For December 10th

1.  Your 15-20 page ethnography is due.  Please bring a stapled, hard copy of the paper.   Make sure that your writing is clear and that you delve deep into your observations to reveal abstract, global meanings.  Make sure, too, that you include a bibliography and that you site your sources in the paper.
2.  You may be presenting a multimodal component.  Make sure that your multimodal piece is completed on the day you signed up to present it (either Tuesday or Thursday.)
3.  Make sure that your multimodal piece is digitally accessible.  This means I need to be able to access it from the internet.  If you paint or draw a piece, make sure to take a photo and email it to me.  If you have music, make sure that you send the link.  I recommend Flickr for photos.
4.  You are also required to briefly speak on your paper during class.  The presentation is completely informal and will most likely result in bonus points.  Make sure that you have a few ideas to speak about in class. 

For December 5th

1,  Make sure to bring in all three field notes papers.  Make sure to bring in both the three-page coded section, and the five-page paper sections.  Please have them printed and ready before class begins.

Due Tuesday, December 3rd

1.  Your final set of field notes will be due Tuesday.  Review the research modules and be prepared for quiz and discussion.
2.  For Thursday, you need to read this up to page 86 (first 19 pages.)  I recommend that you begin reading asap, given the length and depth of the article.  There will be a 40 point quiz over its contents.
3.  Your completed 15-20 page ethnography will be due next week, December 10th.  Make sure that you combine your field notes in a manner that is clear and organized.  Make sure that the paper extracts abstract ideas and pulls out deeper, more global meanings.   You are encouraged to turn in a multi-modal component for up to 50 points of extra credit.   If you choose this option, you need to present it to your peers during the final week of class.

For Tuesday, December 3rd

1.  Your final set of field notes are due on Tuesday, November 26.  Make sure to bring in eight pages of text--three pages of coded notes and five pages of expanded notes.
2.  For Tuesday, you also need to read Chapter five in engage communities.  It starts here.  Make sure to read 5a-5g.  Be prepared for a discussion and quiz on Tuesday.
3.  On a sheet of paper, type out three possible sources for secondary research.  Be as specific as possible.
4.  Remember, that you can earn up to fifty points of extra credit if you choose to include a multimodal accompaniment. 

For Thursday

1.  Remember, your final set of field notes is due on Tuesday, November 26th.  You need to turn in five pages of expanded notes and three pages of coded notes. 

2.  For Thursday visit this website:  http://bresland.com/

3.  Watch 'Mangos' and 'Hook.'

4.  Read and watch this as well:  http://www.burnmagazine.org/essays/2010/12/danny-wilcox-frazier-detroit/

1.  Read THIS for Tuesday.
Choose one of the prompts below and write a one page (double-space) response to it.
     
 a.  What sort of commentary does DFW make on the fields of professional   psychiatry/psychology?  What dangers lie behind processes of clinicalization and labeling?  Why might it be dangerous to define normal?  Why might it be beneficial? 
b.  Provide a critique of DFW's piece.  What are its intentions?  Does it succeed in these intentions?  Why or why not?  Make sure to provide critical commentary in assessing DFW's writing.  What sort of devices does he employ?  How do these devices contribute to the overarching tone and mood of the piece.
c.  Write your own narrative (fiction or non-fiction) documenting an experience with mental illness.  Be specific and detailed.  Use images, sensory details, and original phrasing. 

Assignment 18

1. Bring in two sets of your ritual/symbol field notes for Thursday.  You will be doing partner work with these.  The exercise will be worth 30 points. 
2.  Continue working on your final set of field notes, due Tuesday, November 26th.

Assignment 17

1.    Read THIS.
2.  Read THIS ONE, TOO up to the end of page five.
3.  Being working on your final set of field notes due on Tuesday, November 26th.  The official assignment will be handed out during our next class.

Assignment 16

For Tuesday.....

Read this book chapter:  http://issuu.com/courtabethits/docs/the_tattooed_jew

1.  That is a link to the entire text...make sure to read carefully and thoroughly as there will be a major, 40 point quiz.  If you have trouble seeing/reading, make sure to fullscreen the doc. 
2.  Make sure to bring your completed ritual/symbol field notes (3 pages coded, 5 pages expanded) on Tuesday.  

Assignment 15

REVISED ASSIGNMENT!  Here is a new link to the ENTIRE TEXT that needs to be read for Tuesday:
http://issuu.com/courtabethits/docs/the_tattooed_jew

If you have trouble seeing/reading, make sure to fullscreen the doc.

