The Question
How
does language shape us? How do we learn it? Who is it meant for? How does language
privilege some over others? How does language affect memory? How does language change over time?
We will discuss these questions and more over the course of the semester, both in class and on this blog.
This site is a shared opportunity between two classes, where you will learn a little about language and
you will learn a little about each other.
The Assignment
You are responsible for posting 24 reflective comments throughout the course of the semester that
demonstrate critical thinking skills. Your comments may be
on the post itself or on someone else's comment. All comments will be assessed on the full credit scale.
Only planned, well-thought out, edited comments will receive full credit. Whenever you want to know how
many comments I have recorded for you, I will respond to email
inquiries only.
Please remember that this is not a forum for attacking - this is a forum for expansion and thought.
There should be no derisive comments made at any point to your peers. Also, please keep in mind safe
internet habits. Sign your posts with a first name and last initial and do not reveal personal
information such as phone numbers, addresses, or bank information.
The News
NPR
BBC
MSNBC
The Arbiter
Idaho Statesman
Boise Weekly
Feminst Majority Foundation
Men's News Daily
The Archives
August 2006
September 2006
October 2006
November 2006
December 2006
The Extras
I am offering extra credit throughout the semester for anyone who notices language use outside of the
class that relates to what we are discussing in class. This could be a film, a billboard, a conversation
with a parent...anything that you can connect to our conversations. First, you will talk to me about it
to discuss the direction you will take when you write it and what I expect before giving you extra
credit. Then you will write up a two page explanation of
the language use and how it relates to class (your write-up should contain far more analysis and connection
to class than synopsis) and turn it in to me before finals week begins.
There is another chance for extra credit! Submit your letters to the editor to
The Arbiter and bring me the edition of the
paper that contains your letter. You will receive credit for one informal writing assignment.
PLEASE NOTE THIS CHANGE TO THE SYLLABUS: Your syllabus currently says that there will be class on November 16 but not on
November 14. Please switch those dates. There WILL be class on November 14 and there WILL NOT be class on November 16.
Anything currently listed as homework due on November 16 is now due on November 14.
There is a second change to the syllabus!
101 - We will meet Nov. 7 instead of Nov. 5. Your portfolio is now due Nov. 5.
102 - Your portfolio is now due during your group conference.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Since we've discussed viable internet sites, I want you to first investigate this website about the
first pregnant human male and tell us what you think. Be sure to check out the sonogram and the videos of the subject doing things around town. Is this real? How do you know?
And next, I would like you to practice procreating. No, not like
that. I found a site where you can
make a baby and even select specific traits for your future child, ensuring that your child is not born with mental retardation or manic depressive disorder. Be careful! This is not a cheap process! Tell us about your experiences making a baby...What would it be like if we could actually sit down with a doctor and decide these things? Are some of the choices we can make for our babies (on this website) trivial? Or are they decisions that will actually shape the rest of the child's life? Sticks and stones may break my bones, but will being born with a personality disorder kill me? Is it just a label?
How much should we worry about creating the perfect baby?P.S. My baby cost just more than $116,000.