Monday, May 19, 2014

Thank You for an Enlightening Semester



















I am almost finished with your sections. I hope to start inputting grades by Wednesday. If you emailed me, I'll get back to you as soon as I'm done reading papers.

I'll also email everyone this weekend about a hike on June 1st.

Again, thank you for a fun semester!

-D

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Week 16: Mo 12

Rastafari (Orig. c. 1930, Jamaica)





Week 16: Mo 12

Sec. 16:
Week 16: Mo 12
Class: End-of-class review
Due: PROCESS ANALYSIS; RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Sec. 80:
Class: End-of-class review
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)
Due via email on Sat. May 17th by noon: PROCESS ANALYSIS

Monday, May 5, 2014

Spiritual News 04.05.14








Process Analysis


You are being asked to write a process analysis, or reflection, of how your writing has changed during this course. The goal is to discover something about yourself as a writer and thinker. Along with the process analysis, you will need to embed relevant examples that highlight your process in writing an essay and evaluating, workshopping, editing and revising that same essay. These examples must be included in the paragraphs in your essay, not attached as an appendix. Remember, the focus here is on the process, not the product.

Consider your strengths and weaknesses as a writer when you began English 1B. Think about what you learned over the semester and what skills you will use in future coursework and beyond. 
  1. Write a 1200-1400 word essay that analyzes your writing and yourself as a writer. 
  2. Your response must be in standard essay format, NOT numbered or in Q&A format. 
  3. You can address the topics in any order that helps you make your point. 
  4. Include the word count at the end of your essay.
Address the first item in the table and then two of the three other areas in the chart:

Area of ReflectionQuestions to Prompt Your Thinking
Writing Strategies (REQUIRED)Identify writing habits and practices that work well and that you will continue to use in your future writing. Illustrate with samples from your semester’s writing. Where do you do your best work? What tools are helpful when writing? What writing strategies and practices did you learned in this course that work well for you? Analyze what you think these preferences say about you as a writer and a learner.
ResearchInclude an example of summary, paraphrase, or direct quotation. Why did you choose one method over the other? How did you weave the information into your essay or provide transitions?
FeedbackWhat advice did you receive (from peer review, tutoring, workshop, instructor feedback) that was particularly helpful when revising your work? Illustrate using at least two examples from past assignments, including the comments. How can you apply that advice to future writing?
RevisionAnalyze how you revised a specific paragraph. Describe the choices you made and why; include the paragraph in your essay.

You are being graded on the following:
  • Did you answer at least three questions and include appropriate examples?
  • Does your reflection demonstrate serious consideration of your writing process?
  •  Do the examples you include support your reflection?
  • Is the overall presentation of the reflection clear and professional?
  • Does your writing reflect college-level syntactic variety and diction and demonstrate your fluency with the competencies established in first-year composition (grammar, mechanics, usage, etc.)?

The reflective analysis counts for 10% of your final grade. No late papers.

Due: Mon 05.12

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Week 15: Mo 05/We 07

Scientology (Orig. 1954, USA)

Sec 16:
Week 15: Mo 05/We 07
Class: Multimedia presentations

Upcoming:

Week 16: Mo 12
Class: End-of-class review
Due: PROCESS ANALYSIS; RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Sec. 80:
Week 15: Mo 05
Class: Multimedia presentations, guest speaker TBA
Due: ​RESEARCH PAPER (Up to page 8 - 10)

Upcoming:

Week 16: Mo 12
Class: End-of-class review
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)
Due via email on Sat. May 17th by noon: PROCESS ANALYSIS

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Week 14: Mo 28/We 30

Sikhism (orig. 15th century, Punjab)


Week 14: Mo 28/We 30
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 8; BRING ONE COPY)

Week 14: Mo 28
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 8; BRING ONE COPY)

Sec. 16 upcoming:

Week 15: Mo 05/We 07
Class: Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 16: Mo 12
Class: End-of-class review
Due: PROCESS ANALYSIS

Sec. 80 upcoming:

Week 15: Mo 05
Class: Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 16: Mo 12
Class: End-of-class review
Due: PROCESS ANALYSIS

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Week 13: Mo 21/We 23

Baptists (Orig. 17 century, England)

Sec. 16:
Week 13: Mo 21/We 23
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 4; BRING TWO COPIES)

Week 13: Mo 21
Class: CLOSE READ; Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 4; BRING TWO COPIES)

Sec. 16 upcoming:

Week 14: Mo 28/We 30
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 8; BRING ONE COPY)

Week 15: Mo 05/We 07
Class: Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 16: Mo 12
Class: End-of-class review
Due: PROCESS ANALYSIS

Sec. 80 upcoming:

Week 14: Mo 28
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 8; BRING ONE COPY)

Week 15: Mo 05
Class: Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 16: Mo 12
Class: End-of-class review
Due: PROCESS ANALYSIS





Monday, April 14, 2014

Close Read Essay: Spiritual Matters on Film

Below are the scenes you may choose from for next week's in-class close read essay. You will be responsible for just one scene. They represent various perspectives on spirituality or a lack of. The goal is to closely analyze the scene in order to reveal new levels of understanding. We will discuss how this is done in class this week.

