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September 12, 2005 (Monday)

Play as Fate/Chance, Play as Power [Meeting]

Rhetorics of Fate [Textbook]

Why are things called "play"? [Assignment]

It has always been very difficult to define play. Choose one of the following two examples of individual play discussed in chapter 4:

1. Dreams/neurological play, or
2. Gambling/games of chance

For your second blog post, (1) describe your own experience with one of these two. That is, describe your dream or an experience with a game of chance (if necessary, play one). Then, (2) explain what makes this kind of experience (either dreaming or gambling) similar to or different from other kinds of play discussed in class. In other words, why does dreaming or gambling appear in the same class as the other things called "play"? Or, why shouldn't dreaming or gambling be in the same class? Be sure to (3) cite some material from your own experience (dream, gamble) and some material (a concept, phrase, or passage) from chapter 4 that supports your point.

To receive credit, your blog post must be on time, at least 250 words, and address each part of the question. Please write, spell-check, and save your blog posts in a word processor first, then post them to your blog. When you make a direct quotation or paraphrase, include a citation to the page and author where you found the material. DUE: 11:30 a.m. on Monday, September 12 (one hour before class begins).

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