river oaks [english]

Thanks to Robert Sharenow for visiting River Oaks and talking with our students. In addition to talking about his book, he talked about the need to pursue your passion with diligence a strong sense of purpose -- advice that applies to us all. Of course, he also talked about his experience as a producer for A&E (i.e. working with Chris Angel). All in all, it was a very interesting talk. His book, My Mother the Cheerleader , about the integration of a New Orleans school in the 1960's, is both emotionally jarring and appropriately relevant considering the recent events in our state. Everyone should buy a copy (or check it out from our library). Signed copies are available at Windows a bookshop in Monroe.

This week, while I am adding comments to your research papers, we will be preparing for the ACT. Each day this week, we will address a different section of the ACT: Monday: English (Discuss) Tuesday: Reading (Test) Wednesday: Reading (Discuss) Thursday: Writing (In-Class) Friday: Homecoming! For additional help, and sample tests, go to ACT Online Prep .

As I stated in class, I'm offering extra points for those who will memorize and recite the first eighteen lines of "The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales " in Middle English. For those interested, here's an example of what it sounds like. Recitations will happen on Friday 9/21. And here's Harvard University's site on Chaucer and the Tales, for those who are interested. :) TEST on MONDAY (9/24) over "The Prologue"

Your next paper, the Solutions to your Problem , requires that you evaluate at least two solutions using a set of criteria (the basis for your comparison). Use the following as your outline: I. Introduction -- Restate Problem, and introduce Solutions and Criteria II. Solutions (define each of your solutions) A. Solution One B. Solution Two III. Evaluation A. Criterion One (why is this a good basis for comparison?) Evaluation of Solution One Evaluation of Solution Two B. Criterion Two Evaluation of Solution One Evaluation of Solution Two IV. Conclusion -- State your conclusion based on the evidence presented Remember that the purpose for this paper is to provide the best (or primary) solution to the problem you've been researching. The paper is informative rather than persuasive , however. I want you to present an unbiased argument. As stated in class, I'll look at this paper along with your others, and return them all with comments. ...

There will be a quiz on medieval ballads Wednesday 9/12. The quiz will cover pages 76-83 of your textbook, and will have questions on both the form and the ballads themselves. An interesting article from the Smithsonian on the connection between English Ballads and American Folk Music: Smithsonian Global Sound

DUE DATES Problem Paper Final Draft -- Wednesday 9/12 Solutions Paper Rough Draft -- Wednesday 9/19 CITATIONS We've been going over the forms for citations in class, and I thought it might be helpful to include links to the resources mentioned, including a sample MLA research paper. Although the paper is not on a related topic, the marginal notes are quite relevant. Also, you can see what your bibliography (works cited page) will look like after you've combined all of your sources. MLA Format Parenthetical Citation Works Cited Page: Electronic Sources Sample MLA Research Paper

For an excellent all-purpose site on the Middle Ages, refer to The Norton Anthology of English Literature . It's the textbook you'll be using when you get to college, and the site is full of information. If you'd like another look at the YouTube video of the Bayeux Tapestry:

OVERVIEW Write a two-three page definition and discussion of a specific problem in your chosen field of interest. The problem you discuss here will form the basis for your analysis in Paper #3. Problems can be “academic” or “work-related.” Remember that when I say "problem" I'm referring to problems you will face (and solve) as a professional in your field. The paper must cite at least three credible sources. Format according to MLA. PROCESS (1) Investigate possible “problems” utilizing the following types of sources: Interview –ask a professional Online Resources INFOTRAC @ River Oaks (password = river) Ouachita Public Library Highwire Press @ Stanford University Find Articles from LookSmart (2) Propose a topic via MEMO . Your memo should include a statement of purpose and show an awareness of audience. The memo's body should include at least two 100-word paragraphs -- one on your problem, and one on your research to date Heading should be double-spaced (To, From...

Your final draft for Paper #1 (Career Study) is due TUESDAY. Please bring ALL sources, including your interview letter , and I will provide a folder. Don't forget about your "thank you" letter , as well. Also, unrelated but in the same format, your book letter is due Monday. Again, this letter is to inform me of your independent reading selection. Please tell me WHAT you are reading and WHY. Yes, that's four things: Final draft Interview letter Thank you letter Book letter