EMANUEL GOTTLIEB LEUTZE
Westward the Course of Empire Takes Its Way (mural study, U.S. Capitol), 1861
Tasks for Students:
In this blog post, four videos are essential for communication skills. The first video, "Four Things All Listeners Should Know," provides tips on becoming a better listener.
The second video, "How Miscommunication Happens (and How to Avoid It) - Katherine Hampsten," explains how miscommunication can occur and how to avoid it.
The third video, "Noam Chomsky - On Being Truly Educated," discusses the importance of education in developing our communication skills.
Fourth by Dr Jordon Peterson on the power of writing (Improving critical thinking by improving writing).
It will help understand Barriers to Communication.
Additional Instructions:
After watching each video, please take some time to reflect on what you learned. Consider the following questions:
Additional Information:
The videos are all relatively short, so you should be able to watch them all in about 15 minutes.
If you have any questions about the videos, please don't hesitate to ask.
4 things all great listeners know
Noam Chomsky - On Being Truly Educated
About O. Henry:
William Sydney Porter (September 11, 1862 – June 5, 1910), better known by his pen name O. Henry, was an American writer known primarily for his short stories, though he also wrote poetry and non-fiction. His works include "The Gift of the Magi", "The Duplicity of Hargraves", and "The Ransom of Red Chief", as well as the novel Cabbages and Kings. Porter's stories are known for their naturalist observations, witty narration, and surprise endings.
Porter's legacy includes the O. Henry Award, an annual prize awarded to outstanding short stories. (Continue Reading)
The Gift of the Magi:
"The Gift of the Magi" is a short story by O. Henry first published in 1905. The story tells of a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money. As a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift-giving, it has been popular for adaptation, especially for presentation at Christmas time. The plot and its twist ending are well known; the ending is generally considered an example of cosmic irony. The story was allegedly written at Pete's Tavern on Irving Place in New York City.
Gift of the Magi by O. Henry -- Short Story Film -- 1980
"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry is a short story that revolves around the theme of love and sacrifice. The plot unfolds as follows:
The story is set in a small apartment where a young married couple, Jim and Della Young, live. They are deeply in love but live a modest and financially challenging life. Their love and affection for each other are the most precious things in their lives.
As Christmas approaches, Jim and Della both want to buy a special gift for the other to express their love and appreciation. However, they face a significant obstacle: their limited financial means. Della has beautiful long hair, which is her most prized possession, while Jim has a cherished pocket watch that has been handed down through his family.
Della is determined to buy Jim a meaningful gift, so she decides to sell her hair to a wig-maker. She receives a sum of money for her hair and uses it to purchase a platinum fob chain for Jim's pocket watch. She believes that this gift will be a fitting and valuable accessory for his prized possession.
Meanwhile, Jim is also determined to give Della a special gift. He decides to sell his pocket watch to raise money to buy combs for Della's hair, which she has just sold. He believes that these combs will adorn her beautiful hair, not knowing that she has cut and sold it.
On Christmas day, both Jim and Della excitedly exchange their gifts. It is at this moment that they discover the sacrifices they have made for each other. Della presents Jim with the fob chain for the watch he no longer possesses, and Jim gives Della the combs for her hair, which she has cut. Both are initially shocked and saddened by the irony of the situation.
However, as they realize the depth of each other's sacrifice and the love that led to those sacrifices, they also understand that their love and devotion are more valuable than any material possessions. Their love and selflessness are the true gifts they have given each other.
"The Gift of the Magi" is a touching and heartwarming story that conveys the message that true love involves sacrifice and that the most precious gifts are those that come from the heart. It has become a classic tale that continues to resonate with readers and audiences, especially during the holiday season.
Character Study:
Jim, whose full name is James Dillingham Young, is one of the main characters in O. Henry's short story "The Gift of the Magi." Here are some key characteristics that define his character:
1. Loving and Devoted:
Jim is deeply in love with his wife, Della. His actions throughout the story demonstrate his devotion to her. He wants to find the perfect Christmas gift for her and is willing to make a significant sacrifice to make her happy.
2. Responsible:
Jim is portrayed as a responsible and caring husband. He works hard to provide for their household, even though they have limited financial means. His pocket watch, a family heirloom, symbolizes his sense of responsibility and heritage.
3. Sacrificial:
Like Della, Jim is willing to make a significant sacrifice for the sake of their love. He decides to sell his prized pocket watch to buy combs for Della's hair, believing that it will enhance her beauty.
4. Realistic:
Jim is also portrayed as a practical and realistic individual. He recognizes the financial constraints they face and understands the value of their possessions. He does not blame Della for her decision to sell her hair and appreciates her gift deeply.
5. Sensitive:
Jim is sensitive to Della's feelings and desires. He understands the sentimental value of her gift and appreciates the thought and sacrifice behind it, even though their gifts have become unusable.
6. Symbol of Masculine Virtue:
In the story, Jim represents traditional masculine virtues such as responsibility and the willingness to make sacrifices for one's family. His character embodies the idea of a loving and selfless husband.
7. Resigned:
Jim's reaction to the unexpected outcome of their gift exchange is one of acceptance and love. He recognizes that their love is more important than any material possession and that their sacrifices are a testament to their affection for each other.
EMANUEL GOTTLIEB LEUTZE Westward the Course of Empire Takes Its Way (mural study, U.S. Capitol), 1861 https://artsandculture.google.com/ ...