So, Tell a Little Bit About Yourself...
Sum Up Yourself in Seven Questions:
1. If you could have any magical power for only one hour, what would it be and why?
2. You’ve won a pair of round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the world. Where would you go, with whom, and why?
3. You are stranded in a library or bookstore for 24 hours. In what section do you spend the most time? Why?
4. If you were the star of a reality TV show, what would it be called, why would this be the name of your show, and what would be the focus of the show?
5. What did you listen to on your way to school this morning? Talk radio? Music? Be specific.
6. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
7. On a scale of 1-10, how confident are you with your writing abilities? What aspect of writing do you need to improve the most?
PLEASE POST THE ABOVE QUESTIONS TO YOUR BLOG BY SUNDAY AT NOON . Thanks.
Jan 26, 2010
Library Lab: How to Make a Blogger Account
In addition to the notes from class, utilize the many "How2" YouTube videos that offer helpful information on every aspect of Blogger.
The video posted below is one such example. At the conclusion of the video, related videos will pop up for you to browse through. Enjoy.
Hopefully this information will be enough to get you started. Where you go from here is up to you. HAVE FUN!
In addition to the notes from class, utilize the many "How2" YouTube videos that offer helpful information on every aspect of Blogger.
The video posted below is one such example. At the conclusion of the video, related videos will pop up for you to browse through. Enjoy.
Hopefully this information will be enough to get you started. Where you go from here is up to you. HAVE FUN!
Jan 24, 2010
Semester Project: What Do You Want To Do Before You Die?
The following project is inspired by MTV's new series, The Buried Life. After watching the first episode, I thought "Wow, this would be a great project to do for the Essay class." The subsequent video explains the idea in more detail. Keep reading to find out how YOU will approach this same idea.
Because the project is deemed a "Semester Project", you will have the majority of the semester to both work on/complete the project.
The first step is to make your own list. The dudes of The Buried Life made a list of 100 things to do before they die. All you need to do is make a list of 10 things that you want to do before you die. Check out The Buried Life list of 100 to get an idea of the wide range of possibilities.
You'll notice that the list consists of some really crazy and seemingly impossible goals. The list also has its share of trivial and silly goals. At the same time, the majority of the list consists of goals that are doable, fun, and totally worthwhile to accomplish. So, keep these ideas in mind when you're writing your own list. Please be as original and creative as you can. At the same time, try to think of things that can be accomplished in a relatively short period of time. For example, I think its great if you want to grow up and be a doctor one day but that's not what I'm looking for. Instead, ask yourself, "What would I do if I knew that my last day on earth was next Thursday?" Then start making a list. I want to know how you would live your life to the fullest if the expiration date was right around the corner? Plan to turn in and discuss your list on Friday, February 5th. Nothing needs to be set in stone, but I want you to have something to start thinking about ASAP.
Once you have your working list of 10 things that you want to do before you die, you'll have the tough task of only choosing one (maybe two) on your list to complete before the end of the semester. After you choose one, you'll have to write an essay that explains in detail why this particular item is important to you and how you plan to "cross it off" your list.
Finally, when the deed is done and this item has been officially crossed off, you'll have to follow it up with one last writing assignment that explains how it went, how it felt, and why you're glad to have accomplished it before you're inevitable departure from this world. Along with the paper, you will also need to provide some sort of hard evidence to the class that proves that you've conquered this particular item from your list.
One suggestion for how to document this event is by filming yourself during the process. For example, the item you choose may take a few weeks. Maybe you claim to have helped the homeless by serving food at a soup kitchen. Take some photos or have a friend film you for a few minutes. Another possible way to prove your accomplishment is by presenting a talent or displaying an artifact from your adventure. Let's say you learned a new instrument: Play us a song. Maybe you collected every Beatles album on vinyl: Bring them to class. You have a great deal of freedom here so do whatever works for you. Take your time and put some thought into the project.
Like anything worth doing in life, it might not be easy, but you'll be glad that you did it.
