4/19
We went over definitions and classifications. We assigned an in-class writing (1.5 - 2 pages, typed, double-spaced, MLA), an extended definition, using a philosophical concept like love or morality, or using a term or phrase from your work or hobby or in-group.
Here is a list of all our assignments:
Works cited practice
Ivy Tilt
In-Text Citation practice
Eggers Part 1 & 2
Logical Fallacies statements
Journal on “Not Defeated”
Extended definition
Review of Literature
Argumentative Essay
Interview
We went over definitions and classifications. We assigned an in-class writing (1.5 - 2 pages, typed, double-spaced, MLA), an extended definition, using a philosophical concept like love or morality, or using a term or phrase from your work or hobby or in-group.
Here is a list of all our assignments:
Works cited practice
Ivy Tilt
In-Text Citation practice
Eggers Part 1 & 2
Logical Fallacies statements
Journal on “Not Defeated”
Extended definition
Review of Literature
Argumentative Essay
Interview
4/16
We discussed scholarly peer-reviewed journals and how to find them. We also discussed what separates quality sources from "Bill & Ted's" sources. We watched the next 30 minutes of Dear Zachary. You should be finished with or finishing up your Review of Literature and starting on your argumentative paper.
We discussed scholarly peer-reviewed journals and how to find them. We also discussed what separates quality sources from "Bill & Ted's" sources. We watched the next 30 minutes of Dear Zachary. You should be finished with or finishing up your Review of Literature and starting on your argumentative paper.
4-12
We watched the first 30 minutes of Dear Zachary and discussed it in terms of interviews, research and primary sources.
We'll be watching the rest in short increments next week as well as doing other stuff.
Homework.
* Literature Review Essay - see 4/9 for directions
* Also read the newspaper article below and do a journal (500 words minimum) with a special focus considering what the reporter probably knew initially, what his prepared questions might have been going in, what he knew about his audience and how this might have affected the interview, and what, if anything, about the interview might have been surprising or unexpected to him. You might also consider structure - why he chose certain aspects of the interview as introductions and conclusions, why he chose to place information in the order that he did throughout the story.
We watched the first 30 minutes of Dear Zachary and discussed it in terms of interviews, research and primary sources.
We'll be watching the rest in short increments next week as well as doing other stuff.
Homework.
* Literature Review Essay - see 4/9 for directions
* Also read the newspaper article below and do a journal (500 words minimum) with a special focus considering what the reporter probably knew initially, what his prepared questions might have been going in, what he knew about his audience and how this might have affected the interview, and what, if anything, about the interview might have been surprising or unexpected to him. You might also consider structure - why he chose certain aspects of the interview as introductions and conclusions, why he chose to place information in the order that he did throughout the story.
not_defeated_fully_defiant_by_steve_garbacz.docx |
4/11
We watched and discussed Marc Pachter talking about The Art of the Interview.
We read and discussed and analyzed "Ciara Borg's Image Towers Over Ball State University" by Patrick Redmond, looking at audience, purpose and structure and considering what questions he had to ask and his thought processes during the interview(s) and writing.
We watched and discussed Marc Pachter talking about The Art of the Interview.
We read and discussed and analyzed "Ciara Borg's Image Towers Over Ball State University" by Patrick Redmond, looking at audience, purpose and structure and considering what questions he had to ask and his thought processes during the interview(s) and writing.
neighbors_ciara_borg_casts_a_big_shadow_at_ball_state_by_patrick_redmond.docx |
4/10
We talked intensively and extensively about interviews and interviewing, and went into more detail on our upcoming projects, including some brainstorming.
We watched and discussed Mike Dronkers on "How to Interview Almost Anyone."
We talked intensively and extensively about interviews and interviewing, and went into more detail on our upcoming projects, including some brainstorming.
We watched and discussed Mike Dronkers on "How to Interview Almost Anyone."
4/9
We did a refresher course over databases available to us via the library, Mel.org (if you're in Michigan) and Inspire (if you're in Indiana). .
We are working on a review of literature paper. This is not a book review, but rather a review of the literature (or sources) that are available regarding a debatable topic of your choice. The goal of this paper (3-4 pages or more, 5 sources minimum) is to present an overview of the attitudes and opinions out there regarding your chosen topic. You yourself are not taking a side in this paper, just presenting an overview of the possible sides. We've decided this is due Monday morning, 4/16.
This will be followed, eventually, by a 4-5 page paper, also with 5 sources minimum, in which you do take an argumentative stance on the topic.
We will also be doing an interview essay by the end of the semester. We will go into more depth on this in future classes, but be thinking about who might make a fascinating interview - quite possibly might be someone you don't really know yet.
We did a refresher course over databases available to us via the library, Mel.org (if you're in Michigan) and Inspire (if you're in Indiana). .
We are working on a review of literature paper. This is not a book review, but rather a review of the literature (or sources) that are available regarding a debatable topic of your choice. The goal of this paper (3-4 pages or more, 5 sources minimum) is to present an overview of the attitudes and opinions out there regarding your chosen topic. You yourself are not taking a side in this paper, just presenting an overview of the possible sides. We've decided this is due Monday morning, 4/16.
This will be followed, eventually, by a 4-5 page paper, also with 5 sources minimum, in which you do take an argumentative stance on the topic.
We will also be doing an interview essay by the end of the semester. We will go into more depth on this in future classes, but be thinking about who might make a fascinating interview - quite possibly might be someone you don't really know yet.
3/27
For the social media project: Dylan Curran, an Irish web developer, illustrates just how much Google and Facebook know about us.
"Manage to gain access to someone's Google account? Perfect, you have a chronological diary of everything that person has done for the last ten years.;"
Check out this Twitter thread
For the social media project: Dylan Curran, an Irish web developer, illustrates just how much Google and Facebook know about us.
"Manage to gain access to someone's Google account? Perfect, you have a chronological diary of everything that person has done for the last ten years.;"
Check out this Twitter thread
3-22
notes_on_arguing_1___1_.ppt |
3-21
USING PARODY, HUMOR AND HYPERBOLE AS ARGUMENTS
What arguments is each of the following videos making?
Old Milwaukee Swedish Bikini Team commercials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKcW0ljTg4I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c2NEFPqTwY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtnMtrEB1-I
vs.
Schmidt's Gay commercial
SNL Hillary and Palin parody
Read "North" by Roger Ebert as a class
MOVIE REVIEW QUESTIONS
Roger Ebert – “North Movie Review”
For fun, as a class, we'll read: as many customer reviews as we can handle for How to Avoid Huge Ships and related items.
You might want to browse these as prep or inspiration for tomorrow's in-class writing.
Cracked Article #1
Cracked Article #2
Cracked Article #3
* Read for inspiration: "The Worst Book Ever Written" by C. Dennis Moore on your own
USING PARODY, HUMOR AND HYPERBOLE AS ARGUMENTS
What arguments is each of the following videos making?
Old Milwaukee Swedish Bikini Team commercials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKcW0ljTg4I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c2NEFPqTwY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtnMtrEB1-I
vs.
Schmidt's Gay commercial
SNL Hillary and Palin parody
Read "North" by Roger Ebert as a class
MOVIE REVIEW QUESTIONS
Roger Ebert – “North Movie Review”
- Where does Ebert use repetition in this piece? What effect does this repetition have?
- What is the pattern for Ebert’s use of summary in reviewing the movie? Why do you think he uses this pattern?
- Give at least two reasons why you think Ebert refers to other movies by the same director.
- Give at least two samples of Ebert’s use of humor. Why do you think he uses humor?
For fun, as a class, we'll read: as many customer reviews as we can handle for How to Avoid Huge Ships and related items.
You might want to browse these as prep or inspiration for tomorrow's in-class writing.
Cracked Article #1
Cracked Article #2
Cracked Article #3
* Read for inspiration: "The Worst Book Ever Written" by C. Dennis Moore on your own
- What is the tone of this piece? Given only what you see here, what would you expect Moore to be like in person?
- Give two examples of Moore’s direct quotes from the book (other than the one that opens the essay). Why would he use these direct quotes and not just summarize?
- Mr. B. (and lots of English textbooks) usually advises students not to start an essay with a quote, especially not a long one. Why is this one effective? When is it okay to break writing rules?
- What is the purpose of paragraph six?
- What’s the purpose of the last three paragraphs?
