Forum #1: Logical Fallacies

Read your "Logical Fallacies" handout, then pick your "favorite" fallacy and give a real-life example, explaining afterward why your example displays flawed logic.

Sample post:

Fallacy: #12, Ad populum
Example: If you really care about YHS, you'll go to my gymnastics meet on Wednesday!
Why it's flawed logic: While caring about YHS could be expressed by attending a gymnastics meet, the concept of school loyalty is being conflated here with attending a specific school event.  A person could express his or her care about YHS in many other ways.

Forum #2: Elements of Tragedy

You are probably becoming aware that The Crucible is heading in the direction of tragedy.  Choose one of the following characteristics of tragedy below, and answer the question associated with it:

A. The protagonist of a tragedy is a tragic hero.  He is mostly good BUT has a fatal flaw, which leads to his downfall.  What do you think John Proctor's fatal flaw is, and why do you believe this?  How will it contribute to his downfall?

B. Tragedies are characterized by plot reversals, or actions that change the situation from secure to vulnerable (the Greeks called these peripateia).  Name one of these reversals that has occured thus far in The Crucible.

C. In the end, the tragic hero experiences both suffering and insight (the Greeks called this the anagnorisis).  How do you think John Proctor will suffer, and what insight will he gain?

Forum #3: Free Discussion

To this forum you may contribute your questions and comments from your Act III discussion notes.

Wuthering Heights, chs25-29

Go!

Wuthing Heights Discussion chs20-25

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TKAM: Week 3: Question D

In chapter 15, Lee describes the jail as built in the gothic style.  A dictionary defines gothic as "a style of architecture and literature that emphasizes the grotesque, mysterious, and desolate."  In your opinion, how is To Kill a Mockingbird a gothic novel?

TKAM: Week 3: Question C

In chapter 15, a group of "friends" assembles outside the Finches' house.  Is this group a gang?  What evidence is there to support this idea?

TKAM: Week 3: Question B

What is the difference between Scout's and Dill's home lives?  Do you feel like you "belong" at home?  Do you feel like you belong in/at other places?  What is your role there? (chapter 14)

TKAM: Week 3: Question A

Scout notes in chapter 13 that "somewhere, I had received the impression that Fine Folks were people who did the best they could with the sense they had."  Where do you think she got this definition?  Do you agree with it?  What would your definition of "fine folks" be?

TKAM: Week 2: Question D

Scout and Uncle Jack have differing opinions on the use of foul language.  With whom do you agree, and what is your philosophy on the use of such language?  (chapter 9)

TKAM: Week 2: Question C

Why would a person try to win something he knows he will lose?  What are other examples?  (page 101)

TKAM: Week 2: Question B

What do you think is the purpsoe of the snowman scene?  The fire scene?  (chapter 8)

TKAM: Week 2: Question A

Why is fearlessness so important to these kids?  Is it still today?  (chapter 4; see page 50)

TKAM: Week 1: Question D

In your opinion, is Atticus' second piece of advice for Scout ("Sometimes it's better to bend the law a little in special cases") good?  What are some flaws in this idea?  Advantages?  Be specific and give an example.  (page 40)

TKAM: Week 1: Question C

Do you feel sorry for Miss Caroline?  Why or why not?  What was she feeling throughout the Cunningham incident?  (page 29)

TKAM: Week 1: Question B

What are Calpurnia's beliefs on "comp'ny"?  Scout's?  Yours?  (page 33)

TKAM: Week 1: Question A

What is "nigger-talk"?  Do you consider this to be an offensive term?  Why or why not?  How should the "N-word" be handled in the classroom?  (page 49)