journal #7

Respond to one, or all... it's your call.

What are your initial reactions to Truss’s text? Do you find her argument plausible, or is she just a stickler who is wasting her time and energy? How much does "proper" punctuation matter to you?

What about "internet speak"? That being, the "modified" writing of system (sometimes) employed when composing electronically. Should it be allowed? Should there be "rules" when it's acceptable to be used and when not?

Did you ever receive grammar/punctuation instruction formally, informally, or via self-study? Narrate your experience and how it has influenced your writing skills.

journal #6 (10/26)

This next journal has been pushed back to Monday, Oct. 26 to allow you all adequate time to complete it. Also, you'll notice that the next Article Paper is due on Wednesday, Oct. 28th. Hence, you may wish to begin your external article research sooner than later.


Now, on with the journal assignment...

By the time this journal is due you should have read the three essays provided for Segment Two (Fiala, Bar On, Eide). Having done so, state your position on the just war front in regards to America's current military involvement(s). Do you feel that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are, have been, or will be justified? How so? Use one, two, or all three of the authors we have just read to support your statements and claims. If you can or feel compelled to do so, reply to a student's comment by offering further support/agreement or even a rebuttal/rejection.

Other things to consider regarding the topic: How do you view the theory of just war? Can such a theory even exist in our current technological, mechanical, pan-national globe when contrasted to the world of the past? What must we consider for a war to be just? And, crucially, who must we ask for justification and definition of warfare?

Other things to consider regarding the reading: How have one or all of these authors influenced your understanding and conception of war? Do you tend to agree/disagree with one over the other? What is a common thread that exists among two or all three of these authors?

journal #4 (9/30) and #5 (10/5)

If you haven't read CP Nelson and Moore, as well as the post entitled "Obama Toughens State Secret Privilege" yet, do so before completing these journal entries.

#4 - due by Wed. 9/30
#5 - due by Mon. 10/5

I've wanted to add another avenue to these assignments, and so we'll be trying it out this time around. As an additional requirement to this assignment I'd like you to complete the following, each in a separate comment/reply. Yes, that means you'll have to post twice. So, I'll count this as two journals.

1. Identify in which "camp" you reside on the issue(s) surrounding the Patriot Act and other post-9/11 legislation as it is presented by these readings. Here I'm looking for you to argue your position with efficiency; i.e., short and to the point.

Here I'd really like you to explain your feelings and thoughts about this topic and the authors you have just read. Using their writing and arguments, and your own experiences and knowledge of this topic describe your informed opinion or stance. Consider the following for guidance: How have you arrived at your opinion? On what points do you agree/disagree with the authors we've read? What evidence will you cite to back up your argument?


2. Respond to one other student's comment, citing how they have constructed their opinion or stance. Did they use the strongest evidence they could have? Do they adequately explain how their evidence supports their opinion or stance? How did they succeed? How could they improve?

I know that it may take a moment for statements to build up before you can re:comment (that is, reply to comment). Therefore, I will be joining in on the "chat" to help get things going!

reading for 9/14 and journal #3

For Monday please read Chapter XIV of Booker T. Washington's Up From Slavery. This chapter is vital because it includes the "Atlanta Exposition Address", which Washington delivered at the Cotton States and International Exposition in September of 1895. During this speech Washington outlines his philosophy regarding "the great and intricate problem" of Negros in the post-slavery South. To help you complete this journal assignment, I've offered some guiding questions and comments below. Use them if you'd like or follow your own direction...

Pay attention to Washington's overall argument and how it is supported. How does he mean to "cure" the Negro problem of the late 1800's? What does he advocate for? What is his attitude, his mood, his means of approach? Compare and contrast your observations with those made when reading WEB Du Bois and Barack Obama's memoir. How do these three social advocates differ? How are they the same? Which author and/or text do you find more compelling? Why?

Remember to parenthetically site any quotations that you offer!

Monday's reading passage can be found on the web here. If you're interested in the other chapters contained within Washington's autobiography look for the following link-bar located towards the top of the page:

Booker T. Washington > Up from Slavery > XIV. The Atlanta Exposition Address

Click the title and you're off to the beginning, with information about the author and the text. It even includes a table of contents.

If you're interested in downloading and printing a Word Document version of the Washington selection, you can do so here.

You may also find Chapter III of Du Bois's Souls to be illuminating... as it is a direct response to Washington's social theories.

journal #2 (9/9)

After reading the Du Bois selection, consider responding to some or all of the following questions in this journal entry:

What is the argument that Du Bois is trying to make in "Of Our Spiritual Strivings"? How do you think Du Bois's concept of double-consciousness applies to Barack Obama's text? Think about the way Obama describes his feelings, thoughts, and emotions throughout the first section, "Origins". In what ways does Obama react to the various life-changing situations he experiences? What events in Obama's life relate to some of the things that Du Bois discusses nearly a century earlier?

Do you think that double-consciousness, as described by WEB Du Bois, can be extended beyond the" polarized" races of black and white? Is there the possibility of a triple-, multi-, or poly-consciousness? How does this "fragmented" consciousness affect the individual? How does ownership and/or possession factor in here?

Explain your answer using either course text, if not both, as support. Draw from personal experience too, if you can, when answering these questions. Be sure to cite the appropriate page numbers if you quote something!

journal #1 (9/2)

What are some expectations and goals that you have for this first semester? Describe your feelings about your upcoming college experience, or your college experience thus far. We’ll revisit these at the end of the term.