Some essay tips

Please remember what was illustrated in class. In order to write an effective critical essay about a text, you need to be able to do three things:

1. Explain enough about the literary criticism theory to show the reader that you really understand the theory.
2. Explain enough about the short story to show the reader that you really understand the story.
3. Apply the theory to the story, using some of the language of the theory.

You can take whatever point of view you wish.  Your goal is to demonstrate that you understand both theory and story and can work with both of them/link them together.  Your "argument" is that your perspective is an appropriate perspective to take with that particular text.  

Remember that you may revise your work as often as time allows.  You can do it!  You can be successful!

Deconsructive/ Reader-Response Essay

Does anyone know which story we have to do the next essay on???

Out of classroom time -- reminder

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to remind you that all students in a VCAP class are required to spend additional time out of class working on various assignments.  There are several ways to meet the requirement of the out-of-the classroom time:

• Posting contributions to the class blog.
• Reading the anthology of stories and writing brief reviews and/or synopses of the stories read.
• Creating PowerPoint presentations on the "Mindset" chapters (for those who have not already done so).
• Writing (on a hard copy) contributions to class discussion (for those who are not comfortable with blogging).
• Adding to our knowledge of theories presented in our textbook or, even better, the additional list of theories that were distributed at the beginning of class.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please let me know.  Enjoy!

Brian Yablon

First Essay and Movie, some thoughts to consider

Hello everyone!

I do hope you enjoyed "The Truman Show" movie we watched this afternoon.  As I mentioned in class, I thought everyone may want to consider the following things.

1. Remember that you need to bring a draft of your first essay to class on Tuesday.  We'll spend most of the class working together on peer reviews.  The first paper must be written using one of the two following critical approaches -- either Biographical/Historical or New Criticism.  
2. You may use any of the twenty stories from our anthology of short stories, but only stories from this anthology.
3. Begin to consider which perspective you might consider for the movie we watched.
4. There are many things to consider: a) The movie represents an extreme form of reality television. The movie was made in 1998 when reality television was spreading rapidly and changing the way people watched television (or what they expected to watch).  b) From the very first scene in the movie, it appears that Truman works toward the ending scene when he leaves his artificial world.  That could be interpreted using a New Criticism approach.  c) On the other hand, the ending for Truman constitutes his fleeing his controlled world and escaping into the unknown.  We know that his love interest is seen going down the stairs while he goes up a different set of stairs, but do they ever meet?  We are left without a conclusive ending.  Hmmm...lots to consider.
5. Remember that you will need to do a fair amount  of biographical and/or historical research in order to write a biographical/historical essay.
6. You will likely not need to do research for New Criticism, as it focuses on the text.
7. Your short story essay needs to be 3-5 pages long, but that does not include either the outline or the Works Cited page (those are in addition).
8. I think it would be a very helpful idea if classmates shared  the following thoughts:
9. Which perspective are you writing from (biographical/historical or New Criticism)?
10. Which short story have you chosen to match with the perspective you have chosen?
11. Why did you pick that particular story?
12. Remember that the blog is meant to be a helpful tool for you and your classmates.
13. Good luck, and I'll see you on Tuesday.

Brian Yablon

Student presentations

Hello again.

Please don't forget to look in the right-hand navigation bar to view a link to some student PowerPoint presentations.   It's good stuff!

Tuesday Night Update from Brian Yablon

Hello everyone!

Sorry for the delays.  I was having some technical difficulties (trying to figure out this blog, which is actually a new thing for me).  At this point, I have allowed everyone who wants to the ability to post a comment -- so everyone on the entire internet (and our class) can contribute to our discussions.  Secondly, I have "invited" everyone in the class who either emailed me or gave me a filled-out syllabus agreement with an email address.  The invitation allows you to contribute to the blog.  From this point on, everyone should be fine.

IMPORTANT NEWS.  The blog is meant to be a tool for you to use for discussion, questions, and to help each other.  However, I have been reminded that our class was not advertised as a "hybrid" class that would require computer or internet work for a grade.  Therefore, although I strongly encourage each of you to access, use, and get comfortable with the blog as a learning tool, if you do feel uncomfortable using the blog, YOU MAY TURN IN YOUR COMMENTS TO EM ON PAPER FOR FULL CREDIT.  I prefer the blog, but either way you will get credit for your contributions.  

Have fun and enjoy the evening!

Brian Yablon

Overall Instructions and Guidelines

Welcome to the English 103 blog.

All of you are welcome to make contributions to our class's blog as often as you wish.  Each student is required to make a paragraph-length contribution to our blog at least once a month.  When contributing to our blog, please keep the following in mind:

1. Write your full name (so that I may give you class credit for your posting).
2. Use proper "netiquette."  This is a public space.  Although it is being used as a classroom tool, please be aware that this blog may be viewed by anyone in cyberspace.  Be polite, focused, and avoid inappropriate language and comments.  
3. Your contribution should really add something to the ongoing conversation.  Sorry, monosyllabic responses don't count.  Share your thoughts and questions.
4. Make this useful for yourself and others -- and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy the class and the blogging experience.

Brian Yablon