Summer Wishes and Thanks

Hello!  Your grades have now been officially posted. 

I want to reiterate my thanks for a great semester!  I was pleased to see your perseverance.  And I was very proud to see how much you all improved over the course of the semester.  The introductions of your final papers, I thought, were especially fantastic.  And it was exciting to see that the graders of your final exams were equally impressed.

Good luck with all your future writing endeavors.  And enjoy your summers!

Best wishes,
                             Sara

Homework and Comparison and Contrast

News about these is forthcoming.

Research

You may want to review the Formal Essay Assignment before reading the following info.

One of themes we've encountered again and again in this course is that writing is a conversation that a writer is having with hir audience and with other informed writers.

In our last mid-term, for example, you wrote essays that conversed with me about how your ideas relate to Will Saletan's ideas about humility in politics.

There are two different kinds of research. 

• One type of research is forensic.  It's all about gathering background facts and information and context and concrete information to draw a particular picture of the world.  A cell biologist gathers data about how fast cancer cells grow in mice to draw a picture about metabolism and cancer.  A sociologist gathers data about funding and laws and other factors that shape an immigrant's secondary education in Sacramento.  A literary scholar gathers data about how American literature represents black masculinity.  

• Another type of research finds other informed writers to include in the conversation about their particular topic.  Informed writers will be other expert researchers who have well-developed, coherent opinions about the topic that interests you.  When we explain to our readers the particular picture of the world that these other writers have drawn, and when we explain how that picture differs from our own, we clarify and strengthen our arguments.

This kind of research is like taking the mid-term (do you agree or disagree or something in between and why?), but it allows you to respond to essays of your own choosing, which are interested in the same topic you have chosen.

Today, I want you to check out this information from Cornell University about how we choose these other informed writers for the second formal essay assignment. 

Here is the link to our Sacramento City College library.  PLEASE ask the librarians for help!
And keep in mind that we will be using MLA style citations in this class.

Wordy-ness

Nota bene: I had mentioned that we would try to cover parallelism this week, but I'd like to save it for next week. 

We've spent a lot of time in this class thinking about writing in terms of the big picture by asking some version of the following questions.  What does the whole essay look like?  What does the whole essay do?  How do we develop our ideas?  How do we put our ideas in a larger context?  and How do we organize our ideas? 

I also want to spend some time in the second half of this class thinking about how to edit our prose to make it communicate more clearly and effectively on the sentence level.  This form of editing assumes that you can recognize the subjects and verbs of sentences, certain parts of speech, and the sentences that have too many of them.

Nota bene 2: Please let me know if you need additional practice with any of the following common errors: run-on sentences, sentence fragments, mixed construction sentences, and /or dangling modifiers.

We want to communicate our ideas using as few words as possible.  This means that we have to recognize and delete common phrases that we use to clear our throats (like "It is necessary to believe that") before we get down to our main points.  We also want to get rid of common phrases that we use for emphasis (like "really," "totally," "so," "do," and "very").  And we want to try to eliminate as many prepositions as possible by preferring, whenever possible, to use action verbs in the active voice.

Logical Fallacies

Sometimes we find that we make claims that sound logical but still aren't necessarily true. 

For example, it may seem logical to say that President Obama's political agenda is worthless because he is dumb.

This example is called ad hominem (to the man); it means that someone is attacking someone on a personal level (we might call it a "low blow") instead of attacking the ideas or political agendas themselves.

Review
In class, we've discussed tautology, or circular reasoning.  This is the kind of reasoning that parents resort to with their demanding toddlers: "I said you can't have the cookie because you can't have the cookie!"

We've also discussed straw men, the practice of attacking an opinion in order to make your opinion look better, even though no one would fairly adhere to the opinion anyway.  It's always a good idea to represent opposing view points, but we need to represent them fairly.

Learn More
Follow this link to a handout compiled by the writing center at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Go heels!), you'll find more information and examples. 

Powerpoint Presentations

Rhetoric, the art of persuasion, can be visual as well as textual.  Since the powerful rise of advertising and the advent of Web 2.0 technology, we cannot afford to ignore visual styles of rhetoric in our writing classes.

Understanding visual rhetoric will help you in work places where you may be asked to present information in the format of a slide show (as in a meeting) or poster presentation (as at a convention).  Since, as consumers and citizens, we confront visual rhetoric constantly--on billboards, signs, ads, magazine covers, commercials, TV programs, web sites, and more--understanding visual rhetoric should help us make informed, critical choices in the world.

We've already used semiotic analysis to understand the visual rhetoric of those awesome Old Spice ads.  (And btw, have you noticed that Dove appears to have adopted a similar marketing strategy?)

So let's turn to making our own visual rhetoric with Powerpoint (on PC) or Keynote (on Mac).

Class is Canceled

Dear ENGWR 100,

I am sorry to say that class has been canceled tonight.  I had a number of activities planned for us, on which I don't want us to miss out, so we shall have an online class in lieu of our regular meeting.  For this week, I'm going to convert them to items I can post on the blog.

