These last few weeks just flew by! The end of the semester is always tough, but is just about finished. I know most of you are just happy to get this liberal requirement out of the way (even though I think English should be a YEAR requirement...I am biased), but hopefully some of you have taken something from this class.
Thank you for your honesty in your evaluations. All of your comments were very helpful. I have seen some great improvement in some of you and it makes my job worthwhile.
If you remember in the beginning of the semester I told you that I had a goal. I told you that I made it my personal mission to convert at least one of you to English majors. Well, just to brag a little, we now have 2.5 new English majors in our class. The half is a minor (clearly). I am proud of you guys!
Even though some you aren't required to even step foot in the LA building (i.e. my home) ever again, I hope to see you around. Even though I will not be your teacher, I am more than happy to help you in your future English endeavors. This class has been a real learning experience for me as well. Thanks guys! Keep in touch!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Why the heck did we watch Pulp Fiction in class?
No, it was not because I thought you guys needed a break from class or because I think it is a great movie. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were not able to have a detailed class discussion where we could apply the film to our composition class.
Rhetorical analysis and synthesis papers are very formal and usually lack personality and creativity. In fact, going against the grain is discouraged. Strict structure is stressed (look at that alliteration!) and, frankly, it teaches how to perform a task-based writing. Whereas argument is the place where you can throw all structure out of the window, if you really wanted to.
What makes an argument interesting? What draws us in? Is it content...or is it the presentation of the content? I argue that it is the presentation. If there are two people writing about the same issue and both have the same claims, what would make one more interesting than the other? Style.
Does something have to be presented in a chronological order for it to be effective? No. Should you take the safe road when there are ways to be unique and show the audience something in a way they aren't used to? That is up to you.
Many people walk away from watching Pulp Fiction either confused or amazed. They don't know how they feel about the movie at first. It is one of those movies where you think about it afterwards. Is that not the epitome of being effective? Ask yourself: What is the point of an argument? Is it to simply show your side of an issue, or is it to enlighten and stimulate thought and possible action?
Why did I have you pay attention to one particular aspect in the film? The purpose was for you to watch one side so we could break it down and really analyze the film. Some of you had topics which were specific to only a few scenes, but those few scenes were arguably some of the most shocking. What led up to it all? I am not saying that this film is laced with argument after argument on each of the topics I gave you, but it is addressing many issues that stimulate thought.
Think...what scene is most vivid to you? Why was it that scene? I can almost guarantee that there would be at least 10 different answers from the class.
So, comment to this post and tell me: What scene did you feel was most effective? Why? How was the scene presented?
Quentin Tarantino is known for his creativity. Would this movie have been as interesting if it was written/directed by someone who sticks to the straight path? I don't think so...No...I really don't think so. Style. It can make or break you.
Rhetorical analysis and synthesis papers are very formal and usually lack personality and creativity. In fact, going against the grain is discouraged. Strict structure is stressed (look at that alliteration!) and, frankly, it teaches how to perform a task-based writing. Whereas argument is the place where you can throw all structure out of the window, if you really wanted to.
What makes an argument interesting? What draws us in? Is it content...or is it the presentation of the content? I argue that it is the presentation. If there are two people writing about the same issue and both have the same claims, what would make one more interesting than the other? Style.
Does something have to be presented in a chronological order for it to be effective? No. Should you take the safe road when there are ways to be unique and show the audience something in a way they aren't used to? That is up to you.
Many people walk away from watching Pulp Fiction either confused or amazed. They don't know how they feel about the movie at first. It is one of those movies where you think about it afterwards. Is that not the epitome of being effective? Ask yourself: What is the point of an argument? Is it to simply show your side of an issue, or is it to enlighten and stimulate thought and possible action?
Why did I have you pay attention to one particular aspect in the film? The purpose was for you to watch one side so we could break it down and really analyze the film. Some of you had topics which were specific to only a few scenes, but those few scenes were arguably some of the most shocking. What led up to it all? I am not saying that this film is laced with argument after argument on each of the topics I gave you, but it is addressing many issues that stimulate thought.
Think...what scene is most vivid to you? Why was it that scene? I can almost guarantee that there would be at least 10 different answers from the class.