- What’s the purpose of the last sentence?
the_worst_book_ever_written_-_a_review_by_c._dennis_moore.docx |
3/20
Write five logical fallacy statements of your own creation. They can be over-the-top or humorous if you want.
logical_fallacies.pdf |
Dave Eggers Project Part I
1. Find and read the following essay. (Yes you get points for finding the essay! Just write something like “I found the essay.”)
Eggers, Dave. "The Future of Words." Esquire 26 Sept. 2008: n. pag. Web. 2 Feb. 2013.
2. What is Eggers calling a “lazy and uncritical” reflex in the first paragraph? Why those specific words? Do you agree? Why or why not?
3. Identify (copy and paste) Eggers’ thesis statement. (Hint: It’s not in the first paragraph.)
4. What does Eggers get away with in paragraph three, in terms of his sources, that we wouldn’t be able to do in our papers?
5. Do some research into Eggers. Explain why you think Esquire might have thought Eggers qualified to write on the topic at hand. Do a works cited for your at least one source giving you info on Eggers - remember Wikipedia can be a starting point, but can’t be used as a source in most academic settings.
6. Explain in detail, with examples, how Eggers uses the rational appeal.
7. Explain in detail, with examples, how Eggers uses the emotional appeal.
8. Explain in detail, with examples, how Eggers uses the ethical appeal (appeal to character).
9. Explain where and how Eggers identifies and counters the opposition.
10. This essay was published in 2008. Do you feel anything’s changed since then to alter the relevance of Eggers’ thesis? Do you think the essay would take on a substantially different form if it were written today? Explain your opinion in detail – at least four or five sentences.
11. I’ve previously had some students argue that Eggers is “blind” to the reality of reading among the young because of his “sheltered” position in the literary world. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Why? Explain in a detailed paragraph.
12. Similar to the question above – do you think the kids and their reported internet/media use cited in paragraph five are typical? Are they really representative of the average younger person today and does Eggers use of their example convince you as a reader? Explain why you agree or disagree.
1. Find and read the following essay. (Yes you get points for finding the essay! Just write something like “I found the essay.”)
Eggers, Dave. "The Future of Words." Esquire 26 Sept. 2008: n. pag. Web. 2 Feb. 2013.
2. What is Eggers calling a “lazy and uncritical” reflex in the first paragraph? Why those specific words? Do you agree? Why or why not?
3. Identify (copy and paste) Eggers’ thesis statement. (Hint: It’s not in the first paragraph.)
4. What does Eggers get away with in paragraph three, in terms of his sources, that we wouldn’t be able to do in our papers?
5. Do some research into Eggers. Explain why you think Esquire might have thought Eggers qualified to write on the topic at hand. Do a works cited for your at least one source giving you info on Eggers - remember Wikipedia can be a starting point, but can’t be used as a source in most academic settings.
6. Explain in detail, with examples, how Eggers uses the rational appeal.
7. Explain in detail, with examples, how Eggers uses the emotional appeal.
8. Explain in detail, with examples, how Eggers uses the ethical appeal (appeal to character).
9. Explain where and how Eggers identifies and counters the opposition.
10. This essay was published in 2008. Do you feel anything’s changed since then to alter the relevance of Eggers’ thesis? Do you think the essay would take on a substantially different form if it were written today? Explain your opinion in detail – at least four or five sentences.
11. I’ve previously had some students argue that Eggers is “blind” to the reality of reading among the young because of his “sheltered” position in the literary world. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Why? Explain in a detailed paragraph.
12. Similar to the question above – do you think the kids and their reported internet/media use cited in paragraph five are typical? Are they really representative of the average younger person today and does Eggers use of their example convince you as a reader? Explain why you agree or disagree.
In-text citation
in-text_citation_class_notes.docx |
in-text_citation_exercise.docx |
3/12
"Facebook Post: "SUBSCRIPTION CANCELLED!" by P.J. McGillicutty
Article: "Fake News" - John Stossl
Article: "Heard it on Twitter? Yeah, it's Probably a Lie" by Seth Borenstein
Article: "Fake News" - John Stossl
Article: "Heard it on Twitter? Yeah, it's Probably a Lie" by Seth Borenstein
UMICH PROTEST COVERAGE
1. Here is a relatively unbiased account of the actual protest. "UMich students demand no-whites-allowed space to plot ‘social justice’ activism" But even this report has at least one problem. Note that the accompanying picture is not of this particular protest; it's actually just the Facebook header of the group responsible for the protest. For one thing the photo is of the wrong time of year - the protest happened in February and there are fall colors in the pictured trees.
1. Here is a relatively unbiased account of the actual protest. "UMich students demand no-whites-allowed space to plot ‘social justice’ activism" But even this report has at least one problem. Note that the accompanying picture is not of this particular protest; it's actually just the Facebook header of the group responsible for the protest. For one thing the photo is of the wrong time of year - the protest happened in February and there are fall colors in the pictured trees.
2. Here is the same news with the same headline, but from an openly politically biased site, with a specifically anti-Obama slant added to the introduction. (This is the one my cousin, a UMich grad, posted.) Note the accompanying photo of what we are to assume are "black UMich students protesting." (The palm trees in the background are mostly cropped out on the website.)
3. BUT!!! The picture is not from UMich at all. A google search reveals that truthuncensored.net copied and pasted that picture from this article about a gathering of college students in Papua New Guinea. You can see that truthuncensored.net even cropped out words from the bottom of the original photo. Consider why a biased web site might go to all this trouble. In what light do they want to present the protesters?
4. Here is a picture of the actual UMich protest that caused all this fuss, taken from the group's own Facebook page. Again, consider a) why the first web site chose the picture of a larger protest group and b) why the politically biased web site chose to search out and present the image it did in the way it did. Do you think my cousin would have posted the article to his Facebook if the picture below had accompanied it?
3/8
We discussed and did the Ivy Tilt in class. For those of you who missed it, you can make it up. For each module, read through the material and take the quiz - the quiz is low-pressure, as you can take it over as many times as you want and it tells you the right answer. When it gives you the results, copy and paste or screenshot them into a GoogleDoc. Send Mr. B. one document with all 5 quiz results. DO NOT DO QUIZ #3, as you are not an Ivy Tech student and won't be able to log into IvyCat.
We discussed and did the Ivy Tilt in class. For those of you who missed it, you can make it up. For each module, read through the material and take the quiz - the quiz is low-pressure, as you can take it over as many times as you want and it tells you the right answer. When it gives you the results, copy and paste or screenshot them into a GoogleDoc. Send Mr. B. one document with all 5 quiz results. DO NOT DO QUIZ #3, as you are not an Ivy Tech student and won't be able to log into IvyCat.
3/5
Pretend you used the following sources in an essay. Do a full works cited page. - alphabetical order, all that.
1. Whatever is the lead story at USAToday.com
2. Amy Tan's Mother Tongue - the version we read
3. An interview with your mom or dad significant other
4. Your favorite book.
Pretend you used the following sources in an essay. Do a full works cited page. - alphabetical order, all that.
1. Whatever is the lead story at USAToday.com
2. Amy Tan's Mother Tongue - the version we read
3. An interview with your mom or dad significant other
4. Your favorite book.
Everything from below this point is our previous semester.
I've entered grades for everything I'm aware of receiving.
I will take late work until class time on Monday morning 3/5/17.
This week you will have time in class to work on the following two assignments and catch up on anything you might ahve missed.
1. Final revision of your narrative assignment for 100 points. Make this paper everything it can be and share it with Mr. B. one final time. (If you do not turn in a revision I will assign a grade (out of 100 points) to your first draft.)
2. An argumentative essay on a topic related to social media. 2-3 pages. I'll be looking for a thesis statement, structure, grammar, punctuation, etc. You don't have to have outside sources or a works cited, but you will look awfully good if you do. You can pick your own topic, but some sample topics might be - Who should "police" the internet? What is the value of virtual items? We should/shouldn't use virtual worlds for therapeutic reasons. Ratings on video games and websites. What, if anything, needs to be done about public shaming in cases like Justine Sacco's. Etc.
Here is an overview of all assignments that will be due by 3/5/17. You should have grades entered on WebAdvisor for everything but the two assignments in red. I would focus on the higher-point assignments and work your way down to any journals you might be missing.