"Because Might Makes Right" from Crimes and Misdemeanors (Dir. Woody Allen, 1989)


"In the Name of God the Merciful" from Paradise Now (Dir. Hany Abu-Assad, 2005)


"I Read Your Book" from Contact (Dir. Robert Zemeckis, 1997)


"I Will Do What Needs to be Done" from Doubt (Dir. John Patrick Shanley, 2008)


"Every Sperm is Sacred" from Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (Dir. Tery Jones, 1983)


"It is a Small, Quiet Maryland Town" from The Blair Witch Project (Dirs. Eduardo Sánchez & Daniel Myrick, 1999)

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Week 12: Mo 14/We 16

Wicca (Orig. 1954, UK)
Sec. 16:
Week 12: Mo 14/We 16
Class: CLOSE READ; Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA)
Due: REFLECTION 06; RESEARCH PAPER THESIS

Sec. 80:
Week 12: Mo 14
Class: Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA)
Due: REFLECTION 06

Sec. 16 Upcoming:

Week 13: Mo 21/We 23
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 4; BRING TWO COPIES); COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS (via email by noon on Sat. 04.19)

Week 14: Mo 28/We 30
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 8; BRING ONE COPY)

Week 15: Mo 05/We 07
Class: Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 16: Mo 12
Class: End-of-class review
Due: PROCESS ANALYSIS

Sec. 80 Upcoming:

Week 13: Mo 21
Class: CLOSE READ; Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 4; BRING TWO COPIES)

Week 14: Mo 28
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 8; BRING ONE COPY)

Week 15: Mo 05
Class: Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 16: Mo 12
Class: End-of-class review
Due: PROCESS ANALYSIS


Saturday, April 12, 2014

Comparative Analysis Essay: Finding and Losing God (Sec. 80)



“At the end of the day, when I am lying in bed and I know the chances of any of our theology being exactly right are a million to one, I need to know that God has things figured out, that if my math is wrong we are still going to be okay. And wonder is that feeling we get when we let go of our silly answers, our mapped out rules that we want God to follow. I don't think there is any better worship than wonder.”

—Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz

“I could just see him sitting on his suitcases near the front door of my house. And I said to him, ‘I'm sorry God; it's not you. It's me. It's just, I don't think you exist. I mean, God, look at it this way: it's really because I take you so seriously that I can't bring myself to believe in you. If it's any consolation, it's sort of a sign of respect. So, you know, sit here as long as you want to, stay for a while, if you need to, there's no big hurry.’

And slowly, over the course of several weeks, he disappeared.”

—Julia Sweeney, Letting Go of God

***

In Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller embarks on a varied spiritual journey that ultimately reaffirms his Christian faith. Meanwhile, in Letting Go of God, devout Catholic Julia Sweeney comes to embrace a new identity for herself, that of an atheist. Although these two are on seemingly opposite ends of the spiritual spectrum, their respective journeys have much in common. In a concise essay, compare and contrast Miller’s and Sweeney’s stories about reaffirming and losing faith. Use specific examples from both the book and monologue to support your thesis.

Requirements:
  • Three pages minimum
  • MLA Style
  • Parenthetical citation
  • Works cited page

Due: Via email by noon on Sat 04.19

Friday, April 11, 2014

Reflection 06: We All Get a Turn—Thoughts on Death



Generally speaking, humans tend not to dwell on death too much. For most of us, our own death is a concept too large to wrap our brains around. Still, each and every one of us will eventually die. To help reconcile the gravity of that fact, we've constructed a number of explanations for what happens when we die via religion, philosophy, science, and the arts. Constructs, such as the circle of life or an afterlife, help us better comprehend what lies ahead. But, of course, now one can agree just what happens at the moment of our death. What do you believe happens when we die? Does our essence live on through a soul or form of energy? What of the role of science? How has it informed our understanding of this natural process? Finally, are you afraid of dying? What, if anything, gives you comfort?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Week 11: Mo 07/We 09

Catholicism (Orig. 1 century, Jerusalem)














Sec. 16:
Week 11: Mo 07/We 09
Class: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS; Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations

Sec. 80:
Readings: BLUE—p. 1-240
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“Constructing a Research Paper: A How-To”
Due: REFLECTION 05

Upcoming:

-Sec. 16:
Week 12: Mo 14/We 16
Class: CLOSE READ; Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA)
Due: REFLECTION 06; RESEARCH PAPER THESIS

Week 13: Mo 21/We 23
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 4; BRING TWO COPIES)