So, comment to this post and tell me: What scene did you feel was most effective? Why? How was the scene presented?
Quentin Tarantino is known for his creativity. Would this movie have been as interesting if it was written/directed by someone who sticks to the straight path? I don't think so...No...I really don't think so. Style. It can make or break you.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Just to Clarify
Tension. We all notice it. Don't think I don't notice some of your frustration. This time of the semester is always rough on everyone. As we all know, I am hard of hearing. But I am not completely deaf. I am sorry to hear some of you are confused with the assignments. So I want to set a few things straight.
But first, just out of curiosity... did you know that even though you have your phone under the desk, I can still see it? I definitely see some of you texting. I think it's rude. Just throwing that out there. And I know some lectures can be incredibly boring. Remember, I was in your shoes before. Hang in there because there is some helpful information.
The semester is coming to the end and everyone is stressed out. So here is exactly what I am expecting:
1. Blogs-- Step it up. It is not fair that only some of you are actually completing the assignment. Some people spend a lot of time on their postings and commenting on other postings (as you all should be and I appreciate). Others of you are blowing this assignment off, which is your decision. Just remember that this is 10% of your grade, and only those who complete the assignment will get decent points. This assignment was designed to be laid back to help you open up, but apparently some of you are being TOO laid back. Give your classmates feedback and write thoughtfully.
2. Extended Argument-- You have chosen a topic which is hopefully interesting enough to keep you engaged and motivated. Those of you who stayed awake will remember that I lectured about writing style on Wednesday. The point of it all was to show you that there are rules and restrictions that can be binding and smothering. If you just let yourself write, you will have an easier time and a paper to be proud of. Did my lecture mean that you should throw all convention out the window? Definitely not. Remember that this is still an academic paper. This is a formal argument. If you chose to stray from common rules, do it carefully and make sure it is effective. Also, if you refer to the EA prompt, you will see that you need to include visuals. I am requiring at least 1 but would like to see 2. Consult to your Writer's Resource on how to cite it properly (and embed it properly). The pictures should not take up more than 1/2 page total.
3. EA Presentations-- Your presentations will not be required to be as formal as your group presentations. I do not want your presentation to be something you stress too much about. I am not requiring visuals (but it might work really well for some of you). In the world of higher academia, when you write a paper you usually present it. You will most likely find this out in your upper level classes. Basically, you tell your audience what you researched, why, and what you found. Then comes the defense. At this time, your audience asks questions. Expect 2-3 minutes of presenting your paper, then 3-4 minutes of question/answer.
4. Portfolio-- We will discuss this in length.
Finally, as always, if you are confused about something...talk to me about it! I am pretty accessible and more than willing to help you understand.
Hang in there!!!
But first, just out of curiosity... did you know that even though you have your phone under the desk, I can still see it? I definitely see some of you texting. I think it's rude. Just throwing that out there. And I know some lectures can be incredibly boring. Remember, I was in your shoes before. Hang in there because there is some helpful information.
The semester is coming to the end and everyone is stressed out. So here is exactly what I am expecting:
1. Blogs-- Step it up. It is not fair that only some of you are actually completing the assignment. Some people spend a lot of time on their postings and commenting on other postings (as you all should be and I appreciate). Others of you are blowing this assignment off, which is your decision. Just remember that this is 10% of your grade, and only those who complete the assignment will get decent points. This assignment was designed to be laid back to help you open up, but apparently some of you are being TOO laid back. Give your classmates feedback and write thoughtfully.
2. Extended Argument-- You have chosen a topic which is hopefully interesting enough to keep you engaged and motivated. Those of you who stayed awake will remember that I lectured about writing style on Wednesday. The point of it all was to show you that there are rules and restrictions that can be binding and smothering. If you just let yourself write, you will have an easier time and a paper to be proud of. Did my lecture mean that you should throw all convention out the window? Definitely not. Remember that this is still an academic paper. This is a formal argument. If you chose to stray from common rules, do it carefully and make sure it is effective. Also, if you refer to the EA prompt, you will see that you need to include visuals. I am requiring at least 1 but would like to see 2. Consult to your Writer's Resource on how to cite it properly (and embed it properly). The pictures should not take up more than 1/2 page total.