Longer Assignments
First Draft Narrative Essay (20 points)
Final draft Narrative Essay (100 points) still to be graded
Social Media Essay (100 points) still to be graded
Life 2.0 essay (one draft – 50 points)
Short Term 12 essay (100 points)
Short assignments
Dialogue story (10 points)
Peer Review (20 points)
Showing vs. Telling (10 points)
Story Time (10 points)
Journals (10 points each)
Adichie journal
1st Narrative 4 journal
2nd Narrative 4 journal
Generation Like journal
Louder Than a Bomb journal
Purdy journal
Ronson journal
Stielstra journal (writing space)
Tan journal
Tolme (“Meerkat”) journal
Williams journal
X journal
I will take late work until class time on Monday morning 3/5/17.
This week you will have time in class to work on the following two assignments and catch up on anything you might ahve missed.
1. Final revision of your narrative assignment for 100 points. Make this paper everything it can be and share it with Mr. B. one final time. (If you do not turn in a revision I will assign a grade (out of 100 points) to your first draft.)
2. An argumentative essay on a topic related to social media. 2-3 pages. I'll be looking for a thesis statement, structure, grammar, punctuation, etc. You don't have to have outside sources or a works cited, but you will look awfully good if you do. You can pick your own topic, but some sample topics might be - Who should "police" the internet? What is the value of virtual items? We should/shouldn't use virtual worlds for therapeutic reasons. Ratings on video games and websites. What, if anything, needs to be done about public shaming in cases like Justine Sacco's. Etc.
Here is an overview of all assignments that will be due by 3/5/17. You should have grades entered on WebAdvisor for everything but the two assignments in red. I would focus on the higher-point assignments and work your way down to any journals you might be missing.
Longer Assignments
First Draft Narrative Essay (20 points)
Final draft Narrative Essay (100 points) still to be graded
Social Media Essay (100 points) still to be graded
Life 2.0 essay (one draft – 50 points)
Short Term 12 essay (100 points)
Short assignments
Dialogue story (10 points)
Peer Review (20 points)
Showing vs. Telling (10 points)
Story Time (10 points)
Journals (10 points each)
Adichie journal
1st Narrative 4 journal
2nd Narrative 4 journal
Generation Like journal
Louder Than a Bomb journal
Purdy journal
Ronson journal
Stielstra journal (writing space)
Tan journal
Tolme (“Meerkat”) journal
Williams journal
X journal
2/22
We read and discussed "Should Video Gamers Be Prosecuted for Stealing Virtual Objects?" by Alex Weiss.
We introduced and discussed the three appeals. (Notes below)
We read and discussed "Should Video Gamers Be Prosecuted for Stealing Virtual Objects?" by Alex Weiss.
We introduced and discussed the three appeals. (Notes below)
the_three_appeals.docx |
2/21
We wrote an essay in class analyzing the film Life 2.0 (which was available on Netflix).. Approx. 2 pages, Extended journal format with attention to punctuation and grammar. Need introduction, conclusion and sections exploring your thoughts on what the film had to say about social media in terms of psychology, legal issues and social issues ("emotional adultery," only being able to be emotionally but not physically hurt, etc.)
We wrote an essay in class analyzing the film Life 2.0 (which was available on Netflix).. Approx. 2 pages, Extended journal format with attention to punctuation and grammar. Need introduction, conclusion and sections exploring your thoughts on what the film had to say about social media in terms of psychology, legal issues and social issues ("emotional adultery," only being able to be emotionally but not physically hurt, etc.)
2/15
The 2-hour fog delay means no class today. See you on Monday!
The 2-hour fog delay means no class today. See you on Monday!
2/14
Mackenzie and I had a nice talk about the Ronson story.
Mackenzie and I had a nice talk about the Ronson story.
2/13
Watch and discuss Jon Ronson - Do Twitter Users Have the Right to Ruin Someone's Life
Watch the rest of Generation Like
Homework
Read and journal on How One Stupid Tweet Blew Up Justine Sacco's Life - Jon Ronson
Journal on Generation Like
Watch and discuss Jon Ronson - Do Twitter Users Have the Right to Ruin Someone's Life
Watch the rest of Generation Like
Homework
Read and journal on How One Stupid Tweet Blew Up Justine Sacco's Life - Jon Ronson
Journal on Generation Like
2/8
We discussed written vs. heat-of-the-moment arguments.
We talked about varous issues concerning social media.
We watched the first half of Generation Like.
Homework for Monday:
Read "Move Over, Meerkat Manor" by Paul Tolme, do a journal, and be prepared to discuss in class.
We discussed written vs. heat-of-the-moment arguments.
We talked about varous issues concerning social media.
We watched the first half of Generation Like.
Homework for Monday:
Read "Move Over, Meerkat Manor" by Paul Tolme, do a journal, and be prepared to discuss in class.
2/5
Hi guys. I had a little slide-off but I managed to get back on the road and I did eventually make it to GOCC. I'll use the time to send back your first drafts . You'll have until next Monday, 2/12, to revise them. (I did try to call GOCC, but they said they couldn't spare anyone to come up and tell you I'd be late.)
Hi guys. I had a little slide-off but I managed to get back on the road and I did eventually make it to GOCC. I'll use the time to send back your first drafts . You'll have until next Monday, 2/12, to revise them. (I did try to call GOCC, but they said they couldn't spare anyone to come up and tell you I'd be late.)
For Monday - Do a five-paragraph review of Short Term 12. (Again the movie is on Hulu and there's a copy on YouTube, at least right now.)
Your five paragraph essay review should have a thesis statement featuring three major points in the introductory paragraph, This should be followed by three paragraphs, each with its own topic sentence, each focusing on one of the points mentioned in the thesis statement. Finally, there should be a concluding paragraph. Do a works cited entry for the movie. This should probably turn out to be around two pages or so. Writing tip: Movie titles should be italicized.
Your five paragraph essay review should have a thesis statement featuring three major points in the introductory paragraph, This should be followed by three paragraphs, each with its own topic sentence, each focusing on one of the points mentioned in the thesis statement. Finally, there should be a concluding paragraph. Do a works cited entry for the movie. This should probably turn out to be around two pages or so. Writing tip: Movie titles should be italicized.
1.31
We talked about thesis statements and used examples from GoogleMaps and newspapers. We talked about how a thesis statement helps you narrow your topic - i.e., narrowing a "billboard" topic like "Steroids" down to a "stop sign" topic like "If you look at all the evidence it's obvious that Barry Bonds used steroids even though he testified before Congress that he didn't."
We watched the first half of Short Term 12. (I believe this movie is on Hulu and YouTube if you missed it. Not sure of the quality of the free YouTube version.)
You will be writing about the movie over the weekend. We'll talk about the structure of this review and watch the rest of this film on Thursday.
We talked about thesis statements and used examples from GoogleMaps and newspapers. We talked about how a thesis statement helps you narrow your topic - i.e., narrowing a "billboard" topic like "Steroids" down to a "stop sign" topic like "If you look at all the evidence it's obvious that Barry Bonds used steroids even though he testified before Congress that he didn't."
We watched the first half of Short Term 12. (I believe this movie is on Hulu and YouTube if you missed it. Not sure of the quality of the free YouTube version.)
You will be writing about the movie over the weekend. We'll talk about the structure of this review and watch the rest of this film on Thursday.
thesis_statements.docx |
1/30
Here are the peer review questions
Here are the peer review questions
peer_review_worksheet_lit._narrative.doc |
1/25
* We looked at Google Drive and GoogleDocs.
* We looked at works cited pages. (See notes below.)
* We talked about The Purdue OWL, which has the answer to any writing-, grammar- or MLA-related question you might have.
* We talked about how CTRL+F helps you find a specific word on any web page.
* We looked at Noodletools.com - to do a fast works cited entry, go to FREE TOOLS at the bottom left, then go to NOODLETOOLS EXPRESS and choose MLA.
* We discussed hanging indents. To do a hanging indent in GoogleDocs, go to the next line, hit ENTER or RETURN, then tab. In Word, highlight your text, then, in the Home tab, go to the Paragraph section, click the little arrow in the lower right and adjust the Special setting to "Hanging."
