2nd half of the semester

A possible course outline for the final 6 weeks should explore the multiple ways that non-fictional prose can be written. I think continuing our exploration of the different possibilities available to us will be beneficial because we have already seen such amazingly distinct methods of composing (Bechdel's tragiocomic to Shield's). I think that seeing more of this variation will broaden our horizons so I chose books that interest me, but are written differently and cover different topics.

Week 1: Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington is a book that resembles my interpretation of what I expect a non-fiction book to be. An inspirational autobiography that follows his rise from the struggles as a slave's son and a laborer to the founder of The Tuskeegee Institute.

Week 2: Ideas and Opinions by Albert Einstein is a compilation of many different essays that he wrote over the span of his time. It is similar to The Ecology of Wisdom in its compilation but rather than having all the essays be on a similar topic Einstein covers a range of topics from atomic energy to human rights.

Week 3: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote is a bit on the gruesome side but it is another form of non-fictional prose that we haven't explored. It documents the murder of a family and follows the history of the two murderers; it also goes further by discussing the impact on the community.

Week 4: The Taming of Chance by Ian Hacking seems to be more of a relational composition. It discusses the relationship between philosophy, the physical sciences, math and the development of social institutions. I don't see much of a connection but it would be interesting to see these connections and how he explores them.

Week 5: Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L.Ron Hubbard is a self help book where he offers self improvement techniques. It is also used heavily in scientology so it is exploring yet another technique used.

Week 6: 101 Things to do 'Til the Revolution by Claire Wolfe covers a more political aspect of non-fiction. She discusses her opposition to major political parties, encouragement of self sufficiently and actions that should be taken to minimize the influence of the government on the lives of individuals.