3. EA Presentations-- Your presentations will not be required to be as formal as your group presentations. I do not want your presentation to be something you stress too much about. I am not requiring visuals (but it might work really well for some of you). In the world of higher academia, when you write a paper you usually present it. You will most likely find this out in your upper level classes. Basically, you tell your audience what you researched, why, and what you found. Then comes the defense. At this time, your audience asks questions. Expect 2-3 minutes of presenting your paper, then 3-4 minutes of question/answer.
4. Portfolio-- We will discuss this in length.
Finally, as always, if you are confused about something...talk to me about it! I am pretty accessible and more than willing to help you understand.
Hang in there!!!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Being a Substitute Teacher
As I have mentioned in class before, I frequently substitute for my colleagues. I think it is always a good idea to observe other classroom dynamics. I want to share one story in particular with you:
One of my friends who teaches 105 got pneumonia this past semester. He was out of class for two weeks. The first week he was out, he held virtual class on Vista, but since this is not an online course, he could not have a class online any longer. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, AND Thursday that class had different subs. I just so happened to be the Thursday sub (and that following Monday). I understand that having a new teacher everyday and not being able to speak to your actual instructor can be very frustrating.
So that Thursday, I walked into a very hostile classroom. I have taught high school classes before, and let me tell you, this was deja vu. I didn't think that subbing a college class would be so similar to working with high school students. I teach adults for a reason. I do not have the patience for nagging, rude, and immature students. I had heard that they were a difficult bunch through the other subs, but I underestimated the environment I was walking into. It wasn't that long ago that you were in high school. Imagine those days when you had a substitute. Remember those kids who took on a personal mission to try and make the sub cry? This was a room full of them. Long story less long... they were brats.
I think that the last thing a young adult wants to hear from someone older is that they are acting like what they are trying so hard to get away from... that high school student. I wasn't trying to insult them, I was pointing out the obvious. That's all. And let me tell you, the moment that I told them to "grow up or get out" they morphed into what they should be... a young adult in a college classroom.
What I am trying to say is... Thank you. You guys have been an enjoyable class to work with and this semester is coming to an end quickly. I am glad to be the one in the GA break room who is not complaining about my students. I guess I am just lucky...
One of my friends who teaches 105 got pneumonia this past semester. He was out of class for two weeks. The first week he was out, he held virtual class on Vista, but since this is not an online course, he could not have a class online any longer. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, AND Thursday that class had different subs. I just so happened to be the Thursday sub (and that following Monday). I understand that having a new teacher everyday and not being able to speak to your actual instructor can be very frustrating.
So that Thursday, I walked into a very hostile classroom. I have taught high school classes before, and let me tell you, this was deja vu. I didn't think that subbing a college class would be so similar to working with high school students. I teach adults for a reason. I do not have the patience for nagging, rude, and immature students. I had heard that they were a difficult bunch through the other subs, but I underestimated the environment I was walking into. It wasn't that long ago that you were in high school. Imagine those days when you had a substitute. Remember those kids who took on a personal mission to try and make the sub cry? This was a room full of them. Long story less long... they were brats.
I think that the last thing a young adult wants to hear from someone older is that they are acting like what they are trying so hard to get away from... that high school student. I wasn't trying to insult them, I was pointing out the obvious. That's all. And let me tell you, the moment that I told them to "grow up or get out" they morphed into what they should be... a young adult in a college classroom.
What I am trying to say is... Thank you. You guys have been an enjoyable class to work with and this semester is coming to an end quickly. I am glad to be the one in the GA break room who is not complaining about my students. I guess I am just lucky...
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Before I Kick the Bucket...
There are so many things to be accomplished in life, but I have a few which are most important to me:
- Hike Mt Kilimanjaro
- Write a grammar/composition book
- Have a professorship at an accredited university
- Ride in a hot air balloon
- Go deep sea fishing
- Catch a firefly
- Visit family in Switzerland
- Meet Richard Branson
- Help someone change their life for the better
- Build a church
- Educate and mentor my students
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Stress Advice
It is about that time again. Yes. Midterms. For most of you, this is your second round of these hated times. We are all studying to the point of physical and mental exhaustion. We are studying so hard that our immune systems seem to give up. So what can you do about it? Obviously, you cannot just forget about your papers and tests. You learn to manage your time, and most importantly, give yourself a break. It can actually help. It can make the difference between a mental breakdown and an A.