1.  Make sure to meet with me next week during your scheduled conference time.  IF YOU ARE MEETING ME ON WEDNESDAY, COME TO THE FIFTH FLOOR, NEXT TO THE VENDING MACHINES. 
2.  Ritual&Symbol field notes will be due on Tuesday, November 5th (the next time we meet as a class!)  Make sure to have three pages of coded notes and a five page paper.
3.  For Tuesday, November 5th, make sure to read this:  THIS ONE, RIGHT HERE!  Begin on page 300 and read to page 320.  There are a few pages in the text missing.  Do not worry about this-- I will fill you on in class.
4.  Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Assignment 14

1.  Visit your blog and review any comments left by myself or your peers.
2.   Start working on your Ritual/Symbol field notes.  Make sure that this specific set of notes revolves around the specific ritual and symbols characteristic to your site.  Remember your R/S fieldnotes are due on Tuesday, November 5th.
3.  For Thursday, October 24th read THIS.
4.  You also need to read this one, too. 
5.  Be prepared to discuss them in class on Thursday.

Assignment 13

1.  For Thursday, read THIS.
2.  Review the prezi for ritual and symbol (module three) HERE


Make sure to review both of these items carefully, as there will be a quiz. 

Assignment 12

1.  Visit this website:  http://reframingmexico.org/en/
2.  Browse around a bit.  Listen to at least three to four audio narratives.  Mess around with the infographics.
3.  Compose a blog that addresses the following three ideas:
                      a.  Remember our discussion on the partiality of truth?  What sort of partial truths arise from                          specific narratives?  Site the pieces you chose to listen to and try to extrapolate their "partial                         truths."
                       b.  Can you find commonalities among the different narratives?  Are there any overlapping                           themes or ideas?  How do the narratives' similarities create a more complete picture of                                  Mexico?
                       c.  This is a collaborative piece authored by many Mexican citizens.  Take a moment to                                reflect on the collaborative nature of the piece.  What kind of effects result from a                                          cooperative piece like this?  Do the participants indirectly dialogue with each other?  How                             so?

Assignment 11

1.  Lots of stuff was handed back today.  Review it.  If you have any comments or questions, let me know.
2.  For Thursday, read this. (to page five.)
3.  Bring in a copy of your field notes as well.  We will do some partner work with these.

For Tuesday.....

1.  Complete your field notes.  Remember, you need three pages of coded notes (observations, thoughts/feelings, and analyses) and a five page paper that ties your coded notes into a cohesive piece.  For the final paper, make sure your writing is clear, that your ideas are unique and interesting, and that your voice compliments the tone of the piece.  On Tuesday, bring in all eight pages of work (printed) and be prepared to discuss your experience.
2.  Listen to the MP3 of this NPR piece:  http://soundportraits.org/on-air/ghetto_life_101/  Be prepared to discuss the piece on Tuesday.

Assignment 9

1.  Visit your blog and review any comments left by my self or your peers.
2.  Read Supplemental Module 4 linked as a PDF as the bottom of THIS PAGE.


Remember, your first set of field notes are due on Tuesday, October 8th.  Make sure that you have three pages of notes and a five page paper discussing your observations, thoughts/feelings, and analyses.

Assignment 8

1.  THE FINAL COPY OF YOUR RESEARCH PROPOSAL IS DUE TOMORROW, FRIDAY, AT 11:59PM VIA EMAIL.  Refer to the proposal handout regarding the exact nature of the paper.  Make sure to address *all* the questions listed in the proposal.  Minimum:  3 pages, double-spaced.
2.  Read  THIS.
3.  Write down three moments from the text that you found especially appealing.
4.  Remember, your first set of field notes is due on Tuesday, October 8th.  You need three pages of coded field notes (observations/thoughts&feelings/analysis) and a five page document that merges those notes into a single, cohesive paper.

Assignment 7

1.  Visit your blogs and review any comments left by myself or your peers.
2.  Continue working on the final draft of your research proposal.  The final copy will be due on Friday, September 27th at 11:59PM.  You are welcome to turn in a hard copy on Thursday, but will be allowed to turn in soft copies via email.
3.  Read a student example here.  Read thoroughly and carefully as there will be a quiz.
4.  Print out your most recent blog post (the descriptive writing on a place.)  Bring it to class on Thursday, as there will be some partner work with it.
5.  Your first set of expanded field notes will be due on  October 8th .  Review the assignment description and get started with note-taking.

Assignment 6

1.  Visit your blog and review any comments left by myself or your peers.
2.  Continue working on your research proposal.  They will be due by Friday at 11:59pm.
3.  Read chapter four in the online text.  Here's the link to the first section:
http://www.engagingcommunities.org/writing-fieldnotes/
On the right, you'll see a link to the other three sections of chapter four (a, b, and c.)  Read those as well.  Read carefully, as there will be a quiz.

