Blog Assignment Three

For several days, we have viewed the courtroom drama 12 Angry Men. In the film, 11 jurors are convinced that the defendant is guilty; one man is convinced of his innocence. While the evidence appears overwhelmingly against the accused teenager, this one man is able to use the same evidence to steer the others to his way of thinking.

I would like two separate posts.
In the first:
Consider this film, and a court case in particular, a metaphor for the essay itself. Consider the argument. Reflect on the evidence, its meaning, and the explanations that accompanied it. What, if anything, did this film teach you about your argument (thesis) and your use of your own evidence (quotes). How can this information help you with your essay in general, and your Say/Mean/Matter more specifically? Please answer in full

In the second post:
I would love to know what you thought of the film. Give me YOUR OPINION (yikes).

Blog Assignment Two

Today we undertook a rather nontraditional exercise Our texting activity was designed to help you understand and develop a thesis statement. Tell me the results. Did the activity offer you any new insights? What kind of insights? Did you enjoy the activity? How do you think it can be improved? Please feel free to offer any additional observations or questions.

Once again I'd like you to respond twice minimum. That means two separate posts (as opposed to one big blob of an entry. Please answer the question in full, with reflection and authenticity.

Blog Assignment One

Today I asked you about the importance of literature in and beyond the classroom. You had a chance to reflect on that question in your journals. Then we discussed our reflections in class. Here I would like you to devise a thesis statement about why the study of literature is important.

Please, please, please take some intellectual risk here. Do not restate our conversation today, do not be obvious, do not copy the submissions of others. BE YOU. This thesis should reflect what YOU think.

Remember: you will write two entries (as opposed to one big blob). One is your thesis, the other is your thoughts on a classmate's thesis. Casual register applies.