Week 14: Mo 28/We 30
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 8; BRING ONE COPY)

Week 15: Mo 05/We 07
Class: Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 16: Mo 12
Class: End-of-class review
Due: PROCESS ANALYSIS

-Sec. 80:
Week 12: Mo 14
Class: Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA)
Due: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS; REFLECTION 06

Week 13: Mo 21
Class: CLOSE READ; Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 4; BRING TWO COPIES)

Week 14: Mo 28
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 8; BRING ONE COPY)

Week 15: Mo 05
Class: Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 16: Mo 12
Class: End-of-class review
Due: PROCESS ANALYSIS

Monday, March 31, 2014

Week 10: We 02

Atheism (orig. unknown)



Sec 16:
Week 10: Mo 31
No Class—Cesar Chavez Day

Week 10: We 02
Readings: BLUE—p. 1-240
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations, Lecture—“Constructing a Research Paper: A How-To”
Due: REFLECTION 05

Sec. 80:
Week 10: Mo 31
No Class—Cesar Chavez Day

Upcoming:

Sec. 16:
Week 11: Mo 07/We 09
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations
Due: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Sec. 80:
Readings: BLUE—p. 1-240
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“Constructing a Research Paper: A How-To”
Due: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS; REFLECTION 05

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Reflection 05: Thou Shalt Not—Reconciling American's Puritanical Roots





America is something of an anomaly in the world. As a culture, we bombard ourselves with sexual imagery, yet we find it difficult to have national conversations about sex. Today, Americans are more sexually open than ever before, but stigmas still exist about everything from premarital sex to masturbation to promiscuity. These are vestiges of our country's Puritanical roots. Considered overly radical and pious, the Puritans fled England, settling in North America in the 17th century. They brought with them their particularly stringent style of Christianity. The Puritan view of sex was complicatedthey were decidedly pro-sex, so long as it happened within the confines of a marriage, but sex outside of marriage could be punished harshly. Many of the stern Puritan views of adultery, homosexuality, sodomy, and promiscuity still linger today, particularly amongst some Christian groups. Consider the Christian influence in national matters such as same-sex marriage, contraception, sexual education, and abortion. For better or worse, our Puritanical roots help shape the modern American sexual psyche, even in the 21st century. But what should be the role of religion in these national conversations? For example, should religion play a role in national debates, such as what constitutes rape and the effects of pornography? How can 2014 America reconcile its 1600s upbringing?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

Requirements:
  • Be in MLA Style
  • Be two full pages in length
  • Works cited page

Due: Sec. 16—We 04.02; Sec 80—Mo 04.07

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Week 09: Mo 24/WE 26

New Age Movement (orig. c. late 19th century, United States)
Sec. 16 & Sec. 80:
Spring Break—Week 09: Mo 24/WE 26
No class

Upcoming:

Sec 16:
Week 10: Mo 31
No Class—Cesar Chavez Day

Week 10: We 02
Readings: BLUE—p. 1-240
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations, Lecture—“Constructing a Research Paper: A How-To”
Due: REFLECTION 05

Sec. 80:
Week 10: Mo 31
No Class—Cesar Chavez Day

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Week 08: Mo 17/We 19

Ancient Egyptian Mythology (orig. c. 2686 BCE, Egypt)
Sec. 16:
Week 08: Mo 17/We 19
Readings: LETTING—0:00-2:06:30; eR—“What Exactly is a Meme? (Gizmodo), “How to Do a Close Reading” (Harvard College Writing Center)
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations
Due: PERSUASIVE; REFLECTION 04

Sec. 80:
Week 08: Mo 17
Readings: LETTING—0:00-2:06:30; eR—“What Exactly is a Meme? (Gizmodo), “How to Do a Close Reading” (Harvard College Writing Center)
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations
Due: PERSUASIVE; REFLECTION 04

Upcoming:

Sec. 16 & Sec. 80:
Spring Break—Week 09: Mo 24/WE 26
No class

Cesar Chavez Day—
No Class


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Reflection 04: Can We Talk?/Let's Change the Subject—How (and How Not) to Talk About Religion




An old adage says Americans should never talk about money, politics, and religion. In reality, all three subjects are talked about regularly today, but all three subjects come with potential pitfalls. Americans must carefully navigate social waters when it comes to religion, especially. Whether you are the one bringing up the subject of religion or you are the one hoping to escape any such conversation, American etiquette dictates at least a minimum amount of politeness and tact. Unfortunately, religious conversations—even amongst friends—often quickly become uncivil. How should we talk about religion in America? What are the right and wrong times to bring it up? If you are a person of faith, what rules guide the times you speak of your faith? If you do not believe in a religion, how would you prefer the topic is broached, if at all? Finally, where can we find common ground in a topic that divides us so?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

