English 220
Spring 2018
Creative Response/Experiential Learning: The Other
In order to gain a more nuanced perception of the plight and experiences of the Other/Outsider, you will place yourself in an environment where you are the Other/Outsider (an environment where you may be considered different or not belonging). There are several ways to do this; I am happy to discuss your ideas on an individual basis (in OH or via email). Remember, being the Other/Outsider does not necessarily mean that you are the numerical minority.
Basically, you will take yourself on a self-designed “field trip” to a place that you have never been before, or to an event/happening in which you may be perceived as an Other/Outsider. It must be somewhere that you would not usually go to, or an event that is new to you. It cannot be a specific place that is the same as other places you have been (for example, you can’t go and visit the UTC mall in La Jolla when you’ve been to other malls somewhere else UNLESS you can prove in your response that you went there to interact with a culture that is fundamentally different to yours, nor can you watch a movie that you’ve never seen before).
You can find out about different free or low-cost events by looking in free newspapers/magazines around town or going on the internet to San Diego sites such as signonsandiego.com (go to the Entertainment section). Or, you can keep your eyes open for flyers, posters, etc. There are many Multi-cultural events happening on a weekly basis here at SDSU; most of them are free!
Once there, make sure you respect any rules/traditions that this place has (or event entails) so that you don’t offend anyone. Also, please do not put yourself (or others) in any danger—if you feel unsafe at any time, leave immediately and/or seek assistance.
Some examples include (but are not limited to):
¯ an open mic or storytelling event on campus, at a café or bar
¯ a book/author reading in a bookstore
¯ a public event (like a fair or festival of some type)
¯ a club/campus organization’s event or meeting
¯ a museum you’ve never visited
¯ a social protest event
¯ a different religious service than what you are familiar with (e.g. if you’re Christian, visit a Jewish Synagogue, if you do not have a faith practice, visit any church, etc.)
¯ a restaurant with food/culture you’ve never been exposed to –you’d have to taste the food to get the full experience
¯ a part of San Diego you have never spent time in (e.g. City Heights, Del Mar, the Border, etc.)
¯ a show or play you’ve never seen before IF you don’t usually go to these things
¯ trying or watching a sport you’ve never played before
¯ somewhere that fits this description outside of San Diego (i.e. if you plan to be out of town in the next few weeks and can do this assignment about the place you visit)
Compose: You will be a sort of mini-anthropologist when you visit a specific locale, or attend an event. Somehow, take notes about the new environment or event. Notice physical features, cultural customs, people themselves, the general atmosphere. Soak it all in, including (and most importantly) how you feel (honestly) about being an Other/Outsider.
Use these research notes to compose a creative narrative (a story) that synthesizes your experience, in detail. Consider how Mary Shelley portrayed the Monster’s ‘adolescent-to-adult’ experiences (Chs XI-XVI). Use this as your mentor text.
Organize the narrative chronologically and use literary devices and tools (e.g. imagery, metaphor/simile, symbolism, allusion, etc.) to bring your story to life. Lastly, once you’ve detailed the experience, explore critically the implications of your experience as an Other/Outsider (i.e. What did you learn about yourself as the Other/Outsider and the dominant group at the place or event? What did you learn about the overall plight/experience of the Other/Outsider?)
Important dates:
2/1: Exploring stylistic approaches to this assignment (“Stealing like an Artist”)
2/27: Creative Response due in class (no exceptions)
Additional Logistics:
- Responses must be typed (3-5 pgs), rendered in MLA format, submitted in hardcopy. (*Emailed submissions may be accepted in the case of a serious emergency, with sufficient proof of circumstances.)
- Consider treating this as more than just a school assignment; allow yourself to be open-minded and curious.
- Though you may have already been to a place, event, etc. where you felt like the Other/Outsider, you may not use this as the basis for your response; your “field trip” must be a completely new experience.
- I am not requiring any proof of your attendance at a place or event (e.g. a photo, program, artifact, etc.), but please use the honor system. DO NOT fabricate attendance at an event or place. If fabrication is suspected (and proven after due process), you will receive a 0 for the assignment.
Grading (Total, 100 pts):
| Narrative (Story is detailed & compelling; significant effort has been demonstrated.) | 20 pts |
| Creativity (Story demonstrates effective use of literary devices and tools) | 20 pts |
| Reflection (Story reflects detailed/thoughtful perceptions/experiences of Other/Outsider) | 40 pts |
| Clarity (Story is organized; transitions are smooth and ideas flow logically) | 10 pts |
| Grammar, MLA (Grammatical mistakes are minimal; story is structured in compliance with MLA format) | 10 pts |
