Fiction or Non?

Do you prefer to read fiction or non-fiction?  Why?  What appeals to you about the genre?  Do you like the fantastical, mystical, other-worldliness of a well-crafted fantasy or sci-fi novel?  Are you an historical fiction buff who likes to travel in your mind back to the times and places of a day gone by?  Do you love a good mystery? Romance?  Or do you simply enjoy reading stories which are the product of the author's imagination?  Do you like the journalistic, informative style of non-fiction writing?  What's your preference? Remember to respond to at least one of your peers' responses as well.

Dystopia

Orwell's 1984 is the classic example of dystopian literature.  The Party and Big Brother in Oceania control the thoughts of people through mind control, sameness, and intimidation.  People are made to dress the same, speak the same, and follow a strict code of laws. Using the notes lecture on dystopian literature from class last week, write about a book or movie you have seen that has some of the same dystopian characteristics as 1984.  Or, write about examples of how the world today has some of those same characteristics.  Shoot for 150 words.  Remember to respond to the post of at least one of your classmates.

Big Brother is Watching You

Watch the video clip below about the myriad ways in which the government watches our movements.  Then, write 150 words or so about the extent to which you care.  Do you think about being watched when you go to the bank?  To Wesco?  To school?  To the mall?  Do you ever look for the security cameras in strange places?  Do you think twice before you send texts or post on Facebook?  Describe your level of concern when you are reminded that, Big Brother is Watching You.

MY Process

How do you write a paper?  Write 150 words or so about your process for creating a piece of writing for a class.  Do you do any pre-writing techniques?  If so, which ones work well (free write, web cluster, brainstorm, outline, listing, other)?  How many drafts do you usually create?  How do you go about revising and editing, or proofreading?  Does it help to have a peer take a look?  Do you ever read your finished draft out loud?  Describe the process you've developed that works for you.  What are the strengths and weaknesses of your writing process?  What kinds of writing assignments do you do well with?  What kinds give you fits?  Do you have any "tricks" that others could benefit from?  Remember to respond to at least one post from a classmate.

Just Holden On...

Use the book Catcher in the Rye to track down places where Holden Caulfield shares his opinion on big items like religion, dating, girls, sex, education, phoniness, substances (alcohol, tobacco), family, etc.  In your post, summarize Holden's opinion of ONE single topic, including a direct quote (with page number in parentheses), and a few lines about the degree to which you agree or disagree with his comments.  The more specific you can be about Holden's view the better.  Remember to reply to at least one other student's post, preferably on a different topic than the one you selected.

Teens Today

Write 150 words or so about how you perceive teenagers today versus when your parents were teenagers.  How have the times changed?  What sorts of things do teens today find amusing or important that maybe didn't exist  30 years ago when your parents were teenagers?  Consider technology, entertainment, popular culture, education, or even world events.  Do teenagers have more pressure on them today than yesterday? Explain.  Don't forget to reply to at least one post from a classmate.

Aristotle's Big 3

Give an example of an advertisement you've seen on TV which you feel contains one or more of Aristotle's 3 appeals (logos, ethos, pathos).  Describe the commercial, and tell what you think of it.  In your description, identify one (or more) of the 3 appeals.  What specifically does the advertisement say or do to appeal to the audience using logos, ethos, or pathos.  THEN, respond to at least one other post from a classmate. Original posts should be 100 words or longer; peer responses should be at least one sentence.  BLOG posts are due by Sunday evening at 9:00 p.m.