Let's simplify the essay instructions so that it doesn't seem so overwhelming! :)

1. Choose one of the themes of the stories (some were mentioned in the lectures), and write a 2 page MLA formatted essay that examines that theme.
2. Cite at least 3 short quotes from the story per body paragraph to support your thesis/topic statements.
3. Use the page numbers provided you on the assignment sheet page, and cite the story as part of the book. An example is on the assignment tab.
4. Submit essay to turnitin.com (log in info. is on the assignment tab).
5. Submit essay to grade results for editing.
6. Create a wordle.
7. Bring my draft to class on Monday.

Due to the school cancellation, some of you may feel rushed to write the draft of your next essay. You will have the weekend to complete the draft. However, it is very important that you complete the draft and bring it to class on Monday for feedback. Submit it to grade results as well; do this by Sunday, and you should have the feedback in time to write the final draft.

We will go over the 2 stories on Friday, as well as get an overview of the assignment. It is a typical "theme" essay, which you have probably done at some point in highschool. I will make myself available to you for online chatting Monday and Tuesday if you need extra help.

Make sure you are prepared for class on Friday and Monday. Have a good day!

Thanks to Mason, we now have the full text article of the media violence article written by Marilyn Manson. You can read it under the "Lottery" tab! Please read the article, and respond here!

I hate that our discussions are so short. I wish we had another 50 minutes to open up the lecture for a discussion. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the stories, ideas, essays, etc. Feel free to post here.

Also, you will get your essays back on Wednesday (if we aren't snowed in... again!). Other schools are asking their professors to meet outside of scheduled class time in order to make up the missed classes-- that has not been told to us yet. We shall see what happens.

Enjoy Kafka and Hemingway.  I hope you enjoyed the "media" today! :)

Media violence paper worth 50 points; paragraph response up to 5 extra credit points...

What did you choose for your topic and why?

Post questions about the paper here.
I put up some information about creating a Works Cited. Go to the Media Response tab and scroll down.

Make sure you type your essay. Don't forget to include your paragraph on the visual argument (details are on the media response tab).

Revise, revise, revise. Make sure you have a clear, organizational pattern. Look at Ch. 1-4 for help.

Good luck!

Which media violence essay do you find most convincing and why-- Jones' or Leo's??

BTW, I DO have the flu, but I'm going to try to make it on Friday as I did today! I'll keep you posted.

What did you guys think of the podcast? What do you think Plato and Aristotle would say about modern day "argument"?

The syllabus has now been revised to reflect the missing graded assignment.

Evaluation of Grades:
Formal Essay = 100
Casebook = 100
Response Papers: Media (50); Character (50); “Cat” (50) = 150
Take-Home Exams (2X50) = 100 Points
Journal = 100 Points
Research Paper and Bibliography = 200 Points
Film Script = 50 Points
Taped Skit = 125 Points
Presentations: Casebook (25), Research Paper (25), Skit (25) = 75
Total = 1000 Points
900-1000 = A; 800-899=B; 700-799=C; 600-699=D; Below 600 Points = F
Students must turn in ALL assignments in order to pass the class.

I started a facebook group page for our class. It is a closed group.
To join, simply search for "composition cafe" on facebook. The logo is an apple with a bite taken out-- make sure you join the right group! :)

This will be experimental-- a way for you all to communicate with each other in a way that is comfortable for you.

Enjoy your weekend!