**If you are in Agnes Teacher's 2nd grade writing class, please go to this post instead.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Post your blog domain, please!
Everyone in Sam Teacher's 2nd grade writing class, please reply to this blog post with your student number, name and a link to your blog URL or domain.
**If you are in Agnes Teacher's 2nd grade writing class, please go to this post instead.
**If you are in Agnes Teacher's 2nd grade writing class, please go to this post instead.
What Topic Should You Choose?
You started researching your topic broadly. You wanted to look at a general research question and in that find your argument for your persuasive essay. You want to write a paper you think is interesting. You can choose any topic you want to write a persuasive essay about. It is possible to relate any topic you choose to the Harvard Sampler. Here is an example (Number 4).
If you are struggling to think of a good topic, here are some ideas to get you started.
1) What do you want to do in university? Choose a topic related to that. Do you want to be a diplomat? How about connecting it to the medical detectives topic: "Global health should be the primary concern of future global leaders." Or, if you want to be a PA for a news team, maybe you could connect it to the internet topic: "Social media expertise is a requirement for any successful journalist."
2) What are you studying in your other classes? Debate? Literature? Korean? If you're interested in history, maybe you could do an argument like, "The internet should be used to "normalize" world history and remove the biases of history produced by single countries. If you like biology you could discuss evolution in terms of anything that interests you. For example, "What is the evolution of education in Korea?" Or, "how has the Korean language evolved?" Maybe you could combine the evolution topic with the internet and the human mind: "We need to replace natural selection with artificial selection by creating technology that directly links our minds to the internet.
3) What are your hobbies? Do you really like manga? You could relate it to the human mind by arguing, "Reading manga is more intellectually stimulating than watching movies." What about bike riding? "The evolution of bike mechanics is the most profound evolution of technology in sports."
Again, remember that any topic is acceptable, and the most important criteria for your argument is that you think it is interesting. You can write an academic and intellectually stimulating paper on any topic, academic or not.
If you are struggling to think of a good topic, here are some ideas to get you started.
1) What do you want to do in university? Choose a topic related to that. Do you want to be a diplomat? How about connecting it to the medical detectives topic: "Global health should be the primary concern of future global leaders." Or, if you want to be a PA for a news team, maybe you could connect it to the internet topic: "Social media expertise is a requirement for any successful journalist."
2) What are you studying in your other classes? Debate? Literature? Korean? If you're interested in history, maybe you could do an argument like, "The internet should be used to "normalize" world history and remove the biases of history produced by single countries. If you like biology you could discuss evolution in terms of anything that interests you. For example, "What is the evolution of education in Korea?" Or, "how has the Korean language evolved?" Maybe you could combine the evolution topic with the internet and the human mind: "We need to replace natural selection with artificial selection by creating technology that directly links our minds to the internet.
3) What are your hobbies? Do you really like manga? You could relate it to the human mind by arguing, "Reading manga is more intellectually stimulating than watching movies." What about bike riding? "The evolution of bike mechanics is the most profound evolution of technology in sports."
Again, remember that any topic is acceptable, and the most important criteria for your argument is that you think it is interesting. You can write an academic and intellectually stimulating paper on any topic, academic or not.
Week 4 and 5 Objectives
UPDATE First draft is not due until October 26.
After many trials and tribulations I believe we have finally started researching our papers and preparing the foundation for what will be very successful final projects. Good job! Through September 12th I want you to focus on finishing all the previous assignments and one polished first draft.
For the requirements for the first draft, please refer to the grading post.
For the structure of the first draft, please refer to the classical argument pdf.
After many trials and tribulations I believe we have finally started researching our papers and preparing the foundation for what will be very successful final projects. Good job! Through September 12th I want you to focus on finishing all the previous assignments and one polished first draft.
For the requirements for the first draft, please refer to the grading post.
For the structure of the first draft, please refer to the classical argument pdf.
- Share your blog URL domain with Sam Teacher or Agnes Teacher.
- Finish week 1, 2, 3 and 4 objectives
- Finish a first draft by
Sept. 12.October 26. Click here for instructions for your first draft.
First Draft Instructions or FAQ
First, label (태그) your post "first draft".
- When is it due?
