October 13

Today we worked on how to analyze texts, both in the classroom + in the computer lab. In class, we looked at the assignment sheet for group analysis of an urban legend - and analyzed two sample urban legends using the approach described in by Brunvand. We made a list on the board of each point you will need to include in your group presentation:
- a discussion of the group who circulates the story + the life issues & circumstances that might that might cause them to be interested in the subject material of the legend

- the variations of the story - how the different versions were different (for example, in the UK version of the "secret sauce" the concern was with "Turks" - while the U.S. version that was circulated locally was concerned with cooks at the "Olive Garden")

- stable elements: for each story we looked at the actors (the main characters); actions (what happened); setting or surrounding circumstances; & consequences (what happened)

- relationships between the identity of the group that tells the story & possible symbollic meanings (for example, for "Brown Betty" we considered how / why young women might connect to a story about risking health for beauty)

- what the urban legend shows about the cultural values of the group that tells it, and how these values connect to the culture at large => the symbollic meaning of the story.

In the computer lab, you worked in groups to identify an urban legend - and to develop a presentation on your analysis of that legend. Use the handout (distributed in class) as a guide for your presentation. As part of your presentation, you need to prepare an electronic "handout" that identifies your legend; has a link to at least 3 versions of your urban legend (or a text copy): and develops a discussion of each of the 5 points (listed above + on the handout).

In class on Thursday - you will have about 10 minutes at the beginning of class to set up your presentation + go over how you will organize your presentation (who will say what, etc). The rest of the class will be devoted to your presentations.

In the computer lab, you will get started on your analytic essay.

Groups for presentations:
Jonathan
Lindsay
Raul
Norelia

Anna
Michelle
Cory
Kurt

Victor
Krishna
Brian
Lionel

Shannon
Ian
Danielle
Ashley

Fredy
Sam
Pete
Ian

See you Thursday.