English 1102: Composition II

Final Self-Assessment Essay

2020-05-02T11:12:00.000-04:00

Okay, here it is! The last thing!

Please read the instructions for the Self-Assessment essay (and check the calendar, too!).

You may begin this assignment as soon as you are done fixing/finishing all other assignments that you intend to and have seen those grades update in D2L. You still need to notify me about those assignments as you fix them so I can go look at them again.

By starting the Self-Assessment, you will be telling me that all of your other assignment grades are final.

*EDIT - It is okay for you to start on the Self-Assessment even before finishing other assignments, but you should prioritize other assignments that you need to complete or fix. Once I GRADE the Self-Assessment, then I will assume you are done fixing everything else.

Final Week Tasks

2020-04-27T10:54:00.001-04:00

Peer Response workshop
Putting Images in Your Paper
Revising for the "Revised Draft" and "Final Draft"

You made it! This is the final week (at least before final exams), and I am proud of you for keeping up and getting your work done during this difficult time.

Some of you have asked about putting images in your final draft for Paper 2. Yes, you should make a figure for each part of the comic you cite in your paper, and you must have at least THREE figures. You probably remember how to do this from Paper 1, but in case you need a refresher, you can read the instructions here. Improperly formatted figures and citations in this paper will earn you a "Falls Short"--so make sure you do it right!

Please do not put images in your paper until you are done with the Peer Response workshop. Try your best to make sure each student in your gets a set of comments. Do not just communicate with one other student. Communicate with your whole GROUP. If you still do not have a paper to share, then you should let the other members of your group know so that they can divide the completed papers among themselves.

The final draft is due at the end of the week, but if you need an extension, please just let me know. Don't forget--the revision requirements for the final are the same as for the revised, so if you have not finished your "Revised Draft," you cannot expect your revisions to count for the "Final Draft." If you did not finish the "Revised Draft" revisions on time, you will need to finish it and let me know where those revisions stop before you start revising for the "Final Draft."

If you do finish your "Final Draft" early and legitimately, I will go ahead and look at your paper. Just let me know that it's ready. If I give you a completion grade for the "Revised Draft" and the "Final Draft" and you don't have any other "Incomplete" grades left, I will let you start on the Final Self-Assessment essay (to be announced). I have not made the Final Self-Assessment instructions available yet. But if you are ready to start it early, I will post them early. Otherwise, I will post them on Friday, the last day of class.

If, at the end of the semester, you have an "incomplete" grade, please understand that you cannot get an "A" in the course. If you have two "incomplete" grades, you cannot make a "B." If you have more than two, you cannot make a "C." So get those assignments finished and notify me to look at them again! It's better to have a "Falls Short" and "Late" than an "incomplete"!

Finally, please reach out if you are having trouble finishing the course!

Course Design Update

2020-03-28T13:02:00.004-04:00

Dear all,

First, I want to say that I hope you are doing well! My top concern is that you stay healthy and happy in this stressful time. Please let me know if you are having a hard time in case there is something I can do to help you.

As the powers above have determined, we must charge ahead with the course in a purely online way, though for us, I hope, that will not be too big an adjustment. Here is how the course will work for the remaining FIVE weeks of class:

I have updated our calendar to reflect the new schedule. We will continue working in Google Drive documents just as before, but the drafting, feedback, and revision process will be more spread out. Browse through the calendar and click on the agenda items to see what I mean. We’re taking it slow and steady.
The Final Self-Assessment essay will still happen (more on that later).
The Annotated Bibliography is cancelled.

And that’s it! If you need any help with anything, please let me know. We can do face time in Google Hangouts anytime you want. Here is the website for Google Hangouts: https://hangouts.google.com/. You can use the same Gmail address that you used for Google Drive to log in. Then you can start a “new conversation” with me by clicking the green plus button and typing in matthew.horton.ung@gmail.com. To give me a heads up about a face time meeting, please email me at matthew.horton@ung.edu. Remember, I cannot receive emails at my gmail account. If you are using a phone or tablet, you can download Google Hangouts at your app store.

Again, I want nothing more than to extend my support to you during this strange time. UNG has extended the Withdrawal deadline to April 10, so if you are in a really stressful situation due to sickness, taking care of family, working, whatever the case might be, you can consider dropping courses this semester without fear of GPA penalty. I hope you will stay in your courses, but I understand if you cannot. Please try not to feel bad if you need to withdraw.

What we all need to do in this time is what is best for our health and happiness.

Your teacher,

Dr. H

Putting Images in Your Paper

2019-02-08T08:47:00.000-05:00

These instructions assume that you use Windows. MacOS has a similar tool, but you'll need to look up how to use it:

Find the comic page you need from the "Comics" folder in the shared course folder. When you go to the folder that contains the page you need to open, you double-click on it to open a preview of it in your browser.
After you have opened the page, click on the Windows button on your computer and start typing "Snipping Tool"--when it shows up in the results list, click on it to open it and move it off to the side so it is not in the way.
Select the part of the page you want to display in your paper. First, adjust the zoom of the image so that the part you copy is big enough to look good and readable (DO NOT use the whole page). Then click on "New" on the snipping tool so that you can lasso the part of the image you need. Click and drag on the image to surround the part you want. When you do so, you will see a rectangle with a red boundary, showing you what you are selecting. Once the rectangle is around the part you want, let go of the mouse button. The part you selected will then be shown in the Snipping Tool so that you can "Copy" it.
Now the image you want is on the clipboard, ready to paste into your paper in Google Drive. Next, put your cursor in your Google Doc on a blank, unindented line where you want the image to be. Typically, an image will be after the paragraph in which you refer to it the first time. Just hit "Enter" at the end of a paragraph and make sure the cursor is blinking on the left edge, but not indented like you would a paragraph. Once the blinking cursor is where you want it to be (all the way on the left on a blank line), you can paste the part you selected using "Ctrl+V."
The next step is to make another blank, unindented line beneath the image you just pasted. So hit "Enter" after you paste the image. On that line, type "Fig. 1. Caption." Later, you will type a caption to describe what the reader is supposed to notice in the image you included. The next one will be "Fig. 2. Caption." then "Fig. 3. Caption." and so on.
Now you have to resize the image so that it has reasonable dimensions to fit in your paper. Click on the pasted image in your Google Doc. You will see an outline appear. Click on one of the four corners (NOT the sides!) and drag toward the center of the image. This will shrink the image dimensions down to the size you want. Not too big, not too small! If you drag a side, you will distort the image. This is not acceptable, but if you accidentally do it, you can just delete the image and repast it.
Now, after resizing it (if necessary), with the image still selected, center it using the centering button in the formatting menu.
After you write your caption, use the the ruler to indent both edges of the caption line so that it looks aligned with the centered image. To do so, pull the triangle notch on the ruler--there is one on the left and one on the right. You will pull both toward the center until the caption text looks good with the centered image.