Requirements:
  • Be in MLA Style
  • Be two full pages in length
  • Works cited page

Due: Sec. 16—We 03.19; Sec 80—Mo 03.17


Monday, March 10, 2014

Persuasive Essay: The Creationism Question





For several decades, some segments of American Christianity have pushed for Creationism, the creation myth of the Bible, to be included in the country's public schools, either supplanting Evolution or, at least, presented with equal weight. They argue that Creationism is not only divinely-directed, but scientifically sound, and therefore, appropriate to be taught in schools. In reality, the issue is part of a larger continuing debate about the divisions between religious and secular interests in our society. What is the appropriate place, if any, for Creationism in a public school education? Does it belong in a science lab? A humanities classroom? Or not at all? What are the consequences of having Creationism in (or out) of American schools? Finally, how does Intelligent Design changes the parameters of the debate? In a clear and concise persuasive essay, argue for the most appropriate role for Creationism in an American education.

Cite from the texts below to support your thesis:
  • "My Take: Jesus Would Believe in Evolution and So Should You' (CNN)
  • "Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Six Bones of Contention' (National Geographic)
  • "Evolution is False: Public Schools Should Teach Intelligent Design' (PolicyMic)
  • "Creationism vs. Evolution: An American Problem, an American Opportunity" (NPR)
  • "Texas Public Schools are Teaching Creationism" (Slate)
  • "The Growing Partisan Divide on Evolution' (Moyers & Company)
  • "Creationism Versus Evolutionism: When Will this Debate Ever End?' (Huffington Post)
  • "Public’s Views on Human Evolution" (Pew Research Center)
  • "Creationists Cite ‘Academic Freedom’ to Teach Beliefs in Schools" (Al Jazeera America)
  • "How Evolution Gets Used and Abused in the Science-Religion Debate” (Huffington Post)
All texts are located in the eR.

Requirements:
  • Three pages minimum
  • MLA Style
  • Parenthetical citation
  • Works cited page
The best papers will:
  • Stay within the parameters of the prompt, focusing on the role Creationism should have in public schools
  • Have a concise thesis
  • Mount a convincing argument using the above texts
  • Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
  • Conclude with a summation of your points
  • Be in MLA Style
Due:
Sec 16—03.19.04
Sec 80—03.17.04

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Week 07: Mo 10/We 12

Christianity (orig. c. 33 CE, Judea)

Sec. 16:
Week 07: Mo 10/We 12
Readings: eR—“My Take: Jesus Would Believe in Evolution and So Should You” (CNN), “Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Six Bones of Contention” (National Geographic), “Evolution is False: Public Schools Should Teach Intelligent Design” (PolicyMic), “Creationism vs. Evolution: An American Problem, an American Opportunity” (NPR)
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA); Lecture—“Spirituality on Small Screen” Due: SYNTHESIS; REFLECTION 03

Sec. 80:
Week 07: Mo 10/We 12
Readings: eR—“My Take: Jesus Would Believe in Evolution and So Should You” (CNN), “Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Six Bones of Contention” (National Geographic), “Evolution is False: Public Schools Should Teach Intelligent Design” (PolicyMic), “Creationism vs. Evolution: An American Problem, an American Opportunity” (NPR) Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA); Lecture—“Spirituality on Small Screen”
Due: SYNTHESIS; REFLECTION 03

Upcoming:

Sec. 16:
Week 08: Mo 17/We 19
Readings: LETTING—0:00-2:06:30; eR—“What Exactly is a Meme? (Gizmodo), “How to Do a Close Reading” (Harvard College Writing Center)
Class: CLOSE READ; Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: PERSUASIVE; REFLECTION 04

Sec. 80:
Week 08: Mo 17
Readings: LETTING—0:00-2:06:30; eR—“What Exactly is a Meme? (Gizmodo), “How to Do a Close Reading” (Harvard College Writing Center)
Class: CLOSE READ; Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: PERSUASIVE; REFLECTION 04

Sec. 16 & Sec. 80:
Spring Break—Week 09: Mo 24/WE 26
No class

Cesar Chavez Day—
No Class

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Reflection 03: Picking and Choosing—Cafeteria Spiritualism









Some Mormons just can't do without caffeine, so they drink coffee. Some Catholics want control of their family planning, so they use contraceptives. Some Jews love the pageantry of Christmas, so they celebrate it every December 25th. Likewise, a person who finds comfort in Buddhist incantations, respects the environmental reverence of the Wiccans, and admires the Quaker emphasis on self-reliance might combine them into a personalized belief system. All of these are examples of the contemporary phenomenon of so-called "cafeteria spiritualism," sometimes called "salad bar" spiritualism. It is the practice of individuals customizing faiths, or parts of them, to fit their individual needs. In earlier times, followers of a devout faith generally accepted all aspects of that religion on the basis that true believers wholeheartedly embraced all related tenants. Not so today. In the 21st century, Americans routinely pick and choose the aspects of a faith, or faiths, that best fit their needs. Thus, younger generations of Americans are less likely to prescribe to a specific religion, opting instead to identify themselves as the ubiquitous "spiritual, but not religious." What do you think of cafeteria spiritualism? Does it make more sense in a pluralistic society, such as ours? Or should we return to the old days, when a Catholic was a Catholic and a Jew was a Jew, etc? Finally, have you, or anyone you know, partaken in this style of faith?

    Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

    Requirements:
    • Be in MLA Style
    • Be two full pages in length
    • Works cited page

    Due: Sec. 16—We 03.12; Sec 80—Mo 03.10


    Week 06: Mo 03/We 05

    Buddhism (orig. c. 563-623  BCE, Nepal)

    Sec. 16:
    Week 06: Mo 03/We 05
    Readings: eR—“Texas Public Schools are Teaching Creationism” (Slate), “The Growing Partisan Divide on Evolution” (Moyers & Company), Creationism Versus Evolutionism: When Will this Debate Ever End?” (Huffington Post), “Public’s Views on Human Evolution” (Pew Research Center), “Creationists Cite ‘Academic Freedom’ to Teach Beliefs in Schools” (Al Jazeera America), “How Evolution Gets Used and Abused in the Science-Religion Debate”
    Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“On Wordiness”
    Due: SYNTHESIS ESSAY

    Sec 80:
    Week 06: Mo 03
    Readings: eR—“Texas Public Schools are Teaching Creationism” (Slate), “The Growing Partisan Divide on Evolution” (Moyers & Company), Creationism Versus Evolutionism: When Will this Debate Ever End?” (Huffington Post), “Public’s Views on Human Evolution” (Pew Research Center), “Creationists Cite ‘Academic Freedom’ to Teach Beliefs in Schools” (Al Jazeera America), “How Evolution Gets Used and Abused in the Science-Religion Debate”
    Class: Writers workshop; Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“On Wordiness”
    Due: SYNTHESIS ESSAY (DRAFT 1, BRING TWO COPIES)

    Upcoming:

    Sec. 16: 
    Week 07: Mo 10/We 12
    Readings: eR—“My Take: Jesus Would Believe in Evolution and So Should You” (CNN), “Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Six Bones of Contention” (National Geographic), “Evolution is False: Public Schools Should Teach Intelligent Design” (PolicyMic), “Creationism vs. Evolution: An American Problem, an American Opportunity” (NPR) Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA); Lecture—“Spirituality on Small Screen”
    Due: PERSUASIVE; REFLECTION 03

    Sec. 80: 
    Week 07: Mo 10/We 12
    Readings: eR—“My Take: Jesus Would Believe in Evolution and So Should You” (CNN), “Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Six Bones of Contention” (National Geographic), “Evolution is False: Public Schools Should Teach Intelligent Design” (PolicyMic), “Creationism vs. Evolution: An American Problem, an American Opportunity” (NPR) Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA); Lecture—“Spirituality on Small Screen”
    Due: PERSUASIVE; REFLECTION 03


    Thursday, February 27, 2014

    Synthesis Essay: Atheists in Contemporary America




















    Over the past 20 years, atheists have become increasingly visible in American society. In some quarters of American society, such as academia and science, they've generally been welcomed. But other facets of American life, such as religion and politics, have been more hostile toward atheists. How would you characterize 2014 America's view of atheists? For example, are American generally accepting of atheist perspectives? Do you believe they receive fair representation in the media?  Do we reserve a space for non-believers in our national discussions? Finally, how are atheists reacting to their treatment from mainstream America? In a concise essay, synthesize five of the following texts into a "snapshot" of contemporary America's view of atheists:

    • “‘Education, Not Indoctrination’: Atheists Protest Texas Homeschool Convention as Promised” (Christian News Network)
    • “10.5 Tips When Coming Out to Family or Friends as an Atheist” (We Are Atheism)
    • “Atheist Group Sets Up Chicago Display Protesting Christmas Scene and Celebrating Bill of Rights” (The Raw Story)
    • “Bill O'Reilly Debates Atheist Over Obama Swearing in on Bible at Inauguration, Jan 18, 2013” (Fox News)
    • “CNN’s Wolf Blitzer Tells Atheist Tornado Survivor: ‘You Gotta Thank the Lord’” (The Raw Story)
    • “Diana Nyad, Atheist, Teaches Oprah a Thing or Two about Belief, Awe, and Wonder” (Huffington Post)
    • “Five Facts about Atheism” (Pew Research Center)
    • “How to Talk to an Atheist about Christianity” (Crisis Magazine)
    • “Religion in America’s States and Counties, in 6 Maps” (Washington Post)
    • “The Genesis of Alabama’s Only High School ‘Freethinkers Club’” (Southern Education Desk)
    • “eBay Kills Eve Brannon's ‘Take an Atheist Leader to Church’ Ad Again and Again” (Huffington Post)
    • "Religion Does No Harm" from Bill Maher: But I’m Not Wrong (HBO)

    All texts are located in the eR.