Please check back here for notes and activities related to this week's reading about happiness, to constructing power point slides and presentations, to editing for wordy-ness, to recognizing logical fallacies, to beginning research projects, and to using comparison and contrast writing strategies.  Homework will be assigned.

As always please, write me with any questions or help you may need.

Best wishes,

Sara Anderson 

Summary of Aristotle: The aim of Man

Basically Aristotle explains the definitions of Good, Statecraft and the study of Ethics. Where the definition of Good is where all things are to be aimed for example health. Then comes the definition of Statecraft is where is the rate of infinity the desire to have it all. Finally comes the definition of Study of Ethics which talks about the pure excellence of justice which involves the disagreements and agreements of uncertainity and certainity. Arittole also talks about Happiness and where a certain point can be overlooked and how arguments can be led from first principles. Plato did infact question this and asked this alot. First principles came about in a variety of ways: by induction, direct perception, and habituation. The question then leads to where the sources of Happiness come from but a result of virtue of learning or some kind of training. Because the virtue of learning and the some kind of training is rewarded by a blessing that is generally shared but with the exception of the virtue being stunted. Happiness is built on no secure foundation almost like a Chameleon. But why is Happiness a Chameleon?

Summary of Robert Wright's:Christian Soldiers

Wright's article explains about a religious tension between Christians and Muslims.The tension between the two has cause killings amongst each other in Nigeria. Whereas, in Malaysia, Muslims are trying to ban Christians from using the word "Allah" for God.Some Christian missionaries are using a technique called the CAMEL method (Chosen Angels Miracles Eternal Life) to bond with Muslims, and show them that Allah of the Koran and the God of the Bible is the same God.Wright points out that Christians are intentionally calling themselves "muslim" which is misleading.Why? Because, it is not true to the Koran believing Muslims. This play in words is misleading, and is causing great tension.Wright's go to consultant Ekiza Griswold, states and confirms that, assertive Christians increase tension in Nigeria by proselytizing.Wright uses Ergun Cane as an example, who is Christian and president of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, who is in favor of assertive proselytizing, but is offended to hear that Muslims and Christians might worship the same God. Caner states in a recent podcast, "There's nothing that the two gods-the god of the Koran and the god of the scripture-have in common. Nothing." (pg 3. Para.3). Wright acknowledges both sides of the Muslim and Christian beliefs on God. Do you believe 'Allah' of the Koran and the God of the Bible are one in the same, different, or just a play on words?

"Reich: Why the Rich are Getting Richer and the Poor, Poorer."

Reich introduces to us the three boats that sail within the American economy. There is a boat that contains routine producers, a boat that contains in-person servers, and the "vessel" containing symbolic analysts. There was a time when everyone was on the same boat but because the "American corporation sold its goods and services all over the world, the purchasing power of Americans workers became far less relevant to its economic survival". The boat that is in more danger of sinking is the boat that carries routine producers. Reich analyzes that the reason this boat is sinking is because American companies are constructing factories in developing nations. They are hiring the citizens that reside in the developing nations and are paying them only a fraction of what they would pay Americans. Companies are replacing human employees with robot employees because they are more efficient. The boat containing in-person servers is also sinking but at a slower rate than the boat containing routine producers. According to Reich, the reason for this is because " In-person servers are sheltered from the direct effects of global competition." That doesn't mean that In-person servers are sheltered from other dangers. As production workers are unable to find jobs, they make an attempt to board the ship that is carrying In-person servers. Immigration, high school graduates, and labor saving machinery also pose a threat to In-person servers. Reich explains that "The vessel containing Americas symbolic analysts is rising" because of the demand the world has created for them. Symbolic analysts make large sums of money because they sell their knowledge to those who want to make a fortune "by moving large amounts of money." Symbolic analysts are not dealing with low or middle class customers. Their customers consist of the elite. Reich has made us realize that the American economy no longer depends on the American people. When America occupied only one boat, everyone was doing well. Executives could not lower the wages of low-level-production workers too much because if they did there would be "insufficient purchasing power in the economy."

Personally I think that the economy downfall has a lot to do with the inventions of labor saving machinery. Machinery are not consumers and they are taking away someone's employment. What do you think is the cause of a deteriorating economy? Why do you think the link between top executives and the American worker faded?

Summary of "The Communist Manifesto"

In The Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx writes of the Communism that was "haunting Europe." Marx explains his theory of the struggles of the class and economic concerns are what drive history. After the discovery of America opened new ground for the Bourgeoisie, they established the world market. And during these times of production classes were defined and the "freeman and slave, patrician and plebeian" were no longer able to live peacefullly. These fights agaisnt class would always end in revolution and the higher class takes over. And in order for the lower class hard working Proletarians to overcome their positions a revolution must occur. "The dangerous class, the social scum that passively rotting mass thrown off by the lowest layers of old society....be swept into the movement by a proletarian revolution." And this is what Marx argues drives history, the cival war that rages between classes, and the rise and fall of each. Communism is inevitable. Do any of you feel this is happening now in a more modern way?

Fromm's "The Individual in the Chains of Illusion."