Also, double-check that your figures are numbered correctly, that you have referenced each figure you create in the paragraph preceding it, and that you have correctly cited the source in your figure citation.

You can find examples of properly formatted MLA figures in this document.

First Day

2013-06-03T11:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to your English 1102 course! Your professor is Dr. Matthew Horton (that's me!). You can call me "Dr. H." Please ask me questions about the course and how I teach it! Not every 1102 course is the same, and getting to know your professor will help you succeed in this class.

How to do well in English 1102
Read the syllabus
Read the Grading Contract
Check the calendar
Learn how to use Google Drive
Resources on Google Drive (I will share this with you)

You can access other resources by clicking the tabs above and the links on the right. Take some time to look around in this website. All the resources can help you, and there are policies and requirements to learn. My contact info is also in the right-hand margin. Always use UNG email to send me questions and the reason you might not be able to attend class.

This course is mostly about writing, but you will also learn new technology. In fact, this course strives to be as PAPERLESS as possible, so you will use Google Drive to write and share your papers! This might be a little scary, but technology skills are important to your future job!

Try one of these for a better browser: Internet Explorer and Safari don't play well with Google Drive. Chrome is best! These buttons will take you to portable versions of the Firefox and Chrome that you can put on a USB drive, or you can search for a full install version in Google.

You will use Google Drive to write and share papers:

You can keep track of online resources using this tool:

You can keep track of when you'll work on assignments using this tool:

You can learn how to type faster using this tool:

How to Do Well

2013-06-03T11:29:00.000-04:00

First, I don't want you to stress about grades in this course. I know they are important to you, and I care that you care about them. This course is designed for everyone to make an "A" or "B," and this can happen if you strive to do your best. If you come to class every day, turn in work on time, revise your writing, and follow assignment instructions, you should make at least a "B"!

That being said, let yourself make a "C" if that's what you need, or if that is a realistic grade given your life outside of school. It is okay to make a "C" in this course, but be careful of the borderline between a "C" and a "D"--keep safe by being diligent about finishing assignments on time.

Whatever grade you'd like to earn, doing well in this course depends on your mindset as a student. Actually, one goal of this class is to figure out what kind of student you are and what kind of student you want to be. Here is some important questions to ask yourself:

"Why am I here, in school?"
"What can I achieve in this writing class?"
"How will the skills I practice here help me later?"

I encourage you to come talk to me if you are not sure how to become the kind of student you want to be. It can be difficult to adjust to a college mindset, but you can do it!

Syllabus - Spring 2020

2013-06-03T11:15:00.000-04:00

Instructor Information

Name: Dr. Matthew Horton
Office: 704 - Faculty Center
Email: matthew.horton@ung.edu
Office Hours: MW 10-12, F 10-1, TR 12:30-2:00

Description of Course

English 1102 is English Composition II, a 3-credit hour course offered by the English Department in the College of Arts and Letters that fulfills the second of two Area A "Communication Skills" requirements. You must earn a "C" in English 1102 in order to move on to any 2000-level English course.

Panel by Panel: Reading Comics for Visual Literacy

Students entering First-Year Writing courses often feel uninspired because the writing assignments they've had in the past forced them to discuss ideas that didn't mean anything to them. In order to generate more interest, you will read some comics that address important social issues in a world that is often short on mercy and kindness, ideas that appeal to most people with a desire to live a good life. Also, comics are just cool, right!? Well, if you don't think so, maybe you will after this class. I hope so! Along the way, we will learn how to make sense of visual storytelling and interpret the ways they generate meaning worth thinking about. To aid in your writing tasks and to share your writing with your classmates and me, you will use Google Drive to write most of your assignments.

To pass this course, you must achieve the following goals:

Submit all discussion postings and writing assignments, without turning in too many late or incomplete
Type all of your writing, without copying and pasting, in Google Drive (including all comic discussions prior to posting on D2L)

To make a strong grade in this course, you should pursue a mindset that

Values good, thorough work more than earning a particular grade
Views a college education as your purpose, not an obstacle
Approaches writing as a skill to develop rather than busy work
Promotes thinking about storytelling, character, expression, and meaning
Helps you develop a productive writing process
Follows the parts of an essay to compose smart, lively papers
Accepts criticism from others as a path to stronger performance
Motivates you to attend class and participate in our activities

Texts and Materials

Our texts are available at the UNG Bookstore (and elsewhere). You must purchase paper copies and bring them to class with you every day

Scott McCloud. Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art. 1993. (another option: amazon)
Mark Russell and Steve Pugh. The Flinstones. Vol 1. 2017. (cheaper options: instocktrades | amazon)
Mark Russell and Steve Pugh. The Flinstones. Vol 2. 2017. (cheaper options: instocktrades | amazon)
Tom King and Gabriel Hernandez Walta. The Vision. 2017. (cheaper options: instocktrades | amazon)
Tom King and Mitch Gerads. The Sheriff of Babylon. 2018. (cheaper options: instocktrades | amazon [ONE hardcover or TWO paperbacks])
Purdue University Online Writing Lab
Google Drive account

