Reflection #2, DUE Weds. Dec. 5

In preparation for your Reflection Exam Essay, please write about your progress in the following categories: Conventions and The Research Process.  You do not need to answer all of these questions.  These are prompts to get you thinking about what you might write for each category.  You should, however, write in complete sentence and write at least 3-4 well-developed paragraphs in total.  This blog is due on Weds. Dec. 5 when we return to class.

Category 3:  Conventions (MLA formatting and documentation, grammar, spelling, sentence variety, paragraphing, punctuation, etc.)

1.     What did you learn about your ability as a writer to create clear, coherent, and grammatically correct writing?

2.     Where did you struggle to be coherent in your writing?  Find an example from one of your papers.  How did you work through this?  Quote a place where you identified error and understood how to revise/correct it. 

3.     What are your grammar weaknesses?  How did you learn to identify them and work through them?  Which ones do you continue to struggle with the most?  How will you continue to identify and address these grammatical issues in the future?

4.     What did you learn about how to properly format a paper?  Which tools did you use to help with this?

5.      What did you learn about how to properly document your sources?  (introducing, discussing, and citing quotes or summarized information).  Use one of your papers as an example. 

6.     Why is it important to gain proficiency in this area?  How will you continue to use these skills in the future?

Category 4:  The Research Process


1.  What have you learned about Information Literacy? (finding scholarly research, weighing the credibility of your sources, etc. )
2.  Describe your own research process?  What steps did you take toward constructing your final research paper?
3.  How did you evaluate the quality of your sources and weigh their worth/merit?
4.  What was difficult about writing a paper like this?
5.  What research skills were you particularly strong in, and which will you continue to work on in the future?
6.  How do social interactions:  conferencing, tutoring, and peer reviews, etc. continue to inform your own writing process?

Peer Review Assignment

Winter is here (well at least for now). Ugh.

 

As noted in my email, here is the link to your Peer Review Assignment. 
You are only required to peer review ONE of your peer's papers. 

These peer reviews must be completed on a physical copy of your paper during an "in-person" exchange that you arrange together
OR
virtually, through an exchange of papers and typed feedback through email. 

I WILL REQUIRE that you show me EVIDENCE that you have completed the peer review. 
I WILL ASK FOR THIS DURING OUR CONFERENCE.  (Sorry to shout; I just want to make sure you all understand :)

If you have questions please let me know.

In addition, please sign up for an individual conference time.  Click on the link here, in your email, or in the blog below this one.  No excuses.

Be safe all.  See you for our conferences.

Research Paper Conference Sign-Up Sheet

Research Paper Conference Sign-Up Sheet

Please sign up for a conference slot.  Let me know ASAP if none of these times will work for you. 

Introduction Strategies: Writing Support

How do I start my paper?  This seemingly simple task plagues most of us as writers.

Here are few suggestions for how to conquer the introduction beast.

Writing Introductions:  One Topic, 3 Ways

Starting the Annotated Bib

Today, open up a new Word Doc or Google Doc. 
We are going to start your Annotated Bibliography. 

Center:  Annotated Bibliography at the top of our document.  This is your title.

As you read and research today.  Begin adding your citations to this document.  For homework and as time allows in class, read carefully through your sources and begin structuring your annotations beneath their citation.  You must have 5 citations for this assignment.  2 must be scholarly journals. 

To find scholarly journals go to the University website and click on Databases A-Z.  The most commonly used search database is EBSCOhost. Enter your search terms and click "Full text" and "Scholarly Journal."  If you don't immediately see what you want.  Try again.  If you're hitting a wall, then speak with a reference librarian; they are EXPERTS at finding source information, and they can teach you how to use search terms that will yield the results you're looking for. 

It's time to read and get started on your research. 

Meet in the Campus Library (come sign in with me just past Starbucks) on Weds. Nov. 7.

Works Cited Support

How do I cite a Youtube video, a Tweet, a book chapter, a TED talk, a podcast, a scholarly journal, a newspaper article, a personal interview, etc???  Let's figure it out!

