I am a senior English major from Williamstown, Vermont; a small town close to Montpelier. My favorite authors include: Hunter S. Thompson, Ernest Hemingway, Kurt Vonnegut, and Stephen King. My general interest is in Postmodern and modern American literature, but nonetheless, I have decided to try something a little different by taking this class. I have minimal knowledge of Canada and/or the Native peoples of North America, so I figured it would be appropriate for me to acclimate myself with something new and interesting.

I am a sophomore and this is my first semester as a declared english major. I am from Moretown,Vermont (near Sugarbush in the Mad River Valley). I have a very vague understanding of Canadian history including that of the Native people, but I think that it would be better if I approach this course assuming that I know nothing. I am taking four english classes this semester, and I thought that this one would offer a unique cultural perspective that the other classes that I am taking do not offer. One can only read so much Shakespeare.

I'm a Secondary Education major with a concentration in English. I'm from Barre, Vermont which is also near Williamstown and Montpelier. My all time favorite author is Ian McEwan and I have enjoyed all of his books and since he is a British author I thought it would be a nice change to take this class and learn more about Canada and read some Canadian authors as well.

I'm a sophomore from Essex Junction, Vermont, really close for those who don't know where that is. I'm a double major in Russian and Anthropology. I decided to take this course because I needed another english credit but more so because I've studied so much about cultures on other continents but I've really never looked at the people originally of this continent. I really love everything I've ever seen or learned about Canada- although I can't say that that's a lot- so I'd like to learn more. Most of what I know about Canada is of the geographical nature.

Hi Everyone! My name is Meredith, and I am a Junior in the Business School, with a concentration in Marketing. This will be my second class with Paul, and I decided to take this one because we read Monkey Beach last semester, and I immediately fell in love with First Nations Literature. I'm really looking forward to reading more, especially from multiple different tribes.

A little about me...I am originally from Toronto, so I currently hold dual citizenship but I have been living in Vermont since I was 5. I work full-time in Stowe for the new development at the mountain (mostly mundane work, but occasionally I get to help with marketing plans and sit in on their meetings, etc. so it's really exciting for me to be taking classes in Marketing and actually be involved in such a huge project at the same time!!). Because I'm there F/T and in school F/T I don't get a lot of free time, but when I do I love to go rock climbing and snowboarding. The most recent book I read was Fallen Giant about Hank Greenberg and his involvement in the startup of AIG. I imagine the reading we'll be doing in this class will be a bit lighter, and that in and of itself is exciting!

Hi,
My name is Brooke and I am a senior. English is my major concentration, and Spanish is my minor. I am taking two English classes this semester, Eng 182
(obviously), and Eng 172 which is a class on
Post modernism. I've never read any of the books which we will be reading for this class, let alone heard of any of the authors. I thought this would be a great opportunity to read novels which I doubt I would ever come across otherwise.

Hello, My name is Matthew and I am a sophomore. I am a History major with an English minor. I enjoy reading novels that offer different perspectives on life. Among my favorite authors are Kurt Vonnegut and Henry David Thoreau. While I have read one or two novels involving Native North Americans, I am fairly oblivious to Native Canadian culture. I am interested in exploring it through this class.

My name is Seth and I am originally from Oregon, but grew up in Southern Vermont, near Brattleboro. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in philosophy in college and have been teaching high school English and creative writing in California, Texas and Brattleboro for six years. I chose UVM for my graduate work because of the location and the quality of the program and will be finishing early this summer. I was drawn to this class because I had heard great things about Paul and also because I want to have as much exposure to different literatures as possible.

I couldn't tell you the last time I was able to read a book that was not in some way assigned, but that isn't to say I haven't enjoyed what I've been reading. Lately I am reading heavily in leftist/radical literature from the early part of the 20th century, epics, and Marxist theory for my comps exam. I think my fovorite of these readings so far has been Jack Conroy's The Disinherited, though Jack London's The Iron Heel and Sinclair Lewis's Kingsblood Royal were close runners-up. The most rewarding reading I have done as a graduate student has probably been Proust's In Search of Lost Time, which you should read if you ever have about 3 months of time on your hands.

