English 846 --- Spring 2011 Calendar   

         Weeks 1 – 19 (January 19th – May 27th)   


Explanation of homework layout:  All activities listed next to the date (not in bold) is what we will do in class on that day.  All assignments which follow the abbreviated letters signifying homework (HW) will be due the following class. 


                      WEEK 1:  Introduction to the course and readings


January 19th – Weds:  Introduction to class and each other:  syllabus, policies, presentations,
                        texts, plagiarism contract, and student introductions
                        Activating schema: topic—the different forms of media and their impact

HW: Purchase the course materials:
(1) Course Reader, (2) Amusing Ourselves to Death,
(3) Life on the Screen, (4) YouTube, and (5) Losing the News.

In Course Reader, read Writing Guideline #2: Critical Thinking, pages 14-17.
You will need a print version of the reader to bring to class, but you can also access it at: http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/bellr/Reader.htm          

In Amusing Ourselves to Death, read Chapter 1: “The Medium Is the Metaphor,” pages 3-15.


                              WEEK 2:  Amusing Ourselves to Death


January 24th – Mon:  Setting up the three class presentation teams (page 65-66 in reader)           

Introduction to Writing Guidelines: Top 20 Ways to get an “A” and to Become a Stronger, More Confident Writer (pages 4-10 in reader).
Discussion of “Critical Thinking” (14-17)
Possible quiz on the assigned reading followed by a discussion.

                   HW: In Reader, read Writing Guideline #3: Critical Reading, pages 35-46. 
                        Do Annotating exercise: apply strategies 1-4 described at the top of
                   page 38 and mark up Malcolm X’s “Learning to Read”—due next class.

                   Afterwards, in Amusing Ourselves to Death, Chapter 4: “The
                   Typographic Mind,” pages 44-63.  Annotate your text as you read.


January 26th – Weds:  Possible quiz on the assigned reading followed by a discussion
                        “Critical Reading” (35-46) and going over the Annotating homework (38-41)         


                        HW:  In Reader, read Writing Guideline #4: The Writing Process, pages 71-89.

                   In Amusing Ourselves to Death, read Chapter 7: “Now…This,”
                   pages 99-113.   
                       
                Journal 1: Respond to one of the chapters in Amusing Ourselves to

                   Death that we have read so far (either chapter 1, 4 or 7) and tell your 
                   views on what you read in this chapter.  What did you find most
                   interesting and why?  What points do you agree with?  Disagree with? 
                   Use specific examples and quotes from the reading as you discuss
                   and analyze the chapter you selected.  All journals must be typed,  
                   double-spaced and be one-page minimum and will be collected
                   usually 3 journals at a time.  Always bring your journal to class for
                   possible sharing.


                        WEEK 3:  Amusing Ourselves to Death & Quiz


January 31st – Mon:  Review: Writing Guidelines: Top 20 Ways to get an “A” and to Become a
                        Stronger, More Confident Writer (pages 4-10 in reader)
                        Possible quiz on the assigned reading followed by a discussion of reading and journals
                        The Writing Process (pages 71-89) with practice

                        HW: In Amusing Ourselves to Death, read Chapter 8: “Shuffle Off to
                   Bethlehem,” pages 114-124.

                   Study “Writing Guidelines: Top 20 Ways to get an ‘A’ and to
                   Become a Stronger, More Confident Writer” (4-10)—quiz Weds 9/2.


February 2nd – Weds:  Quiz on Writing Guidelines: Top 20 Ways to get an “A” and to Become a
                        Stronger, More Confident Writer (pages 4-10 in reader)
                        Possible quiz on the assigned reading followed by a discussion
                       
                        HW: In Amusing Ourselves to Death, read Chapter 9: “Reach
                   Out and Elect Someone,” pages 125-141.
 
                   Journal 2: Analyze Chapter 9 and select two arguments that Postman
                   makes about politics and the influence of television.  Describe each
                   argument and then tell what your opinion is on these two points.  Is
                   Postman convincing?  Are there aspects he has left out or has not
                   considered?  So what are the implications of these arguments?  All
                   journals must be typed, double-spaced and be one-page minimum and
                   will be collected usually 3 journals at a time.  Always bring your
                   journal to class for possible sharing.            