Course Grading

To learn about the work you will do and how your course grade will be determined, please read how your grade is calculated. The basic idea is that you will earn your grade by completing a variety of labor tasks:

Reflections
Discussion Postings
Reading Responses
Peer Responses
Self Responses
Paper Topics
Rough drafts of papers
Revised drafts of papers
Final drafts of papers

Stress Reduction Policy

Emotional stress in academic situations can hinder learning and make you anxious. To minimize this type of stress in this class, we will enact the following policies:

Writing assignments in this course will allow you to discuss matters that are personally relevant to you as a human being.
Writing assignments in this course are designed to help you work on skills that you are developing/improving (see Course Objectives for 1102).
I will say only positive comments about your writing during class. Any comments to help you improve will be typed as comments on your documents or in a digital chat session. In addition, you can visit my office for a private conversation to help you improve.
Course grades will largely be determined by timely completion of writing tasks, both in and out of class, not how sophisticated your writing happens to be on those assignments. Please see the Grading Contract for this course.
If you feel stressed or worried about a grade for any assignment or the overall course, you may talk with me about your concerns and options for moving your grade to where you would like it to be. You can email me your free times to meet, even outside my stated office hours.

Conduct Policies

Seek help from Dr. H first. If you are struggling or need help, send me an email—we can meet for tutoring in my office. You can also use workshop time in class to ask me questions. You may seek help on assignments before they are due. Be sure to use your UNG email account and send me an email at matthew.horton@ung.edu, my UNG email addres.
Visit the Writing Center. Getting extra help from the writing tutors could be good for you. It all depends on the kind of help you need. If you are not sure, you can talk to me about the best way to use the Writing Center.
Be present. Arriving on time goes a long way to staying on track. I want you to succeed--time in class is essential to that success.
Keep your phone in your bag. I appreciate your effort to stay off your personal devices. Part of "being present" is staying engaged with me, your classmates, and your assignments while in the classroom. You can use your phone to authenticate, but I would rather not see them otherwise. I am not going to enforce this as a grade requirement. However, engagement with me and your classmates is part of participation.
Make-Up Work. Some assignments will be homework, and some will be done in the classroom. When you are absent, show me proof of excuse to avoid the penalty for late work. Attendance will often be required to complete an assignment on time because of an assignment-related workshop. Being here every class period, with all assignments ready, is the best way to earn the grade you want. Always email to notify me about an absence. And if you know you will be absent ahead of time, please let me know so you can finish your work ahead of time and figure out another way to participate in our planned activity.
Turning in work. All assignments for credit will be done in Google Drive. Writing assignments have length requirements stated in the instructions. You will need access to a working computer with reliable internet. The computers in the labs here on campus work great if you don't have one at home. Never use email to turn in work.
Email. The official form of communication at UNG is email. This UNG policy protects the privacy of all of us in the exchange of information. If you need to ask me a question about anything, whether personal or class related, please use your UNG email account to send a message to matthew.horton@ung.edu. This is my official UNG email address. Check your email two or three times a day.
Computers. Please log on as soon as you arrive and come to this website. Review the calendar, look over the resources, reread assignment instructions, work on your writing. All communication with people outside the classroom needs to happen outside the classroom. If you have an emergency that requires you to use your phone during class, please asked to be excused.
Printers. To avoid distractions, do not print any documents in the classroom during class.
Disruptive behavior. Sensitivity and respect in and out of class between you and me and between you and your classmates is important. Do not be intentionally base, insulting, or provocative. I like debate during class when we are discussing issues or reading material, but please do not publicly criticize me, my class, or your classmates. We can speak privately in my office, or you can send me an email. Disruptive behavior includes leaving class (except for emergencies) and eating in the classroom. You may have bottled water in the classroom, but no food (UNG policy).
Academic honesty. All work to fulfill requirements of this class must meet UNG standards of academic honesty. Violations of these standards include receiving or giving assistance on any graded assignment without my permission (aka, cheating), fabricating evidence for use in an essay (aka, lying), and using another person's words or thoughts in your paper without giving that person credit (aka, plagiarism). Penalty for committing these acts could range from a zero on the assignment to an "F" in the course. For instance, in a class like this one, having someone proofread your paper or write any part of it for you would be considered cheating. I know that might seem strange to some of you, but it is even more strange to think that you should pretend to have skills that actually belong to someone else. Instead, develop YOUR skills.
Withdrawal. Remember that you cannot withdraw from a class simply by not coming anymore. You have to withdraw yourself through Banner Web before the midpoint. Please be familiar with the University Attendance Policies.
Disclaimer. This syllabus is subject to change to meet the needs of the course.

Supplemental Syllabus
Student IT support

Calendar

2013-06-03T11:00:00.000-04:00

Each item on the agenda can be clicked to reveal more information about an assignment or activity. All assignments are due on their deadline days, but the times will vary depending on the assignment. Before you look at the schedule, click on MWF or TR first, depending on the days of the week when your section meets:

Readings

2013-06-03T10:45:00.000-04:00

In addition to Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art, your reading material will consist of three comics, all of which are available at the UNG bookstore (and elsewhere). Please take your reading slowly and seriously so that when you develop your Paper Topics and write your Assigned Reading Responses, you will be engaged and excited.

When you are reading the comics, you should understand that each volume of The Flintstones contains SIX issues, The Vision contains TWELVE issues, The Sheriff of Babylon contains TWELVE issues. Look on the calendar when a reading is due and make sure you read the assigned issues.

How Your Grade Is Calculated

2013-06-03T10:30:00.000-04:00

I use a flexible system that gives you control over the grade you earn in this class. My goal is to change your view of grading, at least as it relates to improving writing skills. Your grade in this course will reflect how diligently you complete assigned writing tasks, both in and out of class, on time. Through practice, your writing skills will improve. Please read the Grading Contract for this course.