I have been to Canada a few times, most recently this summer on a trip to Wisconsin. I don't know a lot about the country other than what the great Mike Moore has shown me in his most recent film, Sicko.

I am a sophomore psychology major with a minor in political science. I'm from Warren, VT, a town more commonly known as Sugarbush, although that is not the name of the town, just the mountain. I enjoy reading history and adventure books. The Things They Carried is one of my favorites. Can I be honest and say I was drawn to this class because it fills the literature and diversity requirements, and Professor Martin has excellent ratings on ratemyprofessors.com? I know little about Canada and the Native people in North America, and am excited to learn more.

I am junior at UVM and I live in Richmond. I typically find myself enjoying science fiction books and anything about Buddhism. I haven't read for pleasure in a while so I am hoping some of these books will touch on that. I was interested in the title of the course "The Truth About Stories" and figured it was worth a shot. In all honesty, I know close to nothing about Canada or the Native peoples of the North so I am intrigued to expand my knowledge.

My name is Nichole and I am an English graduate student. Prior to coming to Vermont, I was at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I received a certificate in European Studies and majored in Classical Humanities and English. While I enjoy reading a wide variety of books, I find that my bookshelf is mostly filled with epics, literature dealing with class issues, and the complete works of many different authors (Milton, Shakespeare, etc). As far as what has drawn me to this course, during my first year of college I took a course titled, “Introduction to the Literature of Native America” that I really enjoyed because it opened me up to a world that I was not at all familiar with before. This class gave me an understanding of the stereotypes and challenges facing Native Americans. Professor Martin’s class seemed like an opportunity to not only build on that past knowledge, but also to have that same eye-opening experience. This feeling that I am talking about is expected considering that besides visiting Montreal and being able to attest to their delicious brews and foods, I really do not know much about Canada.

Hi, my name is Laura. I am a junior studio art major and mathematics minor. I am for Milton, Vermont, a town 15 minutes from UVM. I mostly like reading mysteries or anything that will keep my attention. I am taking this course because it is part of my general requirements and also because the books sound interesting. I don’t know much about Canada or their native people. I have never taken a course about Canada, which is another reason why I wanted to take this class.

Hi, everyone.

My name is Tabitha and I'm from the coast of Maine. I'm a Junior English and Film & Television studies double major with a minor in Studio Art. I am most interested in writing, particularly creative writing. I do however like to read, though I admit I don't read as much as I should as someone who likes to write. When I do get the chance to read something by choice, it's often times fiction (the last book I read was called "The Guardian" by Nicholas Sparks) or a screenplay. What drew me to this course was simply that I don't think I've read any books from Canadian natives, or fiction based around Canadian history. I have however had several units both in Elementary school, Middle School, and High School about Canada's geography, as well as its history and have always enjoyed learning about it.

Hi, I'm Kami and this is my second year in the English grad program here at UVM. I've lived in Vermont for most of my life and have enjoyed several excursions over the border to Montreal, Quebec City (for Canada Day, which sadly, at the time, I hadn't realized was only three days before our own Independence Day), Sherbrook and various smaller towns. To be honest, I first only really started thinking about Canada as something more than just our friendly neighbor-to-the-north when I sublet an apartment a couple of years ago that received CBC the most clearly of any network TV channel; I took in a lot of their news (as well as their news show parodies and programs in general that I'd leave on in the background) and really liked getting to know a bit more about the country to which I'd always intended to flee if things got too shaky on the home turf.

As an undergrad I took a class called Abenaki & Neighbor that covered native tribes in eastern Canada, so that's almost a springboard for this class, but maybe not much of one. As far as reading, 20th century American is probably my preference. Major authors I've enjoyed include Fitzgerald, Tom Wolfe, Flannery O'Connor, Henry Miller, Nabokov, but a short story class last semester reawakened my appreciation for any author who can craft a story in a unique and interesting way--who basically can draw me in and make me want to both read further and write my own. (The End.)

