Together with members of your group and students in other sections, you’ll be reading The Bookseller of Kabul over the next several weeks. Although you're not required to take notes while you read, it would be wise to keep track of important events and characters for your own clarification. You are, however, expected to participate regularly and thoughtfully in an online discussion of seven essential questions.
Here's how it works:
Divide your book into two roughly equal halves. You need to have read and blogged about your book by the due dates below.
- There are two kinds of posts in this discussion: comments and responses.
- Post at least SIX comments altogether: at least THREE for the 1st half of reading and at least THREE for the 2nd half.
- You must comment on at least five essential questions over the course of your reading.
- You may comment on only two questions more than once.
- One of your six comments can be a "free response" post.
- Post at at least TEN responses altogether: at least FIVE for the 1st half of reading and at least FIVE for the 2nd half.
- In addition, you will post at least ONE comment and ONE response to the question about Veils, the Portland Stage Company production on March 6. [Note: If you do not attend this production, you will need to post an additional comment and response to the book questions.]
Due dates:
- Post your first three comments and five responses by FRIDAY, FEB. 28.
- Post your final three comments and five responses by TBA (date to be announced in class).
- Post your comment & response about the play by MONDAY, MARCH 10.
- How do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
- Where do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
- How are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
- How is the practice of veiling (or restrictions on dress in general) reflective of cultural attitudes toward gender roles? How do these attitudes affect characters’ lives?
- How does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries?
- How do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live?
- Should there be one standard for gender equality throughout the world? Why or why not?
Essential Question for Veils: (play by Tom Coash at Portland Stage Company)
The main point of contention between Intisar and Samar in the play is their differing opinions on
the practice of veiling. Which character makes the more compelling argument, in your opinion?
Why?
Assessment: To earn maximum credit, post thoughtful responses that are at least a short paragraph in length—and carefully proofread! Do not misspell characters' or authors’ names! Also, be sure to include specific references to the text (either details or short quotations).