HOMEWORK
Write a 3 to 5-page paper. Your first paragraph or introduction should be something like, "The time in Amy Tan's essay when XXXXX happened, reminded me of the time in my life when YYYYYY happened" or "Collum McCann talking about someone reading your story 100 years from now and knowing exactly who you are reminded me of QQQQQ from my life. The bulk of your story should be your true story of what happened to you. Try to use the tools we've talked about like dialogue, description, image, sensory stuff, show don't tell, etc. Anything we've watched or read from class is open game for this: Tan, Purdy, Zenhom, Godin, X, Narrative 4, Louder Than A Bomb, Williams, Adichie, Stielstra, or anything else I might be missing. (It's fine if you want to expand on a journal entry or other exercise we've already done.) Do a works cited page - doesn't count toward 3-page minimum. Be sure you have an electronic copy available to you on Monday.
* We looked at Google Drive and GoogleDocs.
* We looked at works cited pages. (See notes below.)
* We talked about The Purdue OWL, which has the answer to any writing-, grammar- or MLA-related question you might have.
* We talked about how CTRL+F helps you find a specific word on any web page.
* We looked at Noodletools.com - to do a fast works cited entry, go to FREE TOOLS at the bottom left, then go to NOODLETOOLS EXPRESS and choose MLA.
* We discussed hanging indents. To do a hanging indent in GoogleDocs, go to the next line, hit ENTER or RETURN, then tab. In Word, highlight your text, then, in the Home tab, go to the Paragraph section, click the little arrow in the lower right and adjust the Special setting to "Hanging."
HOMEWORK
Write a 3 to 5-page paper. Your first paragraph or introduction should be something like, "The time in Amy Tan's essay when XXXXX happened, reminded me of the time in my life when YYYYYY happened" or "Collum McCann talking about someone reading your story 100 years from now and knowing exactly who you are reminded me of QQQQQ from my life. The bulk of your story should be your true story of what happened to you. Try to use the tools we've talked about like dialogue, description, image, sensory stuff, show don't tell, etc. Anything we've watched or read from class is open game for this: Tan, Purdy, Zenhom, Godin, X, Narrative 4, Louder Than A Bomb, Williams, Adichie, Stielstra, or anything else I might be missing. (It's fine if you want to expand on a journal entry or other exercise we've already done.) Do a works cited page - doesn't count toward 3-page minimum. Be sure you have an electronic copy available to you on Monday.
sample_works_cited.jpg |
notes_on_works_cited_i.docx |
1/24
* We read and discussed poetry, Shakespeare and Robert Frost's "Acquainted with the Night"
* We talked about writer's block (which Mr. B doesn't believe in."
"How do I deal with writer's block? This is how I deal with writer's block - butt in chair in front of typewriter." - Joe R. Lansdale
"I write only when inspiration strikes. Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o'clock sharp." - W. Somerset Maugham
* We discussed our writing workspaces and looked at and discussed pictures from The Writer's Desk.
* We listened to Megan Stielstra read her essay "A Room of One's Own in the Middle of Everything" (Audio at bottom of page)
HOMEWORK
Write something in the style of Stielstra's essay about your own writing process and the space(s) where you write. Try to write in a scene or scenes, using Stielstra's piece as an example, rather than mere description. Shoot for 250 words or more.
Here's a quote I was going to read from The Writer's Desk before we ran out of time, the one that brings it all home. It's by Bernard Malamud who wrote The Natural (a novel which retells the King Arthur myth in terms of baseball) and lots of other good stuff: "You write by sitting down and writing. There's no particular time or place -- you suit yourself, your nature. How one works, assuming he's disciplined, doesn't matter. If he or she is not disciplined, no sympathetic magic will help. The trick is to make time - not steal it - and produce the fiction. If the stories come, you get them written, you're on the right track. Eventually everyone learns his or her own best way. The real mystery to crack is you."
* We read and discussed poetry, Shakespeare and Robert Frost's "Acquainted with the Night"
* We talked about writer's block (which Mr. B doesn't believe in."
"How do I deal with writer's block? This is how I deal with writer's block - butt in chair in front of typewriter." - Joe R. Lansdale
"I write only when inspiration strikes. Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o'clock sharp." - W. Somerset Maugham
* We discussed our writing workspaces and looked at and discussed pictures from The Writer's Desk.
* We listened to Megan Stielstra read her essay "A Room of One's Own in the Middle of Everything" (Audio at bottom of page)
HOMEWORK
Write something in the style of Stielstra's essay about your own writing process and the space(s) where you write. Try to write in a scene or scenes, using Stielstra's piece as an example, rather than mere description. Shoot for 250 words or more.
Here's a quote I was going to read from The Writer's Desk before we ran out of time, the one that brings it all home. It's by Bernard Malamud who wrote The Natural (a novel which retells the King Arthur myth in terms of baseball) and lots of other good stuff: "You write by sitting down and writing. There's no particular time or place -- you suit yourself, your nature. How one works, assuming he's disciplined, doesn't matter. If he or she is not disciplined, no sympathetic magic will help. The trick is to make time - not steal it - and produce the fiction. If the stories come, you get them written, you're on the right track. Eventually everyone learns his or her own best way. The real mystery to crack is you."
1/23
* Read and dissect The Use of Force by William Carlos Williams
* The Danger of a Single Story - Chimimanda Adichie
* Showing vs. Telling Project - First write a "telling" sentence - the examples from class were "I knew she was angry when she walked into the room," or "My Uncle Larry is crazy." Then write 250 words or more "showing" what you "told." Descriptions, images, sensory details, dialogue - all of these are potential tools to illustrate and expand upon your "telling" sentence. Make it a full story, if you can.
Here are a couple prompts, or you can use one of the examples from class, do your own variation or come up with your own "telling" sentence.
It was the ugliest baby I ever saw.
My friend's car is awesome.
Last night was great.
The movie was funny.
It was a good feeling.
* We had time in class to work on the homework assignments.
HOMEWORK
Journal entries for both Williams and Adichie (that's two separate journal entries)
Plus the showing vs. telling assignment (can be done in journal)
* Read and dissect The Use of Force by William Carlos Williams
* The Danger of a Single Story - Chimimanda Adichie
* Showing vs. Telling Project - First write a "telling" sentence - the examples from class were "I knew she was angry when she walked into the room," or "My Uncle Larry is crazy." Then write 250 words or more "showing" what you "told." Descriptions, images, sensory details, dialogue - all of these are potential tools to illustrate and expand upon your "telling" sentence. Make it a full story, if you can.
Here are a couple prompts, or you can use one of the examples from class, do your own variation or come up with your own "telling" sentence.
It was the ugliest baby I ever saw.
My friend's car is awesome.
Last night was great.
The movie was funny.
It was a good feeling.
* We had time in class to work on the homework assignments.
HOMEWORK
Journal entries for both Williams and Adichie (that's two separate journal entries)
Plus the showing vs. telling assignment (can be done in journal)
1/18
We finished watching Louder Than a Bomb - (Watch on YouTube.)
HOMEWORK
Do a journal on the movie.
We finished watching Louder Than a Bomb - (Watch on YouTube.)
HOMEWORK
Do a journal on the movie.
1-17
We read and discussed Seth Godin's essays "Blah, Blah, Blah" and "Perfect vs. Important." ("Blah, Blah, Blah" is one I share with all classes; the second one just happened to be today's blog post, but it seemed to work well with "Blah.".)
We watched the first 48 minutes of Louder Than a Bomb. (Looks like it's here on YouTube.)
There was no homework. (Chance to get caught up on anything you might be missing.)
We read and discussed Seth Godin's essays "Blah, Blah, Blah" and "Perfect vs. Important." ("Blah, Blah, Blah" is one I share with all classes; the second one just happened to be today's blog post, but it seemed to work well with "Blah.".)
We watched the first 48 minutes of Louder Than a Bomb. (Looks like it's here on YouTube.)
There was no homework. (Chance to get caught up on anything you might be missing.)
1/16
We recalled the Narrative 4 video and Malcolm X
We discussed dialogue and quotation marks
We watched the following sections of the Narrative 4 video:
52:22 - 58:55 - Luis Urrea: Girl who moved to U.S. from Mexico to avoid narcos; girl who caught on fire; ragged “angel in disguise”
1:07:07- 1:20:37 - Q&A session on power of youth, changing the world, how to be a man, and teaching.
HOMEWORK
Journal on the Narrative 4 material from today
A brief story told in dialogue - MLA heading, double-spaced, etc.