    Requirements:
    • Three pages minimum
    • Cite a minimum of five of the above texts
    • MLA Style
    • Parenthetical citation
    • Works cited page

    The best papers will:
    • Stay within the parameters of the prompt, focusing exclusively on the current American perceptions of atheism
    • Have a concise thesis
    • Find "common threads" amongst a diverse group of texts and combine them to create a "snapshot" of America's view of atheists
    • Cite a minimum of five of the above texts
    • Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
    • Conclude with a summation of your points
    • Be in MLA Style

    Due:
    Sec 16—03.05.14 (Final draft)

    Sec 80—03.03.14 (Draft 1); 03.10.14 (Final draft)
     


    Sunday, February 23, 2014

    Week 05: Mo 24/We 26

    Ancient Greek Mythology (orgin. c. 1000 BCE, Greece)

    Section 16:
    Week 05: Mo 24/We 26
    Readings: eR—“‘Education, Not Indoctrination’: Atheists Protest Texas Homeschool Convention as Promised” (Christian News Network), “10.5 Tips When Coming Out to Family or Friends as an Atheist” (We Are Atheism), “Atheist Group Sets Up Chicago Display Protesting Christmas Scene and Celebrating Bill of Rights” (The Raw Story), “Bill O'Reilly Debates Atheist Over Obama Swearing in on Bible at Inauguration, Jan 18, 2013” (Fox News), “CNN’s Wolf Blitzer Tells Atheist Tornado Survivor: ‘You Gotta Thank the Lord’” (The Raw Story), “Diana Nyad, Atheist, Teaches Oprah a Thing or Two about Belief, Awe, and Wonder” (Huffington Post), “Five Facts about Atheism” (Pew Research Center), “How to Talk to an Atheist about Christianity” (Crisis Magazine), “Religion in America’s States and Counties, in 6 Maps” (Washington Post), “The Genesis of Alabama’s Only High School ‘Freethinkers Club’” (Southern Education Desk), “eBay Kills Eve Brannon's ‘Take an Atheist Leader to Church’ Ad Again and Again” (Huffington Post)
    Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Watch—“Lisa the Skeptic” from The Simpsons (FOX); Lecture—“Twelve Essential Grammar Rules to Know”
    Due:  SHORT ANSWER RESPONSES

    All assignments, including in-class essays, are due or take place on Wednesdays. 

    Sec: 80:
    Week 05: Mo 24
    Readings: eR—“‘Education, Not Indoctrination’: Atheists Protest Texas Homeschool Convention as Promised” (Christian News Network), “10.5 Tips When Coming Out to Family or Friends as an Atheist” (We Are Atheism), “Atheist Group Sets Up Chicago Display Protesting Christmas Scene and Celebrating Bill of Rights” (The Raw Story), “Bill O'Reilly Debates Atheist Over Obama Swearing in on Bible at Inauguration, Jan 18, 2013” (Fox News), “CNN’s Wolf Blitzer Tells Atheist Tornado Survivor: ‘You Gotta Thank the Lord’” (The Raw Story), “Diana Nyad, Atheist, Teaches Oprah a Thing or Two about Belief, Awe, and Wonder” (Huffington Post), “Five Facts about Atheism” (Pew Research Center), “How to Talk to an Atheist about Christianity” (Crisis Magazine), “Religion in America’s States and Counties, in 6 Maps” (Washington Post), “The Genesis of Alabama’s Only High School ‘Freethinkers Club’” (Southern Education Desk), “eBay Kills Eve Brannon's ‘Take an Atheist Leader to Church’ Ad Again and Again” (Huffington Post)
    Class: SHORT ANSWER RESPONSES; Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Watch—“Lisa the Skeptic” from The Simpsons (FOX); Lecture—“Twelve Essential Grammar Rules to Know”

    Upcoming:

    Sec. 16:
    Week 06: Mo 03/We 05
    Readings: eR—“Texas Public Schools are Teaching Creationism” (Slate), “The Growing Partisan Divide on Evolution” (Moyers & Company), Creationism Versus Evolutionism: When Will this Debate Ever End?” (Huffington Post), “Public’s Views on Human Evolution” (Pew Research Center), “Creationists Cite ‘Academic Freedom’ to Teach Beliefs in Schools” (Al Jazeera America), “How Evolution Gets Used and Abused in the Science-Religion Debate”
    Class: SYNTHESIS ESSAY; Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“On Wordiness”
    Due: PERSUASIVE