The essay written by Fromm describes a cloud among the working man's idea of ,what it means to be an individual. Although longer than average, I believe portraying these three main ideas are to be considered.
First, he believes the history of Wars such as: The German-French, World Wars One and Two, are a deterioration of man's perceptions in society. The European countries attacked one another blindly for the claim over territories and the value of man's life was used for political gain.
His second idea is that of the industrial suppression via obedience. Having a job to secure priorities of desire and responsibility deflates the balloon of individuality. Fromm inquires there is lack of individuality within jobs and income, matrimony, public opinion, and the expression of feelings.
The last importance portrayed is that pertaining to the ability of man to choose for himself. To emerge, not by persuasion or conformity. To be among ourselves as neighbors who believe in progress and not destruction. One phrase to consider would be:" The West employs its new technical powers for the sake of man, rather than using man for the sake of things." What do you think he means by this? Is it relevant to the society of present day?
In this short summary we have analyzed and thought of Fromm's reasoning. Besides the simplicity of,"You learn something new everyday," I hope this essay has been a reflection on you the way it reflected on me.

W.E.B. Du Bois view of an American struggle

In his essay “Of Our Spiritual Strivings” Du Bois lays down an outline for the history of the African American. He opens with a story from his childhood and how it transforms his view on life; wanting to be the best and live above it all in a “region of blue sky.” After some time and growth that view slowly fades. Through Du Bois’ travels and schoolings he gains an understanding of why the African American faces the struggles they do. He objectively explains with deep insight the path that has taken them from pre-Emancipation to post voting rights. He does not seem to argue about who is best, or who is right or wrong, only the struggle to simply “be both a Negro and an American.” Before reading this essay I had only seen W.E.B. Du Bois' name in print and never read anything of his. I am now encouraged to read more of his works

A "Master", writing The Declartion of Independence.

As a result of social injustices suffered by the tyranny of King George III, Thomas Jefferson wrote The Declaration of Independence to sever Colonial ties with with Britain. Jefferson went on to list grievances reasoning the need for Independence, Freedom and Liberty. He also wrote about basic Human Rights and having a Just and Independent Government. Although Jefferson later became an advocate for abolishing slavery, he did own slaves at the time he wrote this doctrine. Do you feel that this damages his credibility overall? Does this make him a Hyprocrite? I certainly believe so, how can one justify freedom but doesn't practice it.

City Out of Breath

To be honest this story was a little difficult to fully understand. The beginning uses descriptive writing for me to project the image in my mind and does it very well. Though I wasn't very excited to read about the Hong Kong setting since I've read stories similar to this before. This story was not very intriguing to me, it deals with men who traveled to this city and begin to explore. If anyone knows the purpose of the story i would appericiate to know what it was becasue i wasnt able to locate it.

Teaching the N-Word

Sorry for my previous post this is the full blog of the story. "Teaching the N-Word" centers around an African American professor's discussions about race relations in numerous aspects of life. The professor talks to his all white students about the use of the N-word in everyday life and in the professors personal one as well. I found the story interesting to read because I've personally thought about the subject numerous times. Although it never really occurred to me what other ethnicity's thought about this particular subject so this story was quiet fascinating. It clearly was trying to reach all individuals who were curious about race relations by probing sensitive topics. This story was truly intriguing showing how racial topics didn't have to be taboo and could be discussed properly.

Teaching the N-Word

"Teaching the N-Word" is an

What are we doing here?

Blogging is its own art form or genre and follows its own rules.  That is to say that it differs from other kinds of writing we do in college.  It's more formal than taking notes or compiling a notebook.  It's less formal than writing an essay.  Within that range, the formality of blogs depends on the audience. 

So who is your audience?  You are writing for both me and your peers and anyone in the general public who is attracted to blogs about writing.  Be creative in trying to figure out the appropriate style. 

And look around at other blogs to get a sense of what works best.
These are
some links
to some
awesome blogs
that I
enjoy. (This is a small sample.  And not written by students.)  One of these bloggers, Prof. Michael Berube, once observed that some blogs come raw and some cooked.  IMO, the best blogs are medium rare.

Notice the things you like about these blogs and try to replicate some of them.  Images rock.  Links are very cool.  Take advantage of the blogging medium.  And, yes, if you are as cool as Jay Smooth, you can do video-blogging--it requires the same rhetorical skills but a lot more cooking.  And things like video cameras.

All of you have signed up to be responsible for kicking off our blog conversation each week by Sunday midnight.  (You don't have to wait until then to get her done, btw.)  On those weeks, you need to post a useful summary of our reading.  What is the purpose of a summary?  Try to decide that before you begin writing it.  And remember who you are writing it for.  Then think of an open-ended, conversation-starting question to kick off a conversation. 

The rest of you will need to reply to the question in useful, open-ended ways.  Replies have their own kind of rules, which are different from posts, so read around to see what people usually do.  The purpose of this blog-conversation is for you to help you get a handle on the reading and to get used to writing every day and maybe to generate ideas for and get help with your formal essays.  Plus you'll get familiar with a new form of writing that certainly looks as though it is here to stay.

Have fun!