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Chapter 15: Reading in the Humanities and Arts. Academic Reading, Fifth Edition by Kathleen T. McWhorter. Learning Objectives:. To learn specialized reading techniques for literature To develop an approach to studying visual arts To learn to read and use criticism
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Chapter 15: Reading in the Humanities and Arts Academic Reading, Fifth Edition by Kathleen T. McWhorter
Learning Objectives: • To learn specialized reading techniques for literature • To develop an approach to studying visual arts • To learn to read and use criticism • To identify predominant thought patterns • To adapt your learning skills to the humanities and arts
Literature focuses on the search for reasons, values, and interpretations in all areas of human interest and experience. • Read slowly and carefully. • Plan on reading the work several times. • Ask questions to establish the literal meaning first; then work on interpretation. • Annotate as you read. • Identify themes and patterns.
Understanding the Language of Literature • Descriptive Language - words that create sensory impressions or responses • Connotative Language - words that suggest meanings beyond their literal meaning • Figurative Language - a way of describing something on an imaginative level • Sam eats like a horse. • The exam was a piece of cake.
Reading and Analyzing Poetry • Read the poem once straight through, without any defined purpose. • Use punctuation to guide your comprehension. • Read the poem a second time. • Notice the action (who, what, when, where). • Analyze the poem’s intent.
Reading and Analyzing Poetry • Determine who is speaking. • Establish the speaker’s tone. • Identify to whom the poem is addressed. • Reread difficult or confusing sections. • Check unfamiliar references. • Analyze the language of the poem for connotative meanings and figures of speech.
Reading and Analyzing Short Stories and Novels • Plot - basic storyline • Characterization - actors in the story • Setting - time, place, and circumstances • Point of View - perspective of the story • Tone - author’s attitude • Theme - main point or message of the story
The Visual Arts: canvas, clay, fiber • How to Study Art • See as well as look. • Identify the subject matter. • Consider the title. • Study the visual elements. • Write your reactions. • Analyze the work. • Consider the meaning of the work.
Reading Criticism • Read the original work carefully. • Make a preliminary interpretation of the work. • Recognize that not all critics agree. • Make certain that interpretations are substantiated with references. • Regard your own interpretation as valid. • Make notes on your readings, recording key points.
Thought Patterns in the Humanities and Arts • Process • Chronological Order • Cause and Effect • Comparison and Contrast See Table 15-1 in your book for uses and examples.
Learning Strategies for Humanities and Art Courses • Learn appropriate terminology. • Learn classifications. • Focus on themes and patterns. • Highlight and annotate as you read. • Write for review (plot summaries of short stories for instance). • Predict exam questions. • Discuss the work with a classmate.
Summary Questions • What are some strategies for reading poetry? • What are some strategies for reading short stories and novels? • What are some strategies for reading literary criticism? • What are some study strategies for literature and the arts?
Read the poem at the end of chapter and complete the exercises following the selection. “Leaves” by Lloyd Schwartz