We recalled the Narrative 4 video and Malcolm X
We discussed dialogue and quotation marks
We watched the following sections of the Narrative 4 video:
52:22 - 58:55 - Luis Urrea: Girl who moved to U.S. from Mexico to avoid narcos; girl who caught on fire; ragged “angel in disguise”
1:07:07- 1:20:37 - Q&A session on power of youth, changing the world, how to be a man, and teaching.
HOMEWORK
Journal on the Narrative 4 material from today
A brief story told in dialogue - MLA heading, double-spaced, etc.
notes_on_dialogue_and_quotation_marks.docx |
There is no school on Monday, MLK Day. We will meet again on Tuesday.
1/11
* We discussed Amy Purdy and Amy Tan's stories.
* We talked about the rhetorical triangle - how audience, purpose and who the author is at the time all affect your word choice and which details you include.
* Mr. B. related his experiences at the Chicago's Printer's Row Lit Fest.
* We watched the Narrative 4 introductory video.
* We watched the following excerpts from the Narrative 4 opening day at Printer's Row Lit Fest video.
12:11 - 14:08 - Luis Urrea: story about listening to workers in Aspen
17:21 - 19:12 - Colum McCann: "Stories go to the heart of the matter”, "Story that sums up your life"
20:24 - 21:24 - Luis Urrea: story about Isreali and Palestinian authors
26:35 - 36:58 - Colum McCann: reads Antoine Day’s essay and tells his own very loosely related story - “I was found”
HOMEWORK
* Catch up on anything you might have missed thus far.
* Do a journal on the Narrative 4 stuff we watched.
* Read and do a journal on Malcolm X: "Literacy Behind Bars"
1/11
* We discussed Amy Purdy and Amy Tan's stories.
* We talked about the rhetorical triangle - how audience, purpose and who the author is at the time all affect your word choice and which details you include.
* Mr. B. related his experiences at the Chicago's Printer's Row Lit Fest.
* We watched the Narrative 4 introductory video.
* We watched the following excerpts from the Narrative 4 opening day at Printer's Row Lit Fest video.
12:11 - 14:08 - Luis Urrea: story about listening to workers in Aspen
17:21 - 19:12 - Colum McCann: "Stories go to the heart of the matter”, "Story that sums up your life"
20:24 - 21:24 - Luis Urrea: story about Isreali and Palestinian authors
26:35 - 36:58 - Colum McCann: reads Antoine Day’s essay and tells his own very loosely related story - “I was found”
HOMEWORK
* Catch up on anything you might have missed thus far.
* Do a journal on the Narrative 4 stuff we watched.
* Read and do a journal on Malcolm X: "Literacy Behind Bars"
1/10
We discussed the concept of "Show, don't tell."
"Telling" sentences like "I could see she was mad," and "My uncle is crazy" are fairly weak by themselves. They do a lot better once "showing" specifics, illustrations and examples added. "Her face was scrunched up and her fists were clenched." or "My Uncle Larry is crazy; he gets drunk at weddings and dances on the tables."
We watched the first 10 minutes of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark and looked at how the movie makers "showed" Indy is smart, brave, adventurous, cocky, etc.
--------
We will discuss the essay below and Amy Purdy's "Living Beyond Limits" on Thursday
Read "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan. at http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/guorui/2008/02/06/mother-tongue-by-amy-tan/
Please do a journal entry.
We discussed the concept of "Show, don't tell."
"Telling" sentences like "I could see she was mad," and "My uncle is crazy" are fairly weak by themselves. They do a lot better once "showing" specifics, illustrations and examples added. "Her face was scrunched up and her fists were clenched." or "My Uncle Larry is crazy; he gets drunk at weddings and dances on the tables."
We watched the first 10 minutes of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark and looked at how the movie makers "showed" Indy is smart, brave, adventurous, cocky, etc.
--------
We will discuss the essay below and Amy Purdy's "Living Beyond Limits" on Thursday
Read "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan. at http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/guorui/2008/02/06/mother-tongue-by-amy-tan/
Please do a journal entry.
Due by the start of class on Thursday, 1/10/18 -
Watch the Amy Purdy TED Talk video "Living Beyond Limits"
https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_purdy_living_beyond_limits
Do a journal entry of at least 250 words.
-----------
We did story time today (10 pts.)
We listened to and discussed Omar Zenhom on reading
https://100mba.net/mba283/
We also discussed podacts (https://www.stitcher.com/stitcher-list/all-podcasts-top-shows and https://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/ ) and audiobooks (http://audible.com and https://librivox.org/ )
We briefly discussed that the first major essay - no due date yet - will be a true story from your life loosely connected to a story heard/read/watched in class.
We discussed the fact that any time you are writing you'll always have an audience and a purpose and that the audience we are writing for is other ENG 121 students.
DIRECTIONS FOR JOURNALS: Please start a single document called Journal and share it with me. Please do all your journal entries in that one document. Journal format means an MLA heading, but after that simply your thoughts about the topic. You can talk about why you loved it or hated it, a memory or event from your life it reminded you of, you can psychoanalyze the author, etc. Pretty much anything goes as long as the connection to the piece is apparent. I do not grade journals on grammar or punctuation, etc, the idea being that journals are a place for students to simply get used to putting thoughts on paper without pressure. Unless otherwise stated, journals should be a minimum of 250 words long.
Watch the Amy Purdy TED Talk video "Living Beyond Limits"
https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_purdy_living_beyond_limits
Do a journal entry of at least 250 words.
-----------
We did story time today (10 pts.)
We listened to and discussed Omar Zenhom on reading
https://100mba.net/mba283/
We also discussed podacts (https://www.stitcher.com/stitcher-list/all-podcasts-top-shows and https://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/ ) and audiobooks (http://audible.com and https://librivox.org/ )
We briefly discussed that the first major essay - no due date yet - will be a true story from your life loosely connected to a story heard/read/watched in class.
We discussed the fact that any time you are writing you'll always have an audience and a purpose and that the audience we are writing for is other ENG 121 students.
DIRECTIONS FOR JOURNALS: Please start a single document called Journal and share it with me. Please do all your journal entries in that one document. Journal format means an MLA heading, but after that simply your thoughts about the topic. You can talk about why you loved it or hated it, a memory or event from your life it reminded you of, you can psychoanalyze the author, etc. Pretty much anything goes as long as the connection to the piece is apparent. I do not grade journals on grammar or punctuation, etc, the idea being that journals are a place for students to simply get used to putting thoughts on paper without pressure. Unless otherwise stated, journals should be a minimum of 250 words long.
On 1/8/18 we had our first class. The homework was:
Diagnostic Essay - 1 and a quarter to 2 pages explaining your current relationship to reading and writing. Also, explain why you believe you have this relationship and how you see your relationship to reading and writing progressing in the future. Submit via GoogleDocs with "Diagnostic Essay" in subject line. Try to use proper MLA format - typed and double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Turn in via GoogleDocs at [email protected]
Below is a sample MLA front page you can use as an example of how your page should be formatted. If you have any questions about how to share via GoogleDocs, bring an electronic copy of your essay to class tomorrow and I'll walk you through it.
Diagnostic Essay - 1 and a quarter to 2 pages explaining your current relationship to reading and writing. Also, explain why you believe you have this relationship and how you see your relationship to reading and writing progressing in the future. Submit via GoogleDocs with "Diagnostic Essay" in subject line. Try to use proper MLA format - typed and double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Turn in via GoogleDocs at [email protected]
Below is a sample MLA front page you can use as an example of how your page should be formatted. If you have any questions about how to share via GoogleDocs, bring an electronic copy of your essay to class tomorrow and I'll walk you through it.
sample-first-page.png |
EVERYTHING BELOW THIS POINT IS FOR A PREVIOUS CLASS
The email to use for this class is [email protected] - all assignments will be turned in via GoogleDocs unless otherwise specified. Be sure to convert from Word (or whatever format) to GoogleDoc format or you'll lose points!
IT'S CRUNCH TIME!!! Okay, here's the deal. If you're worried about passing the class - get something significant in for each of the major essays and I can guarantee you'll pass. If you're worried about an A - that's when you should worry about making up "the smaller stuff."
