Being Relatable at Most Things

1. Journaling:
Answer the following question:
What do YOU find relatable in media? Why? Which attempts to be relatable fall flat? Why do you think some attempts to be relatable succeed while others fail? 2. Reading:
This part is comprised of 2 annotated read-throughs, with each set of notes focused on a different level of comprehension and analysis. Both read-throughs are necessary.
“Read" #1:
When to do this "read”: Right after you are assigned a new essay to read (within 24 hours)
How long it will take: 20-30 minutes What you need to do:
• Skim the reading. This means reading through the essay very quickly, maybe without a pen or pencil. Pay attention to any section titles and italicized words in the text. You’re reading to get a general idea of what the essay is about
• Then write down your first impression of the reading. Write about a paragraph; mention at least 3-5 things about the essay you just read. This read should be followed quickly, within a few hours if possible, by "read” #2.
"Read 2"
When to do this "read”: Shortly after "read” #1 and before your next class meeting.
How long it will take: 2-4 hours What you need to do:
• Read more carefully, this time with pen or pencil and paper. Mark passages in the text that confuse you or make you curious. Mark passages that you don't understand as well as those you understand well.
• Look up at least 10 words that are unfamiliar to you, especially those that are repeated frequently—they are nrobablv imnortant! Write their definitions in vour notebook.

When to do this "read”: Shortly after "read” #1 and before your next class meeting.
How long it will take: 2-4 hours What you need to do:
• Read more carefully, this time with pen or pencil and paper. Mark passages in the text that confuse you or make you curious. Mark passages that you don't understand as well as those you understand well.
• Look up at least 10 words that are unfamiliar to you, especially those that are repeated frequently—they are probably important! Write their definitions in your notebook.
• You may not end up reading the whole essay word by wordd but do try to read the whole thing. Read about 4-6 pages more carefully than the rest. Usually, the first couple of pages, the last 2-3 pages, and a page or two in the middle are good to read more slowly and think about. Come to class with those pages marked up and with questions ready to ask in class.
• You may need or wish to break up this time period into smaller parts, but you should try very hard not to use blocks of time that are too short (10 minutes at a time, repeated several times, makes it too choppy—you won't remember what you read from time to time.) Try for about an hour.
• (If you need, explanations for read 1 and read 2 can be found on the How-To-Read sheet in module 3)3. Reflection:
Answer the following Reflection Questions:
1. What is the main connection between the examples Larson presents? Why does Larson use these examples? What is his opinion on the shift towards bring "relatable” online? How can you tell?
2. Larson seems to answer his title question in this section: what is his initial answer? What implications does his answer have on the way we create our own identity and connect with others today?
3. How has the word “relatable” shifted meaning over time? What does Larson suggest is its impact on art? What is the main critique on relatability in relation to art?
4. How does the examples of Insecure challenge or complicate Larson's answer to his title question? Ultimately, what does Larson suggest is the result of relatability on our ability to form our own identity?