Slideshow: Things I've Noticed About Your Writing

For Wednesday

We'll do some peer review exercises in class. Please post your first drafts to the forum.

Also, for Monday...

Remember to post an outline via the FORUM function on T-Square.

Blog Assignment #3

Your last assignment required you to analyze an argument from Confederates in the Attic. Now, I want you to connect one or more of those arguments to your own personal experience. In your next post, you must agree or disagree with a statement or claim made by Horwitz or one of his subjects, and you must use something you have seen/heard/witnessed/experienced this semester as evidence. Don't go looking for this evidence; just rely on something that has organically occurred.

As always, I would be thrilled if you were able to supplement your writing with an artifact: a photograph, image, or video or perhaps a related link. For instance, you might take a picture of your the site of your experience--if you see a poster or billboard or building, snap a shot of it. If you hear a song on the radio, provide a link to that artist's web site; if you read a book, link to its listing on Amazon.com; if you read a relevant news article, link to that.

For Friday & Beyond

Remember: a blog post is due. See below for the topic.

For Friday, read EA Ch 6 and submit a draft of the claim that your essay will make.

The reading for Monday will be from the E-Book. We'll read sections 1.1 c, e, f, g, h, and 1.2.

Your first drafts will be due on Wednesday.

A Timely Argument

I thought the argument offered by this short film, Blood and Oil, might be worth considering this week. The title might lead you to think that its subject is conflict in the Middle East--and I think the filmmakers intend to evoke that debate. However, this is about the Louisiana coast.

Topic for Posting #2

For this assignment, I would like you to identify and explain or even evaluate an argument about the South or the Civil War offered by one of the individuals in Confederates in the Attic. Identify the claim being made, the audience being addressed, and any appeals offered in support of that claim. You should also consider the effectiveness of the argument: is it successful? Why or why not?

Due Friday before class.