Instructions
Part I: READ with Purpose
Read/reread Sean Blanda’s “The ‘Other Side’ is not Dumb,” and identify the author’s major claim. Remember, a claim must be arguable, controversial, which means there is more than one position (aka, side) on the issue. A claim can be explicit (stated) or implicit (unstated), and you cannot depend on it to be explicitly stated at the end of the introduction. Still fuzzy on claims? A review is next. Chances are good that questions from the review will appear on the quiz at the end of the module.
Part II: REVIEW (some of this may be on the quiz…)
Make sure you understand the difference between a thesis and a claim here: Claims, Claims, Claimsdocx-3.pdf
Brush up on the basics by studying this helpful chart, as in this class, you do not want to make the shortcuts you take when texting: Building Capital in Academic Writing.pdf
MLA In-Text Citation
Part III: POST (aka, write, compose, create) Please number each requirement. (10 points each)
Introduce yourself, your major, and if you like, how you are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic; we are truly in this together (suggested 3-7 sentences).
Briefly introduce (author’s full name, title of essay, original source–Medium–and date of publication) and summarize (no more than 3-5 sentences) Sean Blanda’s online journal article “The ‘Other Side’ is Not Dumb,” and be sure to include his major claim. Next, explain the ways in which Blanda’s essay clarifies (makes clearer), extends (adds something new to it), and/or complicates (makes more difficult, confusing, or complex) your current understanding of argument. Choose one-two quotes to support/illustrate your response and use MLA in-text citation (fully developed paragraph, approximately 75-200 words). Example of correct MLA in-text citation: Blanda argues that “holier-than-thou social media behavior is counterproductive” (2), which tends to complicate honest discussions about important topics, such as…
Briefly define the word ‘assumption,’ and discuss one way it is addressed in Blanda’s essay (this can be done in one carefully crafted sentence). Next, discuss how an assumption/s made about you or one you made about another person factored into a specific argument. (fully developed paragraph, approximately 75-200 words)
Part IV: REPLY to Two Peers’ Posts (20 points, 10 points each)
Respond to posts 1-3 for two of your peers. Begin by introducing yourself, and remember, replies that start with “I like” rarely stimulate good conversation. In addition, 1-2 sentences are rarely enough; put a lot of thought into your engagement with your peers. This is how we build on our ideas and authentically learn from each other.
Some ideas? For #1, comment on your peer’s major and empathize with your peer’s COVID-19 experience, and maybe compare it to yours. For #2, compare and comment on your responses to Blanda’s argument and his major claim; and for #3, compare your situations and consider what you both learned from the experience. Please let our CREED (Compassion, Respect, Empathy, Empowerment, and Dignity) guide your engagement with your peers. And have fun!
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