This page will contain specific information about assignments.  Usually, this will supplement what I give you in writing.

Introduction memo - Write me a memorandum introducing yourself to me.  Include your name, major, email address, experiences you have had with writing, and some expectations you have for this class.

This should begin with a header that looks like this:
 

To:            Zach Whalen
From:        Your name
Date:        9 Jan 2003
Subject:    Introduction

The total memo should be about half of a page long.  Please turn in two copies of this memo on Thursday.

Print out a copy of that email and try to identify its claims, supports, and warrants.  Bring in the copy of the email and be prepared to discuss it with the class.

> Note: You're not actually turning anything in.  Just bring in something to talk about.

If you have trouble finding one that was sent to you, the hoaxbusters website has a huge database of forwards that you can use.

You will be turning this in on Tuesday (Feb 4) for a quiz grade (50 points possible).

Due:   18 Feb 2003

This paper will have two parts: a review of a movie, book, play, CD, or video game and an analysis of the value claims in your review.

You will consider the quality of the work in the context of its particular genre as well as its intrinsic value. You will then offer a brief analysis of your determination of value. Did you compare this work to an imaginary ideal? Did you admire craftsmanship? Performance? Composition?

You will compare explain the types of support you use, and justify why your support validates your claims.

The length should be 3-4 pages.

I will use the following break-down for grading your paper:
 

Grammar/spelling   20%
Review Content:  20%
Analysis Content:  30%
Details:    15%
Overall Style:   15%
 

Notice that the Details category is worth more points, and I have added a new category, style.  We will be talking about all of this in class.

Definition of Creation

This assignment will require a little bit of research.  Find TWO websites that make an argument along the lines of creation vs. evolution (there is a list of some on page 152 and still more on the website   ).  Find the exact word "creation" on the website and come up with a definition based on how that website uses the word.  You should, therefore, come up with at least two different definitions of the word "creation."

Reality TV

Paper 3 Assignment—Popular Reality

(4-6 pages)

For this paper, you will begin to apply what we've been learning about argument to make your own.  You will make an argument about the current state of entertainment in America.  Particularly, consider the role that Reality TV currently plays in popular culture, and specifically address the following concerns:

The history of Reality TV
–Where did it come from?
–What other types of TV shows were popular?

The role of Reality TV in Popular Culture
–What impact does reality TV have on other forms of entertainment (movies, news shows, magazines, radio promotions, etc.)
–What spoofs/satires have arisen as a result of Reality TV? What are they satirizing?

The moral/psychological/social implications of Reality TV
–Has Reality TV altered the way we perceive one another?
–Is RTV an example of voyeurism (being a “peeping tom”)?Is there a relationship between the rise of RTV and the popularity of “voyeur sites” on the web?
–How accurately does the microcosm of RTV simulate the real world? Or, does it actually shape the real world?  If so, to what end?
–How has the fundamental notion of “elimination” migrated into other forms of communication?

Obviously, this assignment requires a working definition of Reality TV, which we will develop in class.  This will also require some research on your part.  Find at least four sources that support your argument.  I will direct you to some resources available through our library.

The following breakdown of percentages will apply for this paper:

grammar/spelling   20%
research/sources  20%
Style    15%
Content   30%
Details    15%

See the FAQ for more detailed information.

ZW
 
 

Prospectus
 

The first step in the process to writing this research paper is to come up with an idea. Sometimes that's the hardest part.

The prospectus is, simply, a way for you to tell me what your idea is. That way, I can offer you some advice or guidance, and you can have an early idea to start your research. Your prospectus should be a 1 or 2 page memo, and it should include the following items in paragraph form.
 

-- Thesis

-- Rough (very brief) outline

-- Preliminary Bibliography

Take a look at this sample to see what I'm expecting. Also, please put it in the memo format (to-from-date-subject).

This prospectus is due on Thursday, March 27th.