To My Dear and Loving Husband BY ANNE BRADSTREET (1641) If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were loved by wife, then thee. If ever wife was happy in a man, Compare with me, ye women, if you can. I prize thy love more than whole Read more…
Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson (excerpt) Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson (excerpt) by Lauren Polli The story of Mary Rowlandson written by Mary Rowlandson is a very intriguing and captivating story about Rowlandson’s Puritan town getting attacked by the Native Read more…
One of Mike Burns’ favorites, this painting is shown during schola brevis (the first day of the course), to start the critical thinking of the students. Posing questions like: Why do you see? Why are the colors important? What would you title this piece? What is missing (assume nothing is Read more…
When Pocahontas was put out, with a Native American consultant with fake credentials, Disney decided to age up and sexualize the 10 year old girl to make the historically platonic if not paternal relationship into a romance with (the at-the-time not problematic) heart throb Mel Gibson. Let see what the Read more…
“Born in the U.S.A.” by Phoebe Schmitt “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen is one of America’s most iconic songs played on the Fourth of July for a patriotic backdrop. However, the song is far from boasting patriotism. Springsteen was born on September 23, 1949, into a working-class family. Read more…
This week, we visit the stars above! We read The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell this episode of Required Reading. In a remarkable piece of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Anthropology and Catholicism, the Sparrow is a story of triumphs and trials and it is all the more incredible for doing so. As we Read more…
“Born in the U.S.A” Song Analysis by Lauren Polli In 1984, famous songwriter, Bruce Springsteen, released “Born in the USA”. The song starts off on a negative note, opening with lines “Born down in a dead man’s town/The first kick I took was when I hit the ground.” Springsteen is Read more…
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This week we read the most recent piece of fiction yet! With the plot hinging on 9/11, we read Jonathan Foer’s Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. We cover this non-traditional narrative and get to the bottom of a key in a vase. We thank you for following us! In an effort to Read more…
This week on Required Reading, we learn the answer to life, the universe, and everything. We read The Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Join us, won’t you? And don’t forget to bring a towel. If you want to read along with us, consider purchasing the book through Read more…