Posted: December 9th, 2022

Fall 2022
Take-Home Final

Fall 2022
Take-Home Final

Answer four questions from the list below. For each question you need to write a one-page essay, typed. In answering the questions, follow proper guidelines for grammar, syntax, logical development of arguments, and punctuation, as discussed in class. Make sure that your answer addresses all aspects of the questions, that it is cohesive and coherent, and that it shows a clear understanding of the chapter and the books. DO NOT COPY FROM THE BOOK AND DO NOT USE SECONDARY SOURCES. Upload assignment no later than 3 PM on December 11 2022. PLAGARISM WILL LEAD TO A FAILURE AND POSSIBLE DISCIPLINARY ACTION BY THE SCHOOL. Reach out if you need help. Enjoy.

1) Describe in detail the attempts made by people over millennia to organize information, a thesis presented and developed by Manguel in the chapter Ordainers of the Universe. What are the conclusions drawn by Manguel regarding the need for order as illustrated in that chapter? Explain how social, religious, and gender biases influenced and shaped those attempts.
2) The next to the last paragraph on page 179 seems to summarize Manguel’s main argument regarding the relationship between reader and writer. Write a detailed analysis of that paragraph; feel free to make references to other parts of the chapter or the book in support of your analysis. Do you think that Manguel has made a valid argument? Explain your answer.
3) Summarize, in outline form and indicating pages where arguments are found, any of the chapters assigned in the second half of the semester. Analyze the thesis and discuss in detail some of the evidence presented by Manguel.
4) In the chapter titled Forbidden Reading, Manguel argues that reading has been seen throughout history as a dangerous endeavor, an activity that needs to be restricted because it could jeopardize social and power structures. Summarize his argument. Choose one of the groups mentioned by Manguel as having been “forbidden” to read—women, African-Americans, religious minorities—and explore the fears and reasons used to establish and enforce such prohibitions.
5) Read carefully the paragraph that begins at the bottom of page 281—“As centuries of dictators have known…” and ends in the middle of page 284. Create a timeline of events and summarize the arguments presented by Manguel. How is an “illiterate crowd easiest to rule”? How is censorship a “corollary of power”?
6) Nafisi reveals in the section about Austen how the idea of having meetings in her home came to her: an impromptu dance at the end of one of her classes when she asked her students, even the reluctant ones, to dance. Nafisi states that in Austen’s book, Pride and Prejudice, an “eighteen-century dance” is similar to the structure of the novel. Explain how Nafisi develops her argument and its relevance to the lives of her students. Make sure to discuss the role of “conversation” and why would a writer like Austen be considered a danger to the government.
7) In the chapter “Reading within Walls,” Manguel focuses on the restricted lives women led in the past. One such restriction dealt with women’s access to literacy in general and books in particular. Explain the scope and depth of such prohibition; analyze the reasons why patriarchal societies consider knowledge especially problematic for women; explore how, following Manguel’s arguments, women have found ways to undermine and subvert their exclusion from reading and knowledge.

8) In the same chapter, Manguel, in describing the physical separation of men and women, argues that, despite, or maybe because of, their isolation, women were able to create meaningful, perhaps even mysterious, lives. Explain and explore Manguel’s arguments.
9) As the Iranian Revolution picks up speed, Nafisi does not seem to be really aware that the freedom she had so far enjoyed was coming to an end. She speaks of being “enthusiastic, naïve, and idealistic,” and that she “in love with my books.” The idea of the reader/intellectual not being connected to reality is mentioned by Nafisi in the first chapter, and is discussed in detail and in a positive light by Manguel. Explore this idea: does it make sense as a reader to become oblivious to reality?

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXAM
Each answer must be at least one type written page, double space. You cannot quote more than ONE line of text for each answer, and in your answer, you MUST NOT summarize the story- a summary of the story does not qualify as an answer to the question—unless you are asked to do so. Your answer must be complete and well-argued if you want full credit. In addition to that, since you have more than a week to complete the assignment, there should not be spelling or grammar errors. The format of your paper is: double space, standard margins, and font size 12, Times New Roman. If, as you work on your paper, you have questions or concerns, feel free to send me an E-mail at josefabara@gmail.com or at fabarajo@lagcc.cuny.edu. YOU MUST DO YOUR OWN WORK. There is no need to use secondary sources, e.g., other books or Internet sites. Plagiarism will result in a failure and possible disciplinary action by the school. Enjoy.

Check Price Discount

Study Notes, Research Topics & Assignment Examples: The evolution of human immunity »THE DIFFERENT DISEASES THE AMERICAN SOLDIERS GOT FROM AGENT ORANGE