Writing 101-10:10 a.m.

Friday, Sept. 12

We began the class by talking about Maya Angelou's essay and why she wrote it. We watched a little of the Joe Lewis/Graziano match that took place back in the 30s and which was the subject of the essay. The instructor then handed out the assignment sheet for the essay that is due Monday.  She asked how the essay Angelou wrote might parallel an autobiographical moment about which one might write an essay for the assignment. A few students had ideas for the essay. We brainstormed a few ideas for autobiographical "moments."

The instructor then took students to "turnitin" and showed them the class section where they would upload their essay. It should be uploaded by Sunday at midnight.

We then began our introductions and name-association process. We had four presentations today:  Javon, Antonella, Breonna, and Sean.

Assignments:  see assignments sheet, also posted above.

Wed., Sept. 10

Students turned in their one-page interviews. The instructor handed out cards for the introductions on Friday.

Mon., Sept. 8

We worked from the text and used a writing technique called clustering. As we went through the interview questions, we clustered the content of the interview graphically.

Once we completed that part, the instructor explained how good writers start with the point they feel most strongly about writing. She said that writing is pieced together/organized later, not written in a linear fashion -->intro-->first main point-->transition-->second main point, etc. 

If there is no point one feels like they want to write, just set a timer and write for 15".

When completed, the body of the interview will need an introduction.  The instructor noted the suggestions mentioned in the text, such as quotation, brief story, etc. 

A conclusion is also needed. Students should repeat the name of the person they are interviewing and add some sort of summary comment.

For next class:

Come to class with two copies of the interview you have written. Bring a highlighter.  One interview copy will be handed in.