Assignment Outcome
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to develop clear and carefully thought-out ideas based upon close readings of the texts and respond to the ideas of others.
Students will be able to demonstrate respect for the ideas of others, even when expressing a different point of view.
Relevant Course Outcomes
Students will be able to identify and analyze the textual, historical, and cultural contexts of works of literature through literary analysis and critical evaluation.
Students will be able to read works of literature closely and thoroughly.
Students will be able to develop insights effectively through written communication, particularly via collaborative classroom site.
Direct link to Mini-Essays Padlet
Length: Minimum of 200 words each (for BOTH mini-essays AND responses)
Citation Style: in-text MLA citations (see Purdue Owl for information on in-text citations)
Requirement: follow Writing Expectations
Points: 20 (per mini-essay and response)
Instructions
Four times in the semester, a question will be posed that you will address in a mini-essay format. What is a mini-essay?
In 200 words (MINIMUM), you will identify an argument you wish to make.
Then you will develop your argument, using evidence from readings and discussions.
Due to the short format, you will need to get to your point quickly and concisely.
For each assigned essay, there will be guiding questions to consider on the Mini-Essays Board. You do not need to address all of these questions and indeed may take your essay in a different direction if you so choose.
Be sure to use proper MLA in-text citations for any quotations.
When you are ready, click the plus sign button at the end of the relevant week's column. REMINDER: be sure to include your name with all posts to receive credit and allow others to respond.
OPTION: IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECORD A VIDEO OR AUDIO Mini-Essay instead of writing them, go to the end of the column to which you are responding. Click the plus sign to create a new post. Click the ellipsis (...) next to the camera icon, and it will give you a list of options. You can, for instance, film a video, record your voice, or capture your screen. See the brief instruction video below.
Reminder that your audio or video should meet the requirements of the assignment.
You should prepare your argument and evidence prior to recording. It will be obvious if you have not!
Once you have completed your own essay, you will be required to respond to a mini-essay by a classmate.
To reply to a classmate, click the "Add Comment" button at the end of the Mini-Essay to which you want to respond.
200 words is a MINIMUM for these responses as well.
Reminders
Being respectful does not prevent you from expressing your disagreement or alternative point of view/reading.
Responses such as "I loved what you said" or "I agree" do not speak to analysis. Feel free to express you reactions to mini-essays, but be sure that your response does not stop there.