Below are resources you might find helpful in constructing a properly formatted MLA Works Cited page:

Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue has excellent resources available:
PURDUE OWL SUPPORT

Also useful in today's tech world:
HOW TO CITE SOCIAL MEDIA

Please reference this MODEL as well as you are constructing your Works Cited page for this paper:
SAMPLE WORKS CITED PAGE

Here is a sample paper that will show you how to set up your margins, headings, page numbers and how to use parenthetical citations.
FULL MLA PAPER

Use the links above to figure out how to properly cite and organize this information into your Works Cited.

If all else fails, Google is a great resource for figuring out how to cite unusual sources.  For example:  "How do I cite a TED Talk in MLA" will probably yield you the information you need.

Issue Exploration: Homework due Mon. Nov. 5

Open a new page in your blog.  You can title it:  "Issue Exploration"

1.  Spend 10 minutes listing out some of the issues that matter to you.  See if you can come up with a list of at least 5-10 issues. If you're stuck, the Research Paper assignment sheet has a link to many current issues, topics, and questions.

2.  Once you've created your list, look more carefully at the items on your list. What specifically do you want to say about this issue?  What do you want others to believe about this issue? What problems does this issue pose? What solutions might you offer?

3.  Go back and add secondary ideas, examples, or observations to at least 3 of your issues.

4.  Browse the internet for news articles, images, videos, or other commentary on your issue.  Create links to this media inside of your blog.

5.  Finally, as you look over your issues, begin to write a paragraph (very rough, just getting some ideas out here) about what you care about.  What do you care about?  What matters to you?  What should others care about?  Why?  What needs to happen?  How can you make that happen?

Advocacy Research Paper and Annotated Bibliography

Please bookmark:

Advocacy Research Paper
Annotated Bibliography

Paper Cycle #4 Schedule

Please bookmark the fourth and final paper cycle schedule

Paper Cycle #4 Schedule

Writing Cycle #4, Assignment for Fri. Nov. 2

We are entering our fourth and final writing cycle.  For this paper cycle, we will be reading, viewing and researching social issues in contemporary society and writing an Advocacy Research Paper. As we move forward, you'll need to consider which issues are important to you.  You will present your issues in a problem/solution style paper, where you will educate your readers about your issue and advocate for meaningful action or change. 

This paper cycle will also include lessons on finding scholarly resources through library databases, writing an annotated bibliography, and evaluating the integrity and potential bias of your research sources.

In preparation for our discussion on Friday Nov. 2, please view the following documentary:

Bowling for Columbine by Michael Moore

As you view the documentary, open up a page in your blog, title it, "Bowling for Columbine," and respond to the following:

What are the issues (problems) addressed in this documentary?
This documentary was published in 2002 in response to the tragedy in Columbine.  In what way, however, do the issues and questions presented by the video continue to have meaning and relevance for us today?
What dynamic examples does Moore use in his video to persuade his viewers?
What potential biases may the filmmaker have?
Which statements, examples, or ideas challenged you or persuaded you?  Why?  How?
What solutions are offered by the film?
What action should viewers take in response to this film?

We will discuss this documentary and your responses to it in class on Friday.

Midterm Reflection DUE Fri. Nov. 2

Your first assignment during this conference cycle is to reflect on and write about your progress (so far) as a writer.  The writing you do in this blog can be used directly in your final exam, which is a Reflection Essay.

Please respond to the following reflection categories in your blog.  Reflect on your progress.  Be honest.  What are you learning, and what do you still need to work on?  What are your strengths and how have you begun to identify and address your personal weaknesses?  Please write 3-4 well developed paragraphs where you address some or all of these questions.  

Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing

1.     How are you working toward meeting the goals you made for yourself as an active reader and critical thinker this semester?

2. How do your blogs (so far) demonstrate your ability to think critically and meaningfully about controversial issues or ideas?

3. How do your blogs (or other course work) show your ability to read actively?

4.     In what ways have you stretched your ability as a writer so far?

5.     Review the guidelines for participation in the course syllabus.  What grade would you give yourself so far and why?

The Writing Process

1.     In what way did working through the writing process (brainstorming, drafting, peer review, tutoring, conferencing, and revising) improve your abilities as a writer?