...Also, I think we tried to locate this vid in class.  Here it is: 

Assignment 5

1.  In class, you were required to write about a specific place, expounding on its literal details using sensory description.  Now, create a blog of at least 300 words that details a place from your childhood.  This could be a restaurant, park, house, amusement park, stadium, school, classroom, etc.  Be descriptive in your writing and employ all the senses--taste, touch, smell, sight, sound.  Let the language construct the scene.  Let the senses create the tone and the mood.  Avoid abstract statements like "The stadium felt chaotic" or "The room was boisterous."  Create such feels (like chaos and boisterousness) by using specific details that emanate those tones.  Again, make sure your post is at least 300 words.
2.  On Thursday, WE WILL BE MEETING AT THE ART INSTITUTE.  WE WILL BE MEETING AT THE LION ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BUILDING (facing west.)  SEE BELOW:

Make sure to bring your student ID or some other proof of your Illinois residency.

You will do a worksheet and/or in-class writings while at the museum worth up to 30 points.  Make sure to show up on time!

Assignment 4

1.  Visit your blog and review any comments left by my self or your peers.

2.   Review this:  http://prezi.com/ibztv1getuy-/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share 

Link to text:  http://www.engagingcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Module-2-Place-and-Space.pdf

3.  Write down two interesting ideas from this module.  Bring them to class on Tuesday.  Be prepared for a quiz.

4.  Take a look at the proposal handout that’s been distributed in class.  On a sheet of paper (typed) try and address each question (1-4).  Think about each question and formulate an answer that is both explorative and telling.  Do not worry too much about grammar and syntax. Don’t be afraid to go off on a tangent—write to explore, not to conclude.  Bring two copies of your responses to class on Wednesday.  Your responses to these questions may take the form of a free-write.  This is more a brain-storming activity then an actual rough draft.

2     5.  The official research proposal will be due on September 27th.  You will formulate your answers to the proposal into a three page response. We will discuss this more on Tuesday.  

ASSIGNMENT THREE

1.  Visit your blog and review any comments left by my self or your peers.

2.  Pick one of the cultural texts listed below.  Then, write a one page analysis detailing its cultural significance  What does it say about the cultural from which it came/comes?  Does it speak on authority?  Gender roles?  Aesthetic?  Faith?  A specific philosophy?  Now, I know this might sound difficult, but don't worry, there are lots of accurate answers possible here.  You just need to display complex thought and analysis.  Print out the page before class and bring it in on Thursday.  

Point value:  30  

CULTURAL TEXT 1

Owl jewelry and clothing.  Owls are everywhere these days, but why???  What do they say about our culture? Try n' consider their historical symbology.  

 

CULTURAL TEXT 2

Grand Theft Auto.  Think about the protagonist in the game--what does he say about society?  About morality and identity?

CULTURAL TEXT 3

Pulp Fiction.  Hey, film lovers, this one's for you!  Think about meta, post-modernism, deconstruction, gender roles, film noir, etc.  

CULTURAL TEXT 4

Twitter.  What does it say about language, discourse, and current modes of interaction?  How do hashtags engage politics?  What does "trending" say about the democratizing effect of the internet?

Cultural Text 5



Bring in the three ideas you had written down for the ethnography project.  We will be doing group work with this on Thursday. 

2nd Post

Assignment 2

1.  Read chapter three in the text.  Record two interesting facts that you found especially engaging in the text.  Bring them to our next class.  Also, write down one cultural text that you're interested to explore.  
LINK TO TEXT:  http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:http://www.sbm.questionthequids.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/chapter-3-proposing-a-research-project-jan08.pdf 

2.   For Tuesday, bring in three ideas that you have for the project.  They don’t need to be specific or detailed.  See chapter three for information on topic formation.  We will discuss this subject more in class on Wednesday!

First Post

USE THIS LINK FOR CHAPTER ONE:  http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:http://www.sbm.questionthequids.org/wp-content/uploads/intro-and-chapter-1-10.8.pdf

Assignment for Thursday, September 5:

1.  Create your blog.  Visit www.blogger.com and create an introductory blog.  Make sure that your blog address is created in the following format: www.lastnamewritingandrhetoric2.blogspot.com

2.  In 250 words (or more!) address the following prompts:

a.  WHO ARE YOU?  Where are you from?  What are your interests and hobbies?  Name a favorite artist (musical, fashion, visual, textual, or other medium.)  What do you like to do for fun?

b.  Why did you choose to come to Columbia? 

c.  What medium do you feel most comfortable expressing yourself in?  Painting?  Sculpting?  Text?  Dance?  Fashion?  Why?

d.  What do you hope to gain from this course? 

e.  What fears or concerns do you have about the class? 

3.  Read chapter one in Translating Culture:  Ethnographic Writing in the Composition Classroom (up to page 26.)  To do this, access the text here:  http://www.sbm.questionthequids.org/
Click on the "Introduction link" on the left side of the page.  This will take you to a short introduction.  On that page, click on the link on the bottom of the page that says "Continue to Chapter 1..."  From there, scroll down to page 12 (beginning of chapter 1) and read up to page 26. 
Make sure to write down at least two ideas/phrases that you found interesting or intriguing.