Hello class!Thanks for posting some wonderful writing last week. I was curious to read what you'd have to say about your own identities as students in an online class since the question is so pertinent. I was glad to read the honest, well-considered responses. Personally, as the teacher of this online class, I feel like I've gotten a feel for who you are, even more so than my students in the traditional classes I'm teaching! It's good to "know" you somewhat, and to feel excited about the work you're producing.
I also appreciated your consideration of morality. It was a topic that inspired a wide range of opinions! Though all of the writing was interesting, I'll remind you that the type of writing that works best for this class (and that will receive full credit) responds specifically and directly to the question asked and uses thoughts of depth, as conceived while or after reading the articles from your textbook. Some of you had wonderful reflective writing posted and I enjoyed it very much; however, it's in your best interest to know that, without the analytical, academic component, it receives less than full credit despite your efforts.
This week, you'll continue your investigation of identity and consciousness by reading scientific perspectives. Afterwards, you'll have some options to choose from for your blog topics. Respond to only one and indicate clearly which topic you've chosen by writing the question into the beginning of your blog post.
Furthermore, you'll respond to blog posts left by several of your class members, as described in your calendar. See the margin of our blog site for a list of peer groups for this unit. As students continue to find their footing, some of your classmates might quit blogging. If there's no post, you can't comment and that's okay - just write a note into your review about not finding posts by the student in question. By the time we begin Unit 2, the roster will be much more firm and your groups will function more reliably. For now, thanks for your patience.
Over the next couple of days, you should also hear back from me if you sent emails about scheduling a meeting. If you don't, know that there must have been an error in email communication and write again. I look forward to speaking with you about your progress thus far, and to answering any questions you may still have!
Thank you for starting out the semester with some wonderful writing! I've been happy to read it.
Here are just a few of the "Greatest Hits" from your previous posting:
Amity's post from Thursday the 26th starts with an excellent example of effective thesis writing. Her questions are clear, direct, and provocative, and perfectly prepares us for what's to follow (http://amity215.blogspot.com/2010/08/can-we-be-good-without-god-can-we-be.html).
Also see Katie's introduction post, which has amazing texture and interest due to her smart placement of photographs and because of the friendly, descriptive writing. Also note her playful title: naming her post "Background Check" brings a professional quality to her blog writing
(http://katiekosturik.blogspot.com/2010/08/background-check.html).
See Armando's post for a great example of how to use correct in-text MLA citation for the blog writing, and to get a sense of how much of your post can actually relate to the articles you were assigned (by no means are you expected to know everything about everything in response to these blog assignments! Just use the text to back up your ideas.) (http://weeklyclasswork.blogspot.com/2010/08/social-psychology-individual-self.html)
See Tasha's post for her excellent use of rhetorical questions as an effective stylistic choice; this intro paragraph would make for a great thesis (http://tashasfinalenglishclass.blogspot.com/2010/08/good-without-god.html).
Happy Writing! :-)
-AP
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