07 Jan Reflection: When complete,

Week 1 discussion

DQ1 Practicing Critical Reading and Annotation Skills

In this discussion, you will be practicing close reading techniques you read about in Sections 1, 2, and 3. You will be working on identifying aspects of short stories. You will also practice annotation skills to help you perform close readings of digital material.

Choose an Aesop’s Fable from the selection below. Read several and choose one that interests you and one that you will be able to work with.

PDF Reading: Choice of fable: Aesop’s Fables

Read through the fable once to get the plot, character, and setting and moral down. You will be treating the moral as the theme of the fable, and you will want to demonstrate how the details of the fable support the theme.

There are four parts to this posting:

1. Annotate Your Fable. Start by using some of the provided strategies for reading: annotate the fable by highlighting and adding comments. If you are using a print copy, that’s fine. Just be sure to annotate it according to the provided strategies.

For example, as shown in the PDF on annotation, on the left side of your chosen fable, make a few comments where the key points of the story occur. For example, identify the key character(s) and what they do.

On the right side, make notes on the key word(s) which can answer the following question: What details of the fable support the abstract concept of the moral?

If you are able to do so, take a screenshot (or a picture if you’re using a print version) of your annotated fable. Save it as a PDF and attach it to your response in the discussion. LEO does not allow the copying of images directly into the textboxes.

2. Present a Summary. In your discussion posting, provide a one- to three-sentence summary of the fable. The summary should state just the facts, not any opinion or ideas. Then note which details support the moral; importantly, identify the keyword(s) that are present in the fable.

Reminder: Summarizing can help you understand more complex material. As you decide on what to include, remember to focus only on the key ideas. Identifying the keyword(s) first will help you with the writing of the summary. That’s where annotation helps!

3. Provide an Explanation. Once you have completed your analysis of the fable for details, consider how those details support the fable and write a brief explanation

Example: In “The Fox and the Grapes”, an important detail of the plot is that the fox failed to get the grapes, despite his repeated attempts. The grapes are an important detail as well because they were growing so high above the fox and he could not jump high enough; thus the setting of the grape arbor is important too.

One detail that is not present is whether the grapes taste sweet or sour. That specific detail is not provided to us by Aesop. However, the fox imposes that opinion on the grapes in order to justify his failure, thereby not focusing on how he failed but how he wouldn’t have wanted them anyway. He denies that he failed, and assumes that the grapes weren’t worth the effort anyway. In the video, then, we see Aesop’s daughter falling under the same parameters of failure: she cannot purchase the handbag because it is so expensive, so she decided she doesn’t like it anyway.

4. Your Annotation Strategy. Include a separate paragraph to explain the annotation strategy you used to develop your response. Also note how you may use this strategy for future readings of digital material. If you had any trouble issues or areas of concern working through this critical reading strategy, please note them as well.

DQ2 Reflection: Your Writing Process

Throughout the term, you will be asked to complete a weekly discussion that asks you to reflect on what you’re learning about your writing process. These discussions are required. These reflections will help you to develop and refine your writing process.

You may pick up some hints from your fellow students on how to tackle writing obstacles like procrastination or how to focus on your strengths. You may want to post on what you’re taking away from the weekly discussion or what you want to work on in the upcoming weeks of the course.

It will also help you to generate some thoughts for your writing reflections which are due along with Papers 1 and 2. Importantly, by the end of the course, you will want to be aware of your writing process and apply that writing process to any type of writing assignment you may have, whether in academic or business/professional.

In this first discussion on your writing process, post some thoughts on what you’re taking away from Week 1 and into Week 2. For example, have you thought about the connection between critical reading and writing? How do you read and take notes and then generate material?

Any and all reflections are welcome here.

Week 2 discussion

DQ1 Thesis and Outline for Paper 1

In this discussion, you will be bringing together all the information you read about in this week’s reading sections.

In this discussion post a working thesis statement, outline, and if you’re ready for it, an introductory paragraph for the Paper 1 assignment.

You will receive feedback on what you submit and be evaluated on your thesis statement and outline by your instructor. Remember: this paper is not due until the end of Week 4. You will have time to revise and work on your thesis so that it will be polished by the time you submit it as part of the final paper. You will be expected to use the feedback you receive here and throughout the upcoming weeks in your continuing development and revision of the paper.

DQ2 Reflection: Your Short Story and Writing Process

In this discussion, post your thoughts on the short story you chose for your paper.

Address any areas of the story and/or the theme. Here you can begin a conversation about your story–and engage in conversations about other students’ choices.

You can also reflect on your writing process so far. For example, is anything changing about the way you write?

Week 3 discussion

DQ1 Body Paragraphs, Paper 1

After you have completed the readings, develop your body paragraphs for Paper 1. You will be working on one of the paragraphs in the following discussion.

For this discussion, first post your current thesis.

