August 30, 2012

We'll start class with a quick review of the four elements our textbook's editors use to identify presence in the essay: experience, voice, point of view, and verbal patterns.  We'll then apply these elements to a brainstormed list of our own Presence Inventory.  Our discussion of the readings for the week will focus on how we see the four elements in our authors' essays.  During our analysis, we'll identify a common theme in the four essays and apply that theme as the basis for our own first essay, Minor Essay #1.  We'll discuss the assignment, expectations, and strategies for success during the last part of class.

Objectives:

• Review the four elements of The Writer's Presence
• Identify and analyze the four elements in ourselves
• Identify and analyze the four elements in our readings for the week
• Begin the writing process for the first minor essay of the semester

Activities:

• Review the four elements of The Writer's Presence
• Presence Inventory for ourselves
• Presence Inventory for this week's essays
• Assign and discuss Minor Essay #1
• Review available resources

Homework

• Send Mr. Ritchie an electronic copy of Minor Essay #1 by Wednesday, Sept 5 at midnight.
• Bring two printed copies of Minor Essay #1 to the September 6 class. 
• In The Writer's Presence, read
• Cofer, 68 -75
• Hughes, 118 - 120
• Wiesel, 267 - 273