The guidelines for Short Paper #1 have been posted on the Schedule, Readings, & Rubrics page. Please refer to this document when composing your first formal writing assignment, due Monday 3/5.
You will notice that I added a new page to the blog titled Formal Paper Descriptions. Seeing as you have a paper due soon, it would behoove you to read over this information so that you comprehend the various qualities of academic essays.
Also, I provided a link to an updated course syllabus to include changes in the required texts. Please view, download, and print the newest version (v.1.2) for your records. The old syllabus can be properly recycled.
Tuesday, February 21
HW#3 -- People in the Walls
For the next class meeting I would like everyone to have read the short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Using this story, as well as your knowledge of character following our discussion tonight on People (Stanford 32-41), please answer the following prompt:
As a result of its eerie mood and setting, Gilman's text has often been labeled as a ghost story. Do you see the woman in the wallpaper as a supernatural element? What other possibilities can you suggest?
On such suggestion is as follows... While it is clear that there are multiple characters in this short story, it may not be so clear that within the main female character exists more than one persona. In other words, the reader could make the argument that the woman in the room and the woman in the wallpaper are actually two "parts" of the same main character. If so, how are these "parts" similar? How are they different?
Explain your response using direct evidence from the short story as support.
As a result of its eerie mood and setting, Gilman's text has often been labeled as a ghost story. Do you see the woman in the wallpaper as a supernatural element? What other possibilities can you suggest?
On such suggestion is as follows... While it is clear that there are multiple characters in this short story, it may not be so clear that within the main female character exists more than one persona. In other words, the reader could make the argument that the woman in the room and the woman in the wallpaper are actually two "parts" of the same main character. If so, how are these "parts" similar? How are they different?
Explain your response using direct evidence from the short story as support.
Wednesday, February 15
HW#2 -- Soldiers and the Spoils of War
For our next meeting, Tuesday 2/21, I would like for everyone to have read the short stories by O'Brien and Vonnegut. The Vonnegut text can be accessed via the Schedule, Readings, & Rubrics page by clicking the link embedded in the author's last name. Please print and annotate this text before bringing it to class Tuesday. Also before class meets, please submit your second e-journal response to the following prompt:
Draw a relationship between the two war stories written by O'Brien and Vonnegut. First, name one theme or element from each text that you found to be similar, thus making a comparison. Second, name one theme or element from each text that you found to be different, thus highlighting a contrast.
Lastly, express in a few sentences which story you responded to "more," and explain why in detail. Here are some general questions to guide you... Explain why you found a certain character compelling or troublesome? How were the stories' settings (both physical and mental) made vivid in your mind's eye as you read? Is there some personal connection to either of these texts?
Direct references to the readings are required, so be sure to cite page numbers when offering quotations or paraphrases.
Draw a relationship between the two war stories written by O'Brien and Vonnegut. First, name one theme or element from each text that you found to be similar, thus making a comparison. Second, name one theme or element from each text that you found to be different, thus highlighting a contrast.
Lastly, express in a few sentences which story you responded to "more," and explain why in detail. Here are some general questions to guide you... Explain why you found a certain character compelling or troublesome? How were the stories' settings (both physical and mental) made vivid in your mind's eye as you read? Is there some personal connection to either of these texts?
Direct references to the readings are required, so be sure to cite page numbers when offering quotations or paraphrases.
Tuesday, February 7
HW #1 -- Personal Butterflies
Please respond to the following prompt by posting a reply below.
Recall the short story "Butterflies" by Patricia Grace. In class it was argued that when the little girl shares her butterfly story in school, she undergoes an anagnorisis, which is a moment of awakening as to one's true situation or the transition from innocence to experience. Given this argument, first identify what it is that the little girl is "awakened" to; and second, describe a time in your own life when you experienced what could be called an anagnorisis or epiphany, be it large or small. Provide sensory detail and, of course, draw connections between the text and your own life. (Due 2/13)
Recall the short story "Butterflies" by Patricia Grace. In class it was argued that when the little girl shares her butterfly story in school, she undergoes an anagnorisis, which is a moment of awakening as to one's true situation or the transition from innocence to experience. Given this argument, first identify what it is that the little girl is "awakened" to; and second, describe a time in your own life when you experienced what could be called an anagnorisis or epiphany, be it large or small. Provide sensory detail and, of course, draw connections between the text and your own life. (Due 2/13)
Monday, February 6
Intro: How to Join and Contribute
As a member of our ENG 200 course it is your responsibility to join this e-journal blog and, crucially, to participate when asked throughout the semester. You will do this in three ways: (a) by submitting your journal entries as comments to posts of at least 200 words, (b) by following the prompt's directions, and (c) by turning-in these assignments before the class period in which they are due.
