Topics | Subjects | Addiction | Tasks & Exercises
Tasks & exercises
Working method: Group work
Product: An oral discussion, write notes for further discussion in class
The text in this assignment is by the American writer William S. Burroughs , who has examined his own addiction to heroin, or junk as he refers to it, in several works of autofiction. This is the prologue of his first novel, Junky (1953). Read the text and discuss Burrough's reflections on drug addiction and his reasons for becoming an addict.
Working method: Group work
Product: Notes on research and backgroudn knowledge
In the first lesson, William S. Burroughs described his relationship to junk (heroin), which for many years was considered one of the most dangerous drugs due to its high addiction potential and risk of fatal overdose. Since around 2018, however, illicitly manufactured fentanyl (a synthetic opioid) has become the leading driver of overdose deaths in the United States.
1. The video encourages the viewers to think critically about the sources and the information. Do your own research on fentanyl and the extent of the problem in the United States.
2. Comment on the style of language in the video and make a brief analysis of the video using the cinematic techniques.
Working method: Individual work, pair-work or group work
Product: A written analysis of a song
The text in this exercise is a song by the American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith . The song is entitled Between the Bars and is featured on the songwriter's third record Either/Or (1996), the title of which derives from Søren Kiergegaard. You must analyse the song using poetry analysis. Part of your analysis must focus on the point of view.
Working method: Individual work, pair-work or group work
Product: Oral discussion and written notes
The poem in this assignment is entitled Beer and stems from Charles Bukowski's poetry collection Love is a Mad Dog From Hell released in 1971. Watch the studio Nerdo's visualisation of the poem below and briefly discuss the use of cinematic techniques. Identify the poem's use of figurative language. Lastly, discuss the poem's portrayal of gender roles and how the poem would have been received today. You must keep notes on your group discussions.
BEER by Charles Bukowski from NERDO on Vimeo.
Working method: Group work
Product: Creative products and/or written analysis
These are analytical and/or creative exercises for Danny Boyle's film Trainspotting (1997). You are required to choose and complete at least one of the assignments presented below. Click the images to open up more specific requirements for each of the assignments.
