This week's only reading is Lewis Nordan's short memoir piece, "A Body in the River." I have decided to use it on its own because of its impact on me personally as well as its continued relevance for our times. Here are some prompts to help you get your discussion post started: -In "A Body in the River," what is so significant about the locker room scene? Why does Nordan remember this day so vividly, while the boy who made such an impression on Nordan does not ultimately remember?

-In addition to the problem of racism, what does "A Body in the River" suggest about the issue of social class or status, and how these might relate to racism?

-In what way is the high school locker room perhaps a metaphor or microcosm of larger circles of society? (Consider its demonstration of social status in addition to racism). Where else have you perceived the power dynamic displayed there?

-"A Body in the River" concerns the horrific murder of Emmett Till. Look up more information about this event if you are not already familiar with it. Read the poems about Till posted in this week's module. Choose one poem and explain how it might enhance or enrich our understanding of Nordan's story.