Then post one of your paragraphs. You may want to choose a paragraph that is well developed—or you may want to choose one that you need some help with.

To help distinguish the various components of the paragraph, use different colored fonts to note the areas of your paragraph:

Red for the paragraph’s topic sentence

Green for the paragraph’s use of evidence

Blue for the paragraph’s explanation/warrant of the evidence

It is recommended that you copy and paste your paragraph from your word processing software so that you have your draft all in one place; the colored fonts will carry over into Leo.

However, you can also change the color of font in Leo by clicking on the “more” box in the upper-right hand corner of the discussion box (the three dots). The screenshot below shows where this button is located.

It will open into a new window with more word processing choices, like changing the color of your fonts.

Once you have this paragraph in good shape, you can apply what you have learned about paragraph development to the remaining body paragraphs in the paper.

You should post the paragraph posted by the deadline; of course, the earlier you are able to post it and receive feedback, the better—for you can then move on to your other paragraphs. Your goal is to have the body of the essay completed by the end of Week Three.

DQ2 Your Writing Process in Week 3

Per the work you are doing in Week 3, post any thoughts you have on your writing process that have come out of your work for Week 3.

Also feel free to use this discussion to ask any questions about the content in Week 3.

Week 4 discussion

DQ1 Introduction and Conclusion, Paper 1

It is helpful to look at your opening and closing paragraphs to determine if they “frame” your paper effectively and appropriately. Looking at them side-by-side gives you a different perspective. You can, for example, see if the paper has addressed the issues raised in the introduction–and that the conclusion finalizes your thoughts on those issues.

In the discussion, post your introduction and your conclusion.

Please provide a sentence or two explaining what strategy you chose for the writing your conclusion.

Address what you have in the introduction and for your thesis to demonstrate how the conclusion resolves, answers, or supports the idea of the conclusion.

DQ2 MLA Formatting and Your Writing Process

MLA formatting is required in this course because we use literature as our content.

What is your experience with documentation formats and styling? What is your strategy for being sure that you are using the correct style?

Do you document as you write–or do you wait? Does this method work for you? Why or why not?

Will you be changing any part of your documentation style as a result of the writing you have done in this class? Why or why not?

If you have any questions on MLA formatting for your paper (which includes the formatting of the paper, the in-text citations, and the Works Cited page), please post them here.

Week 5 discussion

DQ1 Thesis and Outline

After reviewing the above materials, develop a thesis and outline for Paper 2. You will have to go through all the steps you used in developing Paper 1, but you will also be including the second story.

identifying a second story

clearly stating the theme

summarizing the story

noting comparison and contrast within the stories to develop a comparison and contrast (how the two come together to develop the theme)

identifying the theme is demonstrated in both stories

doing additional brainstorming as needed

writing up a thesis that demonstrates your point of view on the theme and the short stories

producing an outline

Remember it may help you to write up the introduction so you fully understand the relationship between the two stories and the theme thereby helping to set up the discussion.

In your posting, note the second story you have chosen and the theme. Post the thesis (and introduction if you have it). The thesis should reflect that you are comparing the two stories for something. Then, post the outline.

As always, the earlier you post, the better, as it will allow time for you use the feedback you receive and also to move on to the development of the body paragraphs.

DQ2 Your Writing Process

You are more than half way through the course. Consider where you started and where you are now with your writing process.

What you would like to work on in the upcoming weeks? Is there something that you feel much better about, say how to write a thesis statement?

Use this discussion to reflect on what you have learned so far–and what you still want to focus on in the remaining weeks of the course.

Also feel free to use this discussion to ask any questions about the content in Week 5, including your second short story and how you are using it for the second paper.

Week 6 discussion

DQ1 Body Paragraph, Paper 2

Using your outline, develop your body paragraphs for Paper 2. You will want to practice different ways of developing your paragraphs, like providing a variety of ways to introduce material. You should include directly quoted material and paraphrased material. Both of these types of evidence need to be correctly introduced and documented.

Try to incorporate the evidence in your paragraphs using signal phrases from the previous commentary. Use at least one of the signal phrases to introduce the direct quotation or paraphrased material. The material you bring into the paragraph should be punctuated and documented correctly, such as providing quotation marks (for directly quoted material) and the parenthetical reference to show the source of the material.

Post one of your paragraphs. It will also be helpful for you to post the thesis of your paper.

Then, in a separate paragraph, note the following. If you’d rather, you could color code the paragraph, using the following color codes:

The paragraph’s topic sentence

At least one signal phrase for evidence that includes one of the templates from the commentary on signal phrases

At least one area where you bring in your own commentary (such as your explanation or analysis of the evidence)

Identify at least one keyword that is present in the paragraph and which you use elsewhere in the paper to provide unity

Remember—even though you are posting only one paragraph, you can use the feedback you receive on that paragraph to develop your other paragraphs.

