Assignment/Paper/Project
Descriptions:
∑ Blogging-
Every week, I would like you to blog on the class blog. You will use
the class blog to talk about controversial topics for papers, readings
we have read in class, 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. (10 weeks x 5pts= 50 points
possible)
∑ In-Class/Out-of-Class
Activities - Attending class will keep you updated on when
this work (ranging from simple freewriting to quizzes, etc) is assigned.
(10 days x 5pts= 50 points possible)
Writing Assignment
#1: *Minute Paper: Should not be longer than two pages. 25
pts.
∑ 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. How are you different/controversial
than others? What sets you apart right now? Do you fit a stereotype?
Have you ever been thrown into a stereotype? In the last half of the
Minute Paper, try to see yourself at age 30. What will you be doing
then? Who will you be? What will make you different than others?
Writing Assignment
#2: *Minute Paper: Should not be longer than two pages. 25
pts.
∑ Assigned Jan. 16. Due Jan. 21.
∑ Over the weekend, pick a show (preferably something controversial:
South Park, The Simpsons, The Real World on Mtv) and find a chunk of
controversy in it. Then, in a Minute Paper descrive the controversial
piece (summarize the episode), why it's controversial, and what questions
arise about life/society/culture because of it. [Can be put onto class
blog, but a copy should be brought to class too.]
Paper
#1: 3-5 pages. 50 points.
∑ Assigned Jan. 16. Due Jan. 31.
∑ Defend
or Undermine (make less of) 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!)
Writing Assignment
#3: *Minute Paper: Should not be longer than two pages. 25
pts.
∑ Assigned Jan. 21. Due Jan. 23.
∑ How does your audience influence what you write in papers? in
e-mails? in the class blog? in cards to friends? etc.... With your audience
in mind, what types of sources would they value that would help your
argument? Ex: would your g'ma want to see a Mtv statistic or one from
the Washington Post? How does your audience determine the strategy you
take in writing something? Even this Minute Paper?
Group Chapter Presentations:
25 points each time= 50 points possible.
∑ Assigned Jan 23. Present Feb. 4./ Assigned April 17. Present
April 29.
∑ TBA in class on the days they are assigned.
Scavenger Hunt: 25
points.
∑ Assigned Jan. 23. Due Feb. 4.
∑ TBA in class.
Student Presentations/Debates
of Controversial Topics: 100 points.
∑ Assigned Feb. 4. Present twice between Feb. 11- March 4.
∑ In groups no more than 4, you
will find at least 2 articles on the internet and at least 2 in our
book (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. Before
your day to present comes up, inform the class and me which essays to
read in the book. Within the class period then, you'll copy off
enough copies of the internet 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 (about the
articles and essays) 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, 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.
Paper
#2: 6-9 pages. [4-5 pages single-spaced] 100 points.
∑ 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. {The format for this doesn't have to be a paper- it
can be a website, Flash! movie, or powerpoint essay..}
Paper
#3: 5-7 pages. [3-4 pages single spaced] 100 points.
∑ Assigned March 4. Due April 3.
∑ Defintion
essay: define something not usually easily defined: a "slut",
a "good" person, "normal", etc.
Writing Assignment#4:
*Minute Paper. 25 points.
∑ Assigned March 6. Due March 25.
∑ Controversial Talk. Listen to conversations you have with others
(or that you observe on tv, radio, in person, etc) and find a statement
(or two or three) that could be considered controversial. In your minute
paper, tell us the statement (within the conversation, if needed), and
why it's controversial. What was your reaction to the statement? Why?
Did the audience have anything to do with it?
Paper
#4: 10 pages Total. [5 pages single-spaced] 200 points
for entire project.
∑ Assigned March 25. Due on Oral/Visual Presentation Day (April
10-22).
∑ Collaborative Proposal Paper: Your Utopia. This group project
is based on the discussions/essays we've done thus far. You will be
preparing a proposal for how your group can form world where everyone
is able to all live together peacefully and still retain your individuality.
Obviously, you will need to look at what makes each of you individual
and create a society where each of you will feel comfortable and creative.
Society in present day America is not ideal for everyone (noticeable
in discussion and essay topics), and you need to overcome individual
differences to invent your utopia.
Online
Portfolio/ Paper #5 (a.k.a. Final Essay): Portfolio- 50
points. Paper #5- 50 pts.
∑ 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 have you learned about yourself?
Others? Society? Writing arguments? Our media? Controversy itself?
Presentation of Online Portfolio:
May 8 during class time.
*More Elaboration on Assignments* can be found
by clicking the blue underlined assignment above.