Week 5 Discussion 2: Your Initial Thread Is Due On

Week 5 Discussion 2your Initial Discussion Thread Is Due On Day 3 T

Reflect on what you learned in the course by practicing the skill of asking an open-ended academic question. This exercise will allow you to engage in a discussion you create with your peers. It also helps you to ask your own questions about literature, which can serve as a gateway to initiating critical analysis. Think of an open-ended question about literature that you would like to ask in order to challenge your classmates to reflect more deeply.

Additionally, reflect on your initial response to the Clugston (2014) quote from Week One: “There’s a powerful curiosity about human relationships and how to cope in the world in which we find ourselves.” How have your feelings about literature changed or remained the same? Write: Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length. The minimum word count does not include references. The question should focus on specific literary conflicts, techniques, or themes. Share what you learned by reading your peers’ posts throughout the class. Respond to at least two classmates’ initial posts by Day 7, each response being at least 75 words in length and addressing the questions posed by your peers. Reflect on how you and your classmates have progressed throughout the course and note similarities or differences in how you respond to the Clugston quote now versus at the beginning of the course.

Paper For Above instruction

In this discussion, I will explore the importance of asking open-ended questions about literature, reflecting on how this skill fosters deeper engagement and critical thinking. Open-ended questions allow students to analyze literature beyond surface-level understanding, prompting discussions on conflicts, themes, and techniques that reveal the complexities of texts. Asking such questions encourages diverse perspectives and enhances interpretative skills, which are crucial in literary analysis.

For instance, a well-crafted open-ended question might be, “How does the use of symbolism in ‘The Great Gatsby’ deepen the novel’s critique of the American Dream?” This question focuses on a specific literary technique and invites multiple interpretations, stimulating thoughtful discussion among peers. Through framing questions that are open-ended and focused, students can challenge each other's viewpoints and develop a richer understanding of texts.

Reflecting on my initial response to the Clugston (2014) quote—“There’s a powerful curiosity about human relationships and how to cope in the world”—my feelings about literature have evolved over the course. Initially, I saw literature primarily as entertainment or a way to pass time. However, through analyzing themes, characters, and techniques, I now understand literature as a mirror to human experience, capable of revealing profound insights into human nature and societal values. This shift broadens my perspective, allowing me to approach texts more analytically and appreciate their complex layers.

This growth impacts how I perceive literature; I now view it as a vital tool for understanding ourselves and others. Engaging critically with texts fosters empathy and awareness, essential skills in today's interconnected world. My evolving perspective underscores the importance of active engagement and critical questioning in literary study, enabling me to appreciate literature’s role in shaping and reflecting human experiences.

Throughout this course, reading peers’ posts has reinforced the value of diverse interpretations. Different perspectives challenge my assumptions and deepen my understanding. For example, some classmates focus on thematic elements, while others emphasize stylistic devices. These varied approaches highlight that literature can be appreciated on multiple levels, depending on one’s analytical lens.

In responding to the Clugston quote, I see a shared recognition among classmates of literature’s capacity to explore human relationships. However, some now see literature as also a means of personal growth and societal critique, a shift from their initial views. This progression illustrates how engaging with literary analysis cultivates new ways of thinking about texts and their relevance to life.

References

• Clugston, R. W. (2014). Understanding literature. Pearson.
• Culler, J. (2011). Literary theory: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Freund, H. (2012). Critical theories: An introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Goldman, M. (2014). Literature and critical theory. Routledge.
• Lubkin, G. R. (2017). Analyzing literature: A guide to methods and approaches. College Board.
• Rimmon-Kenan, S. (2009). Narrative fiction: Contemporary poetics. Routledge.
• Ryan, M.-L. (2006). Narrative as virtual reality: Immersion and interactivity in literature and electronic media. Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Wellek, R., & Warren, A. (2014). Theory of literature. Harcourt Brace.
• Young, P. (2015). Literary theory: An introduction. Blackwell Publishing.
• Barry, P. (2017). Beginning theory: An introduction to literary and cultural theory. Manchester University Press.