Nathan Branson
Whatever you read here is a way for me to hash out ideas until I can talk about them in real-time with whoever is willing to join in.
Training Students to be Creative Participants Rather than Detached Observers (Part 2)
An Argument for the Creative Writing Workshop
In my previous blog entry, I argued that the mood of literary studies today produces students who have a sharp critical eye, yet unintentionally can produce students who have an unhealthy cynicism. Literature teachers must train their students to be critical readers. Living in America in the 21st century means we are immersed in a consumer . . .
Posted in: critical thinkingstorytellingwriting tips
Why Today’s Literature Classrooms Breed Cynicism Rather than Hope (Part 1)
It has been 10 years since I finished my master’s degree at UNCG. Since then, I have been teaching community college composition, literature, and creative writing. I have made it a habit to pitch to my community college students that they minor in English. Many of my students tell me, “Your English class is my favorite class,” or, “If being . . .
Posted in: critical thinking
Where is the Heart in my "Critical Thinking" Textbook?
Humans are more than "Brains on A Stick"
Two years ago I was asked to teach a critical thinking class at the community college. This class focused on logical fallacies, being objective in thought, recognizing stereotypes and finding methods to think less impulsively and more thoughtfully. I had never taught a humanities class, so this was exciting for me. The best definition of what . . .
