I hope you've all had a good week. Here's a refresher about what you need for class this week:
1. E-mail your "miscellaneous" review to me by noon tomorrow. If you haven't used an extension, you may. That would move your deadline to THURSDAY at noon, but you have to request the extension prior to noon on Wednesday (via e-mail is fine).
2. A blog post should be up by class time on Thursday. No assignment, just a post of your choice.
3. Bring a printed copy of your review for peer editing.
My guess is that I will turn you free to go work on your rough drafts as a group a little bit early; it's my little girl's first birthday and I'd like to spend some time with her at home while she's awake.
Also of interest: On April 12 we will have a guest speaker, 417 Magazine editor Katie Pollock. We'll talk a little bit more about her visit Thursday night.
E-mail me if you have any questions. You can also try my gmail account if it's urgent (I tend to check that one more often at work; matthew.lemmon@gmail.com).
ML
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Class Notes: 3/29
Just a few quick things about tomorrow night:
You should have sent me your links to three "miscellaneous" reviews by noon today. If you haven't done this yet, please do.
You should also have received my edits to your dining reviews, which I very much enjoyed reading. Please post your final draft to your blog by class time tomorrow (you need not bring a new printed copy to class, only the edited one from last week.)
Finally, your blog post should go up by classtime, as well. No specific theme, just something that tickles your fancy.
If the weather holds, we may head outside for the first part of class. My graduating class of aught-two paid for that outdoor classroom; it would be kind of nice to actually use it. But come to the classroom first.
The later part of class will be for you to work on your final project outline. I'll need a "thesis" of some sort and an outline of the stories that will be included, so be prepared to meet in groups, too.
Finally, at the risk of sounding snippy, PLEASE try to be on time. We only have a handful of class periods remaining together. This class starts 20 minutes later than it should, yet we pretty consistently have multiple people walk in 5 minutes (or more) late. That is all.
ML
You should have sent me your links to three "miscellaneous" reviews by noon today. If you haven't done this yet, please do.
You should also have received my edits to your dining reviews, which I very much enjoyed reading. Please post your final draft to your blog by class time tomorrow (you need not bring a new printed copy to class, only the edited one from last week.)
Finally, your blog post should go up by classtime, as well. No specific theme, just something that tickles your fancy.
If the weather holds, we may head outside for the first part of class. My graduating class of aught-two paid for that outdoor classroom; it would be kind of nice to actually use it. But come to the classroom first.
The later part of class will be for you to work on your final project outline. I'll need a "thesis" of some sort and an outline of the stories that will be included, so be prepared to meet in groups, too.
Finally, at the risk of sounding snippy, PLEASE try to be on time. We only have a handful of class periods remaining together. This class starts 20 minutes later than it should, yet we pretty consistently have multiple people walk in 5 minutes (or more) late. That is all.
ML
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Class Notes: 3/15
Long time no see! I hope you enjoyed dining with a critical eye. I look forward to reading your stuff.
Here's what to expect for class tomorrow:
1. Bring a PRINTED copy of your dining review. You'll be reading your classmates' work again. PLEASE try to leave some larger margins on your printed copies so that people have room to write. You will receive your edited versions back from me sometime during the weekend, possibly as early as Friday.
2. You get points for editing others' work (and doing it well and constructively). You can't make up those points, so please try to be there. We have another week off next week, remember. As if you (or I) would forget.
3. We will be discussing two important things that you probably won't want to miss:
1. Course content for the rest of the semester. If you have strong opinions on what we've done so far and what you might LIKE to do the rest of the semester (I'm not a fiction guy, so unfortunately that's out), please drop me a line.
2. Your final project.
4. Finally, if you decided you would like to re-take the copy-editing and 7C's quiz, we'll do that at the end of class. Can't promise whether it'll be easier or harder, but it will be similar to the previous quiz. If you are one of the couple of students who never took the first one, please plan on doing so at the same time.
Final note: I did NOT mention anything about a blog post due for this week, so if you do one I'll give you some extra points, but it's not an assignment. You should have posted a "comparison" review on the blog by last Thursday. You do not need to post your food review yet, not until it's edited.
Any other questions? Shoot me an e-mail.
Best,
ML
Here's what to expect for class tomorrow:
1. Bring a PRINTED copy of your dining review. You'll be reading your classmates' work again. PLEASE try to leave some larger margins on your printed copies so that people have room to write. You will receive your edited versions back from me sometime during the weekend, possibly as early as Friday.
2. You get points for editing others' work (and doing it well and constructively). You can't make up those points, so please try to be there. We have another week off next week, remember. As if you (or I) would forget.
