'Into Thin Air' study guide, assignments

CA 500: MEDIA WRITING: 'INTO THIN AIR' STUDY GUIDE

Instructor: Adjunct Professor Jeff Rapsis

E-mail: jeffrapsis@gmail.com

Phone: (603) 236-9237 • Class blog: http://ca500fall2013.blogspot.com

For the second half of class, we're reading 'Into Thin Air' by Jon Krakauer. It's a terrific book and I hope you'll enjoy it. It's also a marvelous example of good writing on many levels—it's clear and concise and precise, yet also very descriptive. Krakauer makes you feel like you're right there with him.

Please keep up with the reading as outlined below, as we'll have quizzes each week and discuss the book in class. There will also be writing assignments, also listed below.

While reading 'Into Thin Air,' look for...

► How Krakauer introduces and explains unfamiliar mountaineering terms.

► How Krakauer uses words to create a picture of an unfamiliar place.

► How Krakauer describes things using all five senses.

► How easy Krakauer's sentences are to follow—even the long ones.

ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE

● Reading prior to class on Wednesday, Nov. 6: Chapters 1-4, pp. 1-70

Writing assignment: One-page essay describing your childhood home using all five senses.

- Due by e-mail Monday, Nov. 11.

● Reading prior to class on Wednesday, Nov. 13: Chapters 5-8, pp. 71-156

● Reading prior to class on Wednesday, Nov. 20: Chapters 9-13, pp. 157-238

Writing assignment: Write copy for a travel brochure promoting an Adventure Consultants trip to Everest.

- Balance the need to create desire with the need to be truthful about the risks.

- Due by e-mail Monday, Nov. 25.

...THANKSGIVING BREAK...

● Reading prior to class on Wednesday, Dec. 4: Chapters 14-17, pp. 239-308

● Reading prior to class on Wednesday, Dec. 11: Chapters 18-Epilogue, pp. 309-374

Writing assignment: Who is to blame for what happened on Krakauer's climb?

- Support your contention with examples. Be as complete and thorough as you need to be.

- Due by e-mail Monday, Dec. 9.