The following project is inspired by MTV's new series, The Buried Life. After watching the first episode, I thought "Wow, this would be a great project to do for the Essay class." The subsequent video explains the idea in more detail. Keep reading to find out how YOU will approach this same idea.
Because the project is deemed a "Semester Project", you will have the majority of the semester to both work on/complete the project.
The first step is to make your own list. The dudes of The Buried Life made a list of 100 things to do before they die. All you need to do is make a list of 10 things that you want to do before you die. Check out The Buried Life list of 100 to get an idea of the wide range of possibilities.
You'll notice that the list consists of some really crazy and seemingly impossible goals. The list also has its share of trivial and silly goals. At the same time, the majority of the list consists of goals that are doable, fun, and totally worthwhile to accomplish. So, keep these ideas in mind when you're writing your own list. Please be as original and creative as you can. At the same time, try to think of things that can be accomplished in a relatively short period of time. For example, I think its great if you want to grow up and be a doctor one day but that's not what I'm looking for. Instead, ask yourself, "What would I do if I knew that my last day on earth was next Thursday?" Then start making a list. I want to know how you would live your life to the fullest if the expiration date was right around the corner? Plan to turn in and discuss your list on Friday, February 5th. Nothing needs to be set in stone, but I want you to have something to start thinking about ASAP.
Once you have your working list of 10 things that you want to do before you die, you'll have the tough task of only choosing one (maybe two) on your list to complete before the end of the semester. After you choose one, you'll have to write an essay that explains in detail why this particular item is important to you and how you plan to "cross it off" your list.
Finally, when the deed is done and this item has been officially crossed off, you'll have to follow it up with one last writing assignment that explains how it went, how it felt, and why you're glad to have accomplished it before you're inevitable departure from this world. Along with the paper, you will also need to provide some sort of hard evidence to the class that proves that you've conquered this particular item from your list.
One suggestion for how to document this event is by filming yourself during the process. For example, the item you choose may take a few weeks. Maybe you claim to have helped the homeless by serving food at a soup kitchen. Take some photos or have a friend film you for a few minutes. Another possible way to prove your accomplishment is by presenting a talent or displaying an artifact from your adventure. Let's say you learned a new instrument: Play us a song. Maybe you collected every Beatles album on vinyl: Bring them to class. You have a great deal of freedom here so do whatever works for you. Take your time and put some thought into the project.
Like anything worth doing in life, it might not be easy, but you'll be glad that you did it.
Jan 19, 2010
Daily Journal Entries: Why We Write Them, and How They'll Be Written
The following is an explanation of why a daily journal is so crucial to Writing the Essay. In addition, the following "blog" also features a step by step tutorial on what students should expect on a daily basis and how each student should approach their daily journal entries. Finally, I will explain the process of transcribing the daily journals to the Blogger web-page.
WHY WRITE EVERY DAY?
First of all, every student should have the goal of becoming a better writer by the end of the semester. Of course, the level of improvement depends upon the individual effort of each student.
One way that I plan to make every student a better writer is through daily writing prompts. Nearly every class will begin with a writing prompt. Obviously, the more each student writes the better he will become at writing.
WHY POST EACH JOURNAL ENTRY TO THE BLOG?
Some students and parents may be wondering why I want each journal entry to be rewritten on a personal blog space. There are a variety of reasons and benefits to this process.
1. The first aspect that attracted me to the utilization of an online journal was the fact that nothing can be misplaced once it is saved to the Blogger web-page. This means that both me and the students will be able to access their work at any time and never have to worry about homework eating dogs or the inevitability of absentmindedness.
2. Another aspect that truly benefits everyone is the idea of personal privacy and security. Almost everyone is insecure about their writing skills. Furthermore, a journal can contain many personal emotions and anecdotes that some students might not feel comfortable sharing. Of course sharing is always welcome, but not always required.
By utilizing Blogger's security settings students can make their online journal as public or personal as they would like. For obvious reasons, the only stipulation is that that I can access the blog at anytime. Still, this should provide some necessary peace of mind to many students.