3. We will be discussing two important things that you probably won't want to miss:
1. Course content for the rest of the semester. If you have strong opinions on what we've done so far and what you might LIKE to do the rest of the semester (I'm not a fiction guy, so unfortunately that's out), please drop me a line.
2. Your final project.
4. Finally, if you decided you would like to re-take the copy-editing and 7C's quiz, we'll do that at the end of class. Can't promise whether it'll be easier or harder, but it will be similar to the previous quiz. If you are one of the couple of students who never took the first one, please plan on doing so at the same time.
Final note: I did NOT mention anything about a blog post due for this week, so if you do one I'll give you some extra points, but it's not an assignment. You should have posted a "comparison" review on the blog by last Thursday. You do not need to post your food review yet, not until it's edited.
Any other questions? Shoot me an e-mail.
Best,
ML
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Class Notes: 3/1
Here are your assignments for this week. Look for the class to be structured fairly similarly to the one three weeks ago where we read the various movie reviews. Restaurant critique has some unique wrinkles, so we'll be going through some of those, too.
1. Using peer edits and my edits (to be e-mailed to you on Friday), please revise your Tinker Tailor review and POST TO YOUR BLOG by class time next Thursday
--Be sure to use links where necessary and try to include a trailer or movie poster.
--You’ll have a lot of suggestions; use your best judgment on how to improve the piece; you don’t necessarily have to follow my advice (though I have written a lot of these).
--PLEASE bring your peer-revised copy BACK to class with you next week; I will be assessing your editing, as well.
2. One other blog post, 500 words or so, BY NOON ON WEDNESDAY. Most of you are doing a good job developing a theme/personality on your blogs. Just keep it up.
SO TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, YES: YOU WILL BE POSTING TWO BLOGS THIS WEEK: The finished review and another, shorter post of your choosing.
3. Please e-mail me links to THREE food reviews by noon on Wednesday. I will post some good sources on the class blog, but if you feel like looking tonight there is always the New York Times (obviously you’d be looking for style, not accessibility), 417mag.com and News-Leader.com locally, as well as any number of foodie magazines and blogs. TRY TO MIX IT UP. I’d love it if your reviews were from three different sources.
With these links we’ll be reading and sharing in class as we did with the film reviews.
1. Using peer edits and my edits (to be e-mailed to you on Friday), please revise your Tinker Tailor review and POST TO YOUR BLOG by class time next Thursday
--Be sure to use links where necessary and try to include a trailer or movie poster.
--You’ll have a lot of suggestions; use your best judgment on how to improve the piece; you don’t necessarily have to follow my advice (though I have written a lot of these).
--PLEASE bring your peer-revised copy BACK to class with you next week; I will be assessing your editing, as well.
2. One other blog post, 500 words or so, BY NOON ON WEDNESDAY. Most of you are doing a good job developing a theme/personality on your blogs. Just keep it up.
SO TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, YES: YOU WILL BE POSTING TWO BLOGS THIS WEEK: The finished review and another, shorter post of your choosing.
3. Please e-mail me links to THREE food reviews by noon on Wednesday. I will post some good sources on the class blog, but if you feel like looking tonight there is always the New York Times (obviously you’d be looking for style, not accessibility), 417mag.com and News-Leader.com locally, as well as any number of foodie magazines and blogs. TRY TO MIX IT UP. I’d love it if your reviews were from three different sources.
With these links we’ll be reading and sharing in class as we did with the film reviews.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Class Notes: 2/23
Hello everyone.
Just a reminder that your film reviews (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy if you made it last Thursday, The Iron Lady if you had to go on your own) are due in my e-mail inbox by noon on Wednesday. If you need to request a 24 hour extension (check your syllabus), you must request it by tonight.
Remember to bring a PRINTED copy of your review with you to class. We will be doing peer editing... so bring a pen as well.
You will also need to have a new blog post (your choice of TV/movie/book/music/live show critique) posted by tomorrow noon as well. Be sure you're reading one another's posts and commenting at least a little bit.
Finally, those of you who did NOT take the 7C's/copy editing quiz two weeks ago will need to make that up after class tomorrow night. I'll dismiss the rest of the class just a little early so that you have time to ask any questions and do a bit of review, as well as take the quiz, before 8 p.m.
Be sure to e-mail me with any questions or to request an extension.
Best,
ML
Just a reminder that your film reviews (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy if you made it last Thursday, The Iron Lady if you had to go on your own) are due in my e-mail inbox by noon on Wednesday. If you need to request a 24 hour extension (check your syllabus), you must request it by tonight.
