Reflection

Finally, we've gotten to the end of the semester!  It has been a pleasure.  We've enjoyed some lively conversations as well as watched some films that generated a lot of thought and reflection.  While some of you inadvertently may have already done this, I'd like you to comment nonetheless.  Please reflect on this class and provide me with your thoughts, ideas of new material (which I've already gotten and written down a lot for future classes), and suggestions for this course.  Also, if you have any advice for future English 318 students, what would you suggest?  Please complete this by Mon., 4/25/16 before class begins.

Unit III - The Black Body: Examining the Indulgences and Innocence

We have discussed multiple dimensions of the black body.  From D'Angelo to Hottentot Venus, we discussed performativity and objectification.  Who knew dominant culture would remain so

fascinated with black bodies? 

While D'Angelo resisted, others were unable to.  bell hooks suggests that Tina Turner may not have been a willing participant in her own objectification by Ike Turner.  Do you think she realizes now?  What about the inferences of influence in Ike Turner's fantasy stemming from Tarzan's Jane as well as its potential influence on School Daze's Jane character in our dialogue? 

More recently, we've discussed the role of the African American documentary with providing an alternative perspective to the black narrative.  And, Janet Cutler is correct.  This genre has been woefully neglected.  So, how do we begin to take control of how our bodies are portrayed along with how our stories are told?   Is Beyonce' really in control of her body or has consumption rampantly (re)possessed it?

Spring 2016 - Unit II

For the last few weeks, we've discussed and viewed a couple of these controversial films known as Blaxploitation cinema.  We've identified queer components, global impact, historical events, and many other topics.  Perhaps these dialogues will inspire you to seek out other films to watch from this genre.  

As always, I'd like to pose a question to generate another dialogue.  Do you think Blaxploitation films served a purpose of providing a voice for the black community then?  And, are these films still relevant today?  Please be as specific as possible by providing reasons to explain your responses.

Spring 2016 - Unit I

By now, we've had a few discussions regarding the origins and perceptions of film and African American film.  We should also have a belief of what black film is.  Accordingly, I'd like you to respond to an aspect that resonates with you the most.  In your blog, explain why you're sharing what you've chosen.  I highly encourage you to include an element of multimedia to enhance your position.  Please refer to my blogging rubric found on your syllabus.  I look forward to reading your comments!  Enjoy!

Reflection

Finally, we've gotten to the end of the semester!  It has been a pleasure.  We've enjoyed some lively conversations as well as watched some films that generated a lot of thought and reflection.  While some of you inadvertently may have already done this, I'd like you to comment nonetheless.  Please reflect on this class and provide me with your thoughts, ideas of new material (which I've already gotten and written down a lot for future classes), and suggestions for this course.  Also, if you have any advice for future English 318 students, what would you suggest?  Please complete this by Mon., 11/30 before class begins.

Blog Rubric

Rating	Characteristics
4	Exceptional. The entry is focused and coherently integrates examples with explanations or analysis. The entry demonstrates awareness of its own limitations or implications, and it considers multiple perspectives when appropriate. The entry reflects in-depth engagement with the topic. Multimedia (video, graphic, chart, audio, etc.) use significantly enhances blog presentation
3	Satisfactory. The entry is reasonably focused, and explanations or analysis are mostly based on examples or other evidence. Fewer connections are made between ideas, and though new insights are offered, they are not fully developed. The entry reflects moderate engagement with the topic. Multimedia use moderately enhanced blog presentation
2	Underdeveloped. The entry is mostly description or summary, without consideration of alternative perspectives, and few connections are made between ideas. The entry reflects passing engagement with the topic. Multimedia use is limited in the blog entry.
1	Limited. The entry is unfocused, or simply rehashes previous comments, and displays no evidence of student engagement with the topic. Little to no multimedia use is implemented.
0	No Credit. The entry is missing or consists of one or two disconnected sentences. No multimedia use is implemented.

Unit IV

Recently, we've been discussing Ava DuVernay and her work.  I believe that she, along with other underrated black female filmmakers have provided valuable cinema that remains overlooked.  While we won't have time to view all of the films, I posit they're all worthy of serious contemplation despite our time constraints.  We will likely watch most of Middle of Nowhere as well as an excerpt from another film.  As such, I'd like to know, what do films, perhaps these films, teach you?  Please remember to be detailed and include a multimedia component. This is to be completed before class on Fri., 11/20/15.

Blog Rubric

Rating	Characteristics
4	Exceptional. The entry is focused and coherently integrates examples with explanations or analysis. The entry demonstrates awareness of its own limitations or implications, and it considers multiple perspectives when appropriate. The entry reflects in-depth engagement with the topic. Multimedia (video, graphic, chart, audio, etc.) use significantly enhances blog presentation
3	Satisfactory. The entry is reasonably focused, and explanations or analysis are mostly based on examples or other evidence. Fewer connections are made between ideas, and though new insights are offered, they are not fully developed. The entry reflects moderate engagement with the topic. Multimedia use moderately enhanced blog presentation
2	Underdeveloped. The entry is mostly description or summary, without consideration of alternative perspectives, and few connections are made between ideas. The entry reflects passing engagement with the topic. Multimedia use is limited in the blog entry.
1	Limited. The entry is unfocused, or simply rehashes previous comments, and displays no evidence of student engagement with the topic. Little to no multimedia use is implemented.
0	No Credit. The entry is missing or consists of one or two disconnected sentences. No multimedia use is implemented.

Unit III

Good day my people,

In Unit III, we've been contemplating the images, perceptions, and performance of black bodies.  We've had some rich dialogue, but I've challenged you to think about how black bodies can be manipulated by others.  So, I ask you: "In what ways do we see how 'others' control black bodies in society?"  Please be specific, and don't wait until the last minute, so that others can read your valuable insight.   I highly encourage you to include an element of multimedia to enhance your position.  Please refer to my blogging rubric found below.  I look forward to reading your comments!  Enjoy!

Blog Rubric

Rating	Characteristics
4	Exceptional. The entry is focused and coherently integrates examples with explanations or analysis. The entry demonstrates awareness of its own limitations or implications, and it considers multiple perspectives when appropriate. The entry reflects in-depth engagement with the topic. Multimedia (video, graphic, chart, audio, etc.) use significantly enhances blog presentation
3	Satisfactory. The entry is reasonably focused, and explanations or analysis are mostly based on examples or other evidence. Fewer connections are made between ideas, and though new insights are offered, they are not fully developed. The entry reflects moderate engagement with the topic. Multimedia use moderately enhanced blog presentation
2	Underdeveloped. The entry is mostly description or summary, without consideration of alternative perspectives, and few connections are made between ideas. The entry reflects passing engagement with the topic. Multimedia use is limited in the blog entry.
1	Limited. The entry is unfocused, or simply rehashes previous comments, and displays no evidence of student engagement with the topic. Little to no multimedia use is implemented.
0	No Credit. The entry is missing or consists of one or two disconnected sentences. No multimedia use is implemented.