3. Because the students will initially write each entry in class, they will have the opportunity to fine tune or revise their entries as they rewrite them on their blog. Although it is not a requirement to make revisions, the rewriting process will at least provide further practice.
STEP BY STEP: THE "WHAT" AND THE "HOW" OF WRITING THE ESSAY
STEP 1: Practice and Procedure
Each class day will feature a writing prompt on a particular subject. Regardless of the prompt's subject matter, the writing process will be the same.
The first FIVE to TEN minutes of class will be spent writing about the day's prompt.
Each student is expected to be quiet and respectful to all those around him during this time. In other words, Once a student completes the writing prompt, he must remain quiet until the instructor announces that everyone has finished writing.
STEP 2: Madness Behind the Method
Daily writing prompts are the backbone of the course. The ideas and concepts that arise from these prompts act as the foundation for daily discussion. Consequently, students will develop specific arguments and view points. Subsequent writing assignments throughout the semester will then provide the opportunity for students to elaborate on these very ideas.
Moreover, the daily writing prompts are an opportunity to express personal ideals, interpretations, and interests on a variety of topics. These pieces of writing are the least formal but also the most crucial.
The daily journal entries will never be graded for grammatical and/or spelling errors. However, if a student chooses to not take these seriously, the course will be much more difficult and much less fun.
STEP 3: Quantity of Content
Since most students are concerned with how much writing is required of them, here is a consistent word count to keep in mind throughout the semester: 250-500 words/entry.
To break this down more specifically, each student must write a TWO to THREE paragraph response for each daily writing prompt. This response will total a minimum of approximately 250 words and a maximum of approximately 500 words.
STEP 4: Why We Are Here!
Something that I cannot emphasize enough is the idea of THOUGHTFULNESS! I am speaking about the importance for each student to put as much time and thought into each and every response. The idea is for you to express yourself through writing and to voice your thoughts and opinions to the world in a clear and effective manner. Above all, I want this concept to permeate through each piece of student writing.
STEP 5: The Final Process
On Day Five of each cycle, Writing the Essay does not meet. At the conclusion of each Day Five I will assess the four journal entries that were written over the last few classes. Each entry will be graded based on completion and attentiveness. Basically, I will check to make sure that you have rewritten each entry, placed them on your blog, and verify a sincere effort.
My suggestion would be to rewrite each entry on the same day that you write it in class. Then you won't have to rewrite four entries in one day and use Day Five to relax.
I hope this information is helpful.
The following is an explanation of why a daily journal is so crucial to Writing the Essay. In addition, the following "blog" also features a step by step tutorial on what students should expect on a daily basis and how each student should approach their daily journal entries. Finally, I will explain the process of transcribing the daily journals to the Blogger web-page.
WHY WRITE EVERY DAY?
First of all, every student should have the goal of becoming a better writer by the end of the semester. Of course, the level of improvement depends upon the individual effort of each student.
One way that I plan to make every student a better writer is through daily writing prompts. Nearly every class will begin with a writing prompt. Obviously, the more each student writes the better he will become at writing.
WHY POST EACH JOURNAL ENTRY TO THE BLOG?
Some students and parents may be wondering why I want each journal entry to be rewritten on a personal blog space. There are a variety of reasons and benefits to this process.
1. The first aspect that attracted me to the utilization of an online journal was the fact that nothing can be misplaced once it is saved to the Blogger web-page. This means that both me and the students will be able to access their work at any time and never have to worry about homework eating dogs or the inevitability of absentmindedness.
2. Another aspect that truly benefits everyone is the idea of personal privacy and security. Almost everyone is insecure about their writing skills. Furthermore, a journal can contain many personal emotions and anecdotes that some students might not feel comfortable sharing. Of course sharing is always welcome, but not always required.
By utilizing Blogger's security settings students can make their online journal as public or personal as they would like. For obvious reasons, the only stipulation is that that I can access the blog at anytime. Still, this should provide some necessary peace of mind to many students.
