A new look at Jane Austen

In a book published this week, Michael Chwe of UCLA argues that Jane Austen's novels contain all the elements of what came to be known in 20th century economics, mathematics, and political science as Game Theory.

Here are two brief reviews of the book:

The Times of London

New York Times

African-American Literature: Final Schedule

Class 39: Fri, April 26—Finish The Piano Lesson; update reading journals
Class 40: Tues, April 30—Reading day; bring books to class; journal update at end of class
Class 41: Thurs, May 2—Blues Day; bring the lyrics to a blues song you like; tell us a bit about the artist; play the song on You Tube or iTunes.
Class 42: Friday, May 3—Soul lunch #1 in room 311. Bring a dish that is "representative" in some way of African-American history, culture, or cuisine. Write a one-paragraph explanation of your choice, its history and significance, your reasons for choosing it, and a recipe if applicable .
Class 43: Tuesday, May 7—Soul lunch #2, leave school at 11:15, meet at 11:35 at Mrs. Whites Golden Rule Cafe, 808 E. Jefferson St (40th street to Washington to 8th street: parking is behind the restaurant on 8th street: see map here)
Class 44:  Thursday, May 9—bring vocab books; work day for papers and presentations
Class 45: Monday, May 13—vocab quiz lessons 29 & 30; work day for papers and presentations
Class 46: Tuesday, May 14—papers due, 3-4 pages, on a character or character relationship or idea from outside reading + oral presentation on author background, reasons for choosing, book reviews, personal response, connection to themes or readings from class (5 minutes each)
Class 47: Thursday, May 16—last class; good-byes

AP--prompts for papers

Choose a free-response prompt from the last 40 years (yes, that's a whole lot of info, but on the other hand, there's plenty to choose from).

Write a paper of 3 1/2 to 5 pages.

Papers are due Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at the beginning of class for both sections. turnitin.com also. Don't forget that part.

Here's the list.