Another thought about the choice of JAMES as a group read... have they read HUCKLEBERRY FINN? How will that influence their reactions to the switch in status of the enslaved person? Does it matter?
Thank you for posting this! I've mentioned that pre-pandemic I taught American Literature I in the women's unit at CMCF for Hinds CC. It was transformational for me. Unfortunately, the combination of the pandemic and a new warden stalled the program and our plan to continue with American Lit II; fortunately, the Hinds program is back now, but with a new focus and new non-retired instructors.
However, a friend who also taught at CMCF started a book club last summer--2023, not for credit but just for enrichment. I let the ladies choose, starting first with short stories. Poe was their first choice, and I found that murder or criminal activity was their favorite subject. Discussions were lively, and participation was enthusiastic. Because I had enough copies of REBECCA, Daphne Du Maurier's classic, that's where we concluded the class. The ladies had a pact that insisted that anyone who read ahead could not share the plot with those following the reading schedule. The book and the class were a huge success, with a pizza and ice cream party being the culmination of the class.
Though we had plans to continue in the Fall, lack of space for a non-credit course meant that we got bumped.
Reading, discussing, exploring literature proved to be very rewarding for the incarcerated students, as well as for me. Those ladies were some of the best students I've ever taught.
It’s nice to hear from someone who knows what it’s like. I didn’t know you’d done that. I bet you could find a way back in, and that you were excellent in that role.
I would love to think so! We had a great rapport with the former Superintendent, who went to great lengths to support classes. The new Warden emphasizes classes which lead to a degree, and that is understandable. Because of the pandemic's effect on enrollment, however, there are fewer classes available for overloads for full-time faculty, so many who were not at all interested in teaching at CMCF are now more eager so that they can make extra money. I do understand that, but I miss my ladies!
I've shelved all my initial observations. You sobered me up into at least visit-to-grandma's sobriety; a fascinating read, Mr. Huffman.
Thank you!
Another thought about the choice of JAMES as a group read... have they read HUCKLEBERRY FINN? How will that influence their reactions to the switch in status of the enslaved person? Does it matter?
I don’t know if they’ve read Huckleberry Finn, but I don’t think they have. It would probably make sense for them to read them in sequence.
I love what you are doing. Insightful and nuanced writing as well. Thank you.
Thank you!
Another interesting and enjoyable account of the prison book club. I look forward to hearing more.
Thank you for posting this! I've mentioned that pre-pandemic I taught American Literature I in the women's unit at CMCF for Hinds CC. It was transformational for me. Unfortunately, the combination of the pandemic and a new warden stalled the program and our plan to continue with American Lit II; fortunately, the Hinds program is back now, but with a new focus and new non-retired instructors.
However, a friend who also taught at CMCF started a book club last summer--2023, not for credit but just for enrichment. I let the ladies choose, starting first with short stories. Poe was their first choice, and I found that murder or criminal activity was their favorite subject. Discussions were lively, and participation was enthusiastic. Because I had enough copies of REBECCA, Daphne Du Maurier's classic, that's where we concluded the class. The ladies had a pact that insisted that anyone who read ahead could not share the plot with those following the reading schedule. The book and the class were a huge success, with a pizza and ice cream party being the culmination of the class.
Though we had plans to continue in the Fall, lack of space for a non-credit course meant that we got bumped.
Reading, discussing, exploring literature proved to be very rewarding for the incarcerated students, as well as for me. Those ladies were some of the best students I've ever taught.
It’s nice to hear from someone who knows what it’s like. I didn’t know you’d done that. I bet you could find a way back in, and that you were excellent in that role.
I would love to think so! We had a great rapport with the former Superintendent, who went to great lengths to support classes. The new Warden emphasizes classes which lead to a degree, and that is understandable. Because of the pandemic's effect on enrollment, however, there are fewer classes available for overloads for full-time faculty, so many who were not at all interested in teaching at CMCF are now more eager so that they can make extra money. I do understand that, but I miss my ladies!