LAST WEEK: We spent time exploring a modern interpretation of The Ramayana, a film by Nina Paley, Sita Sings the Blues, a modern documentary that includes a) an animated re-telling of The Ramayana from modern, Indian shadow puppets, b) music videos of American 1920s songstress Kate Hanshaw's songs of requited love, and c) an animated retelling of Paley's autobiographical breakup and eventual discovery of The Ramayana in her own life.

Monday

Finishing the documentary and discussing intersection, where we see the film and our epic poem meeting.
HW: Discover and read the FAQ on Paley's film.

Tuesday

Meeting in lab 377-N to begin work on your claims.
HW: Enter class with a rough draft of your claim: "After reading Valmiki’s The Ramayana and watching Paley’s Sita Sings the Blues, the MOST important and LEAST obvious thing to know is: A. Is related directly to the texts Knowing this (A), one comes to realize: B. Is more general about life and the universe around us. A + B = C(laim) a.k.a.: thesis statement. C should be several sentences. Complex. Address the “Most Important Idea” and explain why it matters.

Wednesday

Also meeting in lab 377-N to continue working on your essay.
HW: Begin working on your rough draft. A typed, 2-3 page essay is due on Monday! Double spaced and typed, printed on one side...NO STAPLES. I will scan these, and you will read them aloud to class.

Thursday

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HW: xxx

Friday

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HW: xxx