river oaks [english]

Now that the first draft of the research paper has been completed, it's time to begin gathering evidence from secondary sources. As noted in class, we are simply adding evidence to your first draft, and that evidence will come from your book and from sources "outside" of the book. We'll soon discuss the process of finding and evaluating those sources -- in class, and on Monday at ULM's library. To get us started, I'd like for you to check out Purdue's Online Writing Lab , perhaps the most extensive source online for resources related to writing. I've linked the portion of the site titled "Using Modern Language Association (MLA) Format." You'll find information there that reinforces the concepts I've discussed so far. In addition, I would like for you to view and print out the sample research paper found on Diane Hacker's website. Her handbooks are used regularly in college classrooms around the country, and the site is a ...

We've talked a good bit about whether or not the novel is racist, and most of the class seems to agree that it is a product of its time. For example, it can be argued that the use of the N-word adds to the realism (or authenticity?) of the book. For more insight into the problem of racism in the 19th century (and beyond), check out The Authentic History Center's Teaching Diversity website. Prepare to be offended. According to the site, "these items reflect the history and societal values of the time period in which they were produced." However, it is hard to look at some of these images objectively, through a modern "lens." If you think the images are offensive, or if you think the images are funny (or a mixture of both), I want you to think about why . The images certainly don't represent reality, as in the way things actually are , but the stereotypes are very real. I would like you to form your own opinion. Please respond to the images in...

For those of you who are interested, here's an essay by Twain on the subject of lynching . The essay is critical and serious, and relates to Colonel Sherburn's argument in Chapter 22 (page 123 for those reading the Modern Library edition). It's worth the read if you can stomach it. Twain's The United States of Lyncherdom

Yes, we are back to work now. All of you have work to do, so get busy. English I -- You should be finished with Act Two. Quiz on Thursday . We'll get started on the video project fairly soon. Groups have not been selected yet, and I'm still deciding whether ot not you will have a choice. Once selected, groups will draw scenes from a hat. English III -- You're supposed to have read through Chapter 20. This weekend we'll move on. Quiz on Thursday .

Now that we have begun reading the book, it's time to look ahead to the assignments leading up to the big paper . First, here's a Study Guide that will help guide you in your reading. In addition to keeping up with the reading, each of you are required to keep a vocabulary log , looking up unfamiliar words as you come to them, and defining them in the context of the book. I'll explain further when I hand out the assignment. The first assignment due is the article summary . You've already received the handout. Learning how to summarize effectively is one of the first skills you need to master. It teaches you to avoid quoting except when absolutely necessary, which will help you maintain a fluid style throughout your paper. You will be synthesizing , or combining, several sources around a singular thesis, so your writing must act as the glue that holds them together. Next, we'll learn how to cite a source, cross-referencing a piece of information with the cit...

Before I forget, the Huckleberry Finn books are in (Modern Library edition). Get your copy now, if you don't already have one. It's best (although not cheapest) to get the same edition; otherwise, we'll all be on different pages. Plus, we're going to read some essays from the Modern Library edition. We'll start the book soon, and afterwards begin to talk about the research paper. For some background, check out the "Huck Finn Homepage" and the companion site to Mark Twain , a film by Ken Burns.

We are now accepting submissions for the 2004/2005 edition of MUSINGS. You can send your writing or artwork to the staff via email (rylands@mac.com) or by giving it to me at school. Also, if anyone is interested in making a monetary donation to MUSINGS, I have sponsorship forms available: Calliope ~ muse of epic poetry (100$ or more) Erato ~ muse of romantic poetry (50$ or more) Thalia ~ muse of idyllic poetry (10$ or more) Any amount is welcome. Thanks.

Hello everybody. Feel please feel free to ask questions, to post announcements, or to make random observations.