Welcome to College Composition

Kutztown University of PA Dr. Downing

Essays Due for College Composition Fall 2009

Four Writing Assignments 1. Respond to The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz ( words) 2. Respond to The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle ( words) 3. Apply Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth to the movie of your choice ( words) 4. Research Paper ( words)

The Four Agreements 1.Be impeccable with your word 2.Don’t take anything personally 3.Don’t make assumptions 4.Always do your best

Writing about The Four Agreements Begin by writing single-paragraph summaries (~100 words) for at least three of the four agreements. Be sure to quote Ruiz directly and provide specific examples from the text. Begin by writing single-paragraph summaries (~100 words) for at least three of the four agreements. Be sure to quote Ruiz directly and provide specific examples from the text. Then, apply his teachings to your life and write one paragraph (or more) describing how those ideas relate to your life. Then, apply his teachings to your life and write one paragraph (or more) describing how those ideas relate to your life. Prompt: Do you agree with all of his teachings? If so, which ones? If not, which ones? Do you agree but admit that they are very difficult? Prompt: Do you agree with all of his teachings? If so, which ones? If not, which ones? Do you agree but admit that they are very difficult? Do you see any wisdom? Can you point to examples from your own life? Do you see any wisdom? Can you point to examples from your own life?

Writing about The Four Agreements (continued) You do not have to write about all four agreements. (However, you may do so if you wish). You *must* write about at least *two* agreements. Remember to strike a balance: If you choose to write about two agreements, you are going to have to elaborate more on those two agreements. If you choose to write about all four, you are going to have to carefully select what you discuss so that you can stay within the word limit My thinking is that you will probably be drawn to a couple of the agreements more so than others. That’s why I give you this freedom.

Writing about The Four Agreements (continued) 1. Briefly summarize the primary source (one paragraph for each agreement). Be sure to include several quotes. 2. Write your personal response (one to match each summary paragraph) 3. Find additional sources (bio, critique, etc.). 4. Blend the sources into your writing. How do they support your opinion? 5. Be sure to check the models on DrD’s website. 6. Create works cited page. 7. Write a conclusion, taking all of the information together. 8. Write an introduction, which should preview the conclusion. 9. Add an effective (and very clear) title. 10. Review your work (read it aloud to yourself). 11. Share your paper with the professor and classmates. 12. Revise, based on feedback from other readers. 13. Edit for grammar; get help if needed.

Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now Responding to The Power of Now is very similar to writing about The Four Agreements: Begin by summarizing several of Tolle’s arguments. Be sure to quote him directly and provide specific examples from the text. Begin by summarizing several of Tolle’s arguments. Be sure to quote him directly and provide specific examples from the text. Then, apply his teachings to your life and write several paragraphs describing how his ideas relate to your life. Then, apply his teachings to your life and write several paragraphs describing how his ideas relate to your life. Prompt: Do you agree with all of his teachings? If so, which ones? If not, which ones? Do you agree but admit that they are very difficult? Do you think this is all nonsense? Prompt: Do you agree with all of his teachings? If so, which ones? If not, which ones? Do you agree but admit that they are very difficult? Do you think this is all nonsense? In contrast, can you see any wisdom in his writing? Can you point to examples where his ideas are valid? In contrast, can you see any wisdom in his writing? Can you point to examples where his ideas are valid?

1.Briefly summarize the primary source (one paragraph for each point you want to cover). Be sure to include several quotes. 2.Write your personal response (one to match each summary paragraph) 3.Find additional sources (bio, critique, etc.). 4.Blend the sources into your writing. How do they support your opinion? 5.Create works cited page. 6.Write a conclusion, taking all of the information together. 7.Write an introduction, which should preview the conclusion. 8.Add an effective (and very clear) title. 9.Review your work (read it aloud to yourself). 10.Share your paper with the professor and classmates. 11.Revise, based on feedback from other readers. 12.Edit for grammar; get help if needed. Writing about The Power of Now

Joseph Campbell’s Heroic Journey On page 245 of The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell writes about the typical heroic journey. Some of the key elements include: 1. The Ordinary World. 2. A Call to Adventure. 3. Refusal of the Call. 4. Meeting a Mentor. 5. Crossing the First Threshold. 6. Tests, Allies and Enemies. 7. Belly of the Whale 8. Approach to the Inmost Cave. 9. The Supreme Ordeal. 10. Elixir Theft. 11. Reward. 12. Rebirth. 13. Return. 14. Restoration of Order.

Writing about Joseph Campbell 1. Summarize Campbell’s points (include quotes) 2. Apply his ideas, point-by-point to a movie of your choice 1. What are the tests? 2. Who are the helpers? 3. Where does the expansion of consciousness take place? 3. Cite other sources as necessary (three source total) 4. Create works cited 5. Write conclusion 6. Write introduction, which should include bio 7. Add effective title 8. Review your work (read it aloud to yourself) 9. Share it with the professor and peers 10. Revise based on feedback provided by professor and peers 11. Edit closely (seek help if you need to)

Starting the Research Paper 1. Select the topic of your choice (I will help you to select a topic) 2. Write a proposal (I will provide models; all writing projects must be accompanied by approved proposals) 3. Find at least six strong sources (not just the first thing you find on the Web). 4. Use EBSCO Host, Lexis-Nexis, or other library materials. 5. Some websites are okay for research, but most information on the open Web is not primary and is not peer-reviewed. Therefore, it is not the basis of strong research. I want to see actual names, credentials, and reputable publications associated with your research. 6. Read and annotate your sources (make notes). 7. Develop a thesis, based on your reading: 1. A thesis is a complete sentence which should include your topic and the position you are taking on the topic. For example: In order to prevent needless abortions, a variety of birth control measures should be made available to high school students. 2. For our purposes, all thesis statements should be understandable by the average person on the street.

Writing the Research Paper 1. Summarize your sources with a combination of paraphrase and quotation. 2. Create the Works Cited page as you work. 3. Be sure you have a clear thesis (see previous slide). 4. Apply your thesis throughout your discussion. Do not try to prove too many points. Just stick to your thesis. 5. Write a conclusion 6. Write an introduction that anticipates the conclusion. 7. Create an appropriate title 8. Review your work (read it aloud to yourself) 9. Share it with the professor and/or peers 10. Revise based on feedback from professor and/or peers

Models Be sure to check the models posted on DrD’s website. Be sure to check the models posted on DrD’s website. Pay attention to how the documents are designed, including margins (1”), centered titles, identifying information at the top left, page numbering, and Works Cited page. Pay attention to how the documents are designed, including margins (1”), centered titles, identifying information at the top left, page numbering, and Works Cited page. You will also see that there are specific examples of the Ruiz and Campbell assignments (not Tolle; he’s new). Feel free to read as many of the models as you like to get a feel for what I’m after. You will also see that there are specific examples of the Ruiz and Campbell assignments (not Tolle; he’s new). Feel free to read as many of the models as you like to get a feel for what I’m after. If you have questions about the models, please let me know. If you have questions about the models, please let me know.

Questions Q: How many conferences will there be? A: 620 A: 4 A: words A: words A: 1 Any other questions? Q: How many points are at stake in this class? Q: How long is the research paper? Q: How long will the shorter essays be? Q: How many formal writings will you submit?