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CompositionComposition

Kutztown University of PAKutztown University of PA

Dr. Dr. DowningDowning

Essays Due for Essays Due for College CompositionCollege Composition

Fall 2009Fall 2009

Four Writing AssignmentsFour Writing Assignments

1.1. Respond to Respond to The Four AgreementsThe Four Agreements by by Don Miguel Ruiz (800-1000 words)Don Miguel Ruiz (800-1000 words)

2.2. Respond to Respond to The Power of Now The Power of Now by by Eckhart Tolle (800-1000 words)Eckhart Tolle (800-1000 words)

3.3. Apply Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth to Apply Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth to the movie of your choice (800-1000 the movie of your choice (800-1000 words)words)

4.4. Research Paper (1750-2000 words)Research Paper (1750-2000 words)

The Four Agreements

1. Be impeccable with your word2. Don’t take anything personally3. Don’t make assumptions4. Always do your best

Writing about Writing about The Four AgreementsThe Four Agreements

Begin by writing single-paragraph summaries (~100 Begin by writing single-paragraph summaries (~100 words) for at least three of the four agreements. Be words) for at least three of the four agreements. Be sure to quote Ruiz directly and provide specific sure to quote Ruiz directly and provide specific examples from the textexamples from the text..

Then, apply his teachings to your life and write one Then, apply his teachings to your life and write one paragraph (or more) describing how those ideas paragraph (or more) describing how those ideas relate to your life.relate to your life.

Prompt: Do you agree with all of his teachings? If Prompt: Do you agree with all of his teachings? If so, which ones? If not, which ones? Do you agree so, which ones? If not, which ones? Do you agree but admit that they are very difficult?but admit that they are very difficult?

Do you see any wisdom? Can you point to Do you see any wisdom? Can you point to examples from your own life?examples from your own life?

Writing about Writing about The Four AgreementsThe Four Agreements(continued)(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 Writing about The Four AgreementsThe Four Agreements(continued)(continued)

1.1. Briefly summarize the primary source (one paragraph for each Briefly summarize the primary source (one paragraph for each agreement). Be sure to include several quotes.agreement). Be sure to include several quotes.

2.2. Write your personal response (one to match each summary paragraph)Write your personal response (one to match each summary paragraph)3.3. Find additional sources (bio, critique, etc.).Find additional sources (bio, critique, etc.).4.4. Blend the sources into your writing. How do they support your opinion?Blend the sources into your writing. How do they support your opinion?5.5. Be sure to check the models on DrD’s website.Be sure to check the models on DrD’s website.6.6. Create works cited page.Create works cited page.7.7. Write a conclusion, taking all of the information together.Write a conclusion, taking all of the information together.8.8. Write an introduction, which should preview the conclusion.Write an introduction, which should preview the conclusion.9.9. Add an effective (and very clear) title.Add an effective (and very clear) title.10.10. Review your work (read it aloud to yourself).Review your work (read it aloud to yourself).11.11. Share your paper with the professor and classmates.Share your paper with the professor and classmates.12.12. Revise, based on feedback from other readers.Revise, based on feedback from other readers.13.13. Edit for grammar; get help if needed.Edit for grammar; get help if needed.

Eckhart Tolle’s Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of NowThe 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 Begin by summarizing several of Tolle’s arguments. Be sure to quote him directly and provide specific examples sure to quote him directly and provide specific examples from the textfrom the text..

Then, apply his teachings to your life and write several Then, apply his teachings to your life and write several paragraphs describing how his ideas relate to your life.paragraphs describing how his ideas relate to your life.

Prompt: Do you agree with all of his teachings? If so, Prompt: Do you agree with all of his teachings? If so, which ones? If not, which ones? Do you agree but admit which ones? If not, which ones? Do you agree but admit that they are very difficult? Do you think this is all that they are very difficult? Do you think this is all nonsense?nonsense?

In contrast, can you see any wisdom in his writing? Can In contrast, can you see any wisdom in his writing? Can you point to examples where his ideas are valid?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 Writing about The Power of NowThe Power of Now

Joseph Campbell’s Heroic JourneyJoseph Campbell’s Heroic JourneyOn page 245 of The Hero with a Thousand

Faces, Joseph Campbell writes about the typical heroic journey. Some of the key elements include:

1.1. The Ordinary World. The Ordinary World. 2.2. A Call to Adventure. A Call to Adventure. 3.3. Refusal of the Call. Refusal of the Call. 4.4. Meeting a Mentor.Meeting a Mentor.5.5. Crossing the First Threshold. Crossing the First Threshold. 6.6. Tests, Allies and Enemies. Tests, Allies and Enemies. 7.7. Belly of the WhaleBelly of the Whale8.8. Approach to the Inmost Cave. Approach to the Inmost Cave. 9.9. The Supreme Ordeal. The Supreme Ordeal. 10.10. Elixir Theft.Elixir Theft.11.11. Reward. Reward. 12.12. Rebirth. Rebirth. 13.13. Return.Return.14.14. Restoration of Order. Restoration of Order.

