January 9*

JOURNAL TOPIC: (today's tunes: "Let the Day Begin" by The Call; "Where Do I Begin?" by Jill Sobule; "Begin the Begin" by R.E.M.)

Describe a thought or a feeling that you'd forgotten over break and experienced again when you walked back into this room.  Describe the semester you want to create for yourself in here.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Reboot
3. Introduction to spring semester (part I)
4. In-class creative writing

HW:
1. Research Paul Simon's album Graceland (starting with this video) and come to class Thursday prepared to discuss whether this qualifies as American Literature.  To do this properly, you will have to do some research and review your notes in order to define American Literature and make your case.  Please post your notes to your blog (title: "SIMON SAYS") and/or bring them to class.
2. Write about upcoming work on your blog.