Remember to bring a PRINTED copy of your review with you to class. We will be doing peer editing... so bring a pen as well.
You will also need to have a new blog post (your choice of TV/movie/book/music/live show critique) posted by tomorrow noon as well. Be sure you're reading one another's posts and commenting at least a little bit.
Finally, those of you who did NOT take the 7C's/copy editing quiz two weeks ago will need to make that up after class tomorrow night. I'll dismiss the rest of the class just a little early so that you have time to ask any questions and do a bit of review, as well as take the quiz, before 8 p.m.
Be sure to e-mail me with any questions or to request an extension.
Best,
ML
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Class Note: 2/16
Hello all,
If you e-mailed me, my apologies for taking so long to get back to you. My grandfather sadly (but mercifully) passed on Monday night, and things have been hectic since. But I am still planning on going to the movie on Thursday night, as most of the arrangements have been made.
Just to reiterate: Your current event-opinion blog posts ideally are already up, but if you either didn't know about the assignment because you were absent, or if you had a question, I'll give you a 24 hour extension (which means it's should be posted by tomorrow morning). Quick recap: Just pick a current event--does NOT have to be political, just something that sparks an opinion--and write a post on it; long enough to get your point across, no minimum requirement.
If you e-mailed me, my apologies for taking so long to get back to you. My grandfather sadly (but mercifully) passed on Monday night, and things have been hectic since. But I am still planning on going to the movie on Thursday night, as most of the arrangements have been made.
Just to reiterate: Your current event-opinion blog posts ideally are already up, but if you either didn't know about the assignment because you were absent, or if you had a question, I'll give you a 24 hour extension (which means it's should be posted by tomorrow morning). Quick recap: Just pick a current event--does NOT have to be political, just something that sparks an opinion--and write a post on it; long enough to get your point across, no minimum requirement.
Second, everyone in class should have a copy of the reviews of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close reviews, as well as a list of questions. If you did NOT get the list of questions, let me know and I will e-mail them to you. Please have these e-mailed to me by class time on Thursday.
Finally, we will all meet at Moxie Cinema at 5:40 tomorrow evening to see Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Bring $6; I will have discount coupons for you. Feel free to bring extra cash to purchase drinks or popcorn or candy.
You are responsible for getting yourself to the Moxie, which is in the Wilhoit Plaza (431 S. Jefferson Ave., if you want to GPS or Google Maps it). I will be bringing at least two students, and we will meet at 5:30 in front of Pearsons Hall on the circle drive. If anyone else would like to ride/caravan, we can figure it out then.
If you drive yourself, here are directions from Drury:
--Go SOUTH on Benton Avenue; cross Chestnut Expressway. You will go through a handful of lights to Elm Street.
--Take a right on Elm.
--You will come to a stop sign at Jefferson Avenue, which is a one-way street (traffic will be going left to right). Cross Jefferson.
--The Moxie parking lot is the first turn-in on your right after you cross Jefferson. After you park, you'll need to either walk around Wilhoit Plaza or use the hallway that crosses through, as Moxie's entrance will be on the OPPOSITE (NORTH) side of the building.
--Additional parking is possibly available on Pershing Street, is between the Moxie/Wilhoit Plaza and the Downtown YMCA, but this is the easiest way to get there and the surest way to get a parking spot at 5:30 on a Thursday.
Please e-mail me if you have any questions or problems. We will have a brief class huddle before the film, which starts at 6 p.m. I will hand out a guidesheet for your review of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy which will be due to me by Wednesday morning, February 22.
Best,
ML
Finally, we will all meet at Moxie Cinema at 5:40 tomorrow evening to see Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Bring $6; I will have discount coupons for you. Feel free to bring extra cash to purchase drinks or popcorn or candy.
You are responsible for getting yourself to the Moxie, which is in the Wilhoit Plaza (431 S. Jefferson Ave., if you want to GPS or Google Maps it). I will be bringing at least two students, and we will meet at 5:30 in front of Pearsons Hall on the circle drive. If anyone else would like to ride/caravan, we can figure it out then.
If you drive yourself, here are directions from Drury:
--Go SOUTH on Benton Avenue; cross Chestnut Expressway. You will go through a handful of lights to Elm Street.
--Take a right on Elm.
--You will come to a stop sign at Jefferson Avenue, which is a one-way street (traffic will be going left to right). Cross Jefferson.
--The Moxie parking lot is the first turn-in on your right after you cross Jefferson. After you park, you'll need to either walk around Wilhoit Plaza or use the hallway that crosses through, as Moxie's entrance will be on the OPPOSITE (NORTH) side of the building.