DQ2 Your Thoughts on Signal Phrases

As you work through your body paragraphs for Paper 2, how are using signal phrases? For example, do they help you to organize your paragraphs and present clear references?

Importantly, consider you would use signal phrases in writing where you are using formal research material. Would the templates work there as well?

Do you have any challenges using them?

Post these thoughts here, as well as any questions you may have on the work for Week 6.

Week 7 discussion

DQ1 Revision Techniques

Part 1: You will want to choose a paragraph that includes a quotation. Review any feedback you received on it. Revise accordingly. For example, you may have to shorten a quotation or use a stronger signal phrase. You may have to move the quotation to a different place in the paragraph.

Per the information provided in the reading for Week 7, look carefully at the quotation to identify keywords in it that you can use in a paraphrase of the quotation. Part of your revision should include revision where you include paraphrase and use of the keyword.

Post your revised paragraph here. To help set the context for your paragraph, post your thesis statement.

Include a note explaining your revision process: what you revised and why, including how you revised the quotation. If you do not have any quoted material in the paragraph, post a quotation and a revision as a separate paragraph.

As you’re revising your paragraphs for content, consider the comments you received on Paper 1 for the development of your paragraphs. Consider how that feedback may apply to Paper 2. For instance, if you received a notation about stronger development, be sure to review Paper 2 for any areas that may need stronger development. Or if you received feedback that your topic sentences could be stronger, make sure that the topic sentences are clearly stated in Paper 2.

Part 2: You also will need to write a conclusion for your paper this week. Review the material on conclusions in Week 4, and any comments you may have received on your conclusion in Paper 1. Look for ways to revise the conclusion from Paper 1 to match your newly developed Paper 2. You can post your conclusion in your discussion posting to receive feedback on it.

When you post your paragraph, please also post the thesis of your paper. Thank you.

DQ2 Revision Strategies and your Writing Process

Consider how you have developed revisions strategies as a result of working through your papers for this course.

Has anything changed? Do you write and/or edit your writing differently?

What revision strategies will you be using in future writing projects?

Week 8 discussion

Your Writing Process

During the last seven weeks, you have been working on developing two papers. By spending time with various components of the paper, you should now have a well-developed paper that is ready to be proofed for sentence-level and MLA concerns.

For this week’s discussion, if you have any questions about a particular sentence or documentation of a source, post it in the discussion.

You should also post three key concepts about your reading and/or writing that you are taking away from the class.

What you learned in ENGL 102 about your writing process can be transferred to writing any task, from a paper to a work assignment. Keep the key concepts in mind as you develop papers for other classes.

What you’ve learned about literature and the human condition can last you a lifetime!

Paper 1

Topic for Paper 1: How is a literary theme represented in a short

story? You will develop a paper that answers this question and

demonstrates the following outcomes for writing and literature. You

will be able to

Analyze literature for a purpose

Distinguish digital or print materials through annotation to

demonstrate reading and summary skills

Identify a theme in a short story

Identify one to three examples in the story that support the theme

Write a thesis statement that clearly identifies the title of a story,

its author, the theme, and what the paper will discuss about the story

and the theme

Write clear topic sentences for paragraphs that let the reader know

what the paragraph will discuss

Write paragraphs that explain how the examples from the story support the theme

Arrange a paper by presenting paragraphs in a logical and interesting fashion

Write sentences in standard American English that clearly express ideas

Demonstrate the MLA style of formatting in the layout of a paper

Demonstrate the MLA style of formatting by documenting material from

the story within the paper and on a Work Cited page

Explain what you have learned about your writing process in a clear

and logical fashion

Overview of the Workshop Format for Paper 1

Writing this paper will be done in a process that allows you to

practice and develop your writing skills in the discussions. During

Weeks 1 through 4, you will work on your paper in the classroom,

receive feedback from your instructor, and build your paper,

part-by-part, into your final version. It will allow you time over

this period to get to know and develop your writing process through a

workshop format as you will be able to revise and edit the different

sections as you go along, thereby demonstrating the writing skills

needed for that particular section of the paper.

To be successful in this process, you must be active and engaged in

the discussions and post in a timely fashion. That way, you can

successfully demonstrate the weekly skills and be building your paper.

Week 1: Critical Reading Strategies and Selection of Topic. During

Week 1, you will cover strategies to help you with critical reading,

including techniques for reading and annotating digital materials. To

prepare you for working with your topic for the paper, you will work

on these strategies in Week 1 (and throughout the course). During Week

1, you will study the concept of theme and the genre of the short

story. You will choose your short story and theme from the list

provided by your instructor.

Week 2: Thesis. Your thesis statement should include the story and the

theme. You will workshop the thesis of your paper during Week 2 in the

discussions. Outlining and organizational strategies will also be

covered.

