Broadening Our Definition of "Text"

Remember in class when I defined "text" as anything we are examining? In this week's discussion, we are going to examine a "text" that has no words: a painting! I know this may be new for you, but let's try it!

As we analyze this painting for meaning, we should use the same strategies we use for conventional texts. We still pay attention to the artist's intended meaning, we still search for evidence that supports our interpretation, and we still explain how that evidence got us to our interpretation.  In other words, we still use S-E-E!

What kind of evidence does a painting have? Well, visual evidence!!! Pay attention to the following details:

• colors - are they dark? vibrant? cheery? moody? calming?
• imagery - what symbols or metaphors might you see? do any of the images strike you as meaningful?
• brush strokes/texture - does it seem smooth, for instance, or is the paint thick so that you can see the brush strokes? Why? What does this add to the painting?
• how the artist catches your eye or leads your eye
• what is the artist trying to represent?

This is a painting you have probably seen before. It is entitled "Scream," painted by Edvard Munch, a Norwegian artist, in 1893.

What do you think Edvard Munch intended this painting to mean? Cite specific details from the painting as "evidence" to support your statement.  Remember, two paragraphs, acknowledge your classmates' viewpoint, and USE EVIDENCE!

Video Game Violence

As we researched our topics and began planning for our Argument Essays, I learned quite a lot about my topic: violent video games.  Normally, this discussion focuses on how violent video games affect young people, aged 17 and under -- the kids who can't buy the "Rated M for Mature" games.  However, I became interested in how video game violence affects players of all age groups.  Why are kids the only people we think might be "impressionable"?  Certainly, many young people are more mature than old people!

Let's examine the debate: Do violent video games cause aggressive behavior?

PRO: In an article from Time Magazine entitled "Little By Little, Violent Video Games Make Us More Aggressive," Alice Park examines some new research that "suggests hours of exposure to violent media like video games can make kids react in more hostile ways" (Time.com).  To find out more about the link between violent video games and aggressive behavior, click here: Little By Little

CON: In another article from the BBC, "Aggression from Video Games Linked to 'Incompetence,'" Dave Lee reports that new research says, "Feelings of aggression after playing video games are more likely linked to gameplay mechanics [winning or losing] rather than violent content" (BBC.com).  To find out more about their study, click here: Aggression Linked to Incompetence

I know many of you were passionate about this topic in class, so I want to give you the opportunity to voice your point of view now.  Remember, your response should be at least two paragraphs in length, you should acknowledge your classmates' comments, you should incorporate textual evidence to support your point of view, and you should, as always, be polite and respectful of one another's views.

In the News: The Spotted Owl Conundrum

In an article for television station KCET, reporter Chris Clarke examines the current debate over spotted owl habitat in California's burned Sierra Forest. The owls have begun living in the burnt trees from the catastrophic Rim Fire; however, logging companies want to remove the trees while they are still useful as wood.  Further, many fear the burnt trees increase the risk of more fires. The Federal Government has already given permission to logging companies to collect the trees, but Environmentalists are now blocking it in the courts.  Here is his article: "Spotted Owls Using Burned Sierra Forest Slated for Logging"

This is just one article about this topic.  There are many all over the internet -- including television news stories -- your evidence can come from any source you choose.  Just be sure to cite your source (i.e., tell me where your evidence came from.)

What do you think?  Should the habitat be preserved for the spotted owl, or should the burned out trees be cleared away to save the area from potential fires? Use evidence from the article to support your perspective. Remember the S-E-E response format for using evidence!  Thank you all again for maintaining polite discourse with your classmates.