3. Because the students will initially write each entry in class, they will have the opportunity to fine tune or revise their entries as they rewrite them on their blog. Although it is not a requirement to make revisions, the rewriting process will at least provide further practice.
STEP BY STEP: THE "WHAT" AND THE "HOW" OF WRITING THE ESSAY
STEP 1: Practice and Procedure
Each class day will feature a writing prompt on a particular subject. Regardless of the prompt's subject matter, the writing process will be the same.
The first FIVE to TEN minutes of class will be spent writing about the day's prompt.
Each student is expected to be quiet and respectful to all those around him during this time. In other words, Once a student completes the writing prompt, he must remain quiet until the instructor announces that everyone has finished writing.
STEP 2: Madness Behind the Method
Daily writing prompts are the backbone of the course. The ideas and concepts that arise from these prompts act as the foundation for daily discussion. Consequently, students will develop specific arguments and view points. Subsequent writing assignments throughout the semester will then provide the opportunity for students to elaborate on these very ideas.
Moreover, the daily writing prompts are an opportunity to express personal ideals, interpretations, and interests on a variety of topics. These pieces of writing are the least formal but also the most crucial.
The daily journal entries will never be graded for grammatical and/or spelling errors. However, if a student chooses to not take these seriously, the course will be much more difficult and much less fun.
STEP 3: Quantity of Content
Since most students are concerned with how much writing is required of them, here is a consistent word count to keep in mind throughout the semester: 250-500 words/entry.
To break this down more specifically, each student must write a TWO to THREE paragraph response for each daily writing prompt. This response will total a minimum of approximately 250 words and a maximum of approximately 500 words.
STEP 4: Why We Are Here!
Something that I cannot emphasize enough is the idea of THOUGHTFULNESS! I am speaking about the importance for each student to put as much time and thought into each and every response. The idea is for you to express yourself through writing and to voice your thoughts and opinions to the world in a clear and effective manner. Above all, I want this concept to permeate through each piece of student writing.
STEP 5: The Final Process
On Day Five of each cycle, Writing the Essay does not meet. At the conclusion of each Day Five I will assess the four journal entries that were written over the last few classes. Each entry will be graded based on completion and attentiveness. Basically, I will check to make sure that you have rewritten each entry, placed them on your blog, and verify a sincere effort.
My suggestion would be to rewrite each entry on the same day that you write it in class. Then you won't have to rewrite four entries in one day and use Day Five to relax.
I hope this information is helpful.
DAY 1 Journal Entry: MUSIC
Below you will find a YouTube video that features the Incubus song "Idiot Box". Notice that the lyrics can be found under the YouTube video. Please focus on the message that is being conveyed through the lyrics. What is the lead singer hoping to express to the audience? Although this song acts as a social commentary for one very common electronic device (the TV), consider how one could apply these same ideas to the many electronic devices that people utilize and possibly over utilize within our culture today.
Before you write today's persuasive Journal Entry, write a brief EXPOSITORY response that explains your interpretation of the piece. Remember to write with a top down approach and present the conclusion (interpretation) at the beginning of your response. Provide evidence to support this interpretation in the sentences that follow the interpretation.
After we discuss everyone's thoughts on "Idiot Box," write a 250-500 word persuasive Journal Entry based on the class's as well as your own interpretation of the lyrics. Before you begin writing, consider the above questions that I've posed. Then, PERSUADE the reader that electronic devices like the TV and more current devices like the cell phone, iPod, or gaming systems have a positive or negative effect on society today. This Journal Entry may be a continuation from today's expository piece. HAVE FUN!
(please excuse the vulgar language)
Idiot Box, Incubus
You keep your riches and I'll sew my stitches,
you can't make me think like you, mundane.
I've got a message for all those who think that
they can etch his words inside my brain
T.V., what do I need?
Tell me who to believe!
What's the use of autonomy
when a button does it all?
So listen up,
glisten up closely all,
who've seen the f***in eye ache too.
