To be able to be caught up in the world of thought -

“It has always seemed strange to me that in our endless discussions about education so little stress is laid upon the pleasure of becoming an educated person, the enormous interest it adds to life. To be able to be caught up in the world of thought – that is to be educated.” — Edith Hamilton

The modern texts in this spring semester elective course demonstrate how people often look within themselves for new answers, sometimes turning away from the previously entrenched traditions and institutions of the world. As we read we will examine the individual’s search for happiness, strength, and belonging in a world where the sureities of social and cultural norms are rapidly changing. What is our place in such a modern, technologically focused landscape? How do we establish new approaches to life when our sense of belonging is so altered? Where and how do we find our psychological and social identities?

As we reflect upon and respond to modern literature on this site, we will examine how different individuals and cultures resolve these questions. In addtiion, we will draw comparisons among world cultures, and examine the profound impact of these erudite writers and thinkers on our modern world.

Here is your forum for thought – you and your peers will provide the answers. Enjoy.

For those of you who prefer not to get your hands covered in newsprint (or want to save money or trees), check out The New York Times and Wall Street Journal websites. As an educated member of society, you owe it to yourself and your peers to read the newspaper everyday. (My dad used to give us daily Wall Street Journal quizzes at the dinner table back in the day when I was a student at GHS.)

I used to work as newswriter and producer for NBC News, and my go to site for World News stories was always BBC news. The Brits do a fine job of realizing they are not the center of the universe, and devote much of their news coverage to goings on off of the island. Another cool Brittish newspaper to check out is The Independent.

Since this is a Modern World Literature course,  it is important to understand what the rest of the world thinks about America. Check out Watching America website. Mr. Olmstead found this super cool site which translates news articles from around the world into English. This website is a great one to help broaden your world view.

Your assignment: Check out the sites and pick a favorite article to respond to in at least one paragraph. Next, respond to one of your classmates’ posts about the same or a different article in a second paragraph.