Tim Wise

Today in class we will spend the entire morning talking about Tim Wise's Dear White America. As you discuss his book, think about the form and how it serves Wise's purpose stated in his Note to the Reader.

What are some of the potential responses "White America" might reply in both agreement and disagreement?

Talk about Wise's credibility as an insider. Who else might have written this book the way he has?

Focus on a few of his more controversial arguments. Look at the evidence. How does he make the unpalatable palatable? Be specific.

Share the arguments you brought in today to share. Look at others. Lastly, put these arguments in standard form. Are they inductive or deductive? How would you describe Wise's writing stylistically?

Do these arguments fall into a specific category? How are Wise's and Baldwin's letters similar? How do they differ? Would you say the motivating factor for both men is the same? What is that?

At the end of the letter, if asked who is White America, what would you answer?

Homework for Thursday, March 14, 2013

Read chapter 4. Look at Writing Assignment 7 (7th Ed. 92-93; 6th Ed. 98-101) and Writing Assignment 8 (7th Ed. 95; 6th Ed.102). We will use themes from Dear White America in these two assignments.

Develop a question you'd like to address in an essay about Dear White America (see page 78-79 in 7th Ed. or 81-82 in 6th Ed. WLTC). Bring to class. We will swap for a freewrite (smile).

Next week March 19-21:

The Language of Argument--Definition

Skim this chapter for Tuesday, March 19, 2013. We will look at definition this week, again using Wise and Baldwin as the texts. When we return from Spring Break we will begin reading Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project. Bring the book to class.