follow-up and reminder on "pre-first" assignment

Folks:

Just a reminder.

Preliminary responses to the “pre-first” assignment look very good, but I would be glad to have even more detail—and if you haven’t yet completed that assignment, now is by no means too early to start.

In either case, don’t forget the *second and third* part of the assignment: to wit:

Part 2:

Writing excerpt

In the university library, from your own library, or via the World Wide Web, find one (1) piece of writing—prose, poetry, a dramatic monolog, or other writing—which helps you illustrate what you know, think, feel, or hope to find out about Ireland and Irish culture through this class (try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_poetry for a good list of links). Transcribe (e.g., re-type) the piece of writing. In addition, describe the source of the writing excerpt in one paragraph of at least 25 words. In a third paragraph, explain why you chose the excerpt: because you did feel you understood it? Because you didn’t? Because you would like to write in the same way? Because it articulates things you think/feel about Ireland, better than you could yourself?

Part 3:

Personal reflection

What brings you to this class? Provide at least one paragraph (75 words or more) to respond to this question; you may interpret the question as broadly or narrowly as you wish.

The following are examples, but please come up with your own reasons and your own description. And, by all means feel free to be original or challenging in your description.

• Prior experience: (for example) I visited Ireland when I was a small child and ever since I have wanted to know more and/or to go back again

• Genealogical: (for example) “One of my ancestors (my aunt, my grandfather, my second cousin-twice-removed) was from Ireland and I want to understand more about her/his/their experience

• Musical: (for example) I love Irish traditional dance music/harp music/songs and want to learn more about the culture it comes from

• Poetic: (for example) I love Irish poetry, especially by the authors A, B, and C, and I would like to learn more, understand its contexts, and become familiar with its writers and readers

• Theatrical: (for example) I love Irish drama, especially by the playwrights A, B, and C, and I would like to know more about the contexts, individuals, and audiences involved

• Visual: (for example) I have always been struck by the visual beauty I have seen in photographs of Ireland. I am curious about what it must have been like for rural people to live in such beautiful places, in such poverty, and to have to leave their home country in order to find work in exile

• Curiosity/self-development: (for example) I don’t know anything about Ireland or Irish culture--have not ever really thought about it--but I was curious about the description of the course and I like the challenge of learning about a topic I-ve never encountered before