                        In Chapter 3, complete “Prefixes—Set One” (p.47): add an additional 

                   word using each prefix and use each of those words in a sentence—
                   due Mon 2/7.  Prepare for a quiz on this set of Prefixes on Weds 2/9.


                                 WEEK 4: Preparing for Paper 1


February 7th – Mon:  Check off Prefix—Set One.  Also, figuring out words in context (p. 53)
                        Possible quiz on the assigned reading followed by a discussion of reading and journals                        
                        Going over the upcoming homework: "Creating Your Own Argument" p. 93-97.  


                        HW: Do the following in preparation for Paper #1—due Weds 2/9:

Complete the “Creating Your Own Argument” sheet: do the brainstorm, create questions,
answer them, answer “so what?”, and gather evidence for your argument (p. 96-97 in reader
and see a model on p. 94-95).     

Study for the quiz on Prefix—Set One (p.47)—quiz Weds 2/9


                        ** Getting Prepared:  Paper #1 (2-4 pages) is due Wednesday, February 16th


February 9th – Weds:  Quiz on Prefixes—Set One
                        Going over Writing Guideline #1: Paper Topics, p. 11-13
                        Going over the homework and possible thesis statements for Paper 1 

                        HW:  Create a formal typed outline for Paper #1 with a thesis
                   statement at the top—due next class (see pp. 79-84 in reader on
                   outlining).  Bring 2 copies of your outline to class.

  Reminder: the last day to drop a course without it appearing on your record is 2/11  

 



                        WEEK 5: Outlines & Workshopping for Paper 1



February 14th – Mon:  Workshopping outlines and thesis statements —write on your peers’

outlines and focus on the three areas discussed on page 84 of the reader.

Going over Writing Guideline #19: Workshopping, pages 230-235.
               

HW:  Complete Paper #1 (2-4 pages), due next class: 

                        (1) Bring 4 copies of your completed, typed, double-spaced paper to class on Weds.      

                        (2) Read and follow Writing Guideline #6: Paper Formatting (pages 106)
                        (3) Read advice on “Drafting” (pages 85-86)

                        (4) Students without papers will be asked to leave. 

                        (5) Each workshop day counts as 2 absences 

                        (6) If you do not turn a paper in on this due date, you cannot turn in the revised
                             version, due a week later, for a grade.  You cannot pass the class if you miss one of the papers.


February 16th – Weds:  Paper #1 due (2-4 pages)

In Class: Workshopping (a double absence day if missed)
Going over revising and proofreading advice and essay checklist, pages 85-89.

HW: Review advice your peers gave you and revise Paper 1.

          Begin Life on the Screen, read Chapter 1: “A Tale of Two
          Aesthetics,” pages 29-49.



        **Team presenters on Sherry Turkle and Life on the Screen present next class.



                           WEEK 6:  Presentation on Life on the Screen



February 21st – Mon:  President’s Holiday—No Class

                        HW:  Revised Paper #1 due 2/23.  Please include the following:

(1) Use MLA formatting for your title—be creative (109-110 in reader) and for the page format and numbering (114 in reader). 
If you used outsides sources, use proper citation and a Works Cited page (116-117 in reader)

(2) Peer evaluations stapled to the back
(3) Must be typed, double-spaced, have 1” margins, have 12 sized font, and be 2-4 pages in length. 
Please note:  10 pts are removed for each page the paper is under  the required minimum length and 5 pts for half a page under. 
Don’t go solely by word count but by actual length.  See Paper Formatting (107 in reader).
(4) Properly use author names and text titles (111-112 in reader)
(5) Review Writing Guideline #20: Grading, page 240.
(6)  Use advice on “Revising” (page 85-87) and “Editing/Proofreading” (page 88)
(7) Complete an “Essay Checklist” (page 89).  Staple this to the back of your revised paper.

 

 

February 23rd – Wed:  Team presenters on Sherry Turkle, the internet and Life on the Screen
                        Possible quiz on the assigned reading followed by a discussion


                HW:  In Life on the Screen, read Chapter 3: “Making a Pass at a
          Robot,” pages 77-101.