You'll produce three longer writings (800-1000+ words) and many smaller writings (200-300 words each). Timely and accurate completion of all assignments can earn you the default grade of a "A" for the course. If you turn in incomplete assignments, you will still have to complete them, making them late. As explained on the Grading Contract, there is direct relationship between timely completion of assignments and your course grade. This includes assignments done in class as well as out of class.

I will still grade each individual assignment as feedback for improvement. A grade of "quality effort" means that your "A" is safe. However, work complete late or really poor effort in content or proofreading will result in a grade of "falls short." As long as the number of "falls short" grades is within the limit stated on the Grading Contract, you still have a chance to make an a "A" or "B" in the course. Here are some (not all) reasons you could get a "falls short" grade:

Not following instructions
Incorrect MLA or title formatting
Missing parts of the assignment
Generalizing
Typos
Incomplete or confusing sentences
Punctuation or grammar errors
Vague or uninteresting titles

Here are some example situations:

A little slip up or two will still get you a "quality effort" if you are otherwise impressive in content and logic.
If you want a "quality effort," then do quality work--do you deserve the grade otherwise? No complaining if you don't put the time in to produce a stellar piece of writing.
If you want a "quality effort," then you impress me with your content and expression. If I read a dull, uninspired assignment, I migth get the impression that you did not put the time in, even if it is otherwise decently proofread and clear.
Poor proofreading is an automatic "falls short." I will not trudge through a bunch of typos and grammar mistakes just to follow your thoughts. Nor will those employers to whom you address cover letters on job applications, by the way.
Generalizing, next to poor proofreading, is the true mark of "falls short." If your sentences are not specific, you can expect a "falls short" grade.
If you make enough proofreading mistakes or leave too many typos, then you will get a "falls short." It's about time and concentration. If you are not confident in your proofreading, make an appointment with me to work on your weaknesses.
Generalizing, poor proofreading, ignoring instructions, failing to brainstorm, putting minimal time into your composing, showing low interest, taking shortcuts--these would be signs of your not caring about your improvement as a writer. Show me that you care. Impress me with your effort. Surprise me with your ideas. Make reading your work a joy. As your teacher, I expect you to show concern in your work. If you don't, it won't be an accident. It will be a choice. So, again, no complaining if you make a "falls short"--just step up your game. Raising your effort level is the only way to make a difference in your product.
Any assignment that you complete after the deadline is late and will automatically earn a "falls short" grade.

So if you see a "falls short" grade, you should have an idea what it means. If you really want to understand why you made that grade and you cannot figure it out, then you can make an appointment with me to go over it. But the examples above should help you take stock of your performance.

Below is a list of tasks you will do this semester. Remember, assignments turned in late or incomplete will still receive grades, but they will marked as late for course grading purposes:

Reflections
Discussion Postings
Paper Topics
Assigned Reading Responses
Peer Responses
Self-Responses
Rough drafts of papers
Revised drafts of papers
Final drafts of papers
Self-assessment essay

Please always feel free to ask me how things work. The Grading Contract is designed to help you earn the grade you want.

You can a "quality effort" on an assignment by (a) meeting deadlines and content/length requirements for assignments and (b) participating in classroom activities designed around completion of these assignments. Why? Most students want a course grade to reflect their effort in a course; this approach to grading rewards effort, the labor that you put into completing tasks on time.

Using Google Drive

2013-06-03T10:15:00.000-04:00

You will do all your writing this semester in Google Drive. This online document creation and storage tool allows you to compose without any word processing software on your computer. The sharing feature allows you to collaborate with me and your classmates as you write your assignments and receive feedback. You can also comment and make suggestions on assignments shared with you.

In order for this tool to work for us, we will all have to cooperate, learn some new skills, and follow some rules. You might not yet know how to use it, but it won't be too hard, and I think you'll be pleased with the results!

First, you'll need a Google account. If you have a Gmail account, then you already have a Google account, so all you need to do to get started is to sign in to Google Drive! If you don't have a Google account, the easiest way to start one is to sign up for Gmail! This link will allow you to designate a username for a Gmail account.

Once you have your Google account, let me know the Gmail address you'll be using to sign in to Google Drive, and we'll configure some things together during class. Here is the first assignment:

Create a folder called Lastname.Firstname.1102.Writing.S20
Share the folder with me and grant me "edit" privileges (ask for my sharing address)
Create a document in that folder and name it Lastname.Firstname.My.Interests.S20
Create another document in the same folder and name it Lastname.Firstname.My.Goals.S20

Future writing assignments will also go in this folder with an appropriate filename. Here are examples:

Lastname.Firstname.Paper.1.Topic.S20
Lastname.Firstname.Paper.1.S20
Lastname.Firstname.Paper.1.PR.for.Susan.S20
Lastname.Firstname.Paper.1.SR.S20
Lastname.Firstname.ARR.1.S20

Remember, if you create a document in Google Drive but forget to place it in your writing folder, I will not be able to see it.

Important: All assignments for this class must be composed and revised within Google Drive. You may not type your work elsewhere or copy and paste any text into a Google Document from another place. Also, you may not upload a finished document to your Google Drive folder. Google Drive has a revision history that keeps track of the work you do and the time you spend on a document. Make sure that your revision history is a record of the actual work and time you put into your assignments. No copying and pasting into a Google document, no matter what (even assignment instructions should not be pasted in).

Parts of an Essay

2013-06-03T09:45:00.000-04:00

Below is a general guide that you should read and follow. Afterwards, read a more specific guide.

In the color-coded sections below, the various parts of an essay are laid out for you. Use this as a guide for crafting effective essays. There are many ways to put an essay together, but the suggestions I make here are applicable to writing in many subjects. Students in the past have appreciated this guide because it offers structure without stifling creativity.

