Emily Krebs - final blog

Writing? Research? How's that, you say? Read along and be wowed; here's writing theory the KREBS way!

As a writer, I'm TESTY and refuse the restraints-- in topic and form. I don’t like to be confined or to stick to the norm.

Because of this, I often start out a little bit LOST. I draw things out and end up feeling rather tossed.

This usually causes some freaking-out and SECOND-GUESSING. It’s tricky and scary and often quite distressing.

But if I find something which really fuels my compassion, I HOLD ON for dear life, and work with great passion.

Digging up DIRT is my favorite profession, especially when it’s piled on a common misconception. (Hegemonic ideals, you see, are my #1 rejections!)

PERSPECTIVE is everything; I’m not afraid to get crazy. Besides, if you look at things in the common way, it’s not exciting-- simply lazy!

But before I go nuts and my brain spews oddly, I must always remember: “Stay FOCUSED”-- I tend to think rather broadly!

After all, I like my research to be STRIKING. I aim to snag my audience and leave their minds and hearts spiking.

When all that is done, I work on my style. Even I’m tired (and have been for a while!), I always make sure to go the EXTRA MILE.

So there you have it: writing and research on file. Now, once again, here's my Theory of Writing: Dr. Seuss style!

You have brains in your head; there is nothing to dread.

Write what you write and your thoughts won't be dead.

The words must be heard; do not be deterred.

This world is too comfy; it needs to be stirred.

Guidelines for Reflection over Composition in a New Genre

Please do not respond back to this post--you need to email me your reflection by our final class, which is Wednesday, May 29, 2013.

Respond to the following questions based on your project. You need to answer in complete sentences using specific language--so, don't say something like "this is the best project I have ever done because I XXX." This tells me nothing. Be specific. Each question should have two-five sentences in response. 

1. Believe this is the best project you have ever completed. Tell me why.

2. Doubt this project is any good at all. Tell me why. 

3. Predict my response to your project. 

4. Agree or disagree with your sense of my response to this project.  

And last, discuss your overall reaction to working within a group. How did your group work together? Was there an overall leader or did you work more fluidity together? This is the time to be very honest, so that I know how the group functioned together. 

The Making of a Researcher

Throughout the past quarter, you have been discussing the process of writing and researching. For this last blog post, I want you to discuss who you believe you are as a writer and researcher: in other words, what's your writerly identity? What's your identity as a researcher? How do these identities connect together? 

To do this I want you to have a little fun, so I'm not looking for you to do a traditional 300-500 word response. What I want is you to think about how you could represent the characteristics that define you as a writer/researcher that you have developed and honed this quarter (and those that you came in with). 

Some suggestions for ways to create this:

*A job wanted ad or a personal

*A  poem

*Through a series of images

*an obit

*a short short (short fiction piece)

*a song

The possibilities with responding are very open. You can respond back to this post OR you can create a new post. 

This should be as long as it needs to be to get your point across. I should see elements of you----so I should be able to get a sense of who wrote what without even looking at the author's name.

Due by class time on Wednesday, May 29, 2013. 

Composition in a New Genre: Plan of Attack

For this blog post, you and your group are going to brainstorm for your project. Think about what type of genre switch you want to make; what type of audience you want to direct your project towards; what will be each group members role within the project; and what will you bring to work on in class on Monday. In other words, you want to decide on your plan of attack for organizing and completing this project. You need to provide an overview of project expectations (as established by the group), project specifics (genre, audience, rhetorical situation), and calendar of events (how/when the work will occur).

Outline of Due Dates: 

Monday, May 20th: In-Class Work Day

Wednesday, May 22nd: Draft Due to Workshop

Monday, May 27th: Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 29th: (last day of class!) Project Due with 3-5 min presentation

Reflection

After reading Belanoff's piece on reflection, please respond to the following questions: 

(1) What is Belanoff's theory of reflection? How does this theory connect to writing and learning? 

(2) How can you apply Belanoff's theory to your writing practices? 

(3) More generally, where does reflection/reflective practice fall within your own writing process(es)?

(4) Why might reflection be an important part of writing practices and writing process(es)? 

Use Belanoff to ground your thinking pulling out specific quotes and details from her text. 

Respond to your peers. 300 words or so.

Due: Monday, May 20, 2013. 

Simply Meet the Press

In the "Beltway Blog", there is an interesting dialogue about "old media" and "new media." Using Jenkins, Johnson, and any other readings you feel helps you relate to this, I want you to "meet the press" and create a case for old media, new media, or both. Your response should take whatever form you feel allows you to step up and meet the press. It should NOT simply be a response--you can take a side to speak from (the press or the public) and create a voice based on that side. In other words, this shouldn't read like a normal blog response. It should have a clear, distinct voice, and it should sound like you are, in fact, "meeting the press."

What I'm looking for is for you to create an INFORMED case speaking from the voice of either the press or the public. This means evidence, evidence, evidence, and I want you using the readings from class. Per normal you should be responding to your peers as well.

**If you don't know what "meet the press" means...you didn't critically read the Beltway blog. =)

250-400 words. 

Due: Monday, May 13 , 2013 by class time. 

From the Lit Review to the Essay

The move from your lit review to your first draft may seem challenging because there is not much cross-over between the two, and you want to make sure you aren't merely lifting chunks of your lit review into your draft. 

I want you to begin to explore the differences using your own research as guidance. What are some central claims you believe you will make in your essay (in other words, what do you believe you'll be adding to the existing conversation)? How do these claims differ from your lit review? What are things you need to anticipate for your audience? What are things you'll need to include so that it's obvious who your intended audience will be? Last, what are some things you, as the researcher and the writer, need to keep in mind as you begin to start drafting your essay? 

Shoot for 150-250 words.