WEEK 2
Readings/Assignments:
Lester: Chapter 2 (Finding a
Topic), p. 10-31
Send me an email describing the three most important items you learned.
Kirszner: Read the introduction, pages 1-12.
Email me:
A summary of what you learned from this reading.
The reasons (such as "to explain") for writing. When in
real life will you use them?
A list of three possible
topics you might want to write about for a future essay.
A NOTE ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH PAPERS:
The research paper is not just a summary of the novel/play (although it
should be a part of it), but the paper goes way beyond that. You'll need to analyze
characters, motives, themes, etc. What is your opinion (thesis) about these? For example,
Mark Twain was well-known for his anti-religion stance. How/why is this reflected in some
of his writings? Or, how does his tone change, in regards to life in general, throughout a
lifetime of writing. Is it bitter? Joyful? Hopeful/hopeless? Some accuse him of being a
racist; others say that he was the voice for minorities in a time of deep-rooted
prejudice. What do YOU say? Why? Be prepared to defend this position (your thesis).
You will submit an outline to me for feedback purposes before you actually start writing
your papers. I want to be sure that you are on the right track.
As always, contact me if you have any questions. Thanks.