A Thinker's Response #2: White Noise

Due: this Monday, March 2nd ( hard copy in class OR by e-mail by 8pm)

Prompt:

Much of the novel White Noise deals thematically with death and finality. 

In Part II we are introduced to a toxic agent, Nyodene D., which after exposure during the "event" stamps Gladney with certain death (as if it wasn't already). 

In Part III., Gladney becomes obsessed with Dylar, a mysterious pharmaceutical pill taken by Babette.

In a 1-2 page response, explore the effects these two technologies have had on Gladney and his family. Discuss what possible commentary DeLillo is making on technology in American culture by what is happening to Jack and/or his family.

Do not generalize or stick simply to summary of the chapters. I do not expect you to be able to discuss everything that is happening. Rather, focus your argument on one major point and develop that over the 1-2 pages, using textual evidence (cite page numbers).

White Noise

Supplemental Discussion Questions (useful for review quiz, etc.):

How does Jack Gladney deal with the airborne toxic event? Through his eyes, what are some themes of humanity that you can extrapolate of this second part of the novel?

Connected to the above questions, there is a focus on community and crowds within this second section. What can we say about the socialization happening in part 2?

With serious reflection, how is this novel and its commentary relevant to our current times (2009)? To answer this, you'll have to also discuss the novel's commentary and which character's or parts of the plot, setting, exposition the commentary is coming from.

Rumors and misinformation have been been key points within the plot. Within the novel, how is "knowledge" spread and what are some of the results of such communication of ideas? 

Getting Back On Course by Monday, 2/23

By Monday, 2/23,  you are to have read up until the end of section 1, Chapter 20 (p. 105 in my version) of White Noise.

We will resume with our Student Leaders, and at this time. 

As we are reading a novel, it will be important to talk about:

1) The novel as commentary on technology and culture, through characters,

2) through plot,

3) through setting

4) and from the narration and exposition (the language of the text).

Also, as mentioned in class this past Monday, our general theme for discussions while discussing this novel is How "we" deal with technology in our lives.

All of the above should help our discussions, and I ask that we try to focus more on these ideas so that we can really explore the specific impacts of technology in our modern, everyday lives.

correction:

I apologize for not posting, and then forgetting to add to the post the writing prompt that goes with the reading for Wednesday...it's been a long morning, week, etc.

Because of my absent-minded professor moment, those who missed class and didn't remember the writing prompt...well, this assignment will spill into Friday, too.

Here is what I gave the class Monday, and forgot to post:

Homework for Wednesday:
- Chapters 8-11 (to page 53)
- Written response ready to share:
o A creative response – answer the following prompt:
• Write a 1-page response with the title “This is what cities mean to me.”
• Your subject is “cities” (and all that this includes, to you)
• Your topic is “How do city dwellers deal with technology?”
• TYPE OUT, please. PROOF READ, please. EXPLORE the issue creatively, please.

for Wed., 2/18

You are to have read up to the end of Chapter 11 of White Noise for today's class meeting.

no class Friday, 2/13

This is a reminder, just in case you forgot, that we will not be having class today, Friday the 13th. 

Also, it is reminder that for Monday, start reading Don DeLillo's White Noise, Chapters 1-7. 

Finally, remember that the Midterm Exam Essay is also due Monday, by e-mail, at 6pm. I will remind you in class of this on Monday.

bests,

the professor

for Monday, 2/9

Examples of Technology:

Rater than picking out your reading for you, this time I want you to find and read an article that interests you (on our topic, of course).

We've had many talks about the general effects of technology, but we have yet to really explore with much depth singular examples/ real-world examples.

And, since your Midterm Essay (handed out on Monday, with the due date moved to Monday, 2/16) will have a component in which you will explore the role of a particular technology (chosen by you) currently in use by culture --it's purpose/use and the effects in the present, past and/or future.

We will decode this statement in class, for better clarification!!!

1)
For now, explore the following on-line technology sections of prevalent magazines (click on names), or go to a Borders or local book store and peruse the technology periodicals.

CNET: news section

Technology Review

The Christian Science Monitor: innovation section

New York Times: technology section

2) Pick out one article that deals with a specific technology, and hopefully one that talks about its intended uses and some of its effects on our culture.

3) We will go around the circle Monday, discussing each of our articles. To prepare for discussion: write down an explanation of the product and what its intended uses are. But, also think about write down some of the possible unintended consequences of the product and how you think those consequences may come about by the integration of this technology.

I warn you, try and think specifically, but creatively. Think about actual, tangible effects.

A brief example: One article from the NY Times discusses how Google and other cell phone companies are putting more books on phones! A starting thought I have would be--will this effect people's eyesight? Another thought, will books eventually be 100% morphed from paper to downloadable?