Critical Perspectives Honors Class Prof. Mike Levitas, The NY Times Analyze in 700 words (using quotes, examples, paraphrase) the literary/stylistic strategies of Mencken or Twain, the two most popular and influential newspaper columnists to win converts, humiliate foes and educate the citizens of “boobocracy” through journalism. By Monica A. Suma Today’s political satirists would not exist had it not been for the original American journalist … [Read more...]
Facets of a creative genius: George Enescu
April 1, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
Write a classical music review (opera, concert etc) or profile a soloist, conductor, or composer. By Monica A. Suma Born in the village of Liveni, Romania, on August 19th 1881, one of the greatest child prodigies in history, a natural genius on a par with Mozart and Mendelssohn, George Enescu was surrounded by music from an early age. His father sang, conducted a choir and played the violin. His mother played the guitar and the piano. He … [Read more...]
On adoption: the right of searching for the birth mother
April 1, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
Write a 600-700 word column opposing or supporting the right of adoptive children who are now adults to discover the identity and whereabouts of their birth mother. To support your position, cite case studies, consequences, legal and moral claims, evolution of the issue which was once considered legally settled. By Monica A. Suma For a long time it was generally thought that only a distressed person would want to seek out his biological … [Read more...]
Book review: The Diary of Anne Frank
March 29, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
One of the most heartbreaking stories of the Holocaust, next to Elie Wiesel’s Night - The Diary of Anne Frank - was written in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 1942 and 1944. When German Nazis invaded the Netherlands in 1940s, drastic anti-Semitic laws led to the arrest of most Jews and their deportation and death in concentration camps. One such case was the Frank’s family, whose life in hiding, before their death, is unfolded in the diary … [Read more...]
The Octuplet Mom
March 17, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
Present both sides of a controversial issue, using about 300 words for each position. The test of balance and fairness should disguise your own preference, but don’t be so bland that you don’t make it read like a lively disagreement. By Monica A. Suma There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Nadya Suleman, the so-called Octuplet Mom, now infamous for her eight newborn babies. Her questionable reputation resulted from her single, … [Read more...]
