You must answer numbers 1 and 2. Then select and respond to #3 or 4. In all, you will have three questions answered.
All responses should in essay format with complete sentences and paragraphs. Be sure to provide evidence and examples to support your assertions. There is no specific page requirement; write as fully and completely as possible and until you have nothing more to say for each question. When appropriate, use as many references to course ideas and course material (i.e., film, documentaries, short stories, reading excerpts, class discussion/lecture and examples from the world of sports). Also, try not to double up on the use of stories too much. You want to demonstrate a good awareness of multiple readings/films. Less credit will be given if you reference the same story twice.
You must answer # 1 and 2
1. How does hubris play a part in the film Eight Men Out? Compare and contrast it with another one of the texts (either from the Best American Sports Writing text or one of the examples we viewed in class). How does the hubris in this story play out in comparison to Eight Men Out?
2. View the documentary Survive and Advance (see link under "Midterm Exam" link on ULearn page). Compare and contrast the journey of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team (from the documentary Dare to Dream) with the journey of the N.C. State basketball team (Survive and Advance). Focus on the most significant similarities and differences. Use at least some of Joseph Campbell's explanation of "the hero's journey." You don't have to use every aspect of the journey, but highlight the most interesting similarities and differences. Focus on how these stories have similar themes but present them in different ways. Be sure to use ideas and terms from the course.
You must answer 1 of the next 2 questions:
3. Discuss one story from our Best American Sports Writing text (or one film/documentary from the course) and compare/contrast it to Aristotle's theory of tragedy. Be sure to demonstrate a clear understanding of Aristotle's theory. You might consider vices, as they fit into the story, and the idea of the "tragic flaw" as you discuss these stories. You might also focus on a story that shows how the idea of tragedy is viewed differently today than it was in Aristotle's time.
4. Reflect on the poems "To an Athlete Dying Young" by A.E. Housman and "Black Hair" by Gary Soto (find the poem under "Poetry" on our Ulearn page). Consider how both poems address the theme of youth and sports. Point out a similarity or interesting difference between the poems and one other article we have read from Best Sports Writing.
Survive and Advance: https://vimeo.com/62966564
https://www.dropbox.com/s/alh4ke8dd6yhhcb/thebestamericansportswriting2014_0.rar?dl=0