Advocacy Research Paper and Annotated Bibliography

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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.