--Additional parking is possibly available on Pershing Street, is between the Moxie/Wilhoit Plaza and the Downtown YMCA, but this is the easiest way to get there and the surest way to get a parking spot at 5:30 on a Thursday.
Please e-mail me if you have any questions or problems. We will have a brief class huddle before the film, which starts at 6 p.m. I will hand out a guidesheet for your review of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy which will be due to me by Wednesday morning, February 22.
Best,
ML
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Class Notes: 2/9
Hello, all.
The situation with my grandfather is, sadly, still the same as a week ago. He is still in a coma, and the whole family is pretty much numb about it at this point, whereas a week ago we were very much in "let's all spend time in the hospital" mode. We will plan on having class this week.
(That said, PLEASE try to keep your eyes on your e-mail and the class blog up until class time tomorrow. If something happens I will do my best to let you know by 5 p.m.)
Just a reminder of what you need to have done by class:
You should have two blog posts new to your personal blogs since last class period. Most of you hit deadline. I will do my best to get some feedback to you via e-mail before class time, and we'll discuss some faves and best practices in class tomorrow night.
There will be a copy editing and 7C's quiz tomorrow evening. Bring your cheat sheets handed out last class period.
Finally, we will be discussing your researched movie reviews (you should have sent me links to your choices prior to last week's canceled class), so be able to talk about at least one of your selections. This will lead to a discussion about the movie reviews you will be writing, and we will set a time to go see a film together.
So: Quick quiz and class discussion this week. Watch the site/e-mail for possible abrupt cancellation (though I doubt it'll happen).
Best,
ML
The situation with my grandfather is, sadly, still the same as a week ago. He is still in a coma, and the whole family is pretty much numb about it at this point, whereas a week ago we were very much in "let's all spend time in the hospital" mode. We will plan on having class this week.
(That said, PLEASE try to keep your eyes on your e-mail and the class blog up until class time tomorrow. If something happens I will do my best to let you know by 5 p.m.)
Just a reminder of what you need to have done by class:
You should have two blog posts new to your personal blogs since last class period. Most of you hit deadline. I will do my best to get some feedback to you via e-mail before class time, and we'll discuss some faves and best practices in class tomorrow night.
There will be a copy editing and 7C's quiz tomorrow evening. Bring your cheat sheets handed out last class period.
Finally, we will be discussing your researched movie reviews (you should have sent me links to your choices prior to last week's canceled class), so be able to talk about at least one of your selections. This will lead to a discussion about the movie reviews you will be writing, and we will set a time to go see a film together.
So: Quick quiz and class discussion this week. Watch the site/e-mail for possible abrupt cancellation (though I doubt it'll happen).
Best,
ML
Thursday, February 2, 2012
No Class on 2/2
Hi everyone.
I've mentioned this in a couple of one-on-one e-mails, but I figured it was time to make a decision. My grandfather fell last Thursday (I actually got the text during class), and though he seemed okay on Friday he's been in a coma since Saturday. He is on inpatient Hospice.
These are unpredictable things, but I've been trying to read the signs and vague medical clues from doctors, and I think it would be prudent for you--and helpful for my family--if we went ahead and did NOT meet tonight.
If his situation lingers (which I don't expect) and some sort of visitation/funeral puts next week's class in doubt, we may need to discuss moving one of our group movie/dining reviewing sessions to another night to make up for lost time. But I'm comfortable canceling one class period. Barring bad weather this month (ha!) I think we will be okay.
What does this mean for next week?
This week's assignments (the three movie review links, your 300-500 review on your blog, studying for the copy editing/7 C's quiz) remain in effect. In addition, please publish another personal blog post sometime between now and next Wednesday morning (everyone did just fine with their deadlines this week). I enjoyed getting a feel for what you are watching and reading and doing, not to mention reading your work.
If you have any questions, please e-mail me at my Drury or Gmail address. I hope I've been timely enough answering questions; this weekend was a bit of a loss, but I hope we can hit the ground running next week.
Enjoy the night off and I will see you soon.
I've mentioned this in a couple of one-on-one e-mails, but I figured it was time to make a decision. My grandfather fell last Thursday (I actually got the text during class), and though he seemed okay on Friday he's been in a coma since Saturday. He is on inpatient Hospice.
These are unpredictable things, but I've been trying to read the signs and vague medical clues from doctors, and I think it would be prudent for you--and helpful for my family--if we went ahead and did NOT meet tonight.
If his situation lingers (which I don't expect) and some sort of visitation/funeral puts next week's class in doubt, we may need to discuss moving one of our group movie/dining reviewing sessions to another night to make up for lost time. But I'm comfortable canceling one class period. Barring bad weather this month (ha!) I think we will be okay.
