Welcome to LIT2000 – Introduction to Literature! For the first Reading Response,

Welcome to LIT2000 – Introduction to Literature!
For the first Reading Response, you will write three paragraphs (all on one thread). First, share your intentions and expectations of the course, and discuss your prior experiences with written storytelling. Next, read and reflect on the “Introduction” to the textbook. Finally, discuss Le Guin’s short story–“The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”–by responding to the prompts below. After everyone has posted, respond meaningfully to at least two of your classmates’ posts. NOTE: The subject line of your post should begin with your first initial and last name and then the assignment title (for example: K. Smith – RR1)
In paragraph one, respond to the following:
Begin by answering ALL of the following questions about your motivation to take LIT2000:
Why are you taking Introduction to Literature?
What are your experiences with literature–or storytelling–in general?
What author(s) do you enjoy reading–and why?
What are your expectations of this course?
Discuss a piece of literature you have read that has made an impact on you.
In paragraph two, respond to ALL of the following:
Share your reflection on the “Introduction” chapter from the textbook (PDF provided in Module 1: Lesson 1):
How does literature expand our individual experience?
What is the difference between “pragmatic” reading and “literary” reading?
What new terminology have you learned, and how will it inform your discussion of literature?
Reflect on Mays’s question – Why study literature?
In paragraph three, respond to ALL of the following:
Before writing this response, look up the meaning of the word sacrifice.
Based on your reading of LeGuin’s short story (“The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”), discuss the theme of sacrifice.
What is being sacrificed?
And why?
How do community members of Omelas rationalize the pain of another living being?
Provide examples from the text (the story).
Is the sacrifice justified?
Think about the title. What is Le Guin suggesting about the quality of character of those who do “walk away from Omelas”?
Your postings will be reviewed according to the following criteria:
Writing three well-developed paragraphs responding to all of the prompts (minimum 300 words total for all three paragraphs–at least 100 words for each paragraph).
Replying to two of your classmates with meaningful responses with a minimum of 50 words each (do not simply write “I agree with what you wrote about LeGuin’s story. Nice Post!” Your reply must show your attention to the points made by your classmate).
Following the rules of Standard English (for example, no lowercase “i” for the pronoun I.) Please proofread your writing before clicking the ‘submit’ button!