Date

In-class

Homework

1

Tue 8.25

Class Introduction: check out blog, explain weekly postings.

What is good writing?

How do you see yourself as a writer? How would you like to see yourself as a writer? Let’s set some goals. Let’s read: “Why I Write” by George Orwell

In no more than one page, answer the following question: Why do you write?

2

Thu 8.27

Share homework.

Read “Why I Write” by Joan Didion. How do these two pieces compare?

In no more than one page, answer the following question: Why have you taken this course? Make sure you use positive statements, like Didion. No negative statements.

Please bring COMPACT READER to next class.

3

Mon 8.31

How to read (p.1-6)

How to write (p.16-28)

How to revise/edit (Chpt. 3)

Let’s create a rubric for general essay writing. Yes!

Remember: speaker, audience, subject

Description

Read: My Landlady’s Yard (Nachi)

Questions: P&A 1, L 1

Read: The Santa Ana (Tenn)

Questions: M&S 3, L1

4

Wed 9.2

Student led discussion

3 starts

Read: Desert Dance

Questions: P&A 1, L 4

3 starts more starts: 1. your bedroom, 2. The MA Cafe plaza, A physical act (stubbing your toe, a head scratch, something athletic, a hug, etc). Remember to use description, but also remember that you'll be telling a story.

5

Fri 9.4

Discussion of Desert Dance

Continue a start into a longer draft or here are some other ideas: a work of art OR a weird, weather phenomenon,  a scene at a concert OR a scene at an airport.

Formulate a solid working draft. The final product can be no longer than THREE pages. Please bring a hard copy of this essay to class and also have access to this electronically so you can work on it in class.

DON'T FORGET THE BLOG!

6

Wed 9.9.9!!

Computer Lab

Share essay with 3 peers

Work on essay

I’m available to help

Continue to work on essay. Formulate a solid second draft. 

7

Fri 9.11

Computer Lab

Essay due at end of class.

Be sure to swap your essay with 2 peers

I’m available to help

Narration

Read: The Chase (Isabel)

Questions: P&A 1, L 1

Read: Salvation (Sarah)

Questions: M 1, M&S 1

8

Tue 9.15

Student led discussion

3 starts: a time when you misbehaved as a child OR a time when you had a strong desire to think/look/act like everyone else OR your biggest social blunder.

Read: Learning Race (Melanie)

Questions: M 1, M&S 2

Start on p. 102 journal response

9

Thu 9.17

Student led discussion

3 starts: school lunch (first memory, favorite meal, etc) OR family legend OR an outstanding performance/game

Formulate a solid working draft from a start

10

Mon 9.21

Computer Lab

Share essay with 3 peers

Work on essay

I’m available to help

Edit, revise, make essay AMAZING!

11

Wed 9.23

Computer Lab

Finish up essay. Due at end of class.

Example

Read: Blah Blah Blah (Sebastian)

Questions: P&A 1, M 2

Read: Today’s Kids … (Cecilia)

Questions: P&A 3, L 1

12

Fri 9.25

Student led discussion

Three starts:

*How has language confused, delighted, or irritated you? *How has another group of people (a group you are not a part of) used language to mark its identity? *How are you becoming like your parents?

Read: “She’s Your Basic L.O.L in N.A.D.”

Questions: M&S 1, L 1

Start on Connection p. 136

13

Wed 9.30

Student led discussion

"Forget the Men. Pick the guy."

*School dances are fun

*MA struggles to embrace change

*The best classes are the most difficult

* How has a trait of your own or someone you know well always seems to affect people, whether positively or negatively.

Expand on a start

14

Fri 10.2

Computer Lab work

A finished rough draft due at end of class

No homework weekend

15

Tue 10.6

Computer Lab work

Swap paper with four peers. Second draft due at end of class.

Work on final draft

16

Thu 10.8

Computer Lab work

Swap paper with two peers.

Essay due at end of class

College Essay time!