24 February 2017: "If we wanted to, could we write a response paper that talks about the different implications of 'index,' 'icon,' and 'symbol?'" --a student in my ENGL 301 class.
Today we talked about Structuralism, a fascinating if challenging theoretical lens. I found myself moving (perhaps too quickly) through certain concepts from semiotics, saying, "Well, no one in this class ever chooses to do much with this language of 'index,' 'icon,' and 'symbol.'" But later in our discussion, the student quoted above kind of challenged both herself and me, reminding me that I shouldn't assume anything about what they are willing to do and learn. I love it when they surprise me.
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