                        WEEK 7:  Life on the Screen by Sherry Turkle


February 28th – Mon:  Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion of Chapter 3
                        Writing Guideline #10: Plagiarism (pages 118-120)
                        Writing Guideline #11: Quoting and Paraphrasing (pages 123-132)                                 

HW:  In Life on the Screen, read Chapter 6: “Artificial Life as the New Frontier,” pages 149-174.

Journal 3: Analyze what Turkle argues about artificial life in this chapter.  
Explain your views on the topic as you examine the author’s points. 
All journals must be typed, double-spaced and be one-page minimum.  Journals 1-3 are due next class. 
Title each journal clearly and staple them together to be turned in on Weds 3/2.

In Chapter 3, complete “Prefixes—Set Two” (p.48): add an additional 

                   word using each prefix and use each of those words in a sentence—
                   due Weds 3/2.  Prepare for a quiz on this set of Prefixes on Mon 3/7.



March 2nd – Weds:  Turning in Journals 1-3
                                Check off Prefix—Set Two.  Also, figuring out words in context (p. 54)
                        Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
                        Writing Guideline #15: Paragraphs (pages 151-158)                                    

                    HW: In Life on the Screen, read Chapter 8: “Tinysex and Gender
                   Trouble,” pages 210-232.
                  
                   Study for the quiz on Prefix—Set Two (p.48)—quiz Mon 3/7

 

                                        WEEK 8: Prefix Quiz


March 7th – Mon:  Quiz on Prefixes—Set Two
                        Writing Guideline #14:  Topic Sentences (144-150)
                        Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
           
                        HW: In Life on the Screen, read Chapter 10: “Identity Crisis,”
                   pages 255-269.

                   Journal 4: Answer this: Choose one aspect of the book from the
                   chapters we read (chapters 1, 3, 6, 8, 10).  What does Turkle argue on
                   the topic you chose?  What are your views on what she says?  What
                   are your views on the topic in general?  Since the book was published 
                   in 1995, has the issue you explored changed?  All journals 
                   must be typed, double-spaced and be one-page minimum and will be
                   collected usually 3 journals at a time.  Always bring your journal to
                   class for possible sharing.

March 9th – Weds:  Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
                        Brainstorming possible paper topics for Paper 2
                        Writing Guideline #5: Questioning Circles (pages 104-105)
                        Review Writing Guideline #12: Thesis Statements (pages 133-139)

                   HW: Do the following in preparation for Paper #2—due Mon 3/14:

Complete the “Creating Your Own Argument” sheet: do the brainstorm,
create questions, answer them, answer “so what?”, and gather evidence
for your argument (p. 96-97 in reader and see a model on p. 94-95).       

 In Chapter 3, complete “Roots—Set One” (p.49): add an additional 

                   word using each root and use each of those words in a sentence—
                   due Mon 3/14.  Prepare for a quiz on this set of Roots on Weds 3/16.

                       

                             WEEK 9:  Roots Quiz & Outlines for Paper 2


March 14th – Mon:  Check off Roots—Set One.  Also, figuring out words in context (p. 55)
                        Going over the homework and possible thesis statements for Paper 2

 

HW:  Create a formal typed outline for Paper #2 with a thesis
 statement at the top—due next class (see pp. 79-84 in reader on
 outlining).  Bring 2 copies of your outline to class.

Study for the quiz on Roots—Set One (p.49)—quiz Weds 3/16

March 16th – Weds: Quiz on Roots—Set One
                        Workshopping outlines and thesis statements —write on your peers’

outlines and focus on the three areas discussed on page 84 of the reader.
            Writing Guideline #13: Introductions (140-143)

 
                   HW:  Complete Paper #2 (3-5 pages), due next class: 
                        (1) Bring 4 copies of your completed, typed, double-spaced paper to class on Mon.      

                        (2) Read and follow Writing Guideline #6: Paper Formatting (pages 106)
                        (3) Read advice on “Drafting” (pages 85-86)

                        (4) Students without papers will be asked to leave. 

                        (5) Each workshop day counts as 2 absences 

(6) If you do not turn a paper in on this due date, you cannot turn in the revised
     version, due a week later, for a grade.  You cannot pass the class if you miss      
     one of the papers.


