For Thursday...

Hello all,

You need to make sure that you have completed your research portion of your i-search. You need to locate five articles and one book. You then need to complete the i-search research on three of the five article sources and the books. This is due on Friday.

Today we discussed the subject/object binary, and the way that we construct an understanding of that binary in reference to our class project. Many great observations were made about the notion of subjectivity and objectivity and these categories affect our understanding and exploration of trauma and trauma narratives. Here is an interesting discussion about objectivity and subjectivity. http://www.iep.utm.edu/o/objectiv.htm

We then broke into pairs to create and to lead discussions about the Caruth, O'Brien, and Winter readings.

Erick and C.J. presented a question that dealt with fate and destiny and the notion of looking back and pondering one's experiences. Erick connected the narrator of the O'Brien story as an example of the question.

Danny and Chris explored the return of the traumatic and the inability of understanding something that was never fully grasped at the experience. Their discussion lead them to explore the potential of a person being "held" at the site of trauma until understanding was achieved.

Tommy and David explored notions of monuments and guilt consumption of trauma. Notions of nationalistic pride and respect or paying homage to others' sacrifices were explored. Notions of "how to do remembering" were explored in the class. The discussion focused on the shift from collective to individualized monuments.

Amber and Matt focus on the lack or absence of recognition which is apparent in the O'Brien story with the narrator constantly repeating ideas related to "almost winning the silver star." The following discussion explored the possibility of recognition and forgetfulness.

Marc and T.J. examined the various differences in how war veterans cope with returning to life. They questioned if the various jobs or duties completed in war affected how the veteran handling the return or the recollection of traumatic events.

Whitney and Stephen created a connection to the narrator's structure of the O'Brien story and how these elements relate to our other readings and thoughts discussed in the class. Stephen focused on the "jumps' in the story represented psychic breaks.

Alicia, Lexi, and Cindy explored aspects of knowing in relation to creating an understanding of ones' self in the after effects of trauma. The connudrum of self and collective knowledge was examined through our readings.

Julien and Mike discussed notions of war and valor, with Joel and Meredith ending the discussion with a focus on the controlling aspects of the experiences on one's mind and body.

For Thursday--

Read-Nothing

Write-Reflection posting on blog

Do-I-search research for Friday.

Remember, we are going to the Holocaust museum tomorrow. We will meet on campus at the normal class time.

Here is the website for the museum.

The cost is 9.00 for students.

Take care, and get me posted. Thanks for your patience with me today.

Kat