My advice: set aside one day on the weekend and do what you love. Do not let anything work-related come into your mind. When you find yourself starting to worry, tell yourself that you deserve this day off. You need the break in your week to keep you sane and healthy. Consider it your mental/spiritual day. Let yourself relax and reboot for the coming week. Some people just cannot take an entire day each week and not work. I used to be that way, but let me tell you, this really does work. School cannot entirely dominate your life. I know, it is weird that one of your teachers is saying this. I got this advice from one of my professors.
Remember that feeling after you have had a day where you did what you loved? For me, I would go on a long hike listening to my ipod. When I got home, I would take a nap. I would go to dinner with a few friends. Then to finish my day off, I would go to bed early. Imagine that feeling after a relaxing day. Believe me, you will be more productive and will absorb more information than if you worked the whole weekend through. Remember, your hard word deserves a pay off.
My advice: set aside one day on the weekend and do what you love. Do not let anything work-related come into your mind. When you find yourself starting to worry, tell yourself that you deserve this day off. You need the break in your week to keep you sane and healthy. Consider it your mental/spiritual day. Let yourself relax and reboot for the coming week. Some people just cannot take an entire day each week and not work. I used to be that way, but let me tell you, this really does work. School cannot entirely dominate your life. I know, it is weird that one of your teachers is saying this. I got this advice from one of my professors.
Remember that feeling after you have had a day where you did what you loved? For me, I would go on a long hike listening to my ipod. When I got home, I would take a nap. I would go to dinner with a few friends. Then to finish my day off, I would go to bed early. Imagine that feeling after a relaxing day. Believe me, you will be more productive and will absorb more information than if you worked the whole weekend through. Remember, your hard word deserves a pay off.
Monday, February 25, 2008
English 105 Class Blog
Hey there everyone! This is a class blog which will be focusing on your personal writing style. The purpose of this project is to expose you to online writing outlets. I want you to explore your writing personality, for writing style can make or break you in the writing world. Some of you are creative writers already, others will improve, but some of you will resist this opportunity and write it off as "just another assignment". I encourage you to challenge your creativity and to explore the unknown. My advice is to choose something that you will enjoy writing about and reflecting upon. This really can be an enjoyable atmosphere and help you open up to new things. I have read what you have written. I know you all have the potential to benefit from this environment. Now it is up to you how much heart you will put into this.
If the freedom of this assignment is not enough motivation for you, remember that this is 10% of your grade! Some of you might think that you have me fooled, but I can tell when you put true effort into your work. I know the level of writing you are at, so now show me that you are pushing yourself! You will have required postings, but I encourage you to really take advantage of this class blog. Who knows, maybe I will convert you...
That said, I warn you against getting too comfortable with this environment. Please remember that even though this is a very lenient assignment, you should remember that this is also academic. You should contemplate how much you want to divulge to your audience. I do not recommend exposing too much of yourself right off the bat because it may make you uncomfortable later on. Remember that your classmates will be reading what you write. If you choose to not use punctuation or proper grammar (the horror), that is your choice, but make sure you do so for a reason. Be courteous to your classmates. Please do not write about anything which may insult a classmate of yours. Be constructive in your responses.
Alright, enough of my preaching, have at it.
If the freedom of this assignment is not enough motivation for you, remember that this is 10% of your grade! Some of you might think that you have me fooled, but I can tell when you put true effort into your work. I know the level of writing you are at, so now show me that you are pushing yourself! You will have required postings, but I encourage you to really take advantage of this class blog. Who knows, maybe I will convert you...
That said, I warn you against getting too comfortable with this environment. Please remember that even though this is a very lenient assignment, you should remember that this is also academic. You should contemplate how much you want to divulge to your audience. I do not recommend exposing too much of yourself right off the bat because it may make you uncomfortable later on. Remember that your classmates will be reading what you write. If you choose to not use punctuation or proper grammar (the horror), that is your choice, but make sure you do so for a reason. Be courteous to your classmates. Please do not write about anything which may insult a classmate of yours. Be constructive in your responses.
Alright, enough of my preaching, have at it.
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