2.     What did you learn about yourself and your writing through this process?

3.     Can you walk your reader through your experience with the writing process using a specific paper you wrote for this course?

4.     What evidence can you provide to demonstrate your ability to move effectively through the writing process?  (Be sure to quote yourself!)

5.     In what way did you find writing to be a process that allowed you to invent, re-think, and revise your work?

6.     How is writing a social and collaborative process? (think peer reviews and peer comments, conferences with your professor, and tutoring)

7.     What did you learn about yourself as a writer while you worked through this writing process?

Conference Cycle Reminders

We are entering the second conference cycle.  Please be reminded that you are responsible for the following between Weds. Oct. 24 and Fri. Nov. 2:

• Conference with Dr. Mortimore-Smith to discuss your paper and your grade.
• Remember that I will also be evaluating your blogs at this time.
• Meet with a tutor in DHC 002 or in Mowry.  (You may do this before or after you meet with Dr. Mortimore-Smith) Make sure you obtain evidence of your meeting.  
• Complete Reflection #1 in your blog (I will post this prompt shortly)
• Complete the Blog Assignment before class on Nov. 2 (prompt TBA)
• Optionally revise your paper (Revisions due on Nov. 2).

Conference Sign Up: Pop Culture Criticism Paper

Please sign up for your required conference below:

Pop Culture Criticism Paper Conference

Getting Started

To help you jumpstart your drafting today, complete the following, brief outline in your blog:

Open up a new page in your blog and title it:  Getting Started

What is your artifact?  (You must be specific, you can't simply say "fashion magazines."  You should choose something instead like, Cosmopolitan).

What do you want to say about it?  (This becomes your "thesis" or your purpose for writing; you should place this statement at the end of your introduction).  

Cosmopolitan magazine perpetuates the myth that all a woman needs is pouty lips, sultry eyeshadow, killer heels, and "six tips for more satisfying sex" in order to be truly fulfilled.

How would you describe the artifact?  (Look really closely at your artifact.  Here is where you write your description. Tell your reader what it looks like, sounds like, feels like, etc.   You might also have to give some background information.  Maybe your reader doesn't know what Cosmopolitan is.  Or they've never seen your TV show, your movie, or listened to the artist you're analyzing.  What should they know?

Who is helping you say what you want to say?  (Place your quotes in your outline.  Don't forget to include a parenthetical citation.  You can also work on creating your Works Cited for these quotes today).  Your Works Cited should also include a reference to a video, song, etc. that demonstrates what your artifact is.

How do I get this thing started? 
I'd recommend opening with your background information.  You could also start by creating a scene or scenario for your reader to follow.

Background:  It wasn't until 1965 that Cosmopolitan became a fashion magazine, exclusively targeting women.  Before that it was a family magazine and even a literary magazine.  Its first cover shows a.....(etc.)  If you use background information, you'll need to include the sources where you found this information.

Scenario: 
A gallon of milk. That's all I really wanted. Not a "dress that makes my hips look sexy" or a "haircut that would make heads turn." I certainly wasn't looking for "6 Tips to the hottest sex you've ever had," but the gauntlet of fashion magazine models staring me down in the checkout lane begged to differ.  Maybe I could spend a little more time at the gym, I thought, glancing at the perfect hips and criminally long legs of the women on each cover. Maybe I'm not that pretty, I thought, as I hastily tried to smooth out my wrinkled dress and ran my hand through  my tangled mess of hair...etc.

After your introduction and your statement, you'll need to organize the main points that you want your reader to see regarding your artifact.  What examples do you have?  Perhaps a set of images or two scenes from the show you're analyzing.  Maybe you write about lyrics from a few songs by the same artist or analyze 2-3 music videos.  What are you working with and what do you need your readers to see in order to prove your point?

Feel free to get started on your own in any way that makes sense to you. Your complete rough draft (at least 3 pages typed, double-spaced AND a Works Cited page) is DUE On MONDAY for Peer Review (25 points).  Please print TWO Copies and bring them to class with you on Monday. 

