Archive for March, 2011

Advanced Writing Class notes March 3, 2011. Persuasive essays and debates

Dear Scholars,

This week’s class recording is here: http://www.wiziq.com/online-class/486036-advanced-writing-and-college-prep-english-march-3-2011
We again had technical problems — the Internet connection was dropped briefly and thereafter the screensharing refused to function. The audio seems to have worked however.

We discussed projects that had been handed in and engaged in debate on the subject Adrian submitted: “The impact of television has been a positive influence.” It was decided that we should continue with another debate next week. Breana has agreed to submit a topic.

There has been quite a number of project submissions since yesterday. Please read and post your commentary.

Please continue to post in your vocabulary journals and please read and learn the words presented in the vocabulary journals of others.

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March 4, 2011 · Filed under Class notes, Writing Class

Agenda this week — the TV debate

Dear Scholars,

In our continuing debate series, Adrian was asked to submit a topic and has come up with an excellent one. Rephrased it is: “The impact of television has been a positive influence.” Please put some thought into the issue, write papers and come to class on Thursday prepared to debate it (in complete sentences, using formal English). This is another complex topic. Let’s see if we can see more than just the surface issues. Please post resources and reference material on the subject. This sounds like fun.

Please continue to post in your vocabulary journals and please read and learn the words presented in the vocabulary journals of others.


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March 4, 2011 · Filed under Class notes, Writing Class

Class notes. Debate topic: the value of television

Dear Scholars,

We had an interesting and thought-provoking debate this week on the topic that Micah suggested, the value of pacifism. The class recording is here: http://www.wiziq.com/online-class/479426-advanced-writing-and-college-prep-english-feb-24-2011. Several excellent persuasive essays were submitted.

Resources presented:

From Dictatorship to Democracy A pamphlet by American academic, Gene Sharp, which is largely responsible for non-violent revolutions in half a dozen countries including the recent one in Egypt. This work was put into public domain by the author and has been translated into more than 30 languages. It is banned in many countries.
The 83 year-old academic who inspired the Egyptians. An article about Dr. Sharp.
Mahatma Gandhi — a century of peaceful protest Article.
Gandhi was wrong — nonviolence doesn’t work Article.
Micah presented this video on Does Pacifism Work?

Those of you who were unable to attend and were only able to listen might like to present persuasive essays demonstrating your opinions on the issue.
cats TV
Adrian was asked to submit a topic and has come up with an excellent one. Rephrased it is: “The impact of television has been a positive influence.” Please put some thought into the issue, write papers and come to class on Thursday prepared to debate it (in complete sentences, using formal English). This is another complex topic. Let’s see if we can see more than just the surface issues. Please post resources and reference material on the subject. This sounds like fun.

Please continue to post in your vocabulary journals and please read and learn the words presented in the vocabulary journals of others.

Leave a Comment

March 4, 2011 · Filed under Class notes, Writing Class