                           WEEK 10: Workshopping Paper 2 & Presentation


March 21st – Mon:  Paper #2 due (3-5 pages) 
                        In Class:  Workshopping (a double absence day if missed)
                        Writing Guideline #16:  Conclusions (159-161)


HW:  Use peer feedback and revise Paper #2 due Mon, March 28th

In YouTube, read Chapter 1: “How YouTube Matters,” pages 1-14.

              **Team presenters on YouTube by Burgess and Green prepare to present next class.                      


March 23rd – Weds:  Team presenters on YouTube and Burgess and Green
                                Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion


                   HW:  In YouTube, read Chapter 2: “YouTube and the Mainstream
                   Media,” pages 15-37.

                   Revised Paper #2 due 3/28.  Please include the following:

 (1) Use MLA formatting for your title—be creative (109-110 in reader) and for the page format and numbering (114 in reader). 
If you used outsides sources, use proper citation and a Works Cited page (116-117 in reader)

(2) Peer evaluations stapled to the back
(3) Must be typed, double-spaced, have 1” margins, have 12 sized font, and be 3-5 pages in length. 
Please note:  10 pts are removed for each page the paper is under  the required minimum length and 5 pts for half a page under. 
Don’t go solely by word count but by actual length.  See Paper Formatting (107 in reader).
(4) Properly use author names and text titles (111-112 in reader)
(5) Review Writing Guideline #20: Grading, page 240.
(6)  Use advice on “Revising” (page 85-87) and “Editing/Proofreading” (page 88)
(7) Complete an “Essay Checklist” (page 89).  Staple to the back of your paper.

 


** Also, start thinking about a partner for Paper #4:  you can choose someone, we can compare schedules to
           find matches that way, or you can have me pair you.  We’ll assign partners on Mon, April 11th **

 

 

                                     WEEK 11:  Revision of Paper 2


March 28th – Mon:  Revised Paper #2 due (3-5 pages) 

                   Practice with transitions, page 157-158.
                   Possible quiz followed by a discussion of Chapter 2

 

          HW:  In YouTube, read Chapter 3: “YouTube’s Popular Culture,”
                   pages 38-57.

                        Journal 5: Analyze Chapter 3 and examine two of Burgess and
                   Green’s arguments about YouTube’s popularity.  What do you think of
                   these claims?  Do you agree?  What are the implications?  What does
                   this reveal about us?  All journals must be typed, double-spaced and   
                   be one-page minimum (the header of the page does not count in the
                   length) and will be collected usually 3 journals at a time.  Always
                   bring your journal to class for possible sharing.

 

In Chapter 3, complete “Roots—Set Two” (p.50): add an additional 

                   word using each root and use each of those words in a sentence—
                   due Weds 3/30.  Prepare for a quiz on this set of Roots on Mon 4/11.


March 30th – Weds:  Check off Roots—Set Two.  Also, figuring out words in context (p. 56)
                        Quiz on the reading followed by a discussion of the reading
                        Sharing Journal 5
                       

                        HW:  In YouTube, read Chapter 4: “YouTube’s Social Network,”
                   pages 58-74.

 

Next class, signing up collaborative writing partners for Paper 4.

Study for the quiz on Roots—Set Two (p.50)—quiz Mon 4/11


           

                                        WEEK 12:  Spring Break



Spring Break April 2-8th—No classes



                             WEEK 13:  Preparing for Midterm Exam


April 11th - Mon:  Quiz on Roots—Set Two
                        Sign-up partners for Paper #4: exchange phone #’s, schedules etc. pg. 236

Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
Creating midterm practice essay questions

                        HW:  In YouTube, read Chapter 5: “YouTube’s Cultural Politics,”
                   pages 75-99 and Chapter 6: “YouTube’s Uncertain Futures,”
                   pages 100-108

                   Prepare for open-book, closed note essay exam on Monday,
                   April 18th on assigned readings from YouTube. If you handwrite the
                   exam, bring lined paper, and if you type it, bring a disk.          