Introduce, Cite, & Explain: Using Quotes in your Writing

Today's lesson is primarily focused on how to properly embed outside sources into the body of your own writing. How do we move seamlessly between what "They Say" (outside sources) and what "We Say" (our own observations, opinions, and analysis)?

Please bring up the Critic Quote Sheet & Quote Support google doc for our lesson today.

You can either open up a new page in your blog to do writing, or just write out your responses on paper.  Once we've completed the lesson, you can review the correct answers and writing models in the quote sheet. It should serve as a reference for you as you work through your Pop Cultural Criticism Paper.

Please additionally bookmark or print out the documents linked below: 

They Say, I Say Writing Templates 

Purdue OWL Citation Resource

They Say, I Say Homework for Fall Break

In order to prepare and to write an effective opinion/argumentative paper, it's useful to understand the moves that professional writers make so that you can model your own writing in the same way.

They Say, I Say by Graff, Birkenstein, and Durst, attempts to introduce new college writers to these moves through the use of several "user-friendly" templates.

The foundational argument of the book is that, "the underlying  structure of effective academic writing--and of responsible public discourse--resides not just in stating our own ideas but in listening closely to others around us, summarizing their views in a way that they will recognize, and responding with our own ideas in kind"  (3).

The authors believe that "academic writing, is argumentative writing" and that to "argue well you need to do more than assert your own position" (3)

Effective writers know how to enter the conversation with others.  Accordingly, the "single most important template" that can be used is one of:

"they say_______________________; I say_____________________________"

This is a skill we will practice with the quotes you selected from the reading last week.

BEFORE Weds. Oct. 17 (after Fall break), you must read the included chapters from They Say, I Say.  (follow the page numbers) and ANSWER the questions below in a new blog.  Pay particular attention to the templates that are used to organize academic arguments.  Feel free to borrow from these templates to organize your own arguments.  You are responsible for reading, understanding, and responding to this information. We will discuss how to apply this information into your own writing in our next class.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS FROM THE READING IN YOUR BLOG:

Page numbers correspond with the numbers printed on the text itself, you'll need to scroll through the document to find the pages referenced.

1.  The Introduction is titled, "Entering the Conversation"--what does this title reveal about your role as a research/argumentative writer?

2.  Explain the "They Say, I Say" model (p. 3).  According to the authors, what is the "one underlying feature" that all good academic writing has?" (p. 3).

3.  Look at the templates under "Ways of Responding" (p. 8-9).  What is the purpose of these templates.  What do they show you as a writer?  Why should you consider using them?

4.  In Chapter One, "They Say," what important point does the story of Dr. X illustrate?  (p. 17-18).

5.  Review the templates for articulating what "They Say" in your papers.  (p. 20-25).  Write down 3-5 templates that you might like to try out in your QDW paper.

6.  In Chapter Four, "Yes, No, OK But," what do the authors write is the most common and recognizable ways of responding to a text/author/idea? (p. 51)

7.  According to the authors, what is a good tactic for beginning your response? (p. 52)

8. Finally, turn to the assignment sheet for the Pop Culture Criticism Paper.  At the very bottom, attempt to fill in the blank template there.  What will you be writing about? 

Critique #4: Video Games or Music

 Please complete this blog before class on Friday Oct. 12th

Choose two quotes from the quote sheet along with your own opinion to discuss ONE of the following:  (You have a choice about which media to discuss in this blog)

Quote Sheet

Choice 1:  View and respond to Anita Sarkeesian's video critique:  Tropes Vs. Women

 Sarkeesian is famous (notorious, depending on your point of view) for her criticism of video game and video game culture. A quick google search of Sarkeesian will undoubtedly reap hundreds of supporters and critics of her cause. If you're interested in video games or video game culture, you may be interested in Sarkeesian's point of view here.  If you choose this option, watch the video, then select a video game of your own to critique, drawing from at least TWO of the quotes on the quote sheet.  What are your thoughts on Sarkeesian's critique?  What examples (positive or negative) do you see in the game industry today?  How are you connecting the quotes (quote sheet) to your own criticism of this media?

