The Matrix:Remediated - F.A.Q.

1. So, what exactly am I supposed to do?

Either create a web-essay or write a hypertextual story about the World (diegesis) of the Matrix. Since we're working in the context of "remediation" discuss how and why the diegesis is presented in slightly different ways in different Media.

Also, consider some of the weightier philosophical problems the Matrix diegesis as a whole brings up. Consider how each text employs or includes philosophical content differently. See the assignment page for the list of 6 questions I want you to keep in mind.

2. What do you mean by "web-essay"?

Simply, an essay that is on the web. There are a variety of creative choices you can make in how to organize your essay. A stronger project will incorporate the web to help make it's argument.

Here are some examples: The matrix website has a "philosophy" section. The essays there just read top to bottom. The only thing "hyper" about them is that the footnotes are sometimes target links to the bottom of the page. These are only minimally "webbed."

The on-line journal Kairos publishes interesting "webtexts" instead of papers. Here's one by a colleague of mine.

In other words, you've got to get to the requirements (6 .html pages, rollover, tables, images, citations) somehow, and just pasting a regular paper onto the web won't work

At the same time, don't neglect the writing. This is still an English class and I expect you to write well (grammatically and stylistically)..

3. Do I have to answer all of the questions in the assignment?

No. I've intentionally asked you very hard questions that may not have clear or easy answers. In a sense, this makes your papers easier to write because you'll have to spend a lot of time explaining and proposing answers to these questions.

I'd like for you to include all of the questions' topics somehow, but if you don't get to them all and you're at 1200 words, that's probably okay.

4. If I choose to write the story, does that have to answer all of the questions?

No, but your story should be consistent with the Matrix diegesis, so it kind of has to. In other words, your story will be better if it ties in some of the questions.

5. What do I have to do to earn an "A"?

Writing, writing, writing. I'm mostly interested in the text and how you organize the project, but you have to have something worth saying. I am requiring you to use the rollover, and it should be an integral part of your site (i.e. not just stuck in there to fulfill the requirement) but I want to spend the bulk of your time on your words.

Now that you've gotten at least one website behind you, the writing should be the most time-consuming part of this project.

6. What might I do (or not do) that would prevent me from getting an "A"?

If you:

Forget citations

Have less than 6 new pages

Don't address any of the questions

Have not rollovers or tables

You will not get an A.

7. Where can I get help on making the rollover?

http://www.nwe.ufl.edu/writing/help/graphics/tips/rollovers.html