Critical Essay: Eat the Apple

In a critical essay, a writer analyzes, interprets, or evaluates a particular text. It is especially appropriate (and for in an analysis of a text’s structure—the framework that holds a story together.

It would not be inaccurate to describe the structure of Matt Young’s Eat the Apple as “unconventional.” The compelling narratives of Young’s military service in the Middle East are conveyed through a variety of literary techniques, including illustrations, differing POVS, letters, scripts, lists, mock interviews, and vignettes.

It is an unusual approach for the average memoir, but is it effective? How does the structure of Eat the Apple affect the reader’s understanding of Matt Young story? Is a reader’s understanding enhanced by it? Or can the structure get in the way?

Required:

• MLA Style, including works cited
• Approximately 750 words 

Due: Fri 3.27

Week 9: Fri 3.20 – Latinos

Notes:

• This amended schedule:
• Is subject to change pending the situation with Covid-19—see Eauzone for the most up-to-date information 
• Takes into account that we will NOT be resuming face-to-face class meetings for the remainder to semester 

• Weekly Zoom meetings will happen Tuesdays from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• From this point on, all work must be submitted electronically via Canvas
• Multimedia Presentations should be should be completed by their original dates and submitted via Canvas
• All the week’s required materials (e.g. PowerPoints) will be emailed to you on Sundays
• eReader (eR) articles will remain on Eauzone

Week 9: Fri 3.20 – Latinos
Read: Apple—“Self-Diagnosis: I Want to Go Home Now” – “Self-Diagnosis: Ouch”
Coursework: Watch—"What Happens to Religious Professionals When They Stop Believing in God?” from Vice

Upcoming:

Week 10: Fri 3.27 – Atheists
Zoom Meeting: Tue 3.24 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Meeting ID: 530-639-952)
Read: Apple—“Self-Diagnosis: How Did That Happen?” – “Self-Diagnosis: Sick of Running”
Coursework: Watch—" “Defining Latino: Young People Talk Identity, Belonging” from NBC News
Due: CRITICAL ESSAY

Week 11: Fri 4.3 - Asian-Americans
No class—Spring Break

Week 12: Fri 4.10 - Southerners
Zoom Meeting: Tue 4.7 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Meeting ID: 530-639-952)
Coursework: Watch—"Etiquette Tips All Southerners Should Know” from Southern Living
Due: REFLECTION 4

Week 13: Fri 4.17 - Baby Boomers*
Zoom Meeting: Tue 4.14 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Meeting ID: 530-639-952)
Coursework: Watch—"Watch—“Fast Facts About Baby Boomers” from History Channel
Due: REFLECTION 5
*Have Research Project finished up to slide 4

Week 14: Fri 4.24 - LGBTQ Americans*
Zoom Meeting: Tue 4.21 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Meeting ID: 530-639-952)
Coursework: Watch—"Gay Men Answer Sexuality Questions You're Afraid to Ask” from Buzzfeed
*Have Research Project finished up to slide 8

Week 15: Fri 5.1 - Immigrant Americans*
Zoom Meeting: Tue 4.28 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Meeting ID: 530-639-952)
Coursework: Watch—"Meet One of the 260,000 Legal Immigrants Trump Wants Deported” from Vox; PowerPoint—“The Self-Reflection Essay and ePortfolio: A How-To”
*Have Research Project finished up to slide 12

Week 16: Fri 5/8 - Gen Z
Zoom Meeting: Tue 5.5 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Meeting ID: 530-639-952)
Coursework: Watch—"How Generation Z Will Change the World According to Experts” from Time
Due: RESEARCH PROJECT, FINAL DRAFT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

Week 17: Wed 5.13 - Independents (Final Exam)
Zoom Meeting: Wed 5.13 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (Meeting ID: TBA)
Due: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)