Beginning: (Generate interest, orient the audience) [2 paragraphs]

Reach out to your audience

Because your essay is about someone else's writing, not yourself, start with a specific detail from the work you are writing about: an example of an artistic or story-telling strategy that is relevant to your thesis or a particular example that shows an interesting technique that makes the author's style interesting. Your audience needs something real to feel involved. Writing general or opinionated ideas will only give the impression that you are not a thinking person. "Reach out to your audience" should be the first paragraph of your paper.

Prepare your audience

In your second paragraph, start setting up your paper by bringing focus to your actual topic. Imagine your reader asking, "Okay, interesting beginning, but what is THIS paper going to be about?" Give background information that your audience needs to know and create the impression that you have a serious purpose. Convince the audience to feel that you are leading them to an important insight, an insight that matters, that will change how they think. This part of the paper should naturally follow the concrete detail you discussed for "reaching out."

Preview your argument

In the same paragraph as "Prepare your audience," give a short version of your stages of thought for the paper. These stages should NOT be IN your thesis, like a list of different ideas, but can be mentioned BEFORE your thesis. The stages are the logic that will explain the main idea you want to get across to the reader. The middle section of the paper (see below) will contain the actual stages--they should work TOGETHER in SEQUENCE to develop ONE argument, which is your thesis. Laying out your stages in the beginning will keep your thesis statement from sounding like it comes out of nowhere.

State your thesis, the MAIN argument of your paper

Immediately following your preview, make a statement that you think is both true and persuasive. It should direct the audience toward a way of thinking that you imagine they might not already understand or agree with. So your thesis cannot be a statement of fact or an obvious truth. A great thesis will be a single idea--it brings the topic to focus and tells the reader your position. To get a thesis that works with your stages, you will have to go through some trial and error. Avoid the most common temptation: to state a conclusion instead of a persuasive claim. Conclusions are thoughts for an ending, not the beginning.

Middle: (Present stages, at least 1 paragraph per stage) [3-4 paragraphs]

For EACH middle paragraph:

Transition and topic sentence

The topic sentence starts the paragraph and represents one (or part of one) of your stages. If you need a transitional hook, ask yourself, "what is the relationship of THIS stage to the PREVIOUS one?" The answer is your transition. Of course, if your mental transitions are solid and true, you won't need to write a hook.

Details to support topic sentence

Illustrate using quotations and examples from the text(s) you are analyzing, describe details that help the reader see how you are thinking, use logical deduction to lead your reading to understanding, etc.

Closing statement to explain your support

Giving evidence is not enough. Every paragraph should have a closing sentence or two to show that the topic sentence has actually been proven. No claim is self-evident, so proof must be demonstrated AFTER evidence is given. The question to ask yourself is "How is this stage tied to your thesis?"

Sometimes, one of your middle paragraphs can acknowledge a different point of view that questions your thesis or one of your stages. First, you state the other point of view and explain how it is reasonable. Then disagree, offering NEW evidence in response to this opposing point. But mentioning a counter-point at the beginning of your essay is counter-productive.

Ending: (Answer the crucial question "so what?") [1-2 paragraphs]

Explain importance of proving your thesis

Begin explaining why the point of your essay is important. In other words, discuss the significance of your thesis. Why is it relevant? Why does it matter? What does it apply to? The WORTH of your thesis is not self-evident. When analyzing other people's writing, the importance of your thesis will have something to do with how your ideas help the audience interpret the author's ideas more effectively. But do NOT just repeat your thesis.

New information to help apply the thesis

Save some elements of the writer's techniques or content from the text to add content to your ending. Keep the attention of your reader with real details instead of rehashing what you've already said. Using general conclusion cliches to finish your essay will leave your audience with an empty feeling. Instead, apply the relevance of your thesis by extending your attention to a new but related idea. Apply what you have already said to an idea beyond your thesis.

Satisfy reader with a closing statement

Discuss the benefits of taking your position on the text you analyzed; offer a warning or call for action that can help your audience read that text better; suggest a solution or another problem related to interpreting that text. Or you can raise issues that leave your audience thinking and wondering. But remember the purpose of your essay: to highlight a technique the author used to convey an idea in the text you analyzed. At the same time, do not address your audience directly (this is true for the whole paper). Imagine that they are listening to you think. They stand to gain from your thinking, but this is less likely to happen if you write directly AT them.

Assignments

2013-06-03T09:30:00.000-04:00

All writing assignments should be typed in Google Drive using 12 pt. Times New Roman, 1" margins, and double-spacing. Click on each link below for further instructions for each type of writing assignment.

Comic Discussion Forum

2013-06-03T09:25:00.000-04:00

On most days you have a comic reading assignment due (see the calendar to keep track), you will compose a short discussion response in your Google Drive folder before class begins. These discussion responses will prepare you to ask questions about the assigned reading and help you process your own ideas with your group in preparation for paper topics.

The discussion topic prompts are available below, and you will be able to read them in advance of each reading assignment.

Each discussion response should be at least 200 words long (total, not per question), must use two detailed examples from the reading to make an interesting observation to share with your classmates, and must cite the page numbers on which you found those examples. Then, during class, you will read each other's responses and talk about your interpretive insights and disagreements. In this way, we will collaborate in the production of potential paper topics and address confusions about reading.

To earn a "quality effort" grade on a discussion posting, you must have it complete on time, it must meet the content and length requirements, and you must attend class on the day that reading and discussion posting are due.

Prompts below are listed in order of newest to oldest assigned according to the calendar. Make sure to check the calendar to line up the assigned issues for each discussion:

The Sheriff of Babylon

Discussion 2: Issues 5-8 (TR sections), Issues 7-9 (MWF section)

In your Google Drive folder, create a document called Lastname.Firstname.SB.2.S20 and write 200 words in response to the following:

Describe a panel (or two consecutive panels) from the first half of your reading assignment that helps build conflict in the narrative. Explain how that part helps develop the story.
Describe a panel (or two consecutive panels) from the second half of your reading assignment that helps build conflict in the narrative. Explain how that part helps develop the story.