    Sec 80:
    Week 06: Mo 03
    Readings: eR—“Texas Public Schools are Teaching Creationism” (Slate), “The Growing Partisan Divide on Evolution” (Moyers & Company), Creationism Versus Evolutionism: When Will this Debate Ever End?” (Huffington Post), “Public’s Views on Human Evolution” (Pew Research Center), “Creationists Cite ‘Academic Freedom’ to Teach Beliefs in Schools” (Al Jazeera America), “How Evolution Gets Used and Abused in the Science-Religion Debate”
    Class: SYNTHESIS ESSAY; Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“On Wordiness”
    Due: PERSUASIVE


    Tuesday, February 18, 2014

    Research Paper: Faith and Faithlessness in Contemporary Television




    Often, much of what we know about a faith comes via the media. In fact, it is often television series give us our first glimpse of a particular belief system with representations varying from accurate and objective to stereotypical and biased, even offensive. But as television characters are often the first times Americans see someone of another or no faith, these depictions are crucial for establishing defining characteristics. For your research paper, you will examine the representation of faith (or lack of faith) in an American television series from the last 25 years. The goals are to illustrate the ways in which a specific belief system is portrayed and to analyze that portrayal's impact on the general perception of those beliefs.

    Requirements:
    • Minimum 10 pages in length
    • MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
    • Minimum of 6 outside sources—at least 3 from peer-reviewed academic textslisted in a separate Works Cited page
    • Examine at least 4 relevant episodes of a major American television series (see list below)

    Include in your research paper:
    • A clear thesis, arguing how this particular faith (or lack of faith) is portrayed in a specific television program
    • An analysis of:
      • The program's representation of one belief systemvia specific characters, plot lines, themes, etc. 
      • The media's historical representation of this particular belief system
      • A contrasting view of this belief system via a secondary source
    • At least one secondary television program (no more than two episodes) to compare and contrasted with your primary source
    • A conclusion that illustrates an understanding of this intersection of faith and media

    The primary focus of your paper should be on one of the following television shows; your secondary source may also come from this list:
    1. 30 Rock (NBC)
    2. American Horror Story (FX)
    3. Battlestar Galactica (2004 remake; Syfy)
    4. The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
    5. Big Love (HBO)
    6. Blue Bloods (CBS)
    7. Bones (FOX) 
    8. The Borgias (Showtime)
    9. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (The WB/UPN)
    10. Caprica (Syfy)
    11. Carnivale (HBO)
    12. Charmed (The WB) 
    13. Community (NBC)
    14. Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
    15. Dexter (Showtime)
    16. Downtown Abbey (PBS)
    17. Family Guy (FOX)
    18. Friends (NBC)
    19. Game of Thrones (HBO)
    20. Gilmore Girls (The WB)
    21. Glee (FOX)
    22. The Good Wife (CBS)
    23. Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
    24. House (FOX)
    25. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX)
    26. Joan of Arcadia (CBS)
    27. Justified (FX)
    28. King of the Hill (FOX)
    29. Lost (ABC)
    30. Mad Men (AMC) 
    31. The Middle (ABC)
    32. Modern Family (ABC)
    33. The O.C. (Fox)
    34. Oz (HBO)
    35. The Office (NBC)
    36. Rome (HBO)
    37. Scrubs (NBC/ABC)
    38. Seventh Heaven (The WB)
    39. Sherlock (PBS)
    40. The Simpsons (FOX)
    41. Seinfeld (NBC)
    42. Sex and the City (HBO)
    43. Six Feet Under (HBO)
    44. The Sopranos (HBO)
    45. South Park (Comedy Central)
    46. Supernatural (The CW)
    47. That 70's Show (FOX)
    48. Touched By an Angel (CBS)
    49. True Blood (HBO) 
    50. True Detective (HBO)
    51. The Tudors (Showtime)
    52. The Vampire Diaries (The CW)
    53. The Walking Dead (AMC)
    54. The Wire (HBO)
    55. The X-Files (FOX)
    Due:
    Sections 16 & 80

    Week 12: Mo 04.21/We 04.23
    RESEARCH PAPER THESIS (BRING TWO COPIES)

    Week 13: Mo 0421/We 0423
    DRAFT 1 (UP TO PAGE 4; BRING TWO COPIES)

    Week 14: Mo 04.28/We 04.30
    DRAFT 2 (UP TO PAGE 8; BRING ONE COPY)

    Week 15: Mo 05.05/We 05.07
    FINAL DRAFT

    Sunday, February 16, 2014

    Week 04

    Islam (orig. 570, Saudi Arabia)
    Section 16:
    Week 04: Mo 17/We 19
    Class: SHORT ANSWER RESPONSES; Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA); Lecture—“Essay Outlines 101”
    Due: REFLECTION 02

    All assignments, including in-class essays, are due or take place on Wednesdays.

