Research Essay

Today in the library we looked at research tools: encyclopedias, data bases and other on-line search tools. Students were then released to get started on articulating their research question.

We will devote more time to exploring this in class Thursday. I mentioned that the Living Word Hip Hop Theatre Festival that Youth Speaks hosts each year in San Francisco started last week. There is also a concert series, music and poetry hosted by San Francisco State's Poetry Center, at the Red Vic Movie House on 16th Street in San Francisco. There is a concert featuring Cool Herc coming up I think in November. I have to check. Look for more later.

We are up to chapter 7 or 8. Why don't we just finish Dyson by Monday, October 15, okay? Start thinking about the essay you want to write based on the book. It will be about 5 pages long. I'm thinking we'll do a series of shorter research essays, not a long ten page tome.

Like that idea?

So this will be the first one, we might write it in class as a midterm. The second will look at the genre of literary criticism and will model itself after Blood Beats. I'll have you critique a live performance, a work or art or a film where the director is present. You will write this for a magazine or newspaper.

We are going to dash through Jasmine Guy's book. I'll probably have you do write a play or something on her life. We'll act it out.

Then we'll be heading for the end. Your final research essay will be both a presentation and a paper. You can work collaboratively. I encourage it. Each person writes their own essay; however, you can present as a group.