Drafting the Declaration of Independence

Today in class we'll discuss, among other things, the various versions or drafts that the infamous Declaration underwent, including Jefferson's drafts and the final draft that we know today. With so many different versions, a helpful way to make sense of these changes is to read a hypertext version from Duke University in which areas of difference are highlighted (taking you to an explanation of the additions, alterations, or deletions).

SMC Monologues

You may have seen this announcement in your email box today, but I wanted to bring particular attention to this interesting opportunity to express and explore your own identity and relationship to Saint Mary's in writing:

What inspires you?
What do you have to say?

The SMC Monologues
Needs YOU!!!

5^th Annual SMC Monologues!

What is The SMC Monologues, you ask?
Modeled after Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues, our SMC Monologues is a production of anonymous stories written by the SMC community for the SMC community.

We are currently calling for submissions from YOU!

You are encouraged to write about how "you are Saint Mary’s," a womanly exploration of yourself, body image, spirituality, religion, experience of love, experience of abuse, and, of course, your influential heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, platonic, and familial relationships and experiences. No topic is off-limits or irrelevant!

Questions to consider:
What does it mean to be a Saint Mary’s woman?
How are my identity and relationships shaped by my sexuality?
What experiences have shaped the woman I am?
How do I express my sexuality?

Don’t be nervous about your more revealing stories because this is ANONYMOUS!

If interested, send your submissions to Becki at rfaunc01@saintmarys.edu, Professor Catherine Pittman at cpittman@saintmarys.edu, or Professor Lily Hoang at lhoang@saintmarys.edu

If that’s not anonymous enough for you, there is a drop-off box in the library located near the photocopier on the first floor.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY JANUARY 20^TH
but please submit early!!

All submissions will be read but we cannot guarantee all submissions will be included in the final production in February. If you’d rather not write but are interested in participating in the production, keep your eyes open for more ways to be involved in the near future!

Kristallnacht week events by White Rose Society

To commemorate Kristallnacht and those who've suffered from the atrocities of genocide, the following events have been planned by the student group, the White Rose Society, in conjunction with SMC faculty. If you choose to attend any events, please blog about your reactions for an extra credit opportunity.

On the night of November 9, 1938, thousands of Jewish businesses and synagogues were destroyed in one of the first major acts of anti-semitism in Nazi Germany. Kristallnacht, or "the night of broken glass" marked the beginning of the events that came to define the Holocaust. As we near the 70th anniversary of Kristallnacht, please honor victims by taking the time to learn about the nature of genocide and the political and social environments that facilitate such atrocities.

Monday November 10th, Student Center Lounge at Noon: "Holocaust Memories." A student produced personal interview with a Holocaust survivor.

Tuesday November 11th, Vander Vennett Theater at 7:00 pm: "Cabaret." Prof. David Stefanic will introduce the film and lead a discussion afterwards.

Wednesday, November 12th, Student Center Lounge at Noon: "Holocaust Memories." A student produced personal interview with a Holocaust survivor.

Thursday November 13th, Vander Vennett Theater at 7:00 pm: "Hotel Rwanda." Professor Edith Miguda will introduce the film and lead a discussion afterwards.

During the week: in the atrium of the Student Center, the White Rose Society will be distributing roses in memory of the victims of the Holocaust and more recent genocide, and will provide information about the crisis in Darfur.

"I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart."
-- Anne Frank

Candide Discussion Questions

For the remainder of the term, blog posts will be due on Friday of each week. Please feel free to develop conversation points raised in class or to introduce and explore new topics or reactions of your own. As always, I'm looking to see that you've offered detailed, thoughtful reflections on some aspect of the text/discussion/historical period that we're focusing on. To aid you in your reading (or blog posting), I've offered a few guiding questions below.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• Do you think Voltaire would agree or disagree with Pope's determination that "Whatever is, is right"?
• How would you characterize the tone of the narrator in this tale?
• Based on your reading so far, what is Voltaire's Enlightenment agenda, and how does it compare to Pope?