FOR ENGLISH 112-6

As we have discussed in class, even a film that is generally deemed "good" can have bad reviews. Titanic, one of the highest grossing films in the history of cinema and winner of eleven Academy Awards, received both good and bad reviews when it was first released in 1997. Since you will be working with a partner and writing either for OR against your chosen film, read the two following film reviews of Titanic and consider how the two critics approached the film:

Titanic review from The New York Times

Titanic review from the San Francisco Chronicle

In a paragraph, write a response in the comments section of this post addressing the following things:

* How does each reviewer give their opinion of the film? Do they blatantly state, "I hated/loved this film" or are they in the business of showing, not telling? How do they demonstrate this opinion?
* What technical aspects of the film does each reviewer discuss? (cinematography, music, acting, special effects, etc.)
* Think of the film review you will be writing. Do these reviews give you any ideas on how to approach your first draft?

READING RESPONSE DUE: SUNDAY, APRIL 15

FOR ENGLISH 112-6

Stephen King, master of horror writing, writes an essay entitled "Why We Crave Horror" to help explain pop culture's fascination with filmed nightmares. Read the essay at the following link Why We Crave Horror and then write a short response (3-4 sentences).

Some things to consider as you read:

1. Does Stephen King make a persuasive argument? Why or why not?
2. How does King prove his point?
3. Do you agree that we "crave" horror? Why or why not?

Think of this reading in terms of your first paper. Stephen King takes a pop culture phenomenon (horror films) and explains to us that we "need" them. Consider his argument techniques, and remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. (

READING RESPONSE DUE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 

FOR ENGLISH 112-6

Please read the following article and write a short (2-3 sentences) response in the comments section of this post.

What is Logos?


READING RESPONSE DUE BY SUNDAY, APRIL 8. 

READING HOMEWORK: Archetypal Patterns: Snow White

Please read the following article and write a short response to it in the "Comments" section below this post.

Snow White Archetypes

READING RESPONSE DUE: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21. 


Things to consider while you read:

* How does this article change how you read fairy-tales? Were you aware of any of these archetypal patterns before reading this article?
* In your opinion, what is an archetype?

READING HOMEWORK--The Drama Bug

One of the best ways to check the continuity and tone of your story is to read it aloud to a friend or even to yourself. Today, instead of reading another short memoir, you will listen to an audio excerpt of David Sedaris's "The Drama Bug."

The Drama Bug

After you have listened to it, take some time to consider the difference between reading a short story and listening to it. How does it change? What do you notice about the language used by the author? What does this teach you about your own writing?

Response Due: Friday, January 20 by 9 pm in the "comments" section of this post. 

READING HOMEWORK--STICKS AND STONES

For Wednesday's class, please read pages 5-8 of the attached link to an e-book. You will read the essay "Sticks and Stones" by Nicole Ball and write a 2-3 sentence response in the comments section of this post, due Wednesday by 8 a.m.

Sticks and Stones

Things to consider while you read:

*Have you ever heard the phrase, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"? How is that phrase proved/disproved by this personal narrative?
* How is this personal narrative similar/different from "101 MPH"?
* What are the purpose and audience of this story?

READING HOMEWORK--100 MPH UPSIDE DOWN AND SIDEWAYS

The following link will take you to the short story "100 Miles Per Hour, Upside Down and Sideways" by Rick Bragg. Pay close attention to the vivid detail and imagery Bragg uses to illustrate the significant (and somewhat traumatic) event.

100 Miles Per Hour, Upside Down and Sideways

When you write your response to the story, consider the following questions:

* Consider the author's tone at the beginning and end of the story. How do his feelings for the car change? How does that author's word choices reflect this change of heart?
* What role does description play in this story? Does it help or hurt it?
* How much do you know about the author by the end of this short story? Does the author show you or tell you these details?

RESPONSES DUE BY FRIDAY @ 8 AM. You may post your response in the "Comments" section of this post. Be sure to include your name in your comment so you receive credit.