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
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Friday, October 12, 2018
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?
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?
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
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.
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.
Monday, October 8, 2018
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
Create a new blog and title it: Critique #3: bell hooks
Watch these two videos by bell hooks, a cultural critic:
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
Friday, October 5, 2018
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?
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.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Paper Cycle #3: Pop Culture Criticism
Please bookmark Paper Cycle #3 Schedule on your own computer.
When we hear the term popular culture, what do we think of and why? What is your popular culture?
Today's assignment is to watch (finish watching) a video lecture about the way advertising distorts our perception of women. Jean Kilbourne is a scholar who has spent her life examining advertising and thinking thoughtfully about its messages. Her Killing Us Softly video series criticizes (or closely examines and critiques) the way women are represented in advertising.
As you watch the video, take notes on the content. For homework, identify and write out 3-5 specific examples and/or quotes from the video that sparked your interest or rattled some thought. Write a well-developed blog about your responses to the video (equivalent to 1-2 pages typed, double-spaced). Title this blog: Pop Culture Critique #1: Kilbourne. What is Kilbourne's message? In what way does she critique the culture of advertising? Do you agree with Kilbourne's message? Is this a message we should pay attention to? How does this media or popular culture affect our personal culture?
In addition, do some of your own investigating. Becoming a critic of popular culture means paying close attention to the media that we see and hear each day. Spend the next few days paying close attention to advertisements. What do you see? Find a print or video advertisement and post it in your blog. Add your own written critique of this ad.
We will discuss this blog and your connection in class on Friday.
When we hear the term popular culture, what do we think of and why? What is your popular culture?
In the next few weeks we will be studying popular culture and the media. We will ask hard questions of this media and we will view it through a critical, analytical lens. In doing so, we will attempt to discover (un-mask) the messages behind this media while considering the implications of these messages on us as a culture. It will be your job to look closely and think critically about this media. You will select a specific pop culture text to critique in your next paper. Begin considering what that text might be.
Today's assignment is to watch (finish watching) a video lecture about the way advertising distorts our perception of women. Jean Kilbourne is a scholar who has spent her life examining advertising and thinking thoughtfully about its messages. Her Killing Us Softly video series criticizes (or closely examines and critiques) the way women are represented in advertising.
As you watch the video, take notes on the content. For homework, identify and write out 3-5 specific examples and/or quotes from the video that sparked your interest or rattled some thought. Write a well-developed blog about your responses to the video (equivalent to 1-2 pages typed, double-spaced). Title this blog: Pop Culture Critique #1: Kilbourne. What is Kilbourne's message? In what way does she critique the culture of advertising? Do you agree with Kilbourne's message? Is this a message we should pay attention to? How does this media or popular culture affect our personal culture?
In addition, do some of your own investigating. Becoming a critic of popular culture means paying close attention to the media that we see and hear each day. Spend the next few days paying close attention to advertisements. What do you see? Find a print or video advertisement and post it in your blog. Add your own written critique of this ad.
We will discuss this blog and your connection in class on Friday.
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