Writing about Joseph CampbellWriting about Joseph Campbell

1.1. Summarize Campbell’s points (include quotes)Summarize Campbell’s points (include quotes)2.2. Apply his ideas, point-by-point to a movie of your choice Apply his ideas, point-by-point to a movie of your choice

1.1. What are the tests?What are the tests?2.2. Who are the helpers?Who are the helpers?3.3. Where does the expansion of consciousness take place?Where does the expansion of consciousness take place?

3.3. Cite other sources as necessary (three source total)Cite other sources as necessary (three source total)4.4. Create works citedCreate works cited5.5. Write conclusionWrite conclusion6.6. Write introduction, which should include bioWrite introduction, which should include bio7.7. Add effective titleAdd effective title8.8. Review your work (read it aloud to yourself)Review your work (read it aloud to yourself)9.9. Share it with the professor and peersShare it with the professor and peers10.10. Revise based on feedback provided by professor and peersRevise based on feedback provided by professor and peers11.11. Edit closely (seek help if you need to)Edit closely (seek help if you need to)

Starting the Research PaperStarting the Research Paper

1.1. Select the topic of your choice (I will help you to select a topic)Select the topic of your choice (I will help you to select a topic)2.2. Write a proposal (I will provide models; all writing projects must be Write a proposal (I will provide models; all writing projects must be

accompanied by approved proposals)accompanied by approved proposals)3.3. Find at least six strong sources (not just the first thing you find on the Find at least six strong sources (not just the first thing you find on the

Web).Web).4.4. Use EBSCO Host, Lexis-Nexis, or other library materials. Use EBSCO Host, Lexis-Nexis, or other library materials. 5.5. Some websites are okay for research, but most information on the open 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 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 basis of strong research. I want to see actual names, credentials, and reputable publications associated with your research.reputable publications associated with your research.

6.6. Read and annotate your sources (make notes).Read and annotate your sources (make notes).7.7. Develop a thesis, based on your reading:Develop a thesis, based on your reading:

1.1. A thesis is a complete sentence which should include your topic and the position you 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 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.of birth control measures should be made available to high school students.

2.2. For our purposes, all thesis statements should be understandable by the average For our purposes, all thesis statements should be understandable by the average person on the street.person on the street.

Writing the Research PaperWriting the Research Paper1.1. Summarize your sources with a combination of paraphrase Summarize your sources with a combination of paraphrase

and quotation.and quotation.2.2. Create the Works Cited page as you work.Create the Works Cited page as you work.3.3. Be sure you have a clear thesis (see previous slide).Be sure you have a clear thesis (see previous slide).4.4. Apply your thesis throughout your discussion. Do not try to Apply your thesis throughout your discussion. Do not try to

prove too many points. Just stick to your thesis.prove too many points. Just stick to your thesis.5.5. Write a conclusionWrite a conclusion6.6. Write an introduction that anticipates the conclusion.Write an introduction that anticipates the conclusion.7.7. Create an appropriate titleCreate an appropriate title8.8. Review your work (read it aloud to yourself)Review your work (read it aloud to yourself)9.9. Share it with the professor and/or peersShare it with the professor and/or peers10.10. Revise based on feedback from professor and/or peersRevise based on feedback from professor and/or peers

ModelsModels

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 Pay attention to how the documents are designed, including

margins (1”), centered titles, identifying information at the top margins (1”), centered titles, identifying information at the top left, page numbering, and Works Cited page.left, page numbering, and Works Cited page.

You will also see that there are specific examples of the Ruiz You will also see that there are specific examples of the Ruiz and Campbell assignments (not Tolle; he’s new). Feel free to 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 read as many of the models as you like to get a feel for what I’m after.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.

QuestionsQuestions

Q: How many conferences will there be?Q: How many conferences will there be?

A: 620

A: 4

A: 800-1000 words

A: 1750-2000 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?