Two recent assignments use mapping as a tool for reading engagement. Both use Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower as the subject.
Here are instructions for the original assignment used in IH 1 (Fall 2023):
When reading Butler’s Parable of the Sower, it becomes immediately clear that location is deeply important to the narrative. Where the story begins, in fictional Robledo, and where the story moves, with Lauren and her community’s journey, invites us to think both geographically and psychogeographically. The story – futurist, dystopian, apocalyptic – also invites comparisons to other texts, histories, and experiences. In some ways it may be a mirror to our present and our future.
Instructions:
Over the course of the next two weeks, each of you will create at least five geotags on a shared Google Map that make connections and create commentaries in relation to Butler’s novel.
Each geotag must contain:
Your name
A reference to Butler’s text with page citation
Your commentary. These can vary in length. For those without image or links to other references, aim for about 150 words.
Beyond that you can add an image, a link to credible site with relevant information, or simply your own commentary about the location.
Please be sure that images and extra-textual information have source links or citations.
Recommended search tools:
Artstor:
https://library-artstor-org.libproxy.temple.edu/#/
JSTOR
https://www.jstor.org/
Google Scholar:
https://scholar.google.com/Links to an external site.
[Note: Artstor and JSTOR have pull down menus for citations.]
Working with the Google Maps:
I’ve added each of you to our shared map. Please check to see that the link works and that you have editing permission. Remember to label your geotag with your name. [Note: I used your TU email address from the official class roster.]
Here’s my quick demo on editing a Google map:
Map link:
[closed]
Misc.:
This assignment is a bit of an experiment and, I hope, low risk.
The textual connections can be fairly loose.
Be sure to choose one consistent color for the marker on your geotags.
Keep your work on this exercise in mind for inclusion in your final portfolio.
Lastly, try to have some fun.
Note: I am encouraging folks to consider posting additional geotags, especially those who have missed recent classes and/or have not engaged fully with the Parable discussion leaders.
Assessment:
This is graded as “for completion.”
Please complete this brief survey after you’ve finished your work on the map..
Deadlines:
These are aim for deadlines.
At least two geotags by the end of this week (11/10).
At least three geotags by the end of next week (11/17).
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Here is a link to a StoryMap project based on the assignment above: