Monday, February 6, 2017

February 6, 2017 - Week #4

Week #4 - Assignment #1- Readings

You are now an expert on persuasive techniques in advertising and speaking. The same techniques are used when writing to convince others of your point of view or to convince others to do or change or support something.

We live in a world of technology. For some, the inventions are wonderful. Others warn that humanity is being lost because of machines. This week, you are going to explore technology and decide if it is our friend or our foe.
 
A.  "The Whole World Is Watching" by Thomas L. Friedman http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/27/opinion/27friedman.html?_r=0
  Answer the following questions.
1. Friedman claims that we are all "more transparent" now in this "transparent world." What aspects of transparency are positive? What aspects are negative? 
2. Friedman mentions a book by Dov Seidman. In the book, Seidman talks about a digital fingerprint. To what extent are our digital fingerprints impacting work and socializing? Should future employers be able to use your Facebook, Twitter, or other posts when deciding to offer a position to a new employee or  fire a current employee? Expalin.
 

 B.  “I Can’t Think” by  Sharon Begley’s February 27, 2011, in Newsweek. http://www.sharonlbegley.com/the-science-of-making-decisions )

As you read the article, look for the and define these  terms. They are in order. 
1.        Information Overload


2.        Info-paralysis



3.        Information fatigue



4.        Addicted to incoming texts and tweets

5.        Decision science


6.        Torrent of data



7.        Total failure to decide


8.        Many diminishing returns

9.        False god if immediacy


10.     “Recency” Trumps Quality


11.     The neglected unconscious


12.     Info-glut



13.     Experience based decision making. . .

14.     Sufficers  vs. maximizers


 

Write two or three paragraphs where you agree or disagree with Beagly. Consider these questions.
What do you think, or can you?. Is our culture Twitterized? Are our brains frozen? Do we have trouble making decisions? Support what you think with examples from life and from this article.

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Week #4 - Assignment #2  - Literature
"There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury - as you read the 1950s story, keep track of the" futuristic inventions" that are just the norm today. 

For example, In the living room the voice-clock sang, Tick-tock, seven o'clock, time to get up, time to get up, seven o'clock! Do we have clocks that talk?  Later in the story you will read, The gentle sprinkler rain filled the garden with falling light.  Do we have anything that automatically waters the lawn or garden?
As you read, you will find many "inventions" that are similar to the gadgets in our current homes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzhlU8rXgHc Story read by Leonard Nimoy
 
After reading and listing, make a list of all of the technology you use in a 24 hour period. You list might include items as simple as a hair dryer or as complicated as the electronic wonders on your phone or in your car.  After creating the list of technology used in 24 hours, react to this prompt in a Quick Write of 15 minutes.
 
Prompt: For 24 hours, electricity no longer works in any form - no current comes into your home, there are no working batteries, and generators are frozen. Describe how life would be different. Would it be better or would it cause chaos?

Week #4 - Assignment #3 - Health and Technology

What about your health? Is technology helpful or invasive? Read one person's opinion.
"When the Patient Is a Googler" by Scott Haighttp://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1681838,00.html
Questions:
1. What reasons does Haig give to explain why he does not want googlers as patients?

2. I a paragraph or two, agree or disagree with Haig. Should patients research their symptoms on the Internet before seeking medical advice? What are the dangers? What are the advantages?

3. Make a list of all of the health related technology you can think of or that you use. For example, do you wear a "FitBit" or other health-tracking device? Do you or does someone you know regularly check blood pressure at home? Do you own a treadmill or other fitness equipment? Do you or does someone yhou know have a gym membership?

4. Does technology make us healthier? Explain in a one page response essay. (30 points)
 
Week #4 - Assignment #4 - Technology Persuasive Draft
 
This is the full assignment so that you can see where you are headed. 
 
The instructions for this week follow. 
Technology – Friend or Foe?
For this essay, you are writing to convince the opposition. Consider the dangers and advantages of technology. For this essay, you must pick a side. Think of this essay as a debate on paper. You must know what the opposition thinks, but you do not support that point of view.
I.                    Introduction –
a.       Identify the specific technology you will be discussing – cell phone, computer, automobile, dishwasher, microwave, GPS, video games, etc.
b.      Capture the attention of the audience in the normal way with startling statistics, an interesting anecdote, a quotation from an expert, lines from a song or poem, a thought provoking question, etc. In short, make sure that what you say makes the reader want to know more.
c.       In addition, state your thesis – make your point of view clear! (Some of you may be taking a creative approach. See me if this is the case.)
II.                  The body of the paper will do several things –
a.       Convince the reader that they either need or do not need the technology.
b.      Provide a brief history of the specific technology you plan to discuss. What was life like before its invention? When was it invented? How has it evolved? What is its story?
c.       Provide clear evidence to support your point of view. You must have proof from at least four of the following:
                                                               i.      At least three experts/sources. You may use the articles studied in class and articles that specifically relate to your chosen technology.
                                                             ii.      A current news source such as a newspaper or magazine article or news cast.
                                                            iii.      An interview with at least one user.
                                                           iv.      A personal anecdote.
                                                             v.      Lines from literature – poem, short story, or novel. “There Will Come Soft Rains”  was assigned. You may use other SciFi literature or movies.
                                                           vi.      A work of art
                                                          vii.      Strong statistics from an expert source.
The body of the paper will be several paragraphs in length.
III.                Conclusion –
Wrap it up for the readers. Leave them with a call to action to either give up or get the gadget you are supporting. Be sure they know why they need or do not need one. Consider:
a.       Convenience
b.      Cost
c.       Safety
d.      Environmental impact
e.      Impact on society
f.        Ethical concerns
 
Your assignment this week is to identify the technology you will be using as the focus of your study and to conduct research to get ready to write.
A. Consult two sources and find out the history of the item. Summarize the information. Post your summary and the sources consulted. Do not simply copy/paste from a site. Use your own words. (25 points)
B. Locate a work of art that features your item. Answer these questions: 
Looking at Art
· What is the title of the work? How does the title help you to understand the message? What is the message?
· How does this work relate to your topic? Discuss.
· What is the most obvious image in the work. To where is your eye drawn?
· Look at the colors. Are they symbolic? Would the message be different if the colors were different? Explain.
· Study the shading and shadowing. How do these elements impact the overall message?
· How do the lines and angles impact your eye as you study the work?
· Who is the artist? When was the work created? Is the artist's message about a specific event in history? What was going on in the world when the work was created? Is the art universal - speaks to people of all times and in all places, or is it limited to the audience for whom it was created.
· How does the work relate to us in 21st century America? (40 points)
C. Interview someone who owns and/or uses the item. Create five questions and record the responses. (You conducted an interview on body art a couple of weeks ago. Use the same techniques.) 25 points
D. Take 10 minutes to jot down your initial thoughts about the item. Is is your friend or is it a foe? 10 points.  
 
Week #4 - Assignment #4 - Discussion Board 
 
Talk about technology. What do you like about technology? What is negative? What is your favorite item? Could you survive without your cell phone? Are you old enough to have lived without the Internet or without a cell phone? Do you know anyone who lived in a time or place without television? 
 
These are some of the many ideas you could discuss about technology.
 
Your first post should be complete by midnight on Thursday, February 9, 2017. At least three response posts need to be completed by midnight on Sunday, February 12.
 

Monday, January 30, 2017

Week #3

Week #3 - Assignment #1 - Review and Revised Draft (100 points)

Last week you wrote a draft of a personal body art narrative. In a face-to-face class, you would have the opportunity to swap papers with another student or two for a peer editing activity.  Instead, you will be self-editing your essay or finding a friend or relative to listen.

 If you have a friend or relative who will listen to you read your essay out loud, read to that individual. As the listener tot ell you two things that were strong in the story. Ask the listener to tell you two things that could be changed for the better. For example, was anything confusing? Did the listener want more information about anything?

If you can't find a friend or relative who has time to listen, record yourself reading the essay out loud. (Cell phones are great for this!  Next, play the recording back and follow along as you listen. Look for areas that are strong. List two. Look for areas that need revision. List two.

In writing,  record either the comments of your listener or your own reflection.

Revise your essay and post it on CANVAS. (Note: The revision comments should appear before your revised essay begins.)   As a reminder, your narrative should include properly punctuated dialogue.

Week #3 - Assignment #2 - Persuasive Techniques

Advertisers want to get you to spend your money of their product or service. Politicians want you to give your vote to them. Writers and speakers want you to believe their words and agree with them and possibly support them with time, energy, and money.  No matter what one is selling, the speaker or writer uses several well known and well used techniques.

 After reviewing the information about persuasive techniques, you are now ready to watch and review some ads. Super Bowl 2017 is a week later than usual this year, but several ads have been leaked.You will see the most expensive advertising on television. Your assignment is to select any three ads from any year. Sometimes those voted the worst are actually quite entertaining!

Here is a link: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2017-super-bowl-commercials-watch-the-latest-leaked-ads-best-and-worst-of-all-time/

1) Identify the product
2) In a sentence or two, describe the ad.
3) Identify the persuasive techniques used.
4) Identify the target audience. A target audience can be identified by, among other items, age, health, and wealth. Also, is the ad geared to people who already use the product or service, or is it aimed at new customers?
5) Explain if you think the ad was effective and tell why or why not. The bottom line is: Will this ad make people spend their money?

Post in Canvas. (30 points)

Week #3 - Assignment #3 - Politics
Read an inauguration address from any president of your choosing.
  • What persuasive techniques are used?
  • Use the lists from the links at Assignment #2. 
  • Write a brief essay, up to two pages but no shorter than one, and identify the techniques. Explain if the techniques are effective. (This is your opinion. Justify with evidence from the address.)  Be sure to identify the president, date, and note if this was the first term or second term address. It makes a difference! Did the President seem to be speaking to a friendly audience, or was he speaking to the voters who supported the other candidate? Perhaps he was addressing both audiences? How could you tell? What did he say that convinced you of the audience?

This will be a challenge, but do not use first person point of view in this essay. That means to avoid phrases such as "I think. I feel. I know. I believe." Your writing will be more powerful in third person.

Here is a link to the addresses: http://homeofheroes.com/presidents/inaugural/index.html

If you don't see your favorite, Google it.  In addition, some of the later speeches are on YouTube. Watch and listen if you like.

(60 points)

Week #3 - Assignment #4 - Readings
. "With These Words, I Can Sell Anything" by William Lutz
https://12ap.wikispaces.com/file/view/with+these+words.pdf

This essay explains the use of "weasel words" in advertising. Read the essay and answer questions 1, 2, and 4.

"The World of Doublespeak" by William Lutz
 http://www.cusd80.com/cms/lib6/AZ01001175/Centricity/Domain/318/The%20World%20of%20Doublespeak-William%20Lutz.pdf Answer the following questions:
  • Questions on meaning: 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Questions on writing strategy: 1 & 2
  • Questions on language 1 & 3
  • Read "William Lutz on Writing" Answer question #1 OR #2.
(60 points)

Week #3 - Assignment #5 - Discussion Board

First, read "YouTube This!" by Joe Queenan http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jul/08/opinion/op-queenan8

Do you agree or disagree with Queenan? Share your thoughts about YouTube and its many uses. Would the world be better off without YouTube, or is YouTube shaping society in positive ways.

Your first post should be made by midnight on Friday, February 3. (Earlier is better!) Post reactions to the posts of at least three others. Due by Midnight on Sunday, February 5.

(25 points)

Monday, January 23, 2017

Week #2 - Body art and beyond!

Week #2
Activity #1: Readings

Readings – 50 Points – 25 for answering the first five questions. 25 for composing the brief letter.
“Under My Skin” by Jon Bowen
Questions:
1.       This article begins and ends with a brief personal narrative. What do these personal experiences add to the essay? (Answer in complete sentences.)

2.       Locate and list three examples of the use of humor in this essay. You might find humor in a name, action, or language use.  In your opinion did the use of humor add to or detract from the effectiveness of the essay. Explain.

3.       Look back at the author’s use of direct quotations to create conversation. Explain the punctuation and paragraphing. Explain the “rules” for punctuating dialogue based on your observation.
“On Teenagers and Tattoos”
 by Andres Martin
Questions:

1.       What is Martin’s thesis? In other words, what point is he trying to make? Did that point surprise you? Explain.

2.       Martin originally wrote this article for the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. What is his message to his fellow physicians? What other audiences might benefit from reading this article? Explain.

3.       Compose a brief letter to a person who is trying to decide if he or she should or should not get a tattoo or piercing. Use lines from reading to support or to advise against the pending decision. Please include your personal reasons as well when writing to advise another. Limit your letter to one page.)
Activity #2
Mini Research Project (60 points)

Body art is much more than tattoos and piercings. It also includes hair design, nail design, make up, clothing to include shoes and hats, and a variety of body modification techniques.  Sometimes body art is a way to improve one's appearance. Other forms create a history on the skin of honors earned. 
  1. tattoos
  2. hair design
  3. piercings
  4. body modifications
  5. clothing/fashion design/shoes/hats
  6. make-up.( War paint counts!)
Select one of the topics listed above.
Conduct a quick Internet search and look for the history and progression of your topic.
 
 
Answer these questions. They will guide your research.
     A. Where did it begin?
     B. Why was it done?
     C. Did age have anything to do with the "ritual?" Was it a ritual? Was it just for entertainment or fun?
     D. How was it done? What were the materials/tools that were used?
     E. What did it look in the past and what does it like today?  How has it changed over the years? (Consider using  a time-line for this.)

Prepare one or two slides or bubbles for each question.
Do create a user name and sign in. The site does NOT send anything to you. Do remember the user name and password that you create. You do not have to give your real name. You do have to provide a real e-mail address.
  • When finished, post the PowerPoint or Prezi in CANVAS. You should have up to 11 slides including the Works Cited slide.
  • The last slide will be a Works Cited slide (Three to five sources are required. Do not use Wikipedia.)
Week #2 - Activity #3 - Conduct an Interview (50 points)
Find someone to interview on the topic of Body Art. You may focus on the topic you selected for your PowerPoint or Prezi, or you may talk about body art in general.

Here is some information about conducting interviews:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eOynrI2eTM Tips for Interviewing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RjxqXAT9Jc Writing Questions


1.Create five questions to ask. Avoid "yes/no" questions. Avoid leading questions. Do use open-ended questions.  
2. . Ask for permission to use the person's name in your presentation.
3. . Get the correct spelling of the name.
4.. Note the date and location of the interview. If you decide to conduct an interview via text, e-mail, or phone, please note that. (EasyBib gives you those choices.)
5.. Post your interview results in CANVAS. (25 points for composing excellent questions/25 points for posting the answers to the questions. Do your best to get the interviewee to talk. Feel free to rephrase the question is you are not getting elaborated answers. )

Week #2 - Activity #4 Grammar/Usage/Mechanics moment - Writing dialogue in a personal narrative.
1. Study the rules for writing dialogue
 https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/577/01/

and http://theeditorsblog.net/2010/12/08/punctuation-in-dialogue/

You will need to include dialogue in the personal narrative you will write.

2. Now, think of a a personal Body Art story. Perhaps you have a tattoo or piercing. If so, you could write about the getting it. If you don't have tattoos or piercings, you have probably done something "interesting" with your hair. Perhaps you tried a new style or color that was either wonderful or was just plain awful. Share that experience. Maybe you designed an awesome Halloween costume. Maybe you showed up to a party in formal attire only to discover that it was an informal event. Whatever it is, share the story.
  • Identify the characters
  • Explain the before and after of the event
  • Quote people- what was said?
  • Create the setting. Where did the event occur?
  • Explain the reactions of those who saw the result.
  • Be a good story teller!
Tips for writing:
 3. Write the draft. It should be about two pages long.

Week #2: Activity #5 - Discussion Board (50 points - 20 for the original post - 10 for each of the three responses.

This week you will be writing and responding to the general topic of body art. Are you a fan? Do you oppose it? Is there anything good about it? Have you ever run into problems because of your own body art? Where do you think society is going with this? What's next? These are just some questions to consider when posting.

You must have an original post by midnight on Thursday, January 26, 2017.
You must respond to at least three others by midnight on Sunday, January 29, 2017.
 

 

Monday, January 16, 2017

English 101 Winter Semester - January 17, 2017

Week #1
Welcome to English 101 - an on-line experience!

Tips for success:
1. Start early in the week!. Most assignments will be due by 6:00 am on the Monday following the post for the week. Exceptions will be clearly noted.  New assignments for each week will be posted by noon on Monday.
2. Discussion board topics are due at various times throughout the week. You must post early in the week  to give others time to react to your post and to give you time to react to the posts of others. Do NOT skip the discussion boards!
3. Keep up. There is NO late work. Once an assignment is closed, you may not post. I do NOT accept assignments via e-mail. All assignments must be posted in the assignment spot on CANVAS.
4. Compose all work in Microsoft Word. Copy/paste into CANVAS. For some assignments, you will be asked to use PowerPoint or Prezi when completing an assignment.
5. Ask questions. Post your questions to me in a message in CANVAS. It works like regular e-mail.

Each Monday by noon you will find an outline of all assignments for the week listed here along with links to readings and visuals. Post finished assignments on CANVAS.

Assignment #1: (20 possible points.)
  •  Read and respond to the syllabus. It is posted on CANVAS.
  • Write three sentences that note items of interest.
  • Write up to three questions or concerns you might have regarding this course.
  • Write three sentences explaining what you think you will or will not like about an on-line writing course. Also, let me know if you have ever taken an on-line class.
  • DUE: By11:59 PM on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. This counts as the official entrance to the course. (20 points)
Assignment #2: (Discussion board - 50 possible points)
 Getting to know you activity - you need the camera; the one on our phone will do.
A. Look around your home or yard or neighborhood. Take a picture of an object or space that is representative of you as a writer. For example,  perhaps you get frustrated when writing. A cactus just might represent that aspect of your writing! 
B.Write a well developed paragraph or two that explains why you are like the photo. What characteristics do you share with the item in the photo? What does it say about you as a writer?  
C. Share the picture on the discussion board and explain to the group why the picture is a great representation of you. Also explain what you do or do not like about writing. If you have trouble posting the picture, share a brief description of the object or space.

You must post this by Friday, January 20, 2017, at 11:59PM. (25 points.)
FYI: Canvas gives me the date and time that you post. Be prompt!
D. React to at least five student posts. Your reactions must be positive. The discussion board is NOT the place to be rude. You may make statements or ask questions. All remarks must be made by 6:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2017. (25 points)

Assignment #3: Reading - Getting ready for the first major writing assignment! (40 points)
This assignment is due by 6:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2017.

Let's talk about body art. How would you define body art? Is body art limited to piercings or tattoos? Perhaps it is a bit more.

