Suspended classes (Covid-19). Instructions for homework assignments.

11 Março 2020, 10:00 • Isabel Maria Ferro Mealha

With a view to minimising the effects of suspended classes, I am sending you some instructions fora) the first writing test scheduled for 23rd March (to be done from home); and b) two  homework assignments and the dates when they are due.

I - First Writing Test (done at home)

 The first Writing Test will be held, as scheduled, on Monday 23rd March. This test is now worth 10% of your final grade. The second Writing Test is now worth 40% of your final grade.

 The test will be done at home during class hours (10:00-12:00).

 You will be sent the test by email 5 minutes before the test is due to start. Please make sure that you are prepared and ready to start at the appointed time, as above indicated.

 You have two hours to do the test, as usual.

 You must send your answers by email (saved as a Word file) 15 minutes after 12:00, at the latest.

 Tests submitted later than the appointed time (i.e. 12:15) shall not be marked, and the student will get a zero out of 20.

 II - Homework assignments*

 Assignment 1:

Reread the short story “The guilt” by Rayda Jacobs (Workbook, pp. 61-67) and answer the reading comprehension questions below:

1. How did Lilian Thurgood’s previous experience with beggars who came knocking on her door affect her? Justify your answer by referring to the text.

2. What do you learn about the story’s political and social background?

3. Comment on the power relations between blacks and whites in this story.

 Assignment 1 is due on Monday, 16th March not later than 6 p.m.

 Assignment 2:

Read the article “South Africa unease plays out on campus” (Workbook, pages 69-72) and watch the TEDx Talk  “Mad at Mandela” by Sisonke Msimang (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueUijXlz-3w).

 Drawing on the ideas conveyed by both the article and the TEDx Talk write an essay of about 250 words discussing the following statement:

 “South Africa is still shackled by the divisions of the past”

(“South Africa unease plays out on campus” by Karen Allen)

 Please refer to the following issues: (a) Afrikaans vs English as the language of learning; (b) racism; (c) social and economic disparities.

 Assignment 2 is due on Wednesday, 18th March not later than 6 p.m.

 * Please remember to save all assignments as Word files. Thank you.