Discussion 1: Issues 1-4 (TR sections), Issues 1-3 (MWF section)

In your Google Drive folder, create a document called Lastname.Firstname.SB.1.S20 and write 200 words in response to the following:

Describe a panel (or two consecutive panels) from the first half of your reading assignment that helps build conflict in the narrative. Explain how that part helps develop the story.
Describe a panel (or two consecutive panels) from the second half of your reading assignment that helps build conflict in the narrative. Explain how that part helps develop the story.

The Vision

Discussion 2: Issues 5-8 (TR sections), Issues 9-10 (MWF section)

In your Google Drive folder, create a document called Lastname.Firstname.V.2.S20 and write 200 words in response to the following:

Describe a panel (or two consecutive panels) from the first half of your reading assignment that builds conflict in the narrative. Explain how that part helps propel the story.
Describe a panel (or two consecutive panels) from the second half of your reading assignment that builds conflict in the narrative. Explain how that part helps propel the story.

Discussion 1: Issues 1-4 (TR sections), Issues 1-3 (MWF section)

In your Google Drive folder, create a document called Lastname.Firstname.V.1.S20 and write 200 words in response to the following:

Describe a panel (or two consecutive panels) from the first half of your reading assignment that helps build conflict in the narrative. Explain how that part helps build the story.
Describe a panel (or two consecutive panels) from the second half of your reading assignment that helps build conflict in the narrative. Explain how that part helps build the story.

The Flintstones

Discussion 2: Issues 9-12 (TR sections), Issues 10-12 (MWF section)

In your Google Drive folder, create a document called Lastname.Firstname.FS.2.S20 and write 200 words in response to the following:

Describe a panel (or two consecutive panels) from the first half of your reading assignment that makes a satirical point about human society. Explain the target and the purpose of the ridicule.
Describe a panel (or two consecutive panels) from the second half of your reading assignment that makes a satirical point about human society. Explain the target and the purpose of the ridicule.

Discussion 1: Issues 1-4 (TR sections), Issues 1-3 (MWF section)

In your Google Drive folder, create a document called Lastname.Firstname.FS.1.S20 and write 200 words in response to the following:

Describe a panel or two from the first half of your reading assignment that made a satirical point about human society. Explain how the panel helped you process that point.
Describe a panel or two from the second half of your reading assignment that made a satirical point about human society. Explain how the panel helped you process that point.

Important: When citing your panels use the following format: (Iss. 2, 14). The first number is the issue, and the second number is the page number of THAT issue.

Understanding Comics

Chapters 5 and 6

In your Google Drive folder, create a document called Lastname.Firstname.UC.Chs.5-6.S20 and write 200 words in response to the following:

Describe a panel or two from Chapter 5 that you found instructive of a new idea to you. Explain how McCloud helped you understand the concept there.
Describe a panel or two from Chapter 6 that you found instructive of a new idea to you. Explain how McCloud helped you understand the concept there .

Chapters 2 and 3

In your Google Drive folder, create a document called Lastname.Firstname.UC.Chs.2-3.S20 and write 200 words in response to the following:

Describe a panel or two from Chapter 2 that you found instructive of a new idea to you. Explain how McCloud helped you understand the concept there.
Describe a panel or two from Chapter 3 that you found instructive of a new idea to you. Explain how McCloud helped you understand the concept there .

Introduction and Chapter 1

In your Google Drive folder, create a document called Lastname.Firstname.UC.Ch.1.S20 and write 200 words in response to the following:

Describe a panel or two from Ch. 1 that you found informative or insightful. Explain what you found interesting about that part.
Describe a panel or two from Ch. 1 that you found confusing or difficult. Explain what was hard to understand about that part.

Reflections

2013-06-03T09:20:00.000-04:00

These short writings are meant to help you think about your goals and mindset as a student writer in college. It is not easy being a student, and it is certainly not easy being a student writer! But you are here because you have a goal of success. It's important that you reflect on that goal and how you can reach it.

Here are the reflection writings you will do. Each one has specific instructions for staying on topic. Click each one to access those instructions:

Assigned Reading Responses

2013-06-03T09:15:00.000-04:00

Based on your reading of Understanding Comics, you will compose intelligent responses that show your understanding of the content and your interest in discussing what the author is trying to achieve as an instructor. You will write these responses on Google Drive. Make sure the two paragraphs you write are equal in length and that their total length is 200-300 words. "Equal length" means that the two paragraphs "look" equal (within one line of each other).

For the first Assigned Reading Response, use LastName.FirstName.ARR.1.S20
For the second Assigned Reading Response, use LastName.FirstName.ARR.2.S20

For full credit on this assignment, follow these steps (times are guidelines, not requirements). If you find yourself writing quickly and finishing soon, chances are strong that you could think harder and produce better content. Please take this into consideration instead of assuming you cannot do any better:

In your shared folder in Google Drive, create a document and name it based on the examples above (2 mins)
Read the portion of the book that you plan to write about and choose one panel for focus (5 mins)
Brainstorm about the ideas the author is presenting to you, and then brainstorming about strategies he used to present them (15 mins)
Type the full citation of the chapter in the book in which you found the panel (5 mins)
Write your first paragraph according to the instructions below (15 mins)
Write your second paragraph according to the instructions below (15 mins)
Proofread and revise your work carefully after writing (10 mins)
Give your piece an intelligent, thoughtful, two-part title that UNIQUELY captures your idea (5 mins)

Your "revision history" in Google Drive should show that you typed out your response and took ample time to go back and revise. Brainstorm, write, and revise in the Google document so that I can see your progress. Do NOT type your response in some other place or copy and paste into your Google document. Always do all of your typing in the Google document itself.

Your finished assignment (i.e., two paragraphs) should total at least 200 words but no more than 300 words. Make sure the paragraphs are the same length as each other.

