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?

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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o Example: Barbara Graham attempts to persuade readers in “The Future of Love” that marrying for love is outdated and illogical.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!

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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.