Sumários

Micro stories discussion; What is Crime fiction?

20 Setembro 2024, 11:00 Cláudia Rute Canelas Pereira Duarte

Micro stories discussion; What is Crime fiction?

Homework: reading/watching resources for first assignment


Essay writing- titles and introductions

20 Setembro 2024, 09:30 Daniel Gregg Lopes da Silva

Essay writing- titles and introductions


Lesson 2

19 Setembro 2024, 17:00 Katarzyna Dominika Karpowicz Osowska

- "Birth order" - listening 


- Writing: An autobiography 


Lesson 1

18 Setembro 2024, 15:30 Katarzyna Dominika Karpowicz Osowska

Introduction to the course


My identity - speaking, a video


"Stutterer" + "Girl"

18 Setembro 2024, 12:30 Rui Vitorino Azevedo

We watched the short film "Stutterer" and engaged in a group discussion on the following aspects:

-          Barriers of Communication: Discussed the communication challenges faced by the main character.

-          Fighting Insecurities: Explored how the main character and others confront their insecurities, particularly when speaking.

-          Portrayal of Disabilities: Examined stereotypes and the portrayal of people with disabilities in the film.

-          Camera Work: Analyzed how camera techniques are used to evoke sympathy for the main character.

-          Voice-Overs and Non-Diegetic Sounds: Discussed the impact of voice-overs and non-diegetic sounds on the narrative.

-          Voice, Individuality, and Identity: Reflected on the relationship between voice, individuality, and identity.

We then read and explored the main themes in Jamaica Kincaid’s short story "Girl." We discussed how the story addresses gender roles and expectations by highlighting the societal pressures placed on young girls, particularly through the mother’s detailed instructions on domestic duties and proper behavior. We examined the complex mother-daughter relationship, noting how the mother’s advice reflects both care and control. The theme of societal pressure and conformity was analyzed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a good reputation and adhering to social norms. We also touched on the struggle for identity and self-expression, considering the daughter’s minimal responses and the tension between following prescribed roles and seeking individuality. Additionally, we considered the cultural context of the story, noting how the instructions convey cultural traditions and expectations from the mother’s perspective. Finally, we discussed the themes of power and authority within the family dynamic and broader society.




For homework, students were asked to do a writing sample based on either the film (a critical review) or the short story where they could write their own version titled “Boy”.