What does this mean for next week?
This week's assignments (the three movie review links, your 300-500 review on your blog, studying for the copy editing/7 C's quiz) remain in effect. In addition, please publish another personal blog post sometime between now and next Wednesday morning (everyone did just fine with their deadlines this week). I enjoyed getting a feel for what you are watching and reading and doing, not to mention reading your work.
If you have any questions, please e-mail me at my Drury or Gmail address. I hope I've been timely enough answering questions; this weekend was a bit of a loss, but I hope we can hit the ground running next week.
Enjoy the night off and I will see you soon.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Class Update: 2/2
Hello, everyone.
Many of you have e-mailed me your review links already and you seem to be finding some good sources; be sure you're finding examples you like, and are able to talk about good techniques and things that resonate with you as an individual. Remember to e-mail me your links, so I can pull them up in class.
The other things you need to do before next class period:
1. Write a 300-500 word blog post about something you watch/read/eat this weekend. No real requirements other than you share your opinion and have some fun with it. This is due by wake-up time Wednesday (which is to say, in the a.m.).
2. Read one another's blogs and comment if the spirit moves you. Eventually some comments will be required, so you might as well practice.
3. Study your 7C's and copy-editing marks. There will (likely) be a quiz on these.
Please e-mail me at my Drury or gmail account if you have any questions. By and large this is the most working-ahead class I've ever had, which is nice.
Best,
ML
Many of you have e-mailed me your review links already and you seem to be finding some good sources; be sure you're finding examples you like, and are able to talk about good techniques and things that resonate with you as an individual. Remember to e-mail me your links, so I can pull them up in class.
The other things you need to do before next class period:
1. Write a 300-500 word blog post about something you watch/read/eat this weekend. No real requirements other than you share your opinion and have some fun with it. This is due by wake-up time Wednesday (which is to say, in the a.m.).
2. Read one another's blogs and comment if the spirit moves you. Eventually some comments will be required, so you might as well practice.
3. Study your 7C's and copy-editing marks. There will (likely) be a quiz on these.
Please e-mail me at my Drury or gmail account if you have any questions. By and large this is the most working-ahead class I've ever had, which is nice.
Best,
ML
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Class Notes: January 26
Hello, everyone. I hope you've had a good week and are getting into the swing of the spring semester.
I have received biographies and blog links from many of you. Please be sure to send me an e-mail (either at mlemmonATdrury.edu or matthew.lemmonATgmail.com) that includes your brief profile and your blog's web address (ex. www.eandponline.blogspot.com) by class time on Thursday.
This week we'll be brushing up on copy editing and other writing skills, talking about our first blog assignment (due 2/2) and answering any lingering questions about setting up our blogs.
And please remember, as we discussed, that class time has been moved back to 5:40 p.m. Use the extra 20 minutes wisely (and by that I mean "eat supper").
See you Thursday.
I have received biographies and blog links from many of you. Please be sure to send me an e-mail (either at mlemmonATdrury.edu or matthew.lemmonATgmail.com) that includes your brief profile and your blog's web address (ex. www.eandponline.blogspot.com) by class time on Thursday.
This week we'll be brushing up on copy editing and other writing skills, talking about our first blog assignment (due 2/2) and answering any lingering questions about setting up our blogs.
And please remember, as we discussed, that class time has been moved back to 5:40 p.m. Use the extra 20 minutes wisely (and by that I mean "eat supper").
See you Thursday.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Welcome to ENG 251
This will be our class informational site. No one has told me I'm obligated to use Blackboard, so I'm not going to unless there are strong class feelings otherwise. This blog will feature a few things that will be helpful to you as we go through this semester:
1. Class materials, syllabus, assignment lists, etc.
2. Links to your classmates' blogs.
3. Updates from me on class status (in case of mid-day weather), assignment/deadline changes, meeting places for excursions, and more.
4. No login!
I'll let you know by e-mail if there's something urgent, and when there's a new post.
I hope this semester is a fun one for you. It's going to be different than most of your English/writing courses, but I think the skills are important and I hope you can use them going forward.
Best,
ML
1. Class materials, syllabus, assignment lists, etc.
2. Links to your classmates' blogs.
3. Updates from me on class status (in case of mid-day weather), assignment/deadline changes, meeting places for excursions, and more.
4. No login!
I'll let you know by e-mail if there's something urgent, and when there's a new post.
I hope this semester is a fun one for you. It's going to be different than most of your English/writing courses, but I think the skills are important and I hope you can use them going forward.
Best,
ML
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)