Importantly, this site will also serve as a message board from me to you and you to me. I will most likely have to pass on important information regarding class meeting times, assignment deadlines, changes in the syllabus, etc. throughout the term. Therefore, be sure to check this site frequently, especially on days before and after we meet for class, to be sure you are current with the goings-on of the course.
Okay, so what's next?
Below I am going to detail how to join this blog and how to contribute. If you are unfamiliar with using blogs have no fear, Blogger is quite user-friendly and you should catch on quick. Remember, you can always email me with questions. What you should do is email me immediately if you are having trouble with the site, for journal entries may be submitted via email and handed in hard copy the day they are due if such internet hiccups arise.
How to Join
Via email you'll receive a link allowing you to gain authorial access to this blog. Follow the link and you'll have the opportunity to create a new Google username and password and officially join Blogger and the course e-journal. If you already use Gmail, you can use your existing account log-in information without having to create anything new. Please use your last name as your username!
From now on you'll use that username and password you select or create to log into this blog before you add a comment or a post. So write it down or email it to yourself so you do not forget this information!
How to Comment and Post
First, you must log in.
To comment to any post click on the post's title or on the ## replies link at the bottom of the post. You can also click on the post's title found under the archived posts on the right side of the site. At the bottom of the post you'll find an editable text box. Remember to write at least 200 words! You can offer something in response to the main post thread, or you can reply to a comment written by another student. If the debate gets intense enough then you, or I for that matter, may decide to move the discussion into a new thread (i.e., post) all its own.
To post a new topic or thread once logged in, go to the top of the site and at the right of your email address/username on the navbar you'll see a link titled "new post". This is your ticket. Once you've arrived at the post-editing screen you'll notice it's a bit more complicated than the comment box; yet, think of it like a word document screen and you'll catch on quickly.
More Editing and a Vital Disclaimer
If you happen to know html and/or java scripts you can use these to edit your posts to a greater degree---adding images, video, links, and more.
If a you should choose to add media to a post, keep in mind that inappropriate material and language will be subject to immediate removal. Depending on the level and degree of inappropriateness, the student faces disciplinary action such as receiving a zero on the assignment (minimum) or being reported to the Dean of Student Affairs (maximum). Please see the CUNY Computer User Responsibilities webpage for information concerning such disciplinary processes.
In Closing...
Be sure to bookmark this site on your personal computer so that you can check the blog frequently. As I recommended above, nearly once a day you should be visiting our e-journal. While you are required to only submit one writing per e-journal assignment, you may write as much at you wish on this blog. Contributing more with extra effort certainly weighs positively on your overall class participation!
Remember, the point of this blog is not only for me to impart important class announcement nor for you to just submit a weekly journal entry; rather, it serves as a birthplace for written ideas. The things discussed and argued here will undoubtedly come up in class, and should, so feel free to verbally reference the blog's content while we are in the classroom. Paper topics and sites of argumentation will also present themselves here. This is a vital component and goal of this site: for as we test and share ideas with one another, we further understanding of specific subject matter, thereby developing and deepening our ability to discuss the course's texts and topics to a greater degree.
I hope you join as soon as possible so that you can begin adding to your classroom e-community by contributing commentary and content to what is now our new ENG 200 course blog!
Importantly, this site will also serve as a message board from me to you and you to me. I will most likely have to pass on important information regarding class meeting times, assignment deadlines, changes in the syllabus, etc. throughout the term. Therefore, be sure to check this site frequently, especially on days before and after we meet for class, to be sure you are current with the goings-on of the course.
Okay, so what's next?
Below I am going to detail how to join this blog and how to contribute. If you are unfamiliar with using blogs have no fear, Blogger is quite user-friendly and you should catch on quick. Remember, you can always email me with questions. What you should do is email me immediately if you are having trouble with the site, for journal entries may be submitted via email and handed in hard copy the day they are due if such internet hiccups arise.