                   Journal 6: Now that you have finished Burgess and Green’s book on   
                   YouTube, describe three points that stuck with you.  Analyze the
                   significance of these 3 points and why you feel they are illuminating
                   or important.  What do these 3 points reveal about the          impact or
                   significance of YouTube?  All journals must be typed, double- spaced  
                   and be one-page minimum.  Journals 4-6 are due next class.  Title
                   each journal clearly and staple them together to be turned in on
                   Weds 4/13.                     



April  13th - Weds:  Turning in Journals 4-6
                                Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion and Sharing Journal 6
                   Workshop: Timed Writing (pp. 225-229 in reader)

                   HW:  Review assigned reading from YouTube and prepare for
                   in-class 90-minute essay midterm exam.  Next class, meet in the
                   Computer Lab in room 2117B (bottom floor of building 2—one floor
                   below Student Services).  If you handwrite the exam, bring lined
                   paper (or a bluebook), and if you type it, bring a disk. 



                                      WEEK 14:  Midterm Exam


April 18th – Mon:  Midterm Exam (90 min—4:30-6pm)—open book, closed note       

                     ** Meet in the Computer Lab of Building 2 (bottom floor) in room 2117B


               
                                HW:  Begin Losing the News, read Chapter 1: “The Iron Core,”
                   pages 1-27.

                   In Chapter 3, complete “Suffixes” (p.51): add an additional word using  each prefix and use each of those words in a sentence—
                   due Weds 4/20.  Prepare for a quiz on this set of Roots on Mon 4/25.

    **Team presenters on Alex S. Jones and Losing the News prepare to present next class

April 20th – Weds:  Team presenters on Alex S. Jones and Losing the News
                        Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
                        Check off Suffixes.  Also, figuring out words in context (p. 57)

                   HW:  In Losing the News, read Chapter 2: “Media and Democracy,”
                   pages 28-56.

                   Study for the quiz on Suffixes (p.51)—quiz Mon 4/25


               ** Reminder:  The last day to withdraw from a course is 4/28 **       




                WEEK 15:  Suffix Quiz, Losing the News and Library Tour


April 25th – Mon:  Quiz on Suffixes             
                Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion       
                       
                   HW:  In Losing the News, read Chapter 4: “Objectivity’s Last Stand,”
                   pages 81-100.

                   Journal 7: Select a quote from Chapter 4 in Losing the News.  Write
                   the quote in your journal and analyze it. Tell why you feel it is
                   significant.  How does it connect to the larger themes in the chapter?
                   All journals must be typed, double-spaced and be one-page minimum.
                   Always bring your journal to class.      


April 27th – Weds:  Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
                Sharing Journal 7  
                Library Tour  (2nd floor of building 5)  5:30-6:30pm

                   HW: In Losing the News, read Chapter 5: “Media Ethics—The Painful
                   Balance,” pages 101-124 and Chapter 7: “Newspapers on the Brink,”  
                   pages 151-176.

                   For Mon, you and your partner are responsible for bringing in a
                   minimum of 3 possible outside texts you could use in your paper to
                   support your argument.  The texts cannot be all from the same type
                   of source.  Bring full printouts and books not a just bibliography.
                  
                  Looking Ahead:  Paper #4 (4-6 pages) is due Wednesday, May 18th


                                    WEEK 16:  Losing the News


May 2nd – Mon:  Checking off library research for Paper 4
                        Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion                                               
                    
                                HW:  In Losing the News, read Chapter 8: “The New News Media,”
                   pages 177-195.



May 4th – Weds:  Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion
                       

                        HW:  In Losing the News, read Chapter 9: “Saving the News,”
                   pages 196-222.

                  Journal 8: Analyze 3 of the author’s proposals on saving the news. 
                   Are these well thought out?  Well reasoned?  Viable?  Do you think
                   the news should be saved?  All journals must be typed, double-spaced     

                   and be one-page minimum.  Journals 7-8 are due next class.  Title
                   each journal clearly and staple them together to be turned in on
                   Mon 5/9.


                        WEEK 17:  Journals due & Make-Up Quiz

 

 May 9th – Mon:  Journals 7-8 due
                        Possible quiz on the reading followed by a discussion                                               
                    
                                HW:  Prepare for the Make-up Quiz next class on Weds 5/11
                   (this quiz score will replace your lowest quiz score).