    Section 80:
    Week 04: Mo 17
    Class: SHORT ANSWER RESPONSES; Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA); Lecture—“Essay Outlines 101”
    Due: REFLECTION 02

    Upcoming: 

     Section 16:
    Week 05: Mo 24/We 26
    Readings: eR—“‘Education, Not Indoctrination’: Atheists Protest Texas Homeschool Convention as Promised” (Christian News Network), “10.5 Tips When Coming Out to Family or Friends as an Atheist” (We Are Atheism), “Atheist Group Sets Up Chicago Display Protesting Christmas Scene and Celebrating Bill of Rights” (The Raw Story), “Bill O'Reilly Debates Atheist Over Obama Swearing in on Bible at Inauguration, Jan 18, 2013” (Fox News), “CNN’s Wolf Blitzer Tells Atheist Tornado Survivor: ‘You Gotta Thank the Lord’” (The Raw Story), “Diana Nyad, Atheist, Teaches Oprah a Thing or Two about Belief, Awe, and Wonder” (Huffington Post), “Five Facts about Atheism” (Pew Research Center), “How to Talk to an Atheist about Christianity” (Crisis Magazine), “Religion in America’s States and Counties, in 6 Maps” (Washington Post), “The Genesis of Alabama’s Only High School ‘Freethinkers Club’” (Southern Education Desk), “eBay Kills Eve Brannon's ‘Take an Atheist Leader to Church’ Ad Again and Again” (Huffington Post)
    Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Watch—“Lisa the Skeptic” from The Simpsons (FOX); Lecture—“Twelve Essential Grammar Rules to Know”
    Due: SYNTHESIS ESSAY

    All assignments, including in-class essays, are due or take place on Wednesdays.

    Sec. 80:
    Readings: eR—“‘Education, Not Indoctrination’: Atheists Protest Texas Homeschool Convention as Promised” (Christian News Network), “10.5 Tips When Coming Out to Family or Friends as an Atheist” (We Are Atheism), “Atheist Group Sets Up Chicago Display Protesting Christmas Scene and Celebrating Bill of Rights” (The Raw Story), “Bill O'Reilly Debates Atheist Over Obama Swearing in on Bible at Inauguration, Jan 18, 2013” (Fox News), “CNN’s Wolf Blitzer Tells Atheist Tornado Survivor: ‘You Gotta Thank the Lord’” (The Raw Story), “Diana Nyad, Atheist, Teaches Oprah a Thing or Two about Belief, Awe, and Wonder” (Huffington Post), “Five Facts about Atheism” (Pew Research Center), “How to Talk to an Atheist about Christianity” (Crisis Magazine), “Religion in America’s States and Counties, in 6 Maps” (Washington Post), “The Genesis of Alabama’s Only High School ‘Freethinkers Club’” (Southern Education Desk), “eBay Kills Eve Brannon's ‘Take an Atheist Leader to Church’ Ad Again and Again” (Huffington Post)
    Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Watch—“Lisa the Skeptic” from The Simpsons (FOX); Lecture—“Twelve Essential Grammar Rules to Know”
    Due: SYNTHESIS ESSAY

    Monday, February 10, 2014

    Spiritual News 02.10.14



    Reflection 02: Is Nothing Sacred?—The Cultural Appropriation of Religious Symbols

    Cultural appropriation is the act of one culture "incorporating" aspects of another culture into its own. This differs from cultural exchanges in which American hip-hop and Bollywood-style dancing incorporate each other's moves, or Korean and Mexican cuisines integrate each other's ingredients. In cultural appropriation, a dominant group assimilates aspects of a foreign culture without regard to their original use or intent. In other words, parts of one culture might be absorbed into another in insensitive, even offensive, ways, often for their perceived exoticism or cool factor. This extends to the religious and spiritual practices of other cultures, as well. Thus, in America, we've seen hipsters embrace Dia de los Muertos, the popularization of sacred Maori symbols as tattoos, celebrities sporting Kabbalah string bracelets, and the labeling of a clean, Asian-influenced design as Zen-style. Each of these is misunderstood and, in turn, misapplied; and yet, each has seeped into American pop culture. How have you seen the religious or sacred iconography of other cultures absorbed into the American mainstream? And what of those instances when a particular culture is offended by the use of their religious imagery in the mainstream, such as No Doubt's 2012 Native American controversy. What is the line between simply borrowing, often sacred, cultural artifacts and misusing them? For example, can we truly understand the traditions of Ojibwa dreamcatchers when they're worn as earrings, or respect Hindu principles when we do yoga with our dogs? Is it possible to appreciate another culture's artifacts in a respectful manner?

    Include at least three of the following in your discussion:

    Requirements:
    • Be in MLA Style
    • Be two full pages in length
    • Works cited page

    Due: Sec. 80—02.17; Sec. 16—02.19