How to Join
Via email you'll receive a link allowing you to gain authorial access to this blog. Follow the link and you'll have the opportunity to create a new Google username and password and officially join Blogger and the course e-journal. If you already use Gmail, you can use your existing account log-in information without having to create anything new. Please use your last name as your username!
From now on you'll use that username and password you select or create to log into this blog before you add a comment or a post. So write it down or email it to yourself so you do not forget this information!
How to Comment and Post
First, you must log in.
To comment to any post click on the post's title or on the ## replies link at the bottom of the post. You can also click on the post's title found under the archived posts on the right side of the site. At the bottom of the post you'll find an editable text box. Remember to write at least 200 words! You can offer something in response to the main post thread, or you can reply to a comment written by another student. If the debate gets intense enough then you, or I for that matter, may decide to move the discussion into a new thread (i.e., post) all its own.
To post a new topic or thread once logged in, go to the top of the site and at the right of your email address/username on the navbar you'll see a link titled "new post". This is your ticket. Once you've arrived at the post-editing screen you'll notice it's a bit more complicated than the comment box; yet, think of it like a word document screen and you'll catch on quickly.
More Editing and a Vital Disclaimer
If you happen to know html and/or java scripts you can use these to edit your posts to a greater degree---adding images, video, links, and more.
If a you should choose to add media to a post, keep in mind that inappropriate material and language will be subject to immediate removal. Depending on the level and degree of inappropriateness, the student faces disciplinary action such as receiving a zero on the assignment (minimum) or being reported to the Dean of Student Affairs (maximum). Please see the CUNY Computer User Responsibilities webpage for information concerning such disciplinary processes.
In Closing...
Be sure to bookmark this site on your personal computer so that you can check the blog frequently. As I recommended above, nearly once a day you should be visiting our e-journal. While you are required to only submit one writing per e-journal assignment, you may write as much at you wish on this blog. Contributing more with extra effort certainly weighs positively on your overall class participation!
Remember, the point of this blog is not only for me to impart important class announcement nor for you to just submit a weekly journal entry; rather, it serves as a birthplace for written ideas. The things discussed and argued here will undoubtedly come up in class, and should, so feel free to verbally reference the blog's content while we are in the classroom. Paper topics and sites of argumentation will also present themselves here. This is a vital component and goal of this site: for as we test and share ideas with one another, we further understanding of specific subject matter, thereby developing and deepening our ability to discuss the course's texts and topics to a greater degree.
I hope you join as soon as possible so that you can begin adding to your classroom e-community by contributing commentary and content to what is now our new ENG 200 course blog!
Sunday, February 5
How to Access Library Databases When Off-Campus
- To access York's licensed databases off-campus, you must be a currently enrolled student or a faculty/staff member with an active ID in the York library system. Check at the York Library circulation desk to make sure your ID is active. See CUNY's FAQ for more information about remote access to licensed resources.
- You then need to enter the 14-digit Library I.D. (barcode) number from the back of your York I.D. card.
- Users can also access all of the licensed resources after logging into York's VPN (Virtual Private Network): use these links to connect to the Faculty/Staff VPN or the Student VPN. Contact Academic Computing's helpdesk (ext. 5300) for more information about VPN.
- AOL users may need to launch Internet Explorer in order to access online databases.
- Several New York State Library databases now offer remote access using your New York State DMV Driver License or Non-Driver Photo ID Number.
- You can also access CUNY-wide E-journals and Reference Databases off campus by logging into the CUNY Portal. Logon to the Portal and click on: E-Journals and Reference Databases.
- See information on using Find It!
Include your name, barcode number (i.e., Library I.D. #), name of the database you were trying to access, and the time of day you attempted access. Also include the error message, if any. You can also try calling the CUNY Computing Center Help Desk at 212.541.0981 or 212.541.0982.
Have problems/questions concerning the York College Library website? Send e-mail to: helplibrary@york.cuny.edu
Accessing Your York College Student Email
Visit this FAQ site for questions and answers regarding the initial activation and access to your York College Student Email account.
The direct link to your email appears on this blog's left sidebar under On-Campus Links for future convenience.
The direct link to your email appears on this blog's left sidebar under On-Campus Links for future convenience.
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