir Thomas Malory who was an expert in Arthurian Literature. The module suggests that you think of how you could adapt the text for students as it is written in an archaic language.
Look at the questions below. Answers can be found on internet sources. This will help you get a basic understanding of what Le Mort d’Arthur is about.
1. Who is Thomas Malory?
2. When was Le Mort d’Arthur written?
3. How many books/ parts are there in LMDA?
4. What is book 8 about?
5. Who were the two people who had an affair?
6. Book 6 has a strong connection to a popular modern fiction which is now a movie. What is the title of the popular modern fiction?
7. State three well-known facts about King Arthur/ his time as a King
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Think of 2 ways in which you can use folktales/fables/myths or legends in the classroom. Explain briefly.
On-line Task 2 will be put up soon.
Questions that I want you to respond to will be in bold and you will think about it individually and respond by copying and pasting the questions and answers on your blog with the title heading On-line Task 1.
I’m sure you have read all the texts for this topic.
Folktale
The Son of the Turtle Spirit is a Chinese folktale.
List some of the well-known folktales from Malaysia .
List some of the possible issues found in The Son of the Turtle Spirit
Are those issues universal in nature or are they only relevant in the Chinese culture?
Fables
Aesop fables are well-known. You should be able to find information about Aesop on the internet.
A fable is a short story that often involves speaking animals with easily grasped moral (p.401, Barnett and Cain). Everything in the story leads to teaching moral especially to children. The animals that could act and talk in the story are great entertainment to children. The length of the story is short to keep the children interested and at the end learn some moral values from it.
The morals, sayings and proverbs featured in Aesop fables have become common expressions used today:
e.g. Slow and steady wins the race (from The Hare and the Tortoise)
What are the other morals that can be gotten from the other fables by Aesop? List at least two
Myths
In the module, you are given a myth by Ovid entitled Pyramus and Thisbe . Ovid’s works have become an inspiration many artists and writers throughout the century. You can find more on Ovid on the internet.
One well-known literary figure from the Elizabethan age used Ovid’s Pyramus and Thisbe as a model to one of his famous plays. Who is he and what is the play?
The on-campus group also did another piece by Ovid called Daedalus and Icarus. For the in-class task they were required to work in groups and:
Simplify the language used in the story Daedalus and Icarus
OR
Turn Pyramus and Thisbe into dialogue form
They presented it to the class and handed in to me the written version of their task.
This is some of the possible activities that that you could try with your students in the future, using myths.
Legends
List some of the popular legends we have in Malaysia
The legend provided in the module is that of King Arthur taken from Book 1of Le Mort d’Arthur (The Death of Arthur) by Sir Thomas Malory who was an expert in Arthurian Literature. The module suggests that you think of how you could adapt the text for students as it is written in an archaic language.
Look at the questions below. Answers can be found on internet sources. This will help you get a basic understanding of what Le Mort d’Arthur is about.
1. Who is Thomas Malory?
2. When was Le Mort d’Arthur written?
3. How many books/ parts are there in LMDA?
4. What is book 8 about?
5. Who were the two people who had an affair?
6. Book 6 has a strong connection to a popular modern fiction which is now a movie. What is the title of the popular modern fiction?
7. State three well-known facts about King Arthur/ his time as a King
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Think of 2 ways in which you can use folktales/fables/myths or legends in the classroom. Explain briefly.
On-line Task 2 will be put up soon.
Minor Online Tasks (to replace your Mid-Sem)
I'll be posting four on-line tasks based on the readings in the modules.
You search for the answers online.
You copy paste each part separately (there'll be four) and post them on your blogs with answers. (i'll give further instructions)
So apart from the 10 substantial entries you've been asked to write, you will have this additional four to paste on your blog, with answers, for me to grade.
25 marks for those on-line tasks. Along the way, i hope you will learn discover new information on what have been prescribed for you in the module.
You search for the answers online.
You copy paste each part separately (there'll be four) and post them on your blogs with answers. (i'll give further instructions)
So apart from the 10 substantial entries you've been asked to write, you will have this additional four to paste on your blog, with answers, for me to grade.
25 marks for those on-line tasks. Along the way, i hope you will learn discover new information on what have been prescribed for you in the module.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Research Paper Submitted
Girija Ramkumar
Nurida
Kumaran
Gan Siaw Fui
Thayamal Raman
Sia Nga Yea
Yap Geok Peng
Yong Mei Sha
Keep sending in your papers as soon as possible via email with the appropriate email subject. I think I was quite clear about telling you not to bother about the hardcopy at this point of time. Avoid asking questions that already have answers to them on the blog.
Please, if you are already late for whatever reason, in sending in your RP proposal, please understand that I too have other things to do. There's a timeframe for doing things so if you are late in getting approval, submit at your own risk. I do understand the struggle juggling work and studies but please don't put it on my shoulders the responsibility to take care of your future in the course. I help students all the time, I care for students, I just don't like the attitude like you are the only busy person on earth. You want a degree but not willing to sacrifice time for it? Wow.
I'll find out when is the deadline to upload marks, because I will still accept the RPs two days before the mark submission deadline.
I apologise for sounding harsh in this posting. I've been quite pleased with the majority of you for the quality of work and promptness in getting in touch. I have tried my best to entertain emails, writing blog entries etc and have enjoyed doing so.
Please do not forget that we have still 4 online tasks to be done after your finals. I'll post them by this weekend. They are simple ones and all the answers can be searched online so you get a bit of new/extra knowledge from this course. It wouldn't be a problem for those who have done all their assignments before hand.
If you still have blog entries to write, continue writing until the date I'll be announcing. I see some blogs with still no entries. I just hope that will NOT become my problem later on.
I understand that you'll be sitting for your finals this weekend. All the very best to the hardworkers. This degree would mean so much if you have given your all to get it. Good luck again.
Thank you.
Nurida
Kumaran
Gan Siaw Fui
Thayamal Raman
Sia Nga Yea
Yap Geok Peng
Yong Mei Sha
Keep sending in your papers as soon as possible via email with the appropriate email subject. I think I was quite clear about telling you not to bother about the hardcopy at this point of time. Avoid asking questions that already have answers to them on the blog.
Please, if you are already late for whatever reason, in sending in your RP proposal, please understand that I too have other things to do. There's a timeframe for doing things so if you are late in getting approval, submit at your own risk. I do understand the struggle juggling work and studies but please don't put it on my shoulders the responsibility to take care of your future in the course. I help students all the time, I care for students, I just don't like the attitude like you are the only busy person on earth. You want a degree but not willing to sacrifice time for it? Wow.
I'll find out when is the deadline to upload marks, because I will still accept the RPs two days before the mark submission deadline.
I apologise for sounding harsh in this posting. I've been quite pleased with the majority of you for the quality of work and promptness in getting in touch. I have tried my best to entertain emails, writing blog entries etc and have enjoyed doing so.
Please do not forget that we have still 4 online tasks to be done after your finals. I'll post them by this weekend. They are simple ones and all the answers can be searched online so you get a bit of new/extra knowledge from this course. It wouldn't be a problem for those who have done all their assignments before hand.
If you still have blog entries to write, continue writing until the date I'll be announcing. I see some blogs with still no entries. I just hope that will NOT become my problem later on.
I understand that you'll be sitting for your finals this weekend. All the very best to the hardworkers. This degree would mean so much if you have given your all to get it. Good luck again.
Thank you.
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