Monday, April 17, 2017

Week #5 - April 17

Welcome to Week #5! You are officially half way through this course. Congratulations!  


Week #5 - Assignment #1 (70 points)

This is a research assignment. Consult at least five reliable sources. Wikipedia is not acceptable. 

When taking notes, your may summarize, paraphrase, or use the information just as it is. Please review the following for information about avoiding plagarism:

See:
and 

Be sure to click on the reddish items on the upper right hand side of the screen for specific examples.  
Task A:  In your own words, explain the differences among paraphrases, summaries, and direct quotations and common knowledge. How would each be documented, or would it?

 Task B: Search for information about the convenience of the item. People will be persuaded to use or avoid items based on the ease of use. Summarize, paraphrase, or directly quote the information.  Punctuate properly. Give credit to the source(s) in MLA style.
Task C: Search for information about the cost of the item. Include the cost to purchase and the cost to use. Money talks! People often make decisions based on the cost associated with ownership. Again, summarize, paraphrase, or directly quote the information. Give credit to the source(s) in MLA style.
Task D. Search for information about the safety of the item. 
Again, summarize, paraphrase, or directly quote the information.
 Give credit to the source(s) in MLA style.
Task F: Search for information about the environmental impact associated with making, using, and discarding the item. Summarize, paraphrase, or directly quote the information. Give credit to the source(s) in MLA style.
Task G: Search for information about the impact that the item had or is having on society. How has society changed as a result of the use of the item? Summarize, paraphrase, or directly quote the information.  Give credit to the source(s) in MLA style. 
Task H: Search for information about the ethical concerns associated with the item. Summarize, paraphrase, or directly quote the information. Give credit to the source(s) in MLA style. 

Week #5 - Assignment #2 - Looking and evaluating a sample essay. (65 total points)

You are almost ready to write the draft of your persuasive essay. Before you begin, study the information at the following site. 


A. Learn how and why to use the following items in your writing. At the site, click on each for details. Pay attention to the information about correct citation. Summarize the information in a sentence or two. (25 points)
  • Citing Authorities
  • Using Personal Experiences
  • Using Statistics
  • Using Facts
  • Using Analogies 
  • Anticipating the opposition
 B. Carefully study the sample essay, "Cry Wolf." Pay attention to the annotations in the boxes. By studying the paper, you will get an idea of how to write and document a persuasive essay.

OR

Study this sample essay written to persuade readers that cell phone use needs to be regulated on the highway.  Again, pay special attention to the annotations in the boxes.


After reading and studying one of these essays, write a paragraph explaining what you observed, liked, or disliked about the essay. (20 points)

Write another paragraph explaining how you plan to go about organizing and documenting your own essay. (20 points)

Week #5: Assignment #3 - Write your draft. Post it! Here are the directions again: (100 points for the draft)
Technology – Friend or Foe?
For this essay, you are writing to convince the opposition. Consider the dangers and advantages of technology. For this essay, you must pick a side. Think of this essay as a debate on paper. You must know what the opposition thinks, but you do not support that point of view.
I.                    Introduction –
a.       Identify the specific technology you will be discussing – cell phone, computer, automobile, dishwasher, microwave, GPS, video games, etc.
b.      Capture the attention of the audience in the normal way with startling statistics, an interesting anecdote, a quotation from an expert, lines from a song or poem, a thought provoking question, etc. In short, make sure that what you say makes the reader want to know more.
II.                  In addition, state your thesis – make your point of view clear!
III.                The body of the paper will do several things –
a.       Convince the reader that they either need or do not need the technology.
b.      Provide a brief history of the specific technology you plan to discuss. What was life like before its invention? When was it invented? How has it evolved? What is its story?
c.       Provide clear evidence to support your point of view. You must have proof from at least four of the following:
                                                               i.      At least three experts/sources. You may use the articles studied in class and articles that specifically relate to your chosen technology.
                                                             ii.      A current news source such as a newspaper or magazine article or news cast.
                                                            iii.      An interview with at least one user.
                                                           iv.      A personal anecdote.
                                                             v.      Lines from literature – poem, short story, or novel. “There Will Come Soft Rains”  was a homework assignment.  You may use other SciFi literature.
                                                           vi.      A work of art
                                                          vii.      Strong statistics from an expert source.
The body of the paper will be several paragraphs in length.
IV.                Conclusion –
Wrap it up for the readers. Leave them with a call to action to either give up or get the gadget you are supporting. Be sure they know why they need or do not need one. Consider:
a.       Convenience
b.      Cost
c.       Safety
d.      Environmental impact
e.      Impact on society
f.        Ethical concerns

Week #5 – Assignment #4: Watch a movie that includes technology or the future of technology – your choice. The movie may be new, or feel free to watch something old for free on YouTube. I offer the following links to give possibilities for viewing. Feel free to select what you wish.
Oldies but goodies: Time Machine, Frankenstein – any version,  Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (Any version including the Broadway musical of Jekyll & Hyde), War of the Worlds (Try the 1950s version for variety!), From the Earth to the Moon, Journey to the Center of the Earth, any Star Trek or Star Wars, etc.

1.     View the movie and pay attention to the use of technology.
2.     Write a one- two page review of the movie and its use of technology.
3.     Include a one-paragraph summary of the movie.
4.     In addition, note the message about technology. Is it our friend, or is it our foe? Will it be the salvation humanity, or will we be lost?
5.     Share your personal thoughts about the future of technology and the future of humanity.
(100 points)
Week#5 - Assignment #5- Discussion Board - (50 points)

Oprah has her favorite things. In The Sound of Music the character, Maria, sings about her favorite things. Some people have favorite places, pets, or activities. For this week's discussion, share your favorite person, place, thing, or activity! Maybe you love beaches. Perhaps your furry or feathered friend brings you joy. Sky diving might give you the thrill you need to carry on.  Whatever it is, please share. Tell the who, what, when, where, why, and/or how of the favorite.

Make your initial post by midnight on Thursday.
Respond to three other posts by 6:00 am on Monday.

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