Thoughts on Stage I

Before we get started, please watch this video:

We all have past experiences with English, writing, and literacy development. The aim of our first essay assignment, your Literacy Narrative, is to explore your past and figure out how YOU fit into this conversation about "Writing Studies" this "English Thing" come together.

Next, review the "Writing Assignments" tab and read the information under STAGE I. This should give you a good idea as to where to start your assignment. Really, there are four things I'm looking for:

• A well-told narrative about your literacy
• Vivid details throughout the paper
• An explanation of how this literacy narrative effects who you are as a writer today (significance, the big "So What?")
• A connection to the greater discourse of writing studies, either implicit or explicit.

Still have questions, comments, concerns? Remember, this blog is YOUR space. Feel free to continue the conversation below in the comments section. I'll be popping in throughout the weekend, too, to offer assistance, as will your peers. We can't help if you don't ask, so, ask away! 

Still lost?

I really hate giving examples, mainly because I don't want you to try to emulate one way of writing. The key to this assignment is finding YOUR way. As we've discussed in class, writing is so very CONTENT and CONTEXT specific, and your content and context are all different. That being said, if you'd like to see ONE WAY that ONE AUTHOR decided to approach this assignment, you can view a sample here:

Writing Doesn't Happen in a Vacuum

Again, this is by no means a perfect paper, and if yours looks completely and totally different, that's ok. Just keep in mind those four main points above!

First drafts (can be "shitty") are due when we return from Labor Day on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER  4TH. We'll be conducting peer review in class, so please bring 3 COPIES. If you don't have your copies, you won't be able to participate in peer review, and you'll lose points :'(

Remember -- feel free to post any questions, concerns, or even maybe paragraphs from your essay below! Let's keep the conversation going outside the classroom.

Engage!