Midterm Essay- Close Reading
In this assignment, your task is to conduct a close reading of a single text, be it a poem, short story, podcast, or newspaper article. The aim is to think about the text's engagement with various facets of culture and society – from gender and race to politics, the arts, policy, and history. This exploration aligns with our ongoing dialogue about the public humanities and the nuanced ways scholars of the arts and literature communicate with, to, about, and for the public.
Text Selection: Begin by selecting a text that resonates with you, one that speaks to the themes of public engagement and the public humanities. This should be a text (poem, short story, podcast) we enagaged with in class, but you are welcome to contact me if you would like to write about a different text.
Close Reading: Develop on a meticulous close reading of the chosen text. Pay close attention to details, language, and literary devices employed by the author. Engage with the form, structure, and style, highlighting the nuances that shape the narrative.
Publics and Audience: Consider the intended audience of the text. Identify the varied "publics" addressed within the work and ponder over how the author communicates with these different audiences. Reflect on the potential impact of this communication, recognizing the diverse perspectives and experiences of the readership.
Engagement with Culture and Society: Delve into how the text engages with different facets of culture and society. Analyze the portrayal of gender, race, politics, the arts, policy, history, or any other relevant aspect. Unpack the implications of these engagements within the text, considering how the text contributes to ongoing conversations.
Public Humanities: Reflect on the broader landscape of public humanities. Explore how the text contributes to this field, recognizing the role of scholars in the arts and literature in shaping public discourse and awareness. Discuss the responsibilities and challenges inherent in translating academic insights for a wider audience.
Craft a well-organized essay of 1,200 to 1,600 words (approximately 3-5 pages) that weaves together your insights and analyses seamlessly. Your essay should unfold as a thoughtful exploration, drawing connections between the text's intricacies and its broader implications on society. As you write your essay, support your claims with evidence from the text and integrate MLA citations organically. This assignment invites you to showcase analytical and critical thinking, offering a nuanced understanding of how literature and the arts intersect with the public sphere.