School Notes

Eng 102 – Poetry Analysis

Choose one of the following essay prompts:
A)
Choose a specific author (preferably from the textbook – however you may touch base with me if there is another poet you would like to analyze). Analyze 2 (or more) poems, paying particular attention to theme, denotation, connotation, biographic connections (if applicable) and possible use of symbolism.
B)
Choose 3 (or more) poems that share a particular subject or topic – the more specific the better. (For example: 3 poems about songbirds.) Analyze the different themes/messages conveyed about the subject and the method in which they are conveyed.
Length: +1500 Words

Due: April 28th

Students will create an argument essay that either:
A) Identifies a problem and proposes a solution.
or

B) Defends the status quo against a proposed change.

Explore one of the following topics:
• The Influence of the Media
• Issues in Public Education

Of course, each of the above topics is quite vague – and that’s part of the fun. The topics will be further analyzed during our readings and discussions. Students may wish to respond to a particular article found in the McGraw Hill Reader, but they are also encouraged (and required) to explore other sources.

Determine your audience:
Don’t think of your reader as “the teacher.” Imagine that your reader is a wider audience, a group of readers. Who do you want to reach? Who do you want to challenge? Consider whether your essay is intended to be read by opponents or neutral individuals.
After you determine your audience, then consider the strategy of your paper.

Do you want to write a classic argument – in which the goal is to win?
Or do you want to write a Rogerian argument – in which the goal is to build bridges and seek beneficial compromises?
IMPORTANT:
Incorporate at least four outside sources and a works cited page. (MLA format).
Length: +1500 words

First Peer Review: April 6th
Second Peer Review: April 13th
Final Draft Due: April 15th

Choose four of the following questions. Write a 1-2 paragraph response.

1) In “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” analyze the behavior of the Grandmother character. What do her final moments signify? Does the Misfit or the Grandmother have an epiphany?

2) Describe the writing style of Virginia Woolf’s “A New Dress.” What impact does the style have upon the reader?

3) Identify and evaluate the central theme of Anton Chekhov’s “In Exile.”

4) Analyze the climax and resolution of “Uncle Ben’s Choice.”

5) Evaluate William Faulkner’s use of setting and/or “point of view” in “A Rose for Emily.”

6) Analyze the various conflicts in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Does she overcome her antagonist(s)? Or do they overcome her?

7) Using symbolism, what might the characters in “A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings” represent.

Write a critical review of “A Hunger Artist.”

9) Compare and contrast Maggie and Dee from Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use.”

Mar. 2nd: Descriptive Writing
Workshop: Compare / Contrast

Mar. 4th: McGraw p. 3- 11 (Reading Critically)
McGraw p. 30 – 61 (Writing Process)

Mar. 9th: McGraw p.62 – 67 & 86 – 91 (Essays on Communication)
McGraw p. 109 – 116 (Arguments)
Workshop: Introductions and Thesis Statements

Mar. 11th: McGraw p. 117 – 132 (Writing Arguments)
McGraw p. 145 – 159 (Death Penalty and Animal Rights Essays)
Workshop: Developing Body Paragraphs and Conclusions

Mar. 16th: Peer Review / Bring in a draft of your Response Essay
McGraw p. 178 – 205 (Research and MLA Citation)

Mar. 18th: Response Essay Due
Workshop: Rogerian and Classic Arguments

Mar. 23rd: Discuss Handout (TBA)
McGraw p. 287 – 298 (Education Essays)

Mar. 25th: McGraw p. 351 – 377 (Gender Roles in Society)
Workshop: Proposal Arguments & Defending the Status Quo

Mar. 30th: McGraw p.447 – 463 (Government and Justice)

April 1st: McGraw p. 471 – 477 (American Dream Essay)

April 6th: Peer Review / Bring in draft of your Argument Essay
Workshop: Process Analysis

April 8th: In – Class Essay

April 13th: Argument Essay Due
McGraw p. 507 – 525 (Business Ethics and Economy Essays)

April 15th: McGraw p. 526 – 555 (Business Ethics and Economy Essays)
Workshop: Poetry Explication

April 20th: McGraw p. 602 – 625 (Media and Pop Culture)
Workshop: Analyzing a text with biographical context

April 22nd: Oral Presentations (Day One)

April 27th: Oral Presentations (Day Two)

April 29th: Oral Presentation (Day Three)
Peer Review / Bring in draft of your Literature Analysis Essay

May 4th: McGraw p. 626 – 637 (Literature and the Arts)
Workshop: Division / Classification

May 6th: Literature Analysis Due
Watch Documentary: Sicko (Directed by Michael Moore)

May 11th: Discuss Sicko
McGraw p. 728 – 751 & 760 – 778 (Medical Issues)

May 13th: Discuss Lies, Myths… (pages TBA)
Workshop: Cause and Effect

May 18th: Discuss Lies, Myths… (pages TBA)
Workshop: Incorporating Interview Material

May 20th: Discuss Lies, Myths… (pages TBA)

May 25th: McGraw p. 887 – 906 (Science and Technology Essays)

May 27th: Discuss Lies, Myths… (pages TBA)
Workshop: Responding to your Research

June 1st: McGraw p. 809 – 822 (Environment Issues)

June 3rd: Discuss final chapters of Lies, Myths…

June 8th: Peer Review / Bring in draft of Research Essay

June 10th: Research Essay Due
Prepare for Final

June 15th: Final In Class Essay

Research Essay: “The Supernatural and the Skeptics”

Students will select a topic that explores the so-called “paranormal” and/or skeptics, the active doubters and debunkers of supernatural phenomena. Choose a specific aspect to analyze and provide evidence and information from a wide variety of sources.

Students may wish to begin by asking a question. Here are just a few examples:

• Is there verifiable evidence that ghosts exist?
• What goes on at a fortune teller’s shop?
• How do skeptics debunk paranormal claims?
• Are near-death experiences (NDE) a product of the mind, a spiritual experience, or a combination of both?
• Is “Intelligent Design” an appropriate subject for public schools?
• Can a skeptic be religious?
• How do faith healers operate?
• Were their skeptics in the ancient world? How were they perceived by others?
• Can a person actually have ESP (Extra Sensory Perception), and if so, how might science provide evidence?

Whatever your question might be, explore potential answers online and at the library. As you develop your essay, know that you are trying to produce a well-developed answer. However, unlike a classic argument, you don’t necessarily need to persuade your reader to adopt a certain point of view. Instead, rely on the evidence which you present.

Length: +1800 words

Incorporate quotes from least five different sources.

Include an MLA Works Cited Page

Due: March 25th