Week 3: Development. The development or body of the paper will focus

on finding examples in the story that support the theme and then

explaining in your paper how they do so. During Week 3, you will

workshop strategies for developing body paragraphs in the discussion.

Except for the stories themselves, you will be developing this

material through your own observations; you are not to use outside

sources for this material.

Week 4: Sentence Level and MLA. Your writing should be carefully

proofed for sentence-level concerns. Your final paper should be

formatted and documented according to MLA documentation in the form of

parenthetical citations and a Works Cited page. During Week 4, you

will resources for these areas. In the discussion, you will continue

to workshop these areas. You will submit the final paper at the end of

Week 4, along with your Reflection on your writing process (see

below).

Hints: Remember that your reader has read the story and is familiar

with it. You do not have to spend time on summary. Instead, your

development should explain and analyze how the theme is demonstrated

in your story.

Special Hint about Plot: Be aware that a paper about a piece of

literature is NOT a plot summary. Your plot summary, if you must have

one, should provide only the details necessary to highlight the parts

of the story which help to develop your paper, such as a short

paragraph of five to six sentences.

Reflection on your Writing Process: On a separate page of your

submission, provide an overview of your writing process for this essay

and what you have learned about your writing process by developing

your paper. Also note two areas which you would like feedback on, such

as thesis statement and topic sentences.

When you are satisfied that your paper and your reflection are

complete, upload your work to the Assignments Folder within the link

“Paper 1” by the deadline.

Word Count: 500-750 words

Due Date: Paper 1 is due at the end of Week 4.

Paper 2

Instructions

Topic for Paper 2: How do two short stories help the reader to understand a common theme? By writing this paper, you will answer this question and demonstrate the following skills for writing and literature:

Analyze literature for a purpose

Distinguish digital or print materials through annotation in order to demonstrate reading and summary skills

Identify a common theme in two short stories

Identify one to three examples from each story to support the theme

Write a thesis statement that clearly identifies the titles of the stories, their authors, the theme, and what the paper will discuss about the stories and the theme

Write clear topic sentences for paragraphs that inform the reader what the paragraph will discuss

Develop paragraphs that explain how the examples from the stories support the topic sentence of the paragraph

Organize a comparison and contrast paper by presenting paragraphs in a logical and interesting fashion using one of two methods for comparison and contrast: story-by-story or idea-by-idea

Write sentences in standard American English that clearly express ideas

Demonstrate the correct use of MLA formatting within the paper and on a Works Cited page

Explain your writing process in a clear and logical fashion

Overview of the Workshop Format for Paper 2

In Paper 1, you developed an initial thesis statement that considered how a theme is shown in a short story. In Paper 2, you will be building on that discussion by considering and analyzing a second story. You will be developing a comparison/contrast paper that focuses on bringing in appropriate material from Paper 1 and your stories. You will be using the feedback you received on Paper 1 from your instructor to help you revise any material you may want to use in Paper 2.

For Paper 2, review the selection of stories and choose another story that would work with your previously chosen theme and short story. Then, as you did for Paper 1, you will workshop the following areas in the weekly discussions.

Week 5: Thesis. Your thesis statement should include both stories and the theme. You will work on the thesis, pattern of organization, and outline in the Week 5 discussion. Topic sentences for the outline will also be reviewed. You will also be applying the critical reading skills you’ve been developing throughout the course.

Weeks 6, 7, and 8: Development. The development or body of the paper will focus on analyzing how the literary element connects to the meaning of the theme in both stories. During Weeks 6, 7, and 8, in the discussions, you will review the following writing strategies to develop your paper. The paragraphs are becoming more complex because you will be using the two stories (instead of one) to develop and present your ideas.

development of body paragraphs that include strong topic sentences and transitions that sets up comparison/contrast of the two stories and their shared theme

development and management of the “they say/I say” components for using multiple sources in writing

inclusion of claims and evidence that help to develop your argument

using keywords and lengthy quotations as development

Throughout Weeks 5 to 8: Sentence Level and MLA. Your writing should be carefully proofed for sentence-level concerns. It should be formatted and documented according to MLA documentation in the form of parenthetical citations and a Works Cited page (work from an anthology). Throughout the writing of Paper 2, you will be applying these grammatical and documentation skills you learned from Paper 1 to Paper 2.

Reminder: As in Paper 1, remember that your reader has read the story and is familiar with them. You do not have to spend time on summary. Instead, your development should explain and analyze how the examples from the two stories help your reader understand the theme and your thesis.

Reflection: When complete, upload your work to the Assignment Folder within the link “Paper 2” by the deadline. On a separate page of your submission, provide an overview of your writing process for this paper.

Include a few paragraphs on your writing process, including what you learned about writing in moving from Paper 1 to Paper 2.

Word Count: 800-1,000 words

Due Date: This paper is due at the end of Week 8.