The aim of this exercise is to better understand “Monster Culture (Seven Theses)” by identifying key terms, topic sentences and main ideas in sections of the essay.

Estimated time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Due by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 5th

Part 1: Reading
Carefully read “Thesis III: The Monster is the Harbinger of Category Crisis” and “Thesis IV: The Monster Dwells at the Gates of Difference” in “Monster Culture (Seven Theses).” In your class journal (hardcopy or online), take note of no more than four key terms you encounter in each section. Research and write down their definitions. Also try to write down ideas and questions that you have in response to specific parts of this section. Bring your annotated copy of this essay to class on Thursday, February 1^st.

Part 2: Writing
In your own hard copy of “Monster Culture (Seven Theses),” underline the topic sentence of each paragraph in each thesis. In each section, select the topic sentence that you think expresses the main point. Write out each topic sentence and then explain what each means in your own words. Try to be as specific as possible. Post your response below as a COMMENT to this post.

The aim of this exercise is to better understand “Monster Culture (Seven Theses)” by identifying the main idea in one section of the essay.

Estimated time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Due by 9:30 a.m. Thursday, February 1st

Part 1: Reading
Carefully read “Thesis II: The Monster Always Escapes” in “Monster Culture (Seven Theses).” In your class journal (hardcopy or online), take note of no more than eight difficult but important words you encounter. “Important words” are words that might be often repeated or are located in places where it seems Cohen is explaining his main idea. Research and write down their definitions. Also try to write down ideas and questions that you have in response to specific parts of this section. Bring your annotated copy of this essay to class on Thursday, February 1^st.

Part 2: Writing
Find one (1) sentence that you think expresses the main point of Thesis II. Write it out and then explain what it means in your own words. Try to be as specific as possible. Post your sentence and explanation below as a comment to this post. (To be able to post, you need to go to qwriting.org and sign up for an account using your QC email address ending in @qmail.cuny.edu. Once you have an account, join the site by using the link on the right.)