Directions

~ A space to collectively search and find answers to words we don't know, terms that are unfamiliar, various terms related to animals, biology, Hinduism, Catholicism, Muslim, human psychology, truth/perception vs. reality, relationships, and any other words or phrases we search for meaning. Several things to consider:

As you read in your book, put a box, a flag, a sticky note, etc. near word(s) you are unfamiliar with--or want to explore for a richer meaning. Vocabulary from //Life of Pi// //p. 3--cosmogony theory of Isaac Luria-- "//**Cosmogony** is descriptive of a [|theory] or [|belief] concerning the coming into [|existence], the [|creation] or [|origin] of the [|universe] and [|existence]; it systematically depicts an [|origin belief] about how [|reality] came to be. Cosmogony can be compared to [|cosmology], which studies the universe at large and throughout its existence and technically does not inquire directly about the source of its origins" (Wikipedia). --MicheleD.
 * Vocabulary:**
 * 1) Once we are in our study groups, we will divide and conquer, looking up the words' meanings.
 * 2) We then, will post our findings here, for all to share.
 * 3) I have a sample posting below from Chapter I. Notice that with the entry I am putting the page number that the word can be found in our books (we don't want to hunt for the entry later).
 * 4) Also remember that when you are posting definitions, information, etc., make sure it fits the meaning in the book. You need to read the definition to make sure that it fits the way the word is used in context of the other words.
 * 5) I would like us to author our entries in some manner, but **I don't want you to put your full names on the Internet. Instead, at the end of your entries, simply put your first name and last initial. Ex. John D.** (The exception will be my name.)
 * 6) Lastly, make sure to reference where you retrieved your information. We can use others' words verbatim, just make sure to cite your sources.

As you read, you are expected to keep a dialectical journal (min. 10 quotes and explanations per reading asst.). This will spark questions, conversations, etc. You might like to share your thoughts on an important quote, ask others questions, make connections to other texts, to world events, or to something you have experienced. You are watching specifically for your focus topic in your reading, but you can certainly discuss other topics as well. You also can go onto other pages and add your thoughts there as well.
 * Inferences/Questions/Observations**

Here's an example: "This book was born when I was hungry" (Martel vii). Shortly after this statement, one of the narrators of the story tells us that he had terrible luck on two books he wrote. One book was a complete flop; it was published but no one bought it. The other book was incredibly well-written and interesting, but it simply lacked the flair of a published book. The narrator feels deprived of a good story like someone feels deprived of food when they are hungry. This also then, explains why he goes searching for stories. I'm wondering what made him "hungry." Did he have a tragic event that made his feel desolate...or was it simply a time when he couldn't "find" a story to write about. Mrs. Davis said that everything from cover to cover was fiction, so then...this whole thing is made up? His claim of meeting someone in a bar is made up? I'd say his "hunger" was filled as the first word tumbled onto the page.---MicheleD. (Davis)