THIS I BELIEVE

In 1951, journalist Edward R. Murrow asked Americans from all walks of life to write essays about their most fundamental and closely held beliefs.

In short, what do you believe. How do those beliefs shape you In short, what do you believe? How do those beliefs shape you? What is your personal philosophy?

Our first step is to consider the things one might choose to write about. To that end, we will listen to several pieces online. As we listen to each piece, you are to write on your paper each author’s thesis. What does he/she believe? After each, evaluate what you have heard. What did you think? Why?

Now that we have listened to a few examples, what are your thoughts Now that we have listened to a few examples, what are your thoughts? Which was your favorite? Why? Which authors kept your interest? How?

So what is our takeaway. What do we know about the assignment So what is our takeaway? What do we know about the assignment? Think in terms of content, style, structure, etc.

ASSIGNMENT: Now write your own “This I Believe” piece in which you discuss your most fundamental and closely held beliefs.

SUBJECT: Your most fundamental and closely-held beliefs (You will probably have to be selective) LENGTH: 500 words FORMAT: typed, MLA (header, heading, title)

DUE: Draft 1 will be due Wednesday DUE: Draft 1 will be due Wednesday. Over the next few days, we will work on a variety of revision techniques, which you will then apply to your essay. The final draft will be due on Thursday, March 4th.

So what must you know or know how to do in order to be successful on this assignment?

What is a personal philosophy. How do write in MLA format What is a personal philosophy? How do write in MLA format? What are some good revision strategies? Is there a particular flavor or style to this type of writing?

Remember to approach writing with your reader in mind—if it is boring to you, it will probably be boring for them. Keep your reader interested!

Oh, yeah, and have fun!