The major papers are
Narrative Essay
Life 2.0 essay
USA Today Essay
Tombstone
Final Five-Page Essay
The major papers are
Narrative Essay
Life 2.0 essay
USA Today Essay
Tombstone
Final Five-Page Essay
logical_fallacies.pdf |
You should have a note back from me regarding your potential thesis statement for your final essay.
The final essay should be five full pages (minimum) plus a works cited page with at least five substantial sources. (In other words, no quoting the dictionary, etc.)
The final essay should be five full pages (minimum) plus a works cited page with at least five substantial sources. (In other words, no quoting the dictionary, etc.)
mla_outline_format.rtf |
outline_samples.pdf |
c9-w-mla_sample-anotbiblio__1_.rtf |
- A potential outline for your five-page essay following one of the general formats outlined in the files above is due by the end of class on 4/20. It should be approximately the length of the MLA sample, though you can follow any format you wish.
- I won't check to see if you've followed your outline You can always change your topic, your essay's structure or your sources. The idea, though, is that, in a perfect world, all this pre-writing makes for an easy time writing your final.
- I won't check to see if you've followed your outline You can always change your topic, your essay's structure or your sources. The idea, though, is that, in a perfect world, all this pre-writing makes for an easy time writing your final.
Videos to help you plan and research
Concept Maps - 6:27 (The presentation software she used is Prezi - it's free!)
Advanced Googling - 15:29
The CRAP Test - 6:57
-----
MEL.org - the Michigan eLibrary - is a good place for sources. (This might not work for Indiana students.)
There's also the Glen Oaks Online Library. (If the link doesn't work, go to GlenOaks.edu, then go to Academics > Library
- Better sources: Academic Databases, .gov, .edu - it's hard to get published on these; lots of gatekeepers.
- Cite with caution: .com (always consider the credibility), Yahoo answers, blogs, message boards. - anyone can get one, anyone can comment - check out the author's bio, double-check info. If you must use a questionable source, your best bet is to note any potential drawbacks to your source in your paper itself.
Concept Maps - 6:27 (The presentation software she used is Prezi - it's free!)
Advanced Googling - 15:29
The CRAP Test - 6:57
-----
MEL.org - the Michigan eLibrary - is a good place for sources. (This might not work for Indiana students.)
There's also the Glen Oaks Online Library. (If the link doesn't work, go to GlenOaks.edu, then go to Academics > Library
- Better sources: Academic Databases, .gov, .edu - it's hard to get published on these; lots of gatekeepers.
- Cite with caution: .com (always consider the credibility), Yahoo answers, blogs, message boards. - anyone can get one, anyone can comment - check out the author's bio, double-check info. If you must use a questionable source, your best bet is to note any potential drawbacks to your source in your paper itself.
notes_on_arguing.ppt |
Listen to Liferaft Debate
Here are a few ideas to consider as we listen to the life raft debate
What is the value of a liberal education? (The arts.)
Can a joke be an argument?
Politics - Non-debates, pandering, flimsiness, endless stagecraft swallowing up the serious people
We expect public discourse to be horrifically debased
Crappy emotional appeals
Substance vs. the stuff above.
Simon Cowell – American Idol – is it okay to be perceived as impolite in argument?
- We will have our own version of the liferaft debate next class. Our twist on it will be that the zombie apocalypse has happened and you have to argue for why you deserve the last spot on the liferaft. You may bring props, but only what you might reasonably have with you. (You can say you'd have a weapon, but please don't bring any to class.) Arguments must be in the realm of actual possibility - for instance, you might be able to convince us you're a survivalist, even if you're not, but we know you have not created an anti-zombie serum in your basement. This is a 10-point assignment and will only be done out loud - no need to write anything to turn in, no real pressure. After everyone's spoken - aim for one minute, but I'll cut you off after about five - the class will vote for who gets the spot on the boat. (I've had some students get really elaborate on this, doing powerpoints and bringing in props (no weapons!).)
Here are a few ideas to consider as we listen to the life raft debate
What is the value of a liberal education? (The arts.)
Can a joke be an argument?
Politics - Non-debates, pandering, flimsiness, endless stagecraft swallowing up the serious people
We expect public discourse to be horrifically debased
Crappy emotional appeals
Substance vs. the stuff above.
Simon Cowell – American Idol – is it okay to be perceived as impolite in argument?
- We will have our own version of the liferaft debate next class. Our twist on it will be that the zombie apocalypse has happened and you have to argue for why you deserve the last spot on the liferaft. You may bring props, but only what you might reasonably have with you. (You can say you'd have a weapon, but please don't bring any to class.) Arguments must be in the realm of actual possibility - for instance, you might be able to convince us you're a survivalist, even if you're not, but we know you have not created an anti-zombie serum in your basement. This is a 10-point assignment and will only be done out loud - no need to write anything to turn in, no real pressure. After everyone's spoken - aim for one minute, but I'll cut you off after about five - the class will vote for who gets the spot on the boat. (I've had some students get really elaborate on this, doing powerpoints and bringing in props (no weapons!).)
Class - I forgot that students got to pick just one of the Zenhom, Hyatt and Godin journals instead of having to do all three. I'll be combining the grades for these. In other words - if you did one of those three, you're good to go, nothing to catch up on.
The major papers we've done so far are :
Narrative Essay -
Life 2.0 essay -
USA Today Essay -
Tombstone -
You can still do these if you have missed them. Try to turn them in before spring break. (Those who turned them in on time will get extra consideration, but I'd rather see the work done than not. I'm willing to grade if you're willing to write.)
Narrative Essay - 3-5 pages of a true story that happened to you. Should focus on one or two events, not your life story. Should tie in at least loosely to something we've watched or read for this class (including the ones assigned this week). For example, your thesis might be: "The time in my life when I was stuck in the hospital for two weeks reminds me of what Malcolm X must have felt like when he was in jail." Or "My problems trying to communicate with my boss at my last job was like Amy Tan's mother's troubles communicating in America." Times New Roman, 12 pt. double space. Share one with Mr. B. via GoogleDocs. We'll also want two printed copies to share for peer review in class. Include a works cited page with an entry for whichever story or video your essay relates to.
Write a 2-3 page response to Life. 2.0. We discussed psychology, legal issues, morality on the web and the nature of reality as possible topics. Do a works cited for the movie - imdb.com is a good resource for info on the film. The full movie is on YouTube and Netflix if you want to access it for quotes or to revisit concepts.
USA Today essay Go to this USA Today page, read the main article and an article with an opposing view. (There will be a link at the bottom of the main article.) Write a short summary of both articles - the bulk of your 2-3 page paper should be on why you agree with one or the other (or aspects of both).
Watch Tombstone - here is one link (I will be showing it in class too.)
Write a 2.5 - 4 page essay + works cited (and in-text citation) comparing the movie to the actual events in history. No Wikipedia (but it might be a good starting point). 3-5 sources - remember one is the movie itself. http://www.imdb.com/ is a good source for cast, etc. (IMDB is probably not a good source for historical accuracy - the trivia pages and the like are provided by random users.) Remember movie titles are italicized.
Narrative Essay -
Life 2.0 essay -
USA Today Essay -
Tombstone -
You can still do these if you have missed them. Try to turn them in before spring break. (Those who turned them in on time will get extra consideration, but I'd rather see the work done than not. I'm willing to grade if you're willing to write.)
Narrative Essay - 3-5 pages of a true story that happened to you. Should focus on one or two events, not your life story. Should tie in at least loosely to something we've watched or read for this class (including the ones assigned this week). For example, your thesis might be: "The time in my life when I was stuck in the hospital for two weeks reminds me of what Malcolm X must have felt like when he was in jail." Or "My problems trying to communicate with my boss at my last job was like Amy Tan's mother's troubles communicating in America." Times New Roman, 12 pt. double space. Share one with Mr. B. via GoogleDocs. We'll also want two printed copies to share for peer review in class. Include a works cited page with an entry for whichever story or video your essay relates to.
Write a 2-3 page response to Life. 2.0. We discussed psychology, legal issues, morality on the web and the nature of reality as possible topics. Do a works cited for the movie - imdb.com is a good resource for info on the film. The full movie is on YouTube and Netflix if you want to access it for quotes or to revisit concepts.
USA Today essay Go to this USA Today page, read the main article and an article with an opposing view. (There will be a link at the bottom of the main article.) Write a short summary of both articles - the bulk of your 2-3 page paper should be on why you agree with one or the other (or aspects of both).
