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| From JonathanRosenbaum.com |
B. Practice writing claims, reasons, and evidence on topics from The Truman Show.
- Go to the group page "Truth, Reality, and You" (the link is on the right under Online Communities).
- Join the group.
- Find the Discussion Forum for our class.
- Read the four questions I have posted in the Forum.
- With your partner, discuss the four questions.
- On your own, 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: Truman should have stayed in Seahaven.7. Now browse through your classmates' replies.
REASON: He made millions of people happy.
EVIDENCE: Everyone (the bartenders, the security guards, the old ladies, etc.) seemed to love watching his show.
8. Choose ONE that seems significant.
9. Reply to your classmate using the same format:
Claim:10. Repeat steps 7-9 for another classmate. (You should have three replies total; one for me and two for your classmates).
Reason:
Evidence:
C. Finish Blog 5. If you have finished Blog 5, begin Blog 6: Truman and Me (questions below).
Choose ONE question to answer for Blog 6:
1. The Perfect World
Cristoff creates what he considers a “perfect world” for Truman to live “happily ever after.” How does Seahaven compare to your world in terms of family life, neighborhood life, work life, and leisure time? Would you choose to live in Cristoff’s world? Why or why not?
2. Coming Out of the Cave
Truman’s conformity to his society is often depicted as childish. He sometimes behaves wildly and is constantly being told to “grow up." He begins to “grow up” when he questions everything he has always known and believed in to the point that his view of Seahaven is radically altered. Consider your own life (or the life of someone you know well): Can you think of a similar situation in your own life that has changed the way you view the world? If so, please describe it in detail. Was your change in worldview for the better or the worse? Why? In what ways are you still conforming to your surroundings? What things/people are keeping you from “growing up”? Please remember this is a public blog. You may want to alter the names of real people you mention.)
3. Self -determination
Truman struggles between what his society (and his "god," Cristoff) tells him to do and be, and what he feels he wants to do and who he wants to be. Consider your own life (or the life of someone you know well): Have you ever disobeyed society’s rules because you were trying to follow your own instincts? What made you want to disobey the rules? What did you expect to gain from your disobedience? Did the consequences to your disobedience confirm that you made the right choice?
HOMEWORK
1. Finish Blogs 5-6.
2. On your own, watch The Matrix and complete The Matrix Quiz at the top of my blog before Thursday, October 13.
