The Left Hand of Darkness

Since we've been dedicating some time to "The Left Hand of Darkness" in our class sections, I think it's only fitting that we have an online discussion board for anyone who wants to further explore the novel here.

I'd like to start the discussion by posting a few links that might be helpful when reading the book:
The Wikipedia entry
A map of the planet Gethen
An online book review from Slashdot.com
A short biography and interview with Le Guin on The SF Site
A glossary of terms from Le Guin World, a website dedicated to the author

In our next class discussion, bring in a list of any "alien" words that appear in the book and we can define them together.

*A correction: In the first class incorrectly stated that "shifgrethor" refers to a personal struggle to save face. This is actually a definition for the phrase "playing shifgrethor". The word "shifgrethor," when used alone in the book, refers to "social prestige" or "prestige-rank". In the novel it is explained that the term means "to cast a long shadow" in the Karhidish tongue.

Announcements

BORDER LITERATURE/ CHICAN@ LITERATURE
Did you like our reading of "How to Tame a Wild Tongue" by Gloria Anzaldúa's book Borderlands/La Frontera? Good! Off the top of my head, here are a few more authors you shouldn't miss:
Sandra Cisneros
Rudolfo Anaya
Tino Villanueva
Here's a list of Mexican-American writers compiled by Wikipedia.

Also check out performance artist Guillermo Gómez Peña.

Due to the exam schedule, MOVIE NIGHT has been cancelled this week and next week (Sept. 25).
There will be no "official" (read as: organized) party for the English major this weekend, but we have reserved a place for our OCTOBER 31 HALLOWEEN PARTY! Start thinking of what your costume will be this year!

Those are my updates for now. If you have any questions, queries, comments, or concerns, you know how to reach me.

And now, here's your Moment of Zen (don't worry, it's "The Onion", a comedy fake-news show).

-Charly

Want to be a Fulbright Scholar?

I'm forwarding this message to all of you. I'll also leave flyers in the department. Please tell everyone you know who might be interested. I can tell you from experience that it's a great job!


Visite nuestra página en:
http://www.fulbright.edu.ar
www.me.gov.ar/dnci/becasint.html


BECAS FULBRIGHT- MINISTERIO DE EDUCACIÓN

BECAS PARA ASISTENTES DE IDIOMA
2009
Objetivo: Se otorgarán hasta 17 becas a profesores de inglés argentinos para desempeñarse como Asistentes de Idioma en universidades públicas o privadas de los Estados Unidos.
Requisitos:
Nacionalidad argentina.
Título universitario o terciario de Profesor/a de Inglés de carreras de cuatro años como mínimo.
Promedio mínimo: 7 puntos.
Experiencia docente.
Un mínimo de 21 años y un máximo de 29 años al momento de comenzar el programa en agosto de 2009.
Puntaje de 213 (en computadora) 0 550 (en papel) en el examen TOEFL
Capacidad e interés en vincularse con distintos sectores de la comunidad anfitriona y de difundir la cultura, historia y costumbres de su país de origen.
Los becarios no podrán llevar familia.

Beneficios:
Visa J1.
Estipendio mensual.
Seguro médico.
Pasaje de ida y vuelta.
Costo de cursos obligatorios que deberán tomar los Asistentes de Idioma.

Documentación:
Presentar las solicitudes completas en inglés (dos juegos) y en español (un juego) disponibles en: http://www.fulbright.edu.ar/esp/becas_1_3.asp o en http://www.me.gov.ar/dnci/becas06.html. También una de cada una por correo electrónico a award@fulbright.com.ar
CV y certificado que acredite experiencia docente indicando si su cargo es titular, interino o suplente.
Cartas de recomendación.

Plazo: Hasta el 10 de noviembre de 2008.

Duración: un año académico de 9 o 10 meses comenzando en agosto de 2009

Los formularios deben ser entregados en:
Comisión Fulbright:
Viamonte 1653, P. 2, C1055ABE, Buenos Aires
Tel.: (011) 4814 3561/62; info@fulbright.com.ar

Importante: El otorgamiento de la beca y el comienzo del programa, estarán sujetos a que los candidatos sean admitidos por las universidades receptoras en los Estados Unidos.

S'Mores and Movie Night

Hi everyone!

This week we continue our MOVIE NIGHT "Cine Casero" film series with the international film
BABEL

and dessert: Indoor S'MORES - I'll teach you how to make the classic North American camping food

Where? Charly's apartment - Calle 58, No. 819, 6A
When? 9:30 pm, this Thursday, September 11th

Please contact chuckabbo@gmail.com if you're interested in coming! See you there!

Donnie Darko!

Hey all,

If after seeing Donnie Darko, you're as bewildered and confounded as I was the first time (okay, let's be honest... everytime I've seen it until I did some research), check out these websites for extra information.  As I mentioned, this is considered a "cult" film, so die-hard fans who seem to have a lot of extra time have written extensively on this movie.  Look these over before class next week, and then come prepared to talk about Donnie Darko.

Here you have the film's page from the Internet Movie Database.  This page comes complete with a message board of confused victim's of Darko, as well as some experts, and of couse, emo kids arguing about what it all means.

This page is the official website of the movie, created by the director, Richard Kelly, himself.  Although this site has annoying and disturbing music, it has different clues that will lead you to the "truth" about Donnie according to the director.  It's very interactive and kind of fun!  Either way, it gives you extra information about the movie and might answer some of your questions.

If after the first two sites, you're still frustrated and determined to get to the bottom of things, read this long article entitled, "Everything you were afraid to ask about Donnie Darko."  This site spells it all out for you, but bear in mind that since this is a work of art that it can be interpreted in other ways.  Even the author explains a bit about the two main hypotheses about Donnie Darko.  1.) This film illustrates the deterioration Donnie's sanity... and he suffers from psychological illness, 2.) Donnie's not crazy and he is the chosen one that can save the actual world from eminent destruction by destroying the tangent world... and essentially "taking one for the team."

Well, I hope this helps you formulate your own ideas about the film and it's meaning.  I'm excited to discuss it in class!

xoxoKristal

Dinner and Movie Night

Featuring: Funny Ha Ha
9pm @ Charly's Apartment
Thursday, September 4, 2008

Dinner selection to be announced... oooh!

If you're coming, be so kind as to RSVP to chuckabbo@gmail.com so we'll know how much food to make! Thanks!