September 12, 23:59October 26 11:59 pm - How long should your first draft be? Long enough. Probably 3-5 pages.
- How many sources should use? Use enough sources. Probably 3-5.
- Do you have to cite your sources? Yes - Just a web link or site name is sufficient for now.
- Is there a structure I must follow? Yes - Use the classical argument format.
- How is the first draft graded? Mostly based on whether or not you use the classical argument format.
- What if I have questions? Ask Sam or Agnes teacher, ask a friend, email samlandfried@gmail.com. You can post questions on these blog posts, below, too.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Week 3 Objectives
- Continue researching. (Record your research with blog posts! Your research grade will come from these posts)
- Articulate your argument.
- Start outlining your first draft in the classical argument format.
Remember, you can change your topic/research proposal/argument whenever you want. If you do, please write a NEW blog post about what change you made and why. Label or 태그 it as "change".
Classical Argument Outline Example
Please tag or label this post as "classical argument outline".
This is the outline for your 1st draft of your persuasive essay. This is in the classical argument format. If you need more information on the classical argument, check out the sample classical argument or the classical argument PDF.
1. The introduction, which warms up the audience, establishes goodwill and rapport with the readers, and announces the general theme or thesis of the argument.
This is the outline for your 1st draft of your persuasive essay. This is in the classical argument format. If you need more information on the classical argument, check out the sample classical argument or the classical argument PDF.
1. The introduction, which warms up the audience, establishes goodwill and rapport with the readers, and announces the general theme or thesis of the argument.
I will start by describing the situation everyone is already familiar with: Computers are powerful and are becoming more and more powerful. Then I will shift attention to how these current computing powers are not as powerful as the pile of gray matter in each of our heads. I will end with my thesis, "The human brain is the most powerful computation tool in the Universe."2. The narration, which summarizes relevant background material, provides any information the audience needs to know about the environment and circumstances that produce the argument, and set up the stakes-what’s at risk in this question. In academic writing, this often takes the form of a literature review.
I will summarize the research I've done and provide an explanation for how I will quantify or measure the power of the brain in comparison to other computational tools. I will give a brief history of the evolution of computational tools, from the abacus to Big Blue, the famous chess playing computer.3. The confirmation,which lays out in a logical order (usually strongest to weakest or most obvious to most subtle) the claims that support the thesis, providing evidence for each claim.
I will start by examining how computers lack autonomy and therefore any achievement of a computer is really a human achievement. I will examine the ironic list of accomplishments of humans compared to that of computers. I will describe a set of problems that computers can't solve that humans can. I will examine the mathematical comparison between the computational power of the most powerful computers versus the human brain.4. The refutation and concession, which looks at opposing viewpoints to the writer’s claims, anticipating objections from the audience, and allowing as much of the opposing viewpoints as possible without weakening the thesis.
I will concede that certain tasks computers obviously excel at, but in such a limited set of conditions that it doesn't matter. I will use the metaphor of a professional swimmer that can only excel on sunny days with 78% humidity and 22.3 degree water temperature in a room with no windows and a coach that has to micromanage every decision of the swimmer.5. The summation, which provides a strong conclusion, amplifying the force of the argument, and showing the readers that this solution is the best at meeting the circumstances.
I will close with a summary of my previous points, then a brief consideration of the unquantifiable abilities of the human brain, like emotions and creativity that demonstrate a nuanced level of intelligence that computers have not even started to approach. I will end with a reaffirmation of my original thesis.
How to Write Your Articulation
Make sure your 태그 says "articulation".
You want to explain what your argument will be for your final project. Remember, your final project will be a persuasive essay, which means you are persuading your reader about something. Maybe, "Skateboarding is a healthier habit than internet surfing," or "The best way to prevent cancer is a healthy diet." I want you to explain how you discovered this argument through your research.
*Your post should look like the following. Red font is notes or explanations for what to do.*
1) My argument Write your argument in one sentence. Then, spend some time explaining it.
I want to argue that the human brain is the most powerful computational tool in the Universe. We are obsessed with upgrading computers and talking about the technological developments that allow our cellphones, computers and even refrigerators to think quicker, and I want to emphasize that none of these technologies come close to the computational power of the human