Chapter Thirteen: Final Exercises

Final Exercise #4: “Symbolism: Communicating Outside the Box”

Symbolism: Communicating Outside the Box

Introduction

Many of the thinkers we have read this semester have very radical ideas. Conceiving and communicating such ideas is often difficult preciselybecause they are so radical, i.e., outside the box. Symbolic devices like metaphor, simile, and allegory can be very useful when trying to communicate ‘outside the box’ ideas. In the texts we read, both Nietzsche and Anzaldúa use these devices often.

Prompts for Final Exercise. Please address all items

Choose three symbols (utilized in metaphor, simile, or allegory) that are common to both text. These can be general or specific. For each symbol find at least one passage from each text in which the author employs that symbol. You can choose from but are not limited to the following options:

            • body or bodies of water
            • light and darkness (shadow)
            • serpent and eagle
            • Earth/earth
            • bridge or tightrope
            • a sacrifice
            • evolution
            • food
            • being lost
            • underground; cave or pit

For each pair of passages,

                • Identify and explain what idea each author is trying to communicate through the symbol.
                • Explain how and why the device being used is either effective or ineffective.

Compare the idease being communicated by Nietzsche and Anzaldúa.

  • What are the strengths and limitations of symbolism in communicating revolutionary ideas, modes of thought, and ways of being? What other forms/devices of communication would (or do) lend themselves to such a process?
  • Find an example of other forms/devices of communication that lend themselves to communicate radical ideas and share it as part of your presentation.

Steps to Create the Final Exercise. Please follow all of these steps.

  1. Re-read PowerPoint “Nietzsche,” Moodle, Class5and “Anzaldúa,” class 9.
  2. Look at your notes and your underlined texts of “Thus Spoke…”and “La Conciencia…”
  3. Look up terms and concepts in “Main Concepts,”Class 5, “God is Dead!” in Moodle.
  4. Have an awesome discussion
  5. Make an eleven-minute long presentation in any of the formats suggested below
  6. Title every submission and include teammates names. The title needs to include your table number.
  7. At the end of class today, please upload your notes, texts, PPs, Spoken Word written text, script for Skits, and notes, images and videos to the Final Project folder in Moodle. Everything needs to be titled (including table number) and include the names of teammates.

Possible Presentation Formats

Spoken Word, Skits, Video and image analysis, Power Point                                                                                                                Other creative formats might also be accepted, previous consultation with facilitators

Presentation Guidelines

Your presentation needs to have an introduction, a body where you draw your argument and present evidence or examples, and a conclusion. We need to hear from all the students in your group.

Introduction 

Thoroughly explain the concepts that will help you present your vision.

Body 

Be creative! Here is where you can use pictures, videos, poems, spoken word, or other forms to illustrate, analyze, and share your thoughts. Remember to tie your examples with your author’s concepts or ideas.

Conclusion 

Bring it all together. Briefly recap concepts and examples or illustrations to explain how all of the above ties in with your life and vision for a better world.

Grading Rubric

Group Graded: Total
Beginning Developing Accomplished Exemplary
Quotes from text No quotes used Quotes with little analysis Quotes with some analysis Quotes with full analysis
Clarity of ideas Almost impossible to understand Difficult to understand Failry easy to understand Clear and easy to understand
Quality of Presentation Poor use of resources, boring. Few students present Some use of resources, somewhat boring. Some students present Good use of resources, entertaining. Many students present Great use of resources, impressive. Most to all students present
Length of Presentation Shorter 3 mins, longer 11 mins Between 3-5 mins Between 5-6 Between 6-11

 

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