And Then it Was the Weekend

Happy weekend, friends, happy weekend.

As you work on your process analysis for your awesome visual arguments, keep in mind the rules of analysis: HOW & WHY & WHY & HOW. No matter how long your process analysis is, if you do not actually offer analysis of your process, you will not have met the requirements of the assignment (read: you will fail it). MLA formatting is a must--that should be automatic at this point. MLA uses a works cited page. Not a bibliography, not a references page, a works cited page to list the works you cited in your writing. In this case you are citing the images you used in your visual "essay" but you will also be referring to them/citing them as you analyze your process of using them.

These will be printed and ready to go when you waltz into class, clutching your Starbucks, just as the bell sounds it's not-too-harsh tones. Don't ask to go to the Media Center.

A heads up for next week: 
 Since we pretty much do things in week-long spurts, this week was "visual argument" week, and next week is "awesome essays week," which means that we'll be having one of those weeks where it seems like you're always reading. The essays aren't extraordinarily long, but they do require careful consideration and close, x-ray reading. Expect homework every night. The plus side to this is that your video project will be finished. You're still working on your blog study, but there is no essay on your plate, which feels pretty satisfying, no?

I know you all have busy, beautiful schedules, so I'm giving you the reading schedule in advance (below). Maybe you'll try to do two at once just to get ahead. CRJs for each essay--remember you can use them on the quizzes that will surely follow the reading of the essay.  I don't consistently collect your CRJs because they are for you, but this time around, I think I shall.  I'll collect them in one big stapled chunk on Friday. So be prepared to offer pointed, insightful, brilliant, lively observations and participate in electrifying discussions. Sometimes you just settle in and wait for someone else to say something. Keep in mind that this Thursday I will be chatting with your parents at conferences. Wouldn't you rather that I say things like: Well, little Johnny was such a wonderful leader in our class discussions this week! He really demonstrated his understanding of the intricacies of language and what these essays have to say about humanity and the inner workings of society... instead of: He chose to refine his desk-etching skills and surreptitiously text his girlfriend the whole time. Very disappointing. If he continues to carry on this way, I don't think we can expect much of him in life. Go ahead, scoff if you must, because you know I'm kidding (or am I) but keep in mind the importance of engaging in a discussion. It will be far more fruitful if you come armed and ready with ideas, thoughts, comments, observations, questions, arguments, stories, etc.

For Monday, you are reading "I Just Wanna Be Average" by Mike Rose and completing a CRJ about the essay. It's a really good essay. Look up the words you don't know; my favorite is platitudinous. Just a heads-up, the essay has a couple of "bad words" in it, but you'll find they're apropos to the voice and purpose/argument of the essay. Plus, it's a school-sanctioned textbook, so we know they're okay.

Monday night: Bernard Cooper "A Clack of Tiny Sparks: Remembrances of a Gay Boyhood";

Tuesday night: Nancy Mairs "On Being a Cripple";

Wednesday night: Stephanie Ericsson "The Ways We Lie";

Thursday night: Lars Eighner "On Dumpster Diving";

Friday, I'll collect your stack of CRJs from the week, and then you'll have a bit of a breather over the weekend to do more work on your blog project. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE ON THIS.

...Oh yeah. And we should do some more vocab, too.

One more thing: 10 December--12 December is Power Writing Part the Second. Get ready.