A. To begin, read and respond to this article about tattoos. 
"History of Tattoos"
What did you learn that was new or interesting? The article is divided into the following sections:
  1. Primitive Tattoos
  2. Funereal Art
  3. Branding
  4. Clan Markings
  5. Rites of Passage
  6. Love Charms
  7. Physical Health
  8. Good Luck
  9. Celtic Tattoos
  10. Pilgrim Tattoos
  11. Oriental Tattoos
  12. Sailor and Military Tattoos
  13. Electronic Tattoo Machines
  14. Modern Tattoos
B. List two new or interesting pieces of information from each section (28 pts.)

C. Share your thoughts about tattoos and piercings. This should be a quick-write paragraph or two that simply and quickly notes your reaction to the topic. Perhaps you or someone you know has piercings or tattoos. Consider sharing an experience.  There are no right or wrong answers. Just set a timer. Give yourself 10 minutes, and write! Quick-writes help to develop fluency in writing. I will be grading on content, not on accuracy. However, do your best to write complete sentences!  (12 points)

Assignment 4: Grammar Moment - Sentence Fragments (35 points) Due by 6:00 AM on Monday, January 23, 2017.



A. View the video that explains what sentence fragments are and how to avoid them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_loC2XMeqxc

After viewing the video, in your own words, explain what a sentence fragment is. (10 points)

B. Practice: Complete the three practice exercises on Sentence Fragments. Read and follow the instructions for each quiz. Find the quizzes at this site. Simply click on Sentence Fragment Quizzes #1, #2, and #3. After you complete a quiz, be sure to find out your score by clicking on the appropriate box at the bottom of the quiz.

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quiz_list.htm

Report your scores for Practice #1, Practice #2, and Practice #3. Tell me how you are doing. Ask questions if you are having trouble understanding. Your score will not determine your grade.If you take each quiz and report your progress, you will earn full credit. I need to know if you need additional help. (15 points. )

C. The following sentences are fragments. Rewrite each as a complete sentence. (10 points)

1). Going to the store
2). After twenty hours of fishing
3) Finally, running through the river
4). Late one afternoon, sunning by the pool
5) Before the break but after the class

Assignment #5: Post a picture of YOU so that it shows by your name and posts on CANVAS. (10 points) Due by 6:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2017.

Believe it or not, an on-line class can be fun. I look forward to teaching you.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, May 5, 2016

May 5, 2016 - Thursday

Reminder: Our exam is Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Time: 8:00-9:45
Location: Our room
You must physically be present the day of the exam if you plan to pass the course - college policy!

Class Work

1. Peer editing activity - you need a paper copy of your problem/solution draft. Listen for instructions. This peer editing activity counts for 15 points of the exam.

2. Adding solutions . . . "Practical Wildlife Management" (paper handout)

What do you know about deer? Are they dangerous? 

Homework

1. Add to your essay. Be sure you have:
A. A clear description of the problem
B. The causes of the problem
C. Solutions to the problem
D. A call to action
 E. Works Cited page in MLA format
F. In-text citations 


Be ready to finish your draft and submit an electronic and paper copy of the final on Tuesday. 

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

May 3, 2016 - Tuesday

Reminder: Our exam is one week from today.
Time: 8:00-9:45
Location: Our room
You must physically be present the day of the exam if you plan to pass the course - college policy!

Class Work
1. Discussion about the essay - you should have posted the definition/description of your project along with the causes. You should also have the beginnings of a Works Cited page. How is it coming along? Share either the description of the problem or the causes of the problem with the folks at your table. As you listen, ask questions.

2. We will continue watching An Inconvenient Truth and discuss the questions. See the post for last Tuesday if you have lost the questions.

Homework

 Write the Solutions section of your essay. Keep track of your sources. Add to your Works Cited list. Also, present a Call to Action. What do you want the readers to do to help with the solution. Keep in mind that people are mindful of:
  • Cost
  • Time commitment
  • Ease
  • Results - will the effort really make a difference?
  • Reality...can the problem really be solved?
Add these sections to the first part of your draft and post the extended draft in CANVAS by Thursday. Don't forget the Works Cited page! You will be participating in a peer editing activity on Thursday that counts toward your exam grade. Be ready!