During
the Fall quarter, among the issues we discussed were cultural myths and the
cultural roots of “common sense” As we grow within a particular environment and
culture we gradually develop a strongly embedded picture of “how the world
works”. Our perceptions are shaped by our expectations and our thinking and
behaviors are molded and constrained by our assumptions. What happens when you
find yourself suddenly in a situation where the old rules apparently no longer
apply? How do we experience the shift? How do you respond? Can you adapt?
This situation is one that to various degrees we all have or will confront. History presents us with examples from the Native Americans encountering the conquistadors to Hitler's implementing his “final solution” upon assimilated Jews. Consider Plato's philosopher when he first emerges from the cave. Literature and film have found this a rich vein to mine... from Shakespeare to James Cameron.
This assignment is to write a short story in which a character experiences a dislocation of expectations. Assumptions, expectations, shared values are suddenly gone. You are free to choose any context from your story.... an internal family drama to a sudden translocation to another galaxy. The common thread is to establish the assumptions, disrupt them and explore the consequences. I'd say 5 pages would be about right.
This situation is one that to various degrees we all have or will confront. History presents us with examples from the Native Americans encountering the conquistadors to Hitler's implementing his “final solution” upon assimilated Jews. Consider Plato's philosopher when he first emerges from the cave. Literature and film have found this a rich vein to mine... from Shakespeare to James Cameron.
This assignment is to write a short story in which a character experiences a dislocation of expectations. Assumptions, expectations, shared values are suddenly gone. You are free to choose any context from your story.... an internal family drama to a sudden translocation to another galaxy. The common thread is to establish the assumptions, disrupt them and explore the consequences. I'd say 5 pages would be about right.
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