Hello, all. I'm Liz (from Jersey) and I'm a junior here at UVM. I am currently going for a major in English and a minor in Film Studies. I like to read a wide range of things- from total mindless guilty pleasures to the classics. I'm most definitely looking forward to taking this class as I have always held a strong interest in the indigenous peoples of the Americas- particularly different creation stories- though I admit I never gave much thought about Canadian native cultures.

My name is Nick and I'm a junior here at UVM. I was born on Cape Cod but have been living in the Northeast Kingdom of Vt (The NEK) for 17 years. I am still however, a flatlander. Whatever. I enjoy reading literature of all genres, especially those novels concerning other cultures. My favorite novel is "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" by Ann Fadiman. It's about a Hmong child with epilepsy living in the United States and the clash of two cultures that ensues. No spoiler here. An amazing story- check it out!

I'm Sam! I live in south Burlington, Vermont. I am a senior. I am an English major like many of my peers. I work in Stowe Vermont, at the mountain. I am currently doing marketing for the new lodge. It is really exciting but keeps me really busy! I am looking forward to this class!

I'm a sophomore here at UVM. I'm from Milton (no, not Vermont) right outside of Boston. I like to read a lot of fantasy/science fiction like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter (who doesn't, right?), but I don't know much about Canada or its Native People. This class fulfilled a few of my English major requirements and it seemed like a more interesting course to take than the same old ones listed each semester.

HI! I am Sam and I am here because I enjoy English. I majored in BSAD as and undergrad and now I am trying to finish the second half of my degree in English. I also take some masters classes, but I am not too serious about completing my Masters yet! I work full time at Stowe so I am really busy! I live in So. Burlington and I am originally from Mass. I have 2 horses and we are in Canada a lot during the summer so I am interested to take this course!

Hello All,
My name is Lejla, I am a Junior here, studying for a double major in English and Psychology. I wanted to take this class, because I need English credits, but also because it was something different, and I deffinitely like different. I am very much into poetry and writing, some of my favorite Poets are Dorianne Laux, Elizabeth Bishop and Anne Bradstreet, thats just a couple. I don't know a lot about Canada, or its Native People. I do go to Montreal a lot, but I would not base my knowledge of Canada on that.

My name is Liz and I am a sophmore transfer from Manchester, VT. I am currently a Political Science major here at UVM. Although I am taking this course as a distribution requirment, I do enjoy literature (and some poetry). Right now I do not know a lot about Canada, but I would like to learn more about it. I enjoy reading many different type of books by many authors!

My name is J or rather Jonathan, but most people just call me J. (I'll respond to pretty much anything.) I'm from Morristown, NJ and I am a secondary education major with english. I like to write a lot of poetry and I like to read really shocking and twisted authors like Stephen King or Chuck Palahniuk. I don't know anything about Canada or Canadian Lit, but I'm sure I will at the end of the semester. I took this course because I have never read anything aside from a short memoir from a Native North American. I think the influences that the Native peoples have are completely different from any influences from any pomo or contemporary author I would read in another class.

Hi my name is Eric and I am from Point Pleasant, New Jersey it is a surfer town. I am a business major here at UVM and I am taking this course because I need two 100 level English courses to full fill business school requirements. But that does not mean I do not like reading. I was drawn to this course because I was told the instructor is a very cool down to earth professor and that he likes hockey. I enjoy reading fiction stories or action based books. My favorite author is Ernest Hemingway and my favorite book is The Old Man and The Sea I do not know much about Canada I go to UVM and still haven't visited Montreal. I know that Pamela Anderson is from Canada but thats about it.

