PROJECT+Survivalism

This research topic for English I students has evolved over the years on our campus. It has roots in the study of The Odyssey. A few years ago from the literary study, topics of survival and [|survivalism] began to emerge until this exploration became a full-fledged research paper. Considering the headlines we continually witness about disasters, natural and man-made disasters, courtroom shootings, child kidnapping, it's very relevant. The following video demonstrates how seriously some prepare for survival of any catastrophic event. After the video let's look at some writing options for this paper.

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Survivalism Writing Options: 1. English I students generally are either guided to a small collection or given greater latitude in selecting a social problem that had to be overcome. Students will choose a book that features a character that dealt with a social problem. For example, a student might consider the problem of deadbeat dad worth exploring using the book, [|Frankenstein] written by Mary Shelly. A monster was created by a mad scientist, Victor Frankenstein and then was abandoned by his creator. Sounds an awful lot like a deadbeat dead.

2. Students are to examine three short stories dealing with the same social issue/problem. Students will do a [|compare and contrast] of the characters who cope with the issue.

3. Students will decide on social issue from a literary work and bring it forward to the newspaper headlines today. For example, Julius Caesar was betrayed by the men he trusted to protect him and his agenda. How is that similar and dissimilar to [|Gen. Stanley McChrystal] for unflattering remarks in a Playboy Magazine interview? Did Newt GIngrich feel betrayed by he key campaign strategist who all [|quit] early in the 2012 presidential primary campaign?

We have more than a few novels that focus on survivalism. I have uploaded a **bibliography** of the works we have in the library. This [|bibliography] includes short summaries of each book. After you have selected the novel and writing option, you are ready to begin the process of gathering information to see what approach you might take with this paper.

When you began to consider your social problem, you may be uncertain as you move forward because you may not know how to fully explain your topic. You may not have the vocabulary for topic to conduct keyword search. You will find [|subject directories] very useful in these cases. You the following links to access the most popular subject directories: Google Directory Yahoo Directory

If you read a novel and the survival theme just doesn't seem all that apparent to you perhaps you could the assistance of some online literary guides that list the themes for you. Often there is a lot of debate about the misuse of the tools. Don't get trapped by trying to substitute reading the actual work for a quick scanning of these notes. Use them for the valuable tools they are as guides for literary devices, character analysis, short plot reviews. Stick these types of uses and you'll be fine.

Schmoop Pinkmonkey SparkNotes

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