Watch Tombstone - here is one link (I will be showing it in class too.)
Write a 2.5 - 4 page essay + works cited (and in-text citation) comparing the movie to the actual events in history. No Wikipedia (but it might be a good starting point). 3-5 sources - remember one is the movie itself. http://www.imdb.com/ is a good source for cast, etc. (IMDB is probably not a good source for historical accuracy - the trivia pages and the like are provided by random users.) Remember movie titles are italicized.
3-23
25 points
Write a short argumentative essay agreeing or disagreeing with Eggers. Shoot for getting a significant paragraph into the second page, though after that any length is acceptable. Use proper MLA format and include at least one source of your choice in addition to the Eggers essay. Include in-text citation and a works cited page. You may make your essay as personal or technical as you like, as long as it is argumentative in nature and you include at least Eggers and one additional source. Turn in via GoogleDocs.
25 points
Write a short argumentative essay agreeing or disagreeing with Eggers. Shoot for getting a significant paragraph into the second page, though after that any length is acceptable. Use proper MLA format and include at least one source of your choice in addition to the Eggers essay. Include in-text citation and a works cited page. You may make your essay as personal or technical as you like, as long as it is argumentative in nature and you include at least Eggers and one additional source. Turn in via GoogleDocs.
Quiz
50 points (6 points per question)
Note that these are to be short answers. Three to five lines are probably good for most of these.
Eggers, Dave. "The Future of Words." Esquire 26 Sept. 2008: n. pag. Web. 2 Feb. 2013.
2 What is Eggers calling a “lazy and uncritical” reflex in the first paragraph? Why those specific words? Do you agree? Why or why not?
3 What does Eggers get away with in paragraph three, in terms of his sources, that we wouldn’t be able to do in our papers?
4 Explain how Eggers uses the rational appeal.
5 Explain how Eggers uses the emotional appeal.
6 Explain how Eggers uses the ethical appeal (appeal to character).
7 Explain where and how Eggers identifies and counters the opposition.
8 I’ve previously had some students argue that Eggers is “blind” to the reality of reading among the young because of his “sheltered” position in the literary world. What do you think? Explain. (You might want to do some brief research on Eggers before answering this, though there’s quite a bit of info about him in the essay itself.)
9 Two Points: Identify (copy and paste) Eggers’ thesis statement.
50 points (6 points per question)
Note that these are to be short answers. Three to five lines are probably good for most of these.
- Find and read the following essay. (Yes you get points for finding the essay! Just write something like “I found the essay.”)
Eggers, Dave. "The Future of Words." Esquire 26 Sept. 2008: n. pag. Web. 2 Feb. 2013.
2 What is Eggers calling a “lazy and uncritical” reflex in the first paragraph? Why those specific words? Do you agree? Why or why not?
3 What does Eggers get away with in paragraph three, in terms of his sources, that we wouldn’t be able to do in our papers?
4 Explain how Eggers uses the rational appeal.
5 Explain how Eggers uses the emotional appeal.
6 Explain how Eggers uses the ethical appeal (appeal to character).
7 Explain where and how Eggers identifies and counters the opposition.
8 I’ve previously had some students argue that Eggers is “blind” to the reality of reading among the young because of his “sheltered” position in the literary world. What do you think? Explain. (You might want to do some brief research on Eggers before answering this, though there’s quite a bit of info about him in the essay itself.)
9 Two Points: Identify (copy and paste) Eggers’ thesis statement.
For Monday, 3/21 - Analyze three commercials of your choice from YouTube in terms of how they use the three appeals. Turn in on paper, handwritten is fine - but include the YouTube url.
Notes on the Three Appeals are in the Class Notes.
Notes on the Three Appeals are in the Class Notes.
due 3-21 - Midterm
Watch Tombstone - here is one link (I will be showing it in class too.)
Write a 2.5 - 4 page essay + works cited (and in-text citation) comparing the movie to the actual events in history. No Wikipedia (but it might be a good starting point). 3-5 sources - remember one is the movie itself. http://www.imdb.com/ is a good source for cast, etc. (IMDB is probably not a good source for historical accuracy - the trivia pages and the like are provided by random users.) Remember movie titles are italicized.
Watch Tombstone - here is one link (I will be showing it in class too.)
Write a 2.5 - 4 page essay + works cited (and in-text citation) comparing the movie to the actual events in history. No Wikipedia (but it might be a good starting point). 3-5 sources - remember one is the movie itself. http://www.imdb.com/ is a good source for cast, etc. (IMDB is probably not a good source for historical accuracy - the trivia pages and the like are provided by random users.) Remember movie titles are italicized.
3-2
We'll do these in class today: Let's print out the results to turn in this time.
We'll do these in class today: Let's print out the results to turn in this time.
second_works_cited_practice.docx |
in-text_citation_exercise.docx |
Watch The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
Answer the following questions - about 100 words or so for each should be good
1. What were the filmmakers trying to say about the old book and the "operation" scene?
2. Discuss the use of color vs. black and white.
3. Watch this short video from the old time movie Steamboat Bill Jr. starring Buster Keaton. Discuss how the Fantastic Flying Books film "borrows" elements from this movie and others like The Wizard of Oz. Do you think this sort of "borrowing" is stealing or ... something else? Explain.
4. What do you think is the deal with the ending? Why does he turn young again? Why does he fly away? Who is this young girl that shows up?
5. 1.. Discuss what else this film has to say about reading and books in general.
Answer the following questions - about 100 words or so for each should be good
1. What were the filmmakers trying to say about the old book and the "operation" scene?
2. Discuss the use of color vs. black and white.
3. Watch this short video from the old time movie Steamboat Bill Jr. starring Buster Keaton. Discuss how the Fantastic Flying Books film "borrows" elements from this movie and others like The Wizard of Oz. Do you think this sort of "borrowing" is stealing or ... something else? Explain.
4. What do you think is the deal with the ending? Why does he turn young again? Why does he fly away? Who is this young girl that shows up?
5. 1.. Discuss what else this film has to say about reading and books in general.
For Thursday. Go to this USA Today page, read the main article and an article with an opposing view. (There will be a link at the bottom of the main article.) Write a short summary of both articles - the bulk of your 2-3 page paper should be on why you agree with one or the other (or aspects of both).
Write a 2-3 page response to Life. 2.0. We discussed psychology, legal issues, morality on the web and the nature of reality as possible topics. Do a works cited for the movie - imdb.com is a good resource for info on the film. The full movie is on YouTube and Netflix if you want to access it for quotes or to revisit concepts.
IVY TILT - Do all five quizzes and send results in a single document to Mr. B. - http://faculty.ivytech.edu/~bloomingtonlibrary/IvyTilt/
IVY TILT - Do all five quizzes and send results in a single document to Mr. B. - http://faculty.ivytech.edu/~bloomingtonlibrary/IvyTilt/
Discuss recent readings
Start watching Life 2.0
Homework
Read "How Facts Backfire" (please be sure to click through to the multiple pages)
Be prepared to discuss in groups and/or write about this in class.
Start watching Life 2.0
Homework
Read "How Facts Backfire" (please be sure to click through to the multiple pages)
Be prepared to discuss in groups and/or write about this in class.
Homework for 2-15
Read "Whodunnit - The Media?"
Read "Should Video Gamers Be Prosecuted for Stealing Virtual Objects?"
Do a journal on each, send to Mr. B.
Read "Whodunnit - The Media?"
Read "Should Video Gamers Be Prosecuted for Stealing Virtual Objects?"
Do a journal on each, send to Mr. B.
2-3
Please do 3 peer reviews! That's it for today!
Homework
- Read Section 4 of Kirszner & Mandell
- Read Twain p. 194 in Sundance - "Two Ways of Seeing a River
- Send Mr. B a journal on Twain
Please do 3 peer reviews! That's it for today!
Homework
- Read Section 4 of Kirszner & Mandell
- Read Twain p. 194 in Sundance - "Two Ways of Seeing a River
- Send Mr. B a journal on Twain
peer_review_worksheet_lit._narrative.doc |
1-27
Purdue OWL
Dialogue and quotation marks
Works Cited basics
Homework
Finish Works Cited project, if not done in class.
