Explaining a Concept and Intelligence

Take a look at these videos, and tell me how they change, or complicate your view of intelligence.  Also, if you have any questions, concerns, or thoughts about another concept, or the "the concept essay" write them here.

Blog Post 3 - The Profile Essay

I would like for you to share a little about your experience so far with this essay.  What has the process been like?  Why did you choose the subject that you did?  Was it difficult to note-take? Was it difficult to put these ideas into an essay?  How did you come to decide on what your perspective was?

Also, check out this post "The Dangers of Thinking in Five Paragraphs" from a colleague of mine that also teaches composition? How does this relate to our discussion of good writing, and how we approach the writing process?  How does the purpose of writing change in different environments?  Why do you think you are often taught to write this way, and what limits/possibilities are there for this type of writing?

I know that's a lot to check out/write on... perhaps tackle one of these tasks in depth, or briefly hit on both in your post.

Blog Post 2

"The Hidden Life of SUVs"

On pg. 84 answer 2 questions from the "Questions on Meaning" section or do assignment #3 under "Writing Assignments."
Write your response in the comments section

Blog Post 1 Fall '11

What are your thoughts on the readings and discussions thus far?  Do you think there are multiple languages even within the English language?  How does one negotiate between languages they have already acquired, and learning academic and standard languages?  Is there a difference between "school" language and "home" language?  Do you have to unlearn "home" language to learn "school" language?

Links 4/13/11

Notes on argumentation http://papyr.com/hypertextbooks/comp1/logic.htm
and arguments of fallacy- http://www.csun.edu/~dgw61315/fallacies.html
Examples:Simpsons "Tiger Away"  and Monty Python: Bad Reasoning

Notes on paragraph development and transitions via UNC http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/paragraphs.html
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/transitions.html

This next link will take you to your next reading assignment, "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao." You can read it online, but please print out and bring to class on 4/29.  I would also like you to post a general reaction to the story, focusing on a theme or aspect that you found important.  I will also post some specific questions at a later date. http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2000/12/25/2000_12_25_098_TNY_LIBRY_000022398?currentPage=1

Your Research Paper

I would like you to post twice with this blog response. Once from your perspective, answer all the prompts below, and once responding to a classmate.
1. Summarize what you think your research paper will be about including your working thesis.

2. What were some difficulties you had with this project?

3. What did you feel you learned, either about the process or about your topic?

4. Is there anything still bothering you, or do you have any questions?  Feel free to come back here if something comes up during the writing process, but make sure you come back and read and respond to at least one person.

Controversial Issues and Argumentation

NY Times Op-Ed Columnist Nicholas D. Kristof asks the questions "Is It Better to Save No One?" in regards to the United States' military intervention.  Take a look at the article and post your thoughts.  

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/03/opinion/03kristof.html?_r=1

There is also a Facebook page where you can comment or take a look at the larger community response, but you'll need a Facebook account, so of course that's optional.  We take a minute in class to look at some comments as well. http://www.facebook.com/kristof/posts/211325985545103