ASSIGNMENT REVIEW

 • Four essays (2 in-class; 2 out of class) in response to topics and readings (750 words each).
 • Journals, consisting mainly of exercises from the text, freewriting, class diary etc.
 • One “out-of-class” 5 page research paper—please note topic exceptions on your hard-copy handout.
 • Five unannounced, in-class startle-response quizzes (one lowest score dropped).

*A grade of “C” or better is required on the research paper to pass the course.*

Startle-response quizzes and missing class: There will
be 5 in-class Startle-Response quizzes, otherwise known
as "check that you did the reading carefully and on time
quizzes." You can expect these quizzes from time to time,
and they will come unannounced throughout the semester.

The quizzes will primarily focus on the reading assignments,
providing me with a chance to see how well you are doing
with the readings and documentation technique, though any
area of the course may provide material for quizzes.  The whole point of these quizzes is to help us work
together, to convert what might be a boring classroom into a chaotic, unpredictable and exciting intellectual laboratory.

 *You must submit all essays, exams, and the research paper in order to pass this course.*
                              

GRADING OF ASSIGNMENTS
 two in-class essays 10% (25 points each=50 pts)
 two out of class essays  20.0%    (50 pts. each  =  100pts.)
 two Cataclysmic Shakedowns: 30.0%    (75 pts. Each  =  150 pts.)
 one five-page research paper: 20.0%    (100pts.)
 startle-Response quizzes:  10.0%    (10 pts. each  =   50 pts.)
 journals and in-class particiption  10% (50 points)

 (Percentages are approximations):  100.0%  =   500 pts.

Assign Essay #1: Due Thursday Morning 6.19 Read the following: Narration p.203-212. pay close attention to “Adopting a Handicap’s” thesis statement on pages 209-10; Also, read “Three Passions” by Bertrand Russell, and “The Yellow Ribon,” Pete Hamill, 212-215.   Look at these essays through the lens of “Narrative.”  Notice how story can be weaved even out of simple passion for life as in Bertrand Russell’s essay.   You are going to then follow the instructions on the front of our essay packet and write an essay on something that happened to you and had an impact on your life. Click HERE for your essay packet. This packet must be filled out and handed in with your essay.

Essay #2: "Still Life" Description Essay:  Due: 6.30 For this, your first piece of word art, you will describe your favorite meal.  We’re shooting for  a 750 word essay that describes the image of this food, offering three points of observation and a thesis.  You must use your five senses to paint the most wonderful specific details in words, sight, smell, taste, touch, and maybe even hearing.  To make your words as vivid as possible, use strong verbs and colorful nouns--the kinds of words that appeal to the reader’s senses.  Keep away from the “to be” verbs (be, is, am, are, was, were, been, being). Here is an example of description with almost no appeal to the senses: The hat is being worn by the boy. Here is an example rich in description: Carl wears a fedora. Notice how the second sentence not only paints a vivid picture of Carl but it also uses far fewer words (actually half the amount).  With clarity comes concision. Download your Description essay pack at our website. This packet must be filled out and handed in with your essay Click HERE for your description essay packet.

Final Research Paper Due: 7. 15 This paper will be a five-paragraph essay with at least two (2) works cited.  The topic for this paper should have been handed in to me last Thursday 6.19.  You must hand in the topic or lose 10 points.  The sooner you can develop an idea the sooner you can begin your paper. We will be working with this paper in and out of class over the next two weeks, so make sure you bring your drafts and draft copies into class everyday. You must have your rough draft for this paper ready to send to other students in class by 7.6.  You will be graded on this.  So get the wheels rolling. download your final paper HERE.

On Workshops: We will present an active workshop .  Our goal: help each other write better papers.  By Sunday 7.6, students will E-mail rough drafts to all other students who will review rough drafts at home and bring to class.  In class, the originator will read his or her draft, and then one or two other students will read the same draft, so we can get a sense of the writing in different voices.  We will then offer our critiques out loud.  At the end of class, each student will give the writer his or her draft/ critique, and give me one as well, for a grade.