1st draft of Narrative Essay - 3-5 pages of a true story that happened to you. Should focus on one or two events, not your life story. Should tie in at least loosely to something we've watched or read for this class (including the ones assigned this week). For example, your thesis might be: "The time in my life when I was stuck in the hospital for two weeks reminds me of what Malcolm X must have felt like when he was in jail." Or "My problems trying to communicate with my boss at my last job was like Amy Tan's mother's troubles communicating in America." Times New Roman, 12 pt. double space. Need to have the story/video it's tied in to on a works cited page. Share one with Mr. B. via GoogleDocs. We'll also want two printed copies to share for peer review in class. Include a works cited page with an entry for whichever story or video your essay relates to.
Purdue OWL
Dialogue and quotation marks
Works Cited basics
Homework
Finish Works Cited project, if not done in class.
1st draft of Narrative Essay - 3-5 pages of a true story that happened to you. Should focus on one or two events, not your life story. Should tie in at least loosely to something we've watched or read for this class (including the ones assigned this week). For example, your thesis might be: "The time in my life when I was stuck in the hospital for two weeks reminds me of what Malcolm X must have felt like when he was in jail." Or "My problems trying to communicate with my boss at my last job was like Amy Tan's mother's troubles communicating in America." Times New Roman, 12 pt. double space. Need to have the story/video it's tied in to on a works cited page. Share one with Mr. B. via GoogleDocs. We'll also want two printed copies to share for peer review in class. Include a works cited page with an entry for whichever story or video your essay relates to.
1-25
Indiana Jones Idol & Boulder Scene
Discuss Show/Don't Tell, Illustration and 5 Senses - (added notes to Class Notes folder in Resources)
Finish Narrative 4 video
Homework for 1-27
Do a journal on the Narrative 4 video & send to Mr. B.
We'll go over specifics on Wed., but plan for the first 100 pt. essay to be due on 2-1. This will be a narrative essay - a true story from your life - loosely related to anything we've read, watched or listened to so far.
Indiana Jones Idol & Boulder Scene
Discuss Show/Don't Tell, Illustration and 5 Senses - (added notes to Class Notes folder in Resources)
Finish Narrative 4 video
Homework for 1-27
Do a journal on the Narrative 4 video & send to Mr. B.
We'll go over specifics on Wed., but plan for the first 100 pt. essay to be due on 2-1. This will be a narrative essay - a true story from your life - loosely related to anything we've read, watched or listened to so far.
1-20
Discuss readings
Discuss what stories do, why we tell them, etc.
Introduce Narrative 4 video
Watch whatever we can of Narrative 4 video
Homework for 1-25
Do a journal on what we watched of Narrative 4
Read "Literacy behind Bars" by Malcolm X and do a journal
Extension to midnight tonight on 1-13 journals
There were some problems with links in the 1-13 post. We'll give you an extension to midnight tonight on them.
Here are the repaired links:
Amy Purdy video
Discuss readings
Discuss what stories do, why we tell them, etc.
Introduce Narrative 4 video
Watch whatever we can of Narrative 4 video
Homework for 1-25
Do a journal on what we watched of Narrative 4
Read "Literacy behind Bars" by Malcolm X and do a journal
Extension to midnight tonight on 1-13 journals
There were some problems with links in the 1-13 post. We'll give you an extension to midnight tonight on them.
Here are the repaired links:
Amy Purdy video
move_over_meerkat_manor.docx |
1-13
Story Time
1st Narrative Essay
Watch Amy Purdy video
Discuss journal-style writings
Homework due 1-20
Read Move Over Meerkat Manor by Paul Tolme
Read Blah, Blah, Blah by Seth Godin
Do 200-word journal entries on Tan, Tolme & Purdy. Do a 200-word journal on your choice of Hyatt, Zenhom or Godin (pick only 1). Share four entries via GoogleDocs. Please share a separate document for each journal, and name it Tan Journal or Purdy Journal, etc.
Story Time
1st Narrative Essay
Watch Amy Purdy video
Discuss journal-style writings
Homework due 1-20
Read Move Over Meerkat Manor by Paul Tolme
Read Blah, Blah, Blah by Seth Godin
Do 200-word journal entries on Tan, Tolme & Purdy. Do a 200-word journal on your choice of Hyatt, Zenhom or Godin (pick only 1). Share four entries via GoogleDocs. Please share a separate document for each journal, and name it Tan Journal or Purdy Journal, etc.
1-11
Why are you here?
Why is Mr. B. here?
Video: Student discusses failing grade with teacher
Intro to GoogleDocs
Overview of assignments for 1-13
Homework due 1-13
Reading/Listening - Be prepared to write about and discuss
* Read "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan. at http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/guorui/2008/02/06/mother-tongue-by-amy-tan/
* Read pages 1-12 of this pdf: "The 7 Benefits of Keeping a Journal" by Michael Hyatt (This is a transcript of a podcast - if you'd rather, you can listen to it at http://michaelhyatt.com/039-the-7-benefits-of-keeping-a-journal-podcast.html)
* Listen to "Four Steps to Becoming a Well-Read Entrepreneur" by Omar Zenhom ($100 MBA).
Writing
Diagnostic Essay - 1 and a quarter to 2 pages explaining your current relationship to reading and writing. Also, explain why you believe you have this relationship and how you see your relationship to reading and writing progressing in the future. Submit via GoogleDocs with "Diagnostic Essay" in subject line. Try to use proper MLA format - typed and double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12 pt. font. An example of proper MLA heading - don't forget page number heading - is below the syllabus.
Other
Prepare an oral "story time" story. This should be a true story about yourself that you will share orally with other students. Your story should be vivid enough that another student can then tell your story to the class. .
Why are you here?
Why is Mr. B. here?
Video: Student discusses failing grade with teacher
Intro to GoogleDocs
Overview of assignments for 1-13
Homework due 1-13
Reading/Listening - Be prepared to write about and discuss
* Read "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan. at http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/guorui/2008/02/06/mother-tongue-by-amy-tan/
* Read pages 1-12 of this pdf: "The 7 Benefits of Keeping a Journal" by Michael Hyatt (This is a transcript of a podcast - if you'd rather, you can listen to it at http://michaelhyatt.com/039-the-7-benefits-of-keeping-a-journal-podcast.html)
* Listen to "Four Steps to Becoming a Well-Read Entrepreneur" by Omar Zenhom ($100 MBA).
Writing
Diagnostic Essay - 1 and a quarter to 2 pages explaining your current relationship to reading and writing. Also, explain why you believe you have this relationship and how you see your relationship to reading and writing progressing in the future. Submit via GoogleDocs with "Diagnostic Essay" in subject line. Try to use proper MLA format - typed and double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12 pt. font. An example of proper MLA heading - don't forget page number heading - is below the syllabus.
Other
Prepare an oral "story time" story. This should be a true story about yourself that you will share orally with other students. Your story should be vivid enough that another student can then tell your story to the class. .
syllabus_english_121-davidbainbridge.docx |
MLA HEADING - Link to an example of proper MLA heading. Notice that everything starts right at the top of the page. No extra white space or returns between heading, title and body.
Google Doc Directions
To Access and Upload to Your GoogleDrive
Sign into your gmail account. Click on the nine squares in the upper right corner. Select "Drive." To upload something, select New, then select File Upload.
To Start a New GoogleDocs File
In Drive, select New. Select GoogleDoc. This should open a new, blank document which automatically saves and updates to Drive every few seconds as you type.
To Share an Item in GoogleDrive
On the Drive page, point to and right click on an item. Click Share. Type in email - in our case, [email protected]
This can also be done from the File heading in an open document.
To Convert from Word (or Other)
Point to Document and right-click. Choose Open With. Choose GoogleDocs. Drive should automatically save GoogleDoc version alongside old version. Same can be done from open file.
To Access and Upload to Your GoogleDrive
Sign into your gmail account. Click on the nine squares in the upper right corner. Select "Drive." To upload something, select New, then select File Upload.
To Start a New GoogleDocs File
In Drive, select New. Select GoogleDoc. This should open a new, blank document which automatically saves and updates to Drive every few seconds as you type.
To Share an Item in GoogleDrive
On the Drive page, point to and right click on an item. Click Share. Type in email - in our case, [email protected]
This can also be done from the File heading in an open document.
To Convert from Word (or Other)
Point to Document and right-click. Choose Open With. Choose GoogleDocs. Drive should automatically save GoogleDoc version alongside old version. Same can be done from open file.