                   Do the following in preparation for Paper #4—due Weds 5/11:

                   Complete the “Creating Your Own Argument” sheet: do the
                   brainstorm, create questions, answer them, answer “so what?”, and
                   gather evidence for your argument (p. 100-101 in reader and see a
                   model on p. 94-95).    



May 11th – Weds:  Make-Up Quiz on the reading
                                Going over brainstorms and possible paper topics     

 

                        HW:  Create a formal typed outline for Paper #4 with a thesis
                    statement at the top—due next class (see pp. 79-84 in reader on
                   outlining).  To consider: you want to include one outside source in
                   your paper to support your argument. Bring 2 copies of your outline
                   to class.


                          WEEK 18: Workshopping Outlines and Paper 4

 

May 16th – Mon:  Workshopping outlines and thesis statements —write on your peers’

 outlines and focus on the three areas discussed on page 84 of the reader.

HW: Complete Paper #4 (4-6 pages), due next class: 
(1) Bring 7 copies of your completed, typed, double-spaced paper to class on Weds.      

                        (2) Read and follow Writing Guideline #6: Paper Formatting (pages 107)
                        (3) Read advice on “Drafting” (pages 85-86)

                        (4) Students without papers will be asked to leave. 

                        (5) Each workshop day counts as 2 absences 

(6) If you do not turn a paper in on this due date, you cannot turn in the revised
     version, due a week later, for a grade.  You cannot pass the class if you miss    
     one of the papers.
 (7) You need to include at least one outside source in your paper and a Works Cited 
      page.  In the reader, see Writing Guideline #9: Research, etc (pages 116-117)    

 

    *Bring a self-addressed stamped envelope, to get a full printout of your grade *    

May 18th – Weds:  Paper #4 due (4-6 pages)
                                In Class:  Workshopping (a double absence day if missed)


                   HW: Fill out “Evaluating the Members of the Team” in the Course 
                   Reader, pp. 237-238.  Papers cannot be graded without having both
                   evaluations turned in.  You and your partner must both complete an
                   evaluation of yourself and your partner due the same day as the
                   revision of Paper 4 (turn in separately--do not staple to Paper #4).   

Revised Paper #4 due next class.  Please include the following:          
(1) Use MLA formatting for your title—be creative (109-110 in reader) and for the
      page format and numbering (114 in reader). 

(2) Peer evaluations stapled to the back
(3) Must be typed, double-spaced, have 1” margins, have 12 sized font, and be 4-6        
     pages in length.  Please note:  10 pts are removed for each page the paper is
     under  the required minimum length and 5 pts for half a page under.  Don’t go
     solely by word count but by actual length.  See Paper Formatting (107 in reader).
(4) Properly use author names and text titles (109-112 in reader)
(5) Review Writing Guideline #20: Grading, page 240.
(6)  Use advice on “Revising” (page 87) and “Editing/Proofreading” (page 88)
(7)  Works Cited page with a minimum of ONE outside source.  In the reader, see
       Writing Guideline #9: Research, etc (pages 116-117).
(8) Complete an “Essay Checklist” (page 91).  Staple this to the back of your revised
      paper.

Review all the texts we have read for this course in preparation for the 2 1/2 hour final essay exam.  Recommended:  create possible final exam questions for yourself which connect the works we have read through a common theme (look again at the course theme: “Impact of the Changing Media”) and take at least one practice essay exam before the actual final exam.  Review the advice on "Timed Writing" (pp. 224-229 in reader).

 

**  Meet in the Computer Lab of Building 2 for exam **


If you handwrite the exam, bring lined paper, and if you type it, bring a USB flash drive. 



* If you haven’t already, bring a self-addressed stamped envelope to get your course grade

    

 

                         WEEK 19:  Final Exam & Revised Paper 4 due

 

May 27th – Fri:   Revised Paper #4 due (4-6 pages)
                   Turning in "Evaluating Members of the Team" sheets (p. 237-238)

Final Exam: 11:10-1:40pm in Computer Lab:
          bottom floor bldg 2, room 2117A

                  Closed note, open book, 2 ½ hour essay exam