Thursday’s Class Overview
Class will be optional and serve as a workshop time for students.
The instructor will be available for:
Reviewing papers.
Answering questions or discussing issues.
Attendance is optional; students can choose whether to utilize this time.
Purpose: Enhance paper quality through feedback and revision work.
Students have submitted their papers and received two peer papers for review.
Due date for peer reviews: Tonight.
Important Note: Grades will be based on the quality of peer editing rather than the rough draft submission.
Word Count for Peer Reviews:
There is no specific word count; focus should be on following the rubric with specific and substantive responses.
Instructor suggests not extending deadlines due to upcoming spring break.
Current assignments are due Saturday.
Encouragement for early submission for additional revision time during spring break.
Introduction to MLA Citations
Acknowledged as a crucial yet often boring subject.
Importance of understanding how knowledge systems are organized within the university setting, including the necessity of intellectual property protection.
Recognition of the evolving nature of citation formats, including updates for new forms of media like Zoom meetings and podcasts.
Understanding what needs attribution:
Direct Quotes: Must be cited accurately.
Paraphrased Information: Use quotation marks if borrowing unique phrases or formulations.
Common Knowledge:
Information widely accepted within a field may not need citation (e.g., historical facts).
Students encouraged to verify whether information qualifies as common knowledge.
Use sources to:
Strengthen arguments by drawing from established experts.
Meet audience expectations, especially within specialized fields.
Offer a safeguard against information that may shift over time.
Definition: Introduces quotations and provides context about the quoted source's authority.
Examples emphasize the need for clarity and specificity to avoid vague references.
Use credible sources and avoid cliches (e.g., "some people say").
Key elements of an attributive tag:
Include who the source is, when information was given, and why their perspective is crucial.
Every word in a paper carries significance and nuances.
The importance of varied language in attributive tags to convey the right tone and implication (e.g., "warned" vs. "agreed").
Quote material sparingly; use direct quotes when framing or phrasing is significant.
For summarized or paraphrased material, always cite unique or noteworthy phrasing.
Introductions should connect ideas as if introducing two friends.
Establish context, connect important details, and frame the thesis or main argument clearly in the introduction.