Submitted by Tina L. Thomen

SLM: 521: Telecommunications & The Internet

Fall 2005 – Updated9/29/05

Web Drop-in #1

Introduction: In our next unit of study, we will be reading The Joy Luck Club, a novel written in1989 by Amy Tan. Through the art of her storytelling, this author weaves together stories that connect Chinese and American cultures across generations. Because this novel explores the journeys and conflicts of four different mothers and daughters, we first need to understand how Tan’s own experiences influenced her writings.

Information: To better understand Amy Tan’s background, we will be reading an online interview conducted by the Academy of Achievement. This living museum offers close-up encounters with modern-day leaders in all types of fields such as sports, politics, and literature. Since the interview is a primary document, you will learn the first-hand account of Tan’s own history: the complex relationship with her parents, her multi-cultural influences, her search for a meaningful career and her development as a writer. Your assignment is to meet Amy Tan.

Meet Amy Tan

Activity: By clicking on Amy Tan’s picture or the “Meet Amy Tan” link above, read the interview. As you read through her responses, complete the following activities on the printed version of this handout:

Amy Tan and her parents often disagreed on topics such as what book to read or what career to pursue. Write a short paragraph to analyze one example of when your parents’ expectations either helped or hindered you.

How have Amy Tan’s personal experiences enhanced her abilities as a storyteller?

What gifts did Amy Tan and her mother give to one another? How might these same gifts between generations benefit other families such as yours?

Amy Tan advises young people to “develop your own philosophy.” Write one paragraph to analyze how your own philosophy compares or contrasts with Amy Tan’s beliefs.

I hope you enjoyed your conversation with Amy Tan!