| Final JB Reflection Prompt |
[Nov. 13th, 2006|04:45 pm] |
Your final JB reflection is a relatively easy prompt:
I'd like you to print out four or more of your JBs and write a short reflection on your growth as a writer over the course, using those entries as evidence of that growth. You can select the entries to demonstrate bad to better, your greatest hits, whatever you like. Just present it as a cohesive collection that supports your reflection. However, remember this is your chance to show off your work in portfolio format, so think about presentation as well as content; try to make yourself look good. The reflection itself should be 300 well-chosen words.
In addition to the reflection, using the JB cover page I'll distribute in class on 11/15, tally up your final JB grade for the semester and attach this page to the front of your Final JB/Reflection Portfolio. If you think this grade is a fair, accurate representation of your JB efforts, great; if not, write a short explanation, using your entries as evidence, arguing why you deserve a higher grade.
The entire portfolio - cover page, reflection and four accompanying JBs (stapled together, please) - is due on 11/27 and must be submitted in hard copy form; not online!
Remember, as stated in the syllabus, “Submission of the Final JB reflection/portfolio is required to earn ANY JB credit.”
And, yes, I really mean it. |
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| JB 8- Compare/Contrast Thesis Statement |
[Oct. 30th, 2006|06:31 pm] |
For JB#8, I want you to start by looking at "Why We Crave Horror Movies" (Stephen King) and "'Til Death Do We Part" (Chuck Palahnuik) and do a critical comparison.
Sure, these two essays are on the same topic, but they have two distinctly different arguments. How are they different? Are the two essays in conversation with one another? Which is more convincing? More pertinent? These are just brainstorming questions and don't need to be in the entry, unless you want to...
The actual JB is going to be only one sentence long, but it's a hard sentence and should take some work to write.
I want you to construct a "however" thesis statement that argues a comparative aspect (this could be the essays' structure, content, scope, credibility, soundness, use of examples...) of the two essays. First, think about what "however" actually means: nevertheless; yet; on the other hand; in spite of what came before. "However" is meant to demonstrate a relationship between two ideas. You can look up thesis statements in your Penguin, but remember, the idea is to make a clear, concise and contestable claim, and to do so using a "however" clause to connect the ideas.
Also remember: all thesis statements should be arguable, meaning that they don't just state a fact, they make a claim about that fact. Furthermore, both sides of your "however" thesis should include a claim. Like this: MY CLAIM; HOWEVER; ANOTHER RELATED CLAIM.
For example,
BAD: "MTV is a channel for young people; however, they don't play enough music videos anymore."
This thesis states a simple fact, then makes a claim that doesn't have a clear relationship to the first clause, which wasn't a claim to begin with. HINT: a good claim rarely uses the word "is" or any form of "to be."
GOOD: "MTV reflects the changing tastes in young people's entertainment by offering a variety of programming; however, in doing so, their focus has drifted further than ever from their original concept of playing only music videos."
This is a clear, concise, and contestable statement with a "however" clause at the end that shows a relationship between the two arguments and enriches and complicates the overall argument (this is what I've been talking about when I say I want you to intellectually complicate your work, to dig deeper and find the heart of the essay).
Make sure you incorporate both of the authors and titles in your "however" thesis statements, just as you would in a formal essay.
Due 11/6, start of class, and there are no freebies for this entry - everyone must complete this one. After all, it's only a sentence long... :) |
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| JB 5- How I See Places |
[Sep. 27th, 2006|04:30 pm] |
JB #5
Your instructions for JB #5 are as follows:
Go to http://www.google.com/maps
In the text box, type: 4400 University Drive Fairfax VA 22030 and click “Select Maps”
On the upper right hand corner, click “Satellite”
Now, in any degree of zoom (from very close to very far, or anywhere between), describe and discuss what you see as if you were an alien from another planet. You may be as creative as you wish (as long as it’s written in English - no Klingon, please), but be sure to cover at least these two points: What can you infer about the planet and its inhabitants by the landscape? What should you bring to Earth with you?
This entry must be at least 400 words, and is defore class on 10/2.
May the force be with you. |
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| Welcome |
[Aug. 27th, 2006|10:53 am] |
Welcome 101-ers!
If you've landed on this page, you're on the right track. The next step is to "comment" here to give me your screen name. Please include the course you're taking, as well as your real name -- first name and last initial is fine, Ex: screenname, Jane D., ENG 101:039. Or, if you prefer, you can e-mail me at my gmu account with your livejournal information.
If you are planning on using livejournal I need to have your screen names by 9/1!
I look forward to working with you all. |
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