These are the notes I sent out via email to all of those students who sent me their survey results. You can now find a copy of the readings in blackboard, but if you have not sent me the email with your personal information, then please do so right away: cell phone, cultural interests, research strengths and weaknesses...
*****
I have attached a set of readings from what scholars refer to as the
"Chesapeake" texts--narratives written by English colonizers whoventured into Virginia and the Chesapeake bay.
As you read these three narratives--Thomas Hariot, Edgar Winfield, and
John Smith--think about the conversation we had to today about the
dreams these men were pursuing and the difficulty they had reconciling
their conflicting desires and values in this "new world" setting.
Think too about how these Europeans impose their own cultural
experience and perspective on their understanding of unfamiliar places
and people.
The introductions to the section and each reading are very
important--so spend time on them--and as you read, try to identify
interesting passages that you would like to talk about in class with
me and your classmates.
The Smith selection which comes last, includes the famous--although
incredibly brief--don't blink, you might miss it--narration of
Pocahontas' dramatic rescue of Smith and a longer, particularly
interesting exchange with Powhatan--the powerful Indian chief in the
area (and father of Pocahontas).
When you have read these selections, move on to part two of our work
for Thursday: the discovery activity.
Discovery Activity 1: Pocahontas Images
As I said in class, I want you to find at least two images of
Pocahontas on the web (or from a book or other source) and bring
copies of those images to class. Remember to also bring information
about your source: author/artist, title, web site or book in which you
found it, etc.
Comments