Guidelines for Content of an Assigned Reading Response

First paragraph
1. Start with a striking moment from a panel to highlight ONE idea that intrigued you and cite it.
2. Explain this idea that the author is presenting. What is the author trying to get across to the audience?
3. However, avoid explaining your own ideas or your opinion of the author's idea.
Second paragraph
1. Start by identifying ONE technique (artistic or rhetorical) that the author uses to make this idea clearer to you.
2. Describe the technique you identified using examples from the panel you chose to discuss.
3. Explain why the technique helped you understand or accept the idea more readily.

Peer Responses

2013-06-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

As your peers make progress on their own papers, you will offer advice about their content to help them (and you) continue to improve. On the day a revised draft is due, you will comment on paper of a classmate (and one will comment on yours). Arrange with your group how you will distribute the sharing evenly.

For full credit, follow these steps (times are guidelines, not requirements)

Share your paper with everyone in your group (2 mins)
Decide as a group who will comment on whose paper (2 mins)
Read the paper all the way through, multiple times (15 mins)
Make at least 5 comment boxes and fill each one with detailed suggestions for improvement: one comment for the beginning, three for the middle, and one for the ending (30 mins)

Your comments should be about ideas and logic, not grammar and style. As you read, ask yourself, "How can the writer help me see the meaning better? How can the writer improve connections in the paper?" Remember, the standard is effective communication, and that means strong connects within and between paragraphs. Embrace what Keith Hjortshoj tells us: "Effective writing, therefore, facilitates continuous reading from beginning to end" (115).

Self Responses

2013-06-03T08:45:00.000-04:00

When you submit papers for evaluation, you will also submit your own evaluation of the struggles and achievements you've encountered in the writing process. Create a new document in your Google Drive writing folder for this course

Use these filenames:

LastName.FirstName.Paper.1.SR.S20
LastName.FirstName.Paper.2.SR.S20

The content parameters of this assignment are pretty wide open, but your discussion should revolve around your impressions of your experience working on your paper. Points might include what you felt successful doing, what you felt frustrated by, areas in which you needed help but did not ask, and areas in which you felt confident. What was it like to write this paper, and how can you apply the lessons you learned to future papers? To what extent have you improved yourself as a writer through the process of writing this paper?

Like all responses, be sure that your two paragraphs total 200-300 words.

Center a thoughtful and intelligent title at the top that accurately reflects your attitude about your performance on your paper.

My Interests

2013-06-03T08:17:00.000-04:00

For this refection, I would like you to discuss, with examples, your interest in visual media (particularly comics, if you read them, but also films and shows, if that is what you normally view) that challenge us to ask questions about ourselves and the world we live in. Please limit your attention to the following questions (one paragraph per question):

What are some examples of comics, films, and/or shows that have challenged how you think?
For what reasons would you be inclined to communicate with others about those challenges?

For full credit on this reflection, you must stay on topic and be specific. Follow these steps (times are guidelines, not requirements). If you find yourself writing quickly and finishing soon, chances are strong that you could think harder and produce better content. Please take this into consideration instead of assuming you cannot do any better.

In your shared folder in Google Drive, create a document and name it "Lastname.Firstname.My.Interests.S20" (2 mins)
Brainstorm in your Google Document about comics, films, and shows that have challenged you and who might benefit from hearing your thoughts about those challenges (20 mins)
Brainstorm in your Google Document about the details you plan to include in each paragraph (10 mins)
Above your brainstorming section, write a paragraph in response to each question above (30 mins)
Proofread your paragraphs carefully after writing them (10 mins)

Your "revision history" in Google Drive should show that you first typed out your brainstorming (label this part "Brainstorming") and then your paragraphs above the brainstorming. Your "revision history" should also show that you took ample time to go back and revise and proofread the paragraphs. Brainstorm, write, and revise in the Google document so that I can see your progress. Do NOT type your response in some other place or copy and paste into your Google document. Always do all of your typing in the Google document itself.

Your finished assignment (i.e., the two paragraphs) should total at least 200 words but no more than 300 words. Make sure the paragraphs are roughly the same length as each other.

My Goals

2013-06-03T08:16:00.002-04:00

For this refection, I would like you to discuss, with examples, your goals as a WRITING STUDENT this semester. Please limit your attention to the following questions (one paragraph per question):

What can you do to make progress as a writer?
How dedicated are you to making this progress?

In your shared folder in Google Drive, create a document and name it "Lastname.Firstname.My.Goals.S20" (2 mins)
Brainstorm in your Google Document about your struggles with writing, what you need to do to OVERCOME one or two problems, and your dedication to doing so (20 mins)
Brainstorm in your Google Document about the details you plan to include in each paragraph (10 mins)
Write a paragraph in response to each question above (30 mins)
Proofread your work carefully after writing (10 mins)

How I Earned an A in This Course

2013-06-03T08:10:00.000-04:00

Here at the start of the semester, I'd like you to imagine that you have actually finished the course and earned an "A." You know enough about this course to imagine yourself at the end of the course, knowing what you needed to do to earn your A. Think carefully about how you did it. What level of diligence and sacrifice did it require? Did you outstretch what you thought it would take? How did you do it?

For full credit on this reflection, you must stay on topic and be specific. Follow these steps (times are guidelines, not requirements). If you find yourself writing quickly and finishing soon, chances are strong that you could think harder and produce better content. Please take this into consideration instead of assuming you cannot do any better.

In your shared folder in Google Drive, create a document and name it "Lastname.Firstname.Earning.the.A.S20" (2 mins)
Brainstorm in your Google Document about the actions you took to earn an A in this course (20 mins)
Brainstorm in your Google Document about the details you plan to include in your paragraph (10 mins)
Write a paragraph in your own voice to explain your point of view (30 mins)
Proofread your work carefully after writing (10 mins)
Give your piece an intelligent, thoughtful, two-part title that UNIQUELY captures your idea (5 mins)

Your "revision history" in Google Drive should show that you first typed out your brainstorming (label this part "Brainstorming") and then your paragraph above the brainstorming. Your "revision history" should also show that you took ample time to go back and revise and proofread the paragraph. Brainstorm, write, and revise in the Google document so that I can see your progress. Do NOT type your response in some other place or copy and paste into your Google document. Always do all of your typing in the Google document itself.

