- Semi-Weekly Talking Points: Informal
notes that summarize/identify/explore/ analyze key issues and concepts
of the readings--due each class meeting in which there is no other paper
due. Use these "talking points" to speak from in class--you'll
also hand them in to me. One, tight page is sufficient.
- "Artifact" Paper: At
the beginning of the semester, you will choose a "cultural artifact"
(a novel, a theoretical work, a philosopher or rhetorician, a theory,
a work of art or architecture…your choice) across which you will
read the assignments in this course. This artifact, then, will need
to be something complex enough to sustain several re-readings throughout
the semester. You'll write
one 3-4 page (double-spaced) paper introducing us to your "artifact,"
and specifically addressing its position(s) on the question of agency.
This paper will be read aloud and then handed in to me.
- Summary/Response Papers: You'll write
three one-page, single spaced, beautifully polished, and terribly insightful
papers, to be read aloud in class and then handed in to me. Margins
are optional, but no smaller than 11 point font and no more than one
letter-sized page. The first half of each paper should be a concise
but thorough summary of the assigned text. The second half should be
your reading of that work "across" your "cultural artifact."
Please don't be fooled; these one-pagers are hard as hell--they demand
a higher level of reading/writing savvy than a traditional essay. Until
you get the hang of the process and the style-cramping format, expect
to rewrite at least once, maybe several times. The grading will be rigorous;
excellence will be required. The hope is that when you leave this course,
these short, dense papers will offer you a base for one or more publishable
papers and also provide you with some valuable study resources for your
comprehensive exams.
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