It's time to step away from cable train
And when we finally see the subtle light,
this quirk in evolution will begin
to let us live and recreate
T.V., what do I need?
Tell me who to believe!
Whats the use of autonomy
when a button does it all?
T.V., what should I see?
Tell me who should I be?
Lets do our mom a favor and drop
a new god off a wall.
Let me see past the fatuous knocks.
I've gotta rid myself of this idiot box!
Let you see past the feathers and flocks,
and help me plant a bomb in this idiot box!
From the depths of the sea
to the tops of the trees
to the seat of a lazy boy...
staring at a silver screen!!
Below you will find a YouTube video that features the Incubus song "Idiot Box". Notice that the lyrics can be found under the YouTube video. Please focus on the message that is being conveyed through the lyrics. What is the lead singer hoping to express to the audience? Although this song acts as a social commentary for one very common electronic device (the TV), consider how one could apply these same ideas to the many electronic devices that people utilize and possibly over utilize within our culture today.
Before you write today's persuasive Journal Entry, write a brief EXPOSITORY response that explains your interpretation of the piece. Remember to write with a top down approach and present the conclusion (interpretation) at the beginning of your response. Provide evidence to support this interpretation in the sentences that follow the interpretation.
After we discuss everyone's thoughts on "Idiot Box," write a 250-500 word persuasive Journal Entry based on the class's as well as your own interpretation of the lyrics. Before you begin writing, consider the above questions that I've posed. Then, PERSUADE the reader that electronic devices like the TV and more current devices like the cell phone, iPod, or gaming systems have a positive or negative effect on society today. This Journal Entry may be a continuation from today's expository piece. HAVE FUN!
(please excuse the vulgar language)
Idiot Box, Incubus
You keep your riches and I'll sew my stitches,
you can't make me think like you, mundane.
I've got a message for all those who think that
they can etch his words inside my brain
T.V., what do I need?
Tell me who to believe!
What's the use of autonomy
when a button does it all?
So listen up,
glisten up closely all,
who've seen the f***in eye ache too.
It's time to step away from cable train
And when we finally see the subtle light,
this quirk in evolution will begin
to let us live and recreate
T.V., what do I need?
Tell me who to believe!
Whats the use of autonomy
when a button does it all?
T.V., what should I see?
Tell me who should I be?
Lets do our mom a favor and drop
a new god off a wall.
Let me see past the fatuous knocks.
I've gotta rid myself of this idiot box!
Let you see past the feathers and flocks,
and help me plant a bomb in this idiot box!
From the depths of the sea
to the tops of the trees
to the seat of a lazy boy...
staring at a silver screen!!
DAY 2 Journal Entry: TODAY IN HISTORY
Below is a video essay outlining the historical significance of February 3rd.
Pick an event that interest you or an event that you believe is the most significant. Then, write a 250-500 word response that outlines THREE positive or negative influences that this event had or may have on a specific group, a certain part of the world, or even society in general. For example, think about the potential significance of the first female astronaut and how this may affect woman’s rights in the future. HAVE FUN!
Below is a video essay outlining the historical significance of February 3rd.
Pick an event that interest you or an event that you believe is the most significant. Then, write a 250-500 word response that outlines THREE positive or negative influences that this event had or may have on a specific group, a certain part of the world, or even society in general. For example, think about the potential significance of the first female astronaut and how this may affect woman’s rights in the future. HAVE FUN!
DAY 3 Journal Entry: SPORTS
Please click the following link if you need to reread the San Quentin Tennis article from ESPN.com. San Quentin Prison Tennis
(IN CLASS)
Now that you've read the article, break it down.
First ask yourself, "What perspectives are presented in Alexa Pozniak's article?" Once you know this, ask yourself, "What perspective from the article do I most closely identify or agree with?" THEN, write a 250-500 word EXPOSITORY Journal Entry that outlines ONE of the perspectives within Pozniak's piece. In other words, discuss the perspective that you agree with the most and provide evidence to justify your thoughts and feelings.
