- Go to the blog of student 1 from "Living in The Matrix T-Th" assigned to you. The list is HERE.
- Read the student's Blog 10: Revision of CAT 10.
- Use THIS FORMAT to write an evaluative comment of her/his blog. Post your comment both to the student's blog and to the Google Docs--just in case there are glitches.
- Repeat for Student 2.
If you do not finish on the time allotted, finish commenting for homework.
B. For fun: Watching "The Matrix Runs on Windows"
C. Practicing writing claims, reasons, and evidence on topics from The Matrix.
- Go to the group page "Truth, Reality, and You" (the link is on the right under Online Communities).
- Find the Discussion Forum for The Matrix.
- Read the four questions I have posted in the Forum.
- Reply to ONE of the four questions using the following format:
Claim:Where CLAIM is a clear argument or position, REASON is the motive or explanation as to why you are arguing what you are arguing, and EVIDENCE is one example, fact, quote, description, story, definition, etc. that develops your claim and reason.
Reason:
Evidence:
EXAMPLE:
CLAIM: Neo should have taken the blue pill.
REASON: The so-called “future” was a terrible place.
EVIDENCE: Everyone was dirty and they ate bad food.
6. Now browse through your classmates' replies.
7. Choose ONE that seems significant.
8. Reply to your classmate using the same format:
Claim:9. Repeat steps 6-8 for another classmate. (You should have three replies total; one for me and two for your classmates).
Reason:
Evidence:
D. Reading, Annotating, and Discussing “Red Pill or Blue Pill: Is Ignorance Bliss?”
- Read “Red Pill or Blue Pill: Is Ignorance Bliss?” on pages 25-26 of the packet. We'll discuss the reading as a class.
- Begin Blog 8: “Red Pill or Blue Pill: Is Ignorance Bliss?," an answer to ONE of the three questions below.
1. Does Knowledge Make You Happier?
Cornell and Malcolmson’s article states that Neo's overall experience in The Matrix film is an educational process similar to the release of the prisoner in the “Allegory of the Cave.” Please consider both the positive and the negative aspects of education as expressed in The Matrix and “The Allegory of the Cave” and compare to your experience of education and the educational system. What are the benefits and the joys of learning and what are the downsides and pains of new knowledge? Is it all worth it? Use examples from the texts, your readings this semester, and personal experience to support your ideas.
2. Most People Do Not Want Freedom
Cornell and Malcolmson’s article states that "freedom is not something that most people are going to be inclined towards or be receptive to" (25). Do most people desire freedom? Use examples from the texts, your readings this semester, and personal experience to argue for or against this statement.
3. People Want to Know
Cornell and Malcolmson’s article states that humans follow John Stuart Mill's idea of preferring to lead a conscious life and know the truth rather than live in ignorance and just carry on their lives without asking questions. Use examples from the films, texts (including the comic strip "The Shadows of Life"), your readings, and personal experience to argue for or against this statement.
HOMEWORK: Finish Blog 8.NEXT CLASS: Practice CAT #2--Be on time!
The Evaluation of the Media Unit will be this Sunday starting at 9:00am. (see the top right for details).
