writing lecture recording on 19 February 2025 at 11.19.29 AM

Introduction to the Assignment

• A meeting is arranged with Michael Wag (nicknamed "Waggy"), an actor and author, to discuss voice in writing and style.

• The session aims to bridge the elements of oral rhetoric and written expression.

Upcoming Project Details

• Project Number Two: First draft is due on Monday (reminder of timeline).

• Submission requirements: Bring three printed copies, or email a Google Doc copy to the instructor.

Feedback on Previous Assignments

• Students who have submitted a paragraph as an email outlining their topic and research questions can still receive feedback.

• Any missed opportunities should be viewed positively, as an invitation to improve.

Project Evaluation Rubric

• A rubric is provided that will help evaluate projects.

• This rubric is applicable for both draft and final versions, ensuring a clear understanding of assessment expectations.

Focus on Proposals and Annotated Bibliography

• The class focuses on proposals and annotated bibliographies for upcoming projects.

• Importance of clarity in research questions: Students are encouraged to articulate their research questions more precisely.

Importance of Annotated Bibliographies

• Annotated bibliographies help evaluate potential sources before selection.

• Encourages deeper research and encourages students to think critically about the sources they choose.

• Necessary to compile a diverse array of sources that provide different perspectives (example: various angles like economic, societal).

Types of Sources

• Students should gather a variety of sources to enhance the credibility and viewpoint of their projects:

  • Types of Sources:

    • Journal articles

    • Videos or documentaries

    • Empirical research or interviews

    • Newspaper articles for broader societal context

    • Government studies for detailed and credible data

• At least five sources are required, with no more than one being a web source.

Structure of the Annotated Bibliography

• Each entry should have:

  • Two paragraphs:

    • A summary of the source in the student's own words.

    • An evaluation of the source's usefulness for the research topic.

• Proper use of MLA format for citations is critical; all entries should use hanging indent format.

Best Practices for Citation

• Common mistakes with formatting and the necessity of following the correct style guide (Purdue OWL recommended for reference).

• Strengths and weaknesses of various source types discussed:

  • Encyclopedia use: Good for initial information but not acceptable as sources due to lack of depth.

  • Newspaper articles: Useful for general information but should not be the only source type used.

Proposal Writing Guide

• Proposals should consist of an introductory narrative, background information, an exploration outline, and questions for future research.

• The proposal must justify the topic and explore angles that interest the student.

• Example proposal structure includes:

  • Introduction: State the topic, purpose, and relevance to the audience.

  • Background Information: Provide context to the issue being explored.

  • Outline: Present an exploration strategy with included angles and anticipated sources.

  • Research Gaps: What is still unknown and needs further exploration?

Personal Narratives in Proposals

• Serving as an effective form of pathos, personal experiences can engage readers within proposals.

• Incorporating anecdotal evidence helps enhance the argument and establish a connection with the audience.

Final Remarks

• Students are reminded of the importance of evolving ideas and adapting discovery through research; it's encouraged to modify their thesis as they uncover more information.

• Students should view this process as iterative and recognize the value of structuring proposals as foundational steps toward their final projects.