Annotating "Learning in War-time" by C.S. Lewis
Description:
Annotations are notes that you make while reading. Annotating a text by hand encourages you to move past what Adler and Van Doren call the “elementary” level of reading – where we simply read the words on the page – to the analytical level. Some examples of annotating include definitions for unfamiliar words or concepts, arguments with the author, connections to other parts of the work or other texts, individual responses to ideas being discussed in the text, notations about sounds of words and the structure of the actual poetry or prose, first attempts at interpretive suggestions, underlining or circling of keywords or phrases, etc.
Requirements:
1. Choose either the reading from Frederick Douglass’s autobiography or C.S. Lewis’s “Learning in War-time.” You will have to create a PDF or Word document of the reading in order to annotate it.
2. While annotation is a practice best completed in print and by hand, we will be doing it digitally for the online version of this course. You can add annotations in both a PDF viewer, like Adobe or Preview, and in Word.
3. Your annotations should demonstrate meaningful, thorough engagement with the text. In other words, I should see you asking questions, reflecting on what you read, making connections between ideas, agreeing and disagreeing, etc.
Annotating "Learning in War-time" by C.S. Lewis
Introduction
In this assignment, we will be digitally annotating C.S. Lewis's essay "Learning in War-time." Annotating a text allows us to engage more deeply with the material, analyze the author's arguments, and make personal connections to the ideas presented. By asking questions, reflecting on the text, and making connections, we can gain a deeper understanding of the essay's themes and message.
Annotation Examples
Definition: In the first paragraph, Lewis mentions the term "futility." I will annotate this word and write a brief definition next to it to ensure I understand its meaning in the context of the essay.
Connection: In the second paragraph, Lewis discusses how people often question the value of learning during times of crisis. This reminds me of a similar debate I encountered in a different text about the importance of education during economic recessions. I will write a note about this connection in the margin.
Reflection: In the third paragraph, Lewis argues that studying during war-time is not only permissible but also necessary. I find this perspective intriguing and want to reflect on it further. I will write a short note expressing my initial thoughts and questions about this argument.
Agreement: In the fifth paragraph, Lewis states that war does not suspend the ordinary laws of human life. I agree with this statement and want to show my support for it by underlining it and adding a plus sign in the margin.
Disagreement: In the sixth paragraph, Lewis mentions that some people may argue that focusing on academic pursuits during war is selfish. I have a different opinion on this matter, believing that education can contribute to society even during challenging times. I will write a note expressing my disagreement and briefly explain my reasoning.
Interpretation: In the final paragraph, Lewis writes about the importance of living in the present moment and not becoming consumed by anxieties about the future. I interpret this as a call to embrace the opportunities for growth and learning that exist in every moment. I will highlight this passage and add a star in the margin to indicate its significance.
Conclusion
Annotating a text digitally allows us to engage with the material in a meaningful and thorough manner. By asking questions, making connections, reflecting, and expressing agreement or disagreement, we can deepen our understanding of the author's arguments and develop our own interpretations. Through this process, we gain insight into the themes and messages conveyed in the reading, enhancing our overall learning experience.