**Make sure that your opening statement is clear and presents the "conclusion" or focus of your Journal Entry (i.e., the top down approach). As always, make connections between your opening statement and key details from the article that will support this statement. HAVE FUN!
(FUTURE ASSIGNMENT)
Keep this prompt in mind because we will come back to it later for a persuasive "Write-like." This subsequent assignment asks you to first choose a perspective from the article that you would like to write from. This assignment will be written as a "Write-like." In other words, you are not just writing a persuasive response but a persuasive response that is from the perspective of either an inmate, the prison tennis instructor, someone that plays tennis with the inmates like Rose Prado, or someone that is morally opposed to inmate rehabilitation through sports.
Finally, while you're writing be sure to touch on the arguments from both sides. Bring up the positives and/or negatives of inmate rehabilitation. Consider the many benefits. Remember what the article says about what can be learned from playing tennis. If you argue in favor of sports, feel free to offer some personal examples about how sports have played a positive role in your life or possibly taught you important life lessons.
No matter what side you argue for, make sure that you provide specific examples that will help you prove your argument and persuade the reader in your direction.
Please click the following link if you need to reread the San Quentin Tennis article from ESPN.com. San Quentin Prison Tennis
(IN CLASS)Now that you've read the article, break it down.
First ask yourself, "What perspectives are presented in Alexa Pozniak's article?" Once you know this, ask yourself, "What perspective from the article do I most closely identify or agree with?" THEN, write a 250-500 word EXPOSITORY Journal Entry that outlines ONE of the perspectives within Pozniak's piece. In other words, discuss the perspective that you agree with the most and provide evidence to justify your thoughts and feelings.
**Make sure that your opening statement is clear and presents the "conclusion" or focus of your Journal Entry (i.e., the top down approach). As always, make connections between your opening statement and key details from the article that will support this statement. HAVE FUN!
(FUTURE ASSIGNMENT)
Keep this prompt in mind because we will come back to it later for a persuasive "Write-like." This subsequent assignment asks you to first choose a perspective from the article that you would like to write from. This assignment will be written as a "Write-like." In other words, you are not just writing a persuasive response but a persuasive response that is from the perspective of either an inmate, the prison tennis instructor, someone that plays tennis with the inmates like Rose Prado, or someone that is morally opposed to inmate rehabilitation through sports.
Finally, while you're writing be sure to touch on the arguments from both sides. Bring up the positives and/or negatives of inmate rehabilitation. Consider the many benefits. Remember what the article says about what can be learned from playing tennis. If you argue in favor of sports, feel free to offer some personal examples about how sports have played a positive role in your life or possibly taught you important life lessons.
No matter what side you argue for, make sure that you provide specific examples that will help you prove your argument and persuade the reader in your direction.
DAY 4 Journal Entry: POLITICS
Torture; one of the most heavily debated issues in the last election. Whether someone is arguing against torture based on ethical reasons or in favor of torture as a way to secure the safety of others, its difficult to exclusively agree with only one side of the debate.
The article from class that discusses the Catholic stance on torture clearly explains why the church does not approve with any type of torture regardless of the circumstances. In class, you were split into two groups, for and against.
In 250-500 words, please write a persuasive response that argues exclusively for one side of this debate. Remember that THREE points or reasons to support you argument. Depending on the position that you're arguing for, consider the ethical or the security issues the surround the "State Sponsored Torture" debate.
Torture; one of the most heavily debated issues in the last election. Whether someone is arguing against torture based on ethical reasons or in favor of torture as a way to secure the safety of others, its difficult to exclusively agree with only one side of the debate.
The article from class that discusses the Catholic stance on torture clearly explains why the church does not approve with any type of torture regardless of the circumstances. In class, you were split into two groups, for and against.
In 250-500 words, please write a persuasive response that argues exclusively for one side of this debate. Remember that THREE points or reasons to support you argument. Depending on the position that you're arguing for, consider the ethical or the security issues the surround the "State Sponsored Torture" debate.
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