Hi. My name is Carolyn and I'm from Long Beach, California. I am an english major and a women and gender studies minor. I'm taking this class for a few reasons: I needed a night class and this one fit into my schedule; and I have never taken a class focusing on Canadian literature so I thought I would try something new. I really don't know much about Canada-- I am familiar with a bit of the geography. I happen to work for a Canadian clothing company and all of the other stories are littered across Canada.

In my free time (what little I actually have), I will pretty much read anything! It can range anywhere from trashy magazines from the grocery story to the Harry Potter series.

I am a senior at UVM and a double major in english and psychology. Im from southern maine and came to vermont for the skiing. I took Paul's Canadian Lit class last semester and really enjoyed it. I am also in the middle of getting dual canadian citizenship so I figured it would probably be good to expand my knowledge of Canada and reading fiction seemed to be a good way. Most recently Id have to say my reading has been mostly school required but I did manage to read a few books by Bill Bryson over the break.

I'm from Long Island, New york and I am a senior at UVM. I am and english major, which i changed from an elementary education major at the end of last semester. I hate the cold, but I came to UVM for the skiing, which is the only reason I can tolerate with the cold. I am taking this class because I took Paul's Canadian LIt last semester and I needed another english over 100, so when I saw his name I signed up.

Hi, I'm a sophomore English major/ music minor at UVM. I'm from Winston Salem, NC and I think Vermont is the coldest place on earth. However, I have never been to Canada so, I assume I will be proved wrong. I know very little to nothing about Canada and I am really looking forward to exploring our friendly neighbor to the north through literature. Favorite authors? Let's see, I love Ernest Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Kurt Vonnegut, Jack Kerouac, and John Updike to name a few.

Um, sorry. Has anyone else had any problems with the itunesU? All that I can find is English class 005.

My name is Justin B. I am a senior at the University of Vermont and am currently enrolled in the Business school focusing on marketing and Entrepreneurship. I am from Rochester NY and am a huge Buffalo Sabres fan. I love to read biographies on politicians. I am taking this class because English 180 with Paul went very well and I really enjoyed the way the class was structured not to mention an extremely interesting trip to Ottawa. I know that I played lots of hockey in Canada and have always been fascinated by the places I have visited.

Hi everyone, my name is Megan and I'm an English major. I grew up in Colchester, VT, which is the next town over. I'm taking this class for two reasons- one, I need 100 level English classes and two, it fit into my schedule which is pretty tight. I like to read anything that's good. Some of my favorite authors are Jane Austin, Tom Robbins, Irvine Welsh, and J.K. Rowling. In my free time I work.

Hey team, I'm a senior English major from the San Francisco Bay Area. I'm taking this class for no particular reason other than English is my favorite subject and I'd rather take an extra english class than another random elective! I generally like to read both well-known and popular authors (Vonnegut, Robbins, Palahnuik, etc.) to the random authors I find on bookshelves at bookstores (there's a book called I'll Let You Go by Bruce Wagner which I absolutely loved). THe books we read for this class will be very different from what i'm generally attracted to, so I'm looking forward to broadening my reading horizons.

Hey, my name is Dan. I'm from Massachusetts and I'm a senior at UVM. I study political science and am an English minor. I took this class for no particular reason but i really like it so far. I like to ski, I enjoy a good book, and the rest of my time i spend in pursuit of scholarly perfection. One day I will be president and I will fly aboard Air Force One to the South of France where I will set up shop and control the world from a sandy beach with a stiff whiskey and coke in my hand.

I know it's a little late for introductions. But I finally figured out how to work this blog. My name is Caitlin and I live in Maryland but I'm from Idaho Falls Idaho. I'm a sophmore English major. I had little to no idea what I would find in this class but since then I have found it to be far more engrossing than I imagined. The readings have been amazing and have opened my mind in a way a book hasn't done in a long time. I knew a little about Canada and first nations cultures since one of my best friends here in Burlington is a full Micmac Indian who lived on the Burnt Church Reservation as a child. Her story really interested me and that's part of the reason why I took the class.