class participation [100 points.]
IF you show up for class regularly AND speak up during discussions,
you will receive full credit for class participation. Coming to class
once in a while and/or not talking will get you a very low amount of
points in this category.
daily assignments [350 points]
Blogging: 10 entries at 10 points each. Entries must consist of at least
5 sentences and must comment/respond/argue [100 pts.] {More information
on this will be given the first day of class.}
Writing Partners Program: Write 3 letters to a middle-school student
to increase awareness of audience and to become a more aware leader.
[100 pts.]
DA #1: How/When are you controversial? [20 pts.]
DA#2: FAQ sheets on three controversial topics? [20 pts.]
DA#3: Controversial profile/interview with visual design? [20 pts.]
DA#4: Advertisements? [20 pts.]
DA#5: Field research activity? [20 pts.]
The Controversial Dictionary? TBA. [25 pts.]
Other various assignments: TBA. [25 pts.]
individual paper drafts [150 points.]
*paper descriptions
Paper #1: Defend or Undermine a Myth Report (3-5 pages).
Situation: We all hear myths... "Blondes have more fun." "Frogs
give you warts." "Chocolate gives you pimples." "Watching
TV will rot your brain,” "Knock on wood." Audience/Purpose:
Essentially, is there any truth to these myths? Are some myths actually
factual or are they all bunk? Product: Take your experiences with a
certain myth as well as any research you find and develop an argument,
defending or undermining, the particular myth you choose.
Paper #2: A Fractured Commentary W/ Music (5-7 pages).
Situation: Music is a big part of our society today. Almost everyone
identifies with certain types of music, specific songs, etc. Some songs/artists/music,
however, is very controversial. Eminem. Rap. "Goodbye Earl"
by the Dixie Chicks. Audience/Purpose: Take a song that has a controversial
issue within it, or a controversial artist, or a controversial type
of music and dive into researching it. What do people find so 'wrong'
about it? Why was the song written? What truths are found in the song?
What good things have come from that type of music or that controversial
artist? Product: Take your research, experience with the topic, and
lyrics that reflect what you want to say about the topic and put together
a fractured commentary. Possible examples will be shown in class.
Paper #3: Definition Proposal (5-7 pages). Situation:
"Be a 'good' person." "She is a 'slut.'" "You
are being so 'normal.'" We hear vague comments like this all the
time. But what does it mean to be "good" or a "slut"
or "normal?" How would we define that? Audience/Purpose: In
this paper, you will take something- a word or concept- that is not
usually easy to define. You will be able to research and use your experiences
in trying to pin down what is the definition to that word or concept.
Product: A paper that argues through proposing what the definition should
be by using examples (narrative?), research, and one's own experience.
** “Using Research” in a paper/project does not mean using
some amateur webpage(s). Find valid sources for each paper! We’ll
discuss this more in class.
Paper #4: Utopia Project. With all the controversy
in the world, it's a wonder we have societies and cultures that are
working. However, some things do need tweaking. For this project, you
and your group members will have to create your own society, utopia,
that you think might just work better than the one we currently have.
What would you change about the government, the class system, the educational
system, etc?? After brainstorming with your group, put together a paper
describing your group's utopia. You will also present on your utopia
and have to defend it so you'll need to think each part of your utopia
through thoroughly. [10 pages including an advertisement and mission
statement. Presentations must include a visual aid, ex: a map.]
student group presentations [100 points.]
In groups of 3 or less, you will find at least 2 articles on the internet
(at least one from each 'side') covering a controversial issue. Two
people will present each ‘side’ of the issue and the third
person can try to present to us the middle/gray ground of the issue.
Within the class period then, you'll copy off enough copies of the internet
articles for everyone to read (23) and give us time to read them (make
sure they are under a page and come from reliable sources). After we've
read them, give us questions (about the articles and essays) to discuss
in small groups (put these on the board and type up a FAQ). Once it
looks like we've all discussed enough in small groups, the three who
are presenting will tell us what you/they thought- defend your/their
sides, and then lead us in a large group discussion/debate, etc. *Two
groups will present each day so your group has 1/2 the class time to
present (30-40 minutes). [Each presentation must include two articles
and a FAQ sheet for everyone.] Sign-up to present on Feb.1 or 3.
the individual portfolio [200 points] and the department portfolio.
All paper drafts must have been handed in in order for you to get any
points for the individual portfolio. The individual portfolio consists
of taking two of the papers (excluding paper #4) from this semester
and revising them for a final grade. You will put these two final papers
in a creative folder/holder and type up a one-page reflection cover
letter to accompany the two papers. This reflection cover letter will
allow you to reflect on why you picked the two papers you did and how
you revised them: What did you change? What feedback did others, and
me, give you that changed the paper? [The department portfolio is a
separate portfolio and details are TBA.] The individual portfolio is
due- April 26 and will be handed back May 3.