Your finished assignment (i.e., the paragraph(s)) should total at least 200 words but no more than 300 words. If you have more than one, make sure the paragraphs are roughly the same length as each other.

Papers

2013-06-03T08:05:00.000-04:00

Learn about rough drafts compared to revised drafts.

You will write TWO papers this semester:

Paper 1
Paper 2

Your topic for each of the first two papers will be based on a particular example from the work that demonstrates a strategy/idea combination that intrigues you, something the author does visually, through the paneling, that makes you sit up and pay attention. This is your starting point. From there, you will need to develop a discussion, based on a particular strategy used by the author to communicate an idea, that accounts for your experience reading the story. How do the author's paneling choices contribute to the clarity and success of the thought-provoking idea the story gave you? You need to look for visual strategies or paneling choices (in combination with words) that create the meaning you find in the story you read.

Each of you will store your papers in your Google Drive writing folder; please grant me "edit" access to the entire folder so that I have automatic access to every document you put in the folder. You will also share individual documents with other students, who will make suggestions and write responses to your work. In addition, the two papers will be typed using standard MLA formatting. You can use this template, which has the MLA formatting already set up for you.

Paper Topics

2013-06-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

This step in writing a paper is to develop a plan to show me and your classmates. You will writing a report about the essay you plan to write. This report will be 200-300 words and contain certain statements about your intentions. You need to be finished writing your report by the beginning of class the day the paper topic is due.

For Paper 1, use this filename: LastName.FirstName.Paper.1.Topic.S20
For Paper 2, use this filename: LastName.FirstName.Paper.2.Topic.S20

For full credit on this assignment, follow these steps (times are guidelines, not requirements). If you find yourself writing quickly and finishing soon, chances are strong that you could think harder and produce better content. Please take this into consideration when measuring your effort level:

In your shared folder in Google Drive, create a document and name it based on the examples above (2 mins)
Brainstorm in your document about parts of the comic that are interesting to you and help create significant meaning in the story (15 mins)
Write a paragraph in your own voice, following the instructions below (30 mins)
Proofread and revise your work carefully after writing (10 mins)

When you write a paper topic, you need to be direct about the following elements. The more specific you can be, the more you can focus on a single idea, the better:

Describe the main part(s) of the comic that engage you.
Identify the idea(s) coming across in certain panels you want discuss.
Describe some techniques the author uses to get that idea across.
Explain how you'd like to connect the author's ideas and techniques.
Suggest a possible thesis statement for the paper you plan to write.

So, your Paper Topic report should include the five elements above, in that order, all in one paragraph (200-300 words).

Rough Drafts

2013-06-03T07:55:00.001-04:00

For each paper, you will first write a rough draft that will be due at the designated time on the calendar. In order to receive full credit on a rough draft, you must write a complete rough draft in your Google writing folder for this course.

For regular essays, rough drafts must be complete drafts, so be sure that your rough draft is 800-1000+ words and has a finished beginning, middle, and end. All of your paragraphs should be written and complete: TWO for the beginning, at least THREE in the middle, and at least ONE at the end. No short paragraphs--all must have developed content. Failure to have a complete draft will result in an "incomplete" grade, but if your draft is truly complete, you don't need to worry about how strong it is. It is a rough draft; however, "rough" does not mean "partial"--it just means "first attempt." You can create your document for a paper by opening "1102.Paper.Template" in our Shared Course Documents folder. Once it is open, "make a copy" of it by selecting this option in the File menu. Rename the new copy and move it to your writing folder. You can type your rough draft in this new document. Your draft must be finished by the time class begins on the due date.

For Paper 1, use this filename: LastName.FirstName.Paper.1.S20
For Paper 2, use this filename: LastName.FirstName.Paper.2.S20

There will be a deadline for the complete rough draft, but the calendar might show deadlines for parts of the draft first. Keep track of these deadlines so that you can stay on track with finishing your draft.

Revision and Paper Grades

2013-06-03T07:50:00.000-04:00

There is a grade for the Rough Draft, a grade for the Revised Draft, and a grade for the Final Draft, but they are all the same document in Google Drive. You are working through a process and showing me your progress at each point along the way.

After your rough draft, you will begin revising your paper in preparation for Peer Responses. In order for a paper to count as a "Revised" draft, you must show evidence that you substantially changed and improved the previous draft from top to bottom. Google Drive has a revision history for each document you store in your writing folder, so I will be able to check to see how much time you put into revision and the extent of your changes. Light editing will not count as completion. To achieve a minimum standard of revision, make sure you do the following:

Add to every existing paragraph at least 3-4 sentences.
Make changes to every sentence that you do not completely remove.
Add at least one entirely new paragraph to your paper. Also, consider deleting an existing paragraph if it is off topic or no longer works
Proofread for typos and grammar confusion all through.

If you are not sure how much time to put in, I would estimate about an hour of deleting and typing. There is no exact time requirement, but too little time will sometimes lead to too few changes.

Then, after Peer Responses are done, you will revise your paper in the ways described above to make it a "Final" draft. I am putting "final" in quotation marks because there really is never a final final draft. You can always make a paper better, just like you can always make your life better. But the same revision standards apply between Peer Responses and the "Final" draft: substantial change and improvement throughout every paragraph, adding new and better ideas, removing stale, general ones. Meeting these revision standards is how you earn full credit on the "Final" draft.

You need to put a lot of effort into revision because failure to revise your papers fully and substantially (after your Rough Draft AND after Peer Responses) could result in an "incomplete" grade.