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Poli 311.01 (W,IT) Professor Sammy Basu |
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Assignment Four:
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In light of the
tensions between Ôfreedom of speechÕ and Ôpolitical correctnessÕ, develop ten
individual ÔcynicalÕ or ÔdevilishÕ
definitions (on the model of Ambrose Bierce) that highlight specific aspects of
life, for better or worse, at Willamette University and/or the City of
Salem. These definitions
might be more elaborate than Bierce, for example by providing speculative
etymology, showing examples of actual usage, etc. Again, what is crucial is that your definitions call
attention to behaviors, patterns of thought, inconsistencies, injustices etc
that you find politically problematic and that is verbally mediated. Something is political if it involves
power and the selective distribution of benefits and pains.
- For inspiration, consult the various
materials used by Willamette University or the City of Salem in their
respective efforts at self-description and self-promotion:
- http://www.willamette.edu/
- http://www.cityofsalem.net/
- obviously other websites might also
be helpful
- two definitions should be linked to
some specific example on the Web
- At least four of the ten words defined
should be neologisms (i.e. invented words) of your own devising, yet
sufficiently close to actual words that the new word is suggestive.
- No more than two of your new nouns,
adjectives or verbs should employ proper nouns.
- At least one of these neologisms
should be so insightfully funny that it will immediately enter everyday
parlance or slang on campus.
- Post your definitions on your class
webpage in a visually lively or illustrated manner consistent with the
genre of an illustrated dictionary.
Provide a separate
100-word explanatory analysis for each of what you take to be your two best
definitions. In your analysis
discuss the relevance of the four theories of humor as appropriate and
highlight the literary techniques employed.
Due: Mar 8 Thu, in time for class viewing at
12:50. Late penalties will be
assigned.
