Category: Unit 1

READ AND ANNOTATE : “Maybe I Could Save Myself by Writing” 

(note: click here if the above link doesn’t work) 

READ AND ANNOTATE: “The Fourth of July” by Audre Lorde 

WRITE: (250 Words)  So far in this unit, we have read (and heard) three examples from the genre of the “education narrative.”  Your first essay assignment in this class will be to write in this genre yourself.  So in this discussion forum, I’d like us to have a conversation about what the features of this genre are. Please discuss some of the following:

• What, from what you’ve seen so far, are the “ingredients” (also known as “conventions”) of the education narrative genre?
• What do you think might be a place to get started with your own education narrative?
• What are your questions or concerns about writing an education narrative of your own?
• If you like, you can also feel free to share an educational experience you had and ask for feedback from your colleagues (and me) to see if we think that might be a solid place to begin writing.

READ: “How to Read Like a Writer” by Mike Bunn

WRITE:  On the website, write a post of at least 300 words discussing the following questions. You can also post the picture of your notes from the reading in this same post: 

• In his article, Mike Bunn writes “You are already an author.” He’s talking to you.  What do you think he means by this? What are some of the things you write already?  (Hint: “Nothing” is not an acceptable answer.) Think of all of the ways you already use words in your everyday life. That’s authorship! How will that existing expertise help you in your college reading and writing career?
• Was there anything you noticed in Bunn’s article that you would like to try to do in your own writing? What, in particular? Please be specific!