Choice 2:  Music

I don't have a video in mind for this one, though I'm sure there are many.  If you make this selection, choose a specific artist and/or song to critique as a cultural critic.  Link or add your song as a video within your blog.  Use TWO quotes from the quote sheet to help support or explain your critique.  What are your thoughts on this artist and his/her messages?  What do you see/hear in his/her music?  Why should we think critically about these representations and messages? 

Post this blog prior to our class on Friday and be prepared to discuss your example. 

Critique #3: bell hooks on Cultural Criticism

ONLINE LESSON:  Please complete this lesson prior to class on Weds. Oct. 10th.

Create a new blog and title it:  Critique #3: bell hooks

Watch these two videos by bell hooks, a cultural critic:

 As you watch, pay particular attention (in the second video) to what hooks means when she discusses Motivated Representations in the media.  What are "motivated representations?"  While hooks' examples are dated (by your standards), what connections can you make to the media that you've seen or "consumed" most recently?  Where do you see motivated representations?  How does hooks' discussion of "motivated representations" connect to Kilbourne's ideas that all images are "constructed," not real? 

In her video hooks says: 
"Part of the power of Cultural Criticism is to say that there really is a conscious manipulation of representations. Media is not about magical thinking, it's not about pure imagination or creativity, it's about people consciously knowing what kinds of images will create a certain impact [on viewers]."

Similarly, in the video you watched on masculinity in Disney movies, Dr. Justin Lewis, professor of Journalism, is quoted saying:

"[The Media] is about creating a certain environment of images that we grow up in and become used to. After awhile, these images begin to [slowly and cumulatively] shape what we know and what we understand about the world."

In your blog, Critique #3: bell hooks, write about what these quotes mean.  What is your understanding of motivated representations, and more importantly, where do you see them? What is hooks trying to say?  For your third critique, choose any MOVIE, and discuss any representations you see there. How is the representation "motivated" and in what way is the image "constructed"?  Link clips to this movie in your blog. 

Finally, view the blogs of at least three of your peers, and leave comments and feedback in these blogs.

This blog is due before class on Weds. Oct. 10

Counterculture Critiques

10 Responses to the Phrase "Man Up," by Kyle Guante

What does Guante's poem say about masculinity in today's society?
What is his message?
In what way does he critique popular messages about masculinity?
How does the message of his poem create a conversation with Dr. Kilbourne's ideas in her video lecture?

Adbusters (A Counterculture critique)
Does seeing these advertisements through a new lens change your perspective or create any meaningful pause for you as a "consumer"? Why/why not?
What is Lasn's message?

Critic Quote Sheet

For your 7-minute stretch today, respond to any of the ideas, images, and/or quotes we encountered. What is the significance?  Why should be pay close attention?

Critique #2: Kid Stuff

What did the cartoons you watched as kids teach you? Take a look at these two critiques for discussion on Monday:  

Not unsurprisingly, Disney has seen its fair share of criticism related to the images and messages it creates for the children who consume their media. Here's one somewhat off-beat critique, looking at masculinity in popular Disney movies (as opposed to the more common critique of submissive female characters in Disney movies). Pay attention not only to the ideas in the video, but to the way the writer reveals them in the video. The argument in the video is a good model for how you might approach and state your own arguments in the Pop Culture Criticism Paper.  

Sexism, Strength and Dominance:  Masculinity in Disney Films

In addition, our discussion on children's media will take a brief turn back to W. Kamau Bell's work.  He too writes about Disney in his article, "She's the Boss."  Read this article, view the video above, and respond to the following in writing in your blog in preparation for Monday's discussion.   

In a new blog titled, Critique #2: Kid Stuff, respond to the following:

What are the ideas you encountered in each text (above)?  Do you agree/disagree?  Why?

In what way do both writers critique Disney (one negatively, one positively).  

What are the broader messages of this media? (What does Gaston teach kids, vs. Doc McStuffins)?

Finally, include a video clip from a cartoon you watched and loved as a child. Look more closely and write about some of the messages (related to gender roles, societal norms, behavior, family values, race and diversity, etc.) that you see in this cartoon. 

Be prepared to share your ideas and your examples with your peers. This blog should be posted before class on Monday, Oct. 8.