Day 2

We began with what I thought a simple task, review of paraphrasing. Students didn't understand how to complete a literal paraphase and then shift to a free paraphrase, so we practiced paraphrasing a sentence together--all the text was from the Tim Wise book. We'll work on more paraphasing tomorrow. I have workbooks we can use to practice the skill, that and summarizing.

Homework is to read up to page 61 in the Wise book and to read the first chapter in Writing Logically Thinking Critically. I handed out photocopies of the first three chapters. Homework is to complete two exercises. One is to email me and introduce yourself (1C). The second is to "Scrutinize the Media" (1B). Bring the second assignent in tomorrow to share with classmates. Please annotate the text and jot down any questions.

I usually write students a letter of introduction, so I will do that presently and post it separately since you will be sending me an email by tomorrow. I usually have students respond to my letter, so I know it was read (smile). We'll make that optional this time.

Students needed clarifying re: responding to student posts. No, your response does not need to be 250 words. Just respond to something specific in the student post you are commenting on.

Regarding your personal blogs, this is a place to keep your work. Post your assignment here and then post it with the assignment on your own blog.

We got a few new students today, and lost others, unless they were absent. I hope not. The summer session is so short, students should not miss any class. I appreciate everyone's promptness. Students who missed the first day and the film, can make arrangements to see it during my office hours which are not going to be in the afternoon, rather Wednesday morning, 9-10 and Mondays, 9-10. Let me know if you plan to come by. We can also try to make arrangements for other times, but that might be difficult.

Use my mobile number. I really don't mind.