October 20

In the classroom you talked a little about the three texts you have chosen to analyze, and we discussed strategies for identifying the common features & their symbolic values. We also looked at a sample analytic essay. We noticed that the author identified his focus in the introduction, gave background information (for your assignment this will be a discussion of the audience) and then proceeded to describe and analyze each of the texts. In each description the author identified the same features in the same order - and he ALWAYS made a specific connection between those features and his focus. The conclusion developed a more specific discussion of how the texts "worked" (his focus) and how they connected to the audience. This is a strong general pattern for developing an analysis.

If you missed class and would like a copy of the sample essay - copies are in my mailbox next to the English Department Office.

In the computer classroom you continued to work on pre-writing for Project 1 - the analytic essay. You turned in your pre-writing at the end of class.

For homework: Continue to work on your pre-writing if you are still uncertain of your focus. If you are ready - you can begin writing your essay. You do NOT need to begin writing at the beginning: it is often easier to write the section you are best prepared to write. For this essay, it will probably be easiest to characterize the audience & to describe the three texts in terms of the common features. See how far you can get.

Bring a print copy of your pre-draft or draft essay to class (however far you get). You will workshop your essays in class. See you Thursday.