Today in class

Today in class we did a few exercises to familiarize ourselves with the technology like Microsoft Comment. Three students read each other's papers and commented on them and emailed the papers to the student and to me.

We also practiced both pasting and attaching assignments, in this case, the freewrite on September 11.

Students should get used to pasting and attaching assignments or responses. Do both. We also practiced setting up a paper: heading, header, spacing and margins.

We concluded the class with Grace Paley poetry and stories (summaries). I read a poem from Reed's anthology.

Again homework is to catch up.

If you are a new student, read the entire blog starting with the syllabus (August 22, 2010 post). The assignments you are responsible for start the first day you attend. Other assignments are relevant for your personal edification. You cannot make them up.

Extra credit assignments do not substitute or take the place of course assignments. I think students need to experience the world, go to author events, concerts, plays, films, the museum. These activities do not have to result in a piece of writing. The experience and conversation afterwards is often enough.

A lot of students are coming to class late. Some of these students have serious challenges, like homelessness, but not all have this story. I received a call today from a student who is in the hospital. She has been there since last week. I cannot stop and catch you up when late. Students who are late will just miss the assignment. Thursday and some Tuesdays, I stay around after my last class, so I am available 12-1 like today.

Don't forget, Tuesday, Sept. 14, is the first formal presentation, the topic: American culture. Bring in an object that represents American culture. Share the reasoning or rationale with your audience. You will paste the document on the website. I plan to videotape the presentation to post on the blog. I hope no one objects.