Today, we discussed "intertextuality" and how the word meaning differs depending on which discipline is using it, "Coming to Terms" with a text, why it's important to use language that is both "generous" and "assertive," using quotes to support or make a point, and MLA formatting (Harris 25). WHEW!
They don't care for the Harris text because they feel that it's like every other reader they've read in high school, but I told them that if they read it and can apply the strategies in it to create an argument against reading the book, I won't use the book again the next time that I choose a text.
When discussing "coming to terms," I asked them how important it might be to use terminology which best "creates" meaning for the intended audience (their answer: "very," "extremely," and "ummm... Soooo important?"). Why? We discussed how a person's past experiences and knowledge affect the way they perceive certain words/phrases. (for example, I asked them what the title "Mrs. Johnson" means, and explained why it doesn't apply to me - because, besides the fact that I'm not married, that woman's distinguished characteristics don't apply to me, and so the word holds no meaning in relation to me). After, I had them dissect a few other common words which are taken for granted, and they volunteered what was at stake when coming to terms with others' work: the risk of looking/sounding offensive/uneducated.
As far as quotes went, their discussion ranged from the author's credibility, to visual rhetoric (which, I just realized I forgot to name, but they gave all of the characteristics of it, and we'll go more into it on Thursday).
We covered the basics of MLA, went over the Purdue and Hacker websites so that they are aware of HOW to find proper formatting for their future works cited, and then I made them sing the MLA song... which most of them loved, while a few thought it was beneficial, but didn't quite appreciate being made to sing in English class; however, ALL of them sang the song as they worked when I made them create a citation for Harris' text...Booyah.
Overall, today was good; I let them out 5 minutes early (instead of the 10 everyone hopes for). I'm still getting used to the T/R schedule. I feel a bit rushed to get the information out because I want to be able to effectively discuss it all in the time that we have, but my goal this week is to find my balance.
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