Despite not spending the time today in class on transitions, readers do expect writers to integrate good transitions in their work, so DO NOT DISMISS. We will come back to subject, but get a head start on using these devices to improve your writing!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Transitional Devices
One of the writing tips we will go over briefly in class today is transitions. From sentence to sentence, the coherency of your points is maximized by good transitions. The Purdue OWL website has some great points that you SHOULD come back to, especially since today we are not spending as much time on transitions.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Edit of Visual Source Watched
Those in class know this, but for those who missed Tuesday, we watched Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, "Paris," yesterday due to Internet issues.
If you do not have a worksheet, I would e-mail me or ask a student that came to class.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Summarizing Visual Media
Today in class, if all goes according to plan, we will be watching an episode of a show called Taboo to practice objective Active Reading of visual media sources. In doing this activity, I have chosen a visual source that may test your ability to be objective. The purpose for choosing a less benign piece on culture is so that we can practice pushing beyond our own biases (our own prejudices and opinions) to be able to focus on what points the source is trying to make.
The specific episode we will be watching is called "Body Extremes." You are expected to take notes on the handout, and we will use these notes to practice summary and summary techniques next class.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Summary
* Reading &Writing Strategies for Summarizing
Include in All Summaries you do:
1. Thesis of a Summary – writer’s main purpose of writing, and their stance on subject
2. Sub-ordinate points – points that are addressed in regards to writer’s thesis
3. Relevant Content – for thesis and each sub-ordinate point, what is the main example used as support?
Critical Reading Exercise:
1. Actively Read the following article: “Spinning Songs from Movies”
- Pay attention to everything, including title! Highlight the thesis…
- Underline 2-3 of the strongest sentences that clarify understanding of article for a reader.
- Note in margin when author transitions to a “new” point (keys: 1. Look at each start & ending of each paragraph. 2. Pay attention to verbs (and other language) that indicates shift in way of looking at subject (transitional phrases like “however, but, also…)
2. Now, create a brief Summary Outline
- First, what is the thesis of the article read? Clarify the author, title of piece, and their thesis in your own summary thesis statement:
o Use verb phrases that clarify type of writing author uses, as well as what they’re specific purpose is in the piece…
o Example: Barbara Graham attempts to persuade readers in “The Future of Love” that marrying for love is outdated and illogical. (see how this summary thesis claims what the source’s thesis is, using a verb that indicates type of writing of BG)
- Second, what are the main “stages of thought” of the article? What are the 2-3 main points that author outwardly claims, or implies, in writing on their chosen subject?
o Make 2-3 topic sentences that all CLAIM what a large part of the essay is about.
o Order these 2-3 topic sentences one of two ways: most important to least, OR chronologically as author went through them.
3. After the Outline of Topic sentences: Support-specific language
- For each topic sentence, put one supporting example from the original source
o One representative example of those used by author to make point
o One quality quotation from source that supports your claim
o State how the author used that example, and why à provide your rationale for what you see the author doing
§ Start sentences with original author’s name, and use a verb that clarifies how they used the support…
§ Example: “Graham enhances her argument by quoting professional psychologists such as…” OR “Graham includes discussion of biochemical issues in physical attraction, citing…”
Periodicals
- These are journals, magazines and newspapers that come out…periodically!
- Periodicals are good starter places for seeing what topics are relevant in today’s world
- Big city periodicals often focus on larger cultural, national trends (opposed to local news)
- Also, academic disciplines may have their own journals for you to research within: Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Music, Literature, Biology, Popular Culture(!), Urban Culture, etc.
Cultural Inquiry Research Essay
- What is a cultural behavior or belief that can help you better understand a culture? You can inquire into any culture (ethnic, religious, counter-culture, etc.) with permission!
- For our time, mostly secondary inquiry, but you may do primary research (interviews, surveys, etc.)
- Your own interest in topic will guide your inquiry, and determine strength of doing project
- Don’t do standard blaaaaaaah topics à be inspired with your topics!
__________________________________________
Homework for next two class meetings:
Thursday, by e-mail [cankney (at) colum (dot) edu ]: ***Class is not meeting in the class, do outside research and send**
1. Relevant publishing info of an article on a cultural issue that interests you; one you found and read from one of the following on-line periodicals: The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, The Boston Review (some of these are linked through the blog).
2. One solid paragraph that explains your interest in the topic addressed in the article, and two to three questions about the topic that the article inspires you to want to research further.
Tuesday, 4/20: Bring in the actual article from Thursday’s homework. Have read Chapter 2. We will start off the day practicing summary of these articles, and then share them.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
In-class Essay
Diagnostic Essay (30 minutes || 5 points): Answer the following prompt in essay form. Take all of the time allotted, and make sure your ideas are well-organized, clear language, and be creative and engaging (if you can!):
What is one “thing” about American society that you just don’t understand as well as you’d like? Who, within larger society are you referring to? Why does this particular “thing” interest you? What kinds of questions would you ask people to figure out this “thing” better?
- “Thing” can include:
o A specific general belief (doesn’t have to be spiritual; could refer to any kind of belief)
o A certain way of dress
o A certain cultural rule
o A contradiction you see in America
o A behavior
o A fascination that America seems to have
o ???
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)