Assignment/Paper/Project Descriptions:
Constant/On-Going Assignments:
∑ Blogging- Every once in awhile, I would like
you to blog on the class blog. You will use the class blog to talk about
controversial topics for papers, class discussions, questions on what
to do with papers, comments on how the class is going, etc. I would
appreciate everyone keeping personal comments to a minimum. Start your
very own person blog for that type of commentary.
∑ In-Class/Out-of-Class Freewriting- Attending
class will keep you updated on when these are assigned and due.
Writing Assignment #1: *Minute Paper:Should not be
longer than a page.
∑ Assigned Jan. 14. Due Jan. 16.
∑ What are the five top controversial topics in your life that
make you angry, embarrassed, or unsure of to argue about/on. Elaborate
on why those topics make you feel the way they do.
Paper
#1: 3-5 pages.
∑ Assigned Jan. 16. Due Jan. 31.
∑ Defend a myth: Blondes
have more fun, Toads give you warts, Chocolate gives you pimples, etc.(use
personal experience as well as other sources= at least 3!)
Student Presentations/Debates of Controversial
Topics:
∑ Assigned Jan. 14. Present between Feb. 11- March 4 AND then
again April 1-15.
∑ In groups no more than 3,
you will find 3 articles (at least one from each 'side') covering the
controversial topic you will be presenting to us. One person will defend
one side, another person- the other side, 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 articles for everyone
to read and give us time to read them (make sure they are not too lengthy
and come from reliable sources). After we've read them, give us questions
to discuss in small groups (put these on the board or type up a handout).
Once it looks like we've all discussed enough in small groups, you three
that are presenting will tell us what you thought- defend your sides,
and then lead us in a large group discussion/debate, etc.
Paper
#2: 6-9 pages. [4-5 pages single-spaced]
∑ Assigned Feb. 6. Due March 13.
∑ Fractured
narrative with music- use music to prove your point about something
controversial OR write about a song that is controversial- for both,
place lyrics in the writing. Cite music, and at least 2 other sources
of information.
Paper
#3: 5-7 pages. [3-4 pages single spaced]
∑ Assigned March 4. Due April 3.
∑ Controversial
topic that you are passionate about (me: Macs, VWs)- be ready to allow
people in the class to refute that in a debate.
Paper
#4: 5-7 pages. [3-4 single-spaced]
∑ Assigned March 25. Due April 29.
∑ Defintion essay: define
something not usually easily defined: a "slut", a "good"
person, "normal", etc.
Online
Portfolio/ Paper #5 (a.k.a. Final Essay):
∑ Assigned April 29. Due May 9 by noon.
∑ Portfolio: Revise, edit, and proofread your essays. Then format
(visual layout/ good web design?) them for publication on your own web
site.
∑ Paper #5: What is controversial about YOU, your life, and/or
your family?
Presentation of Online Portfolio: May 8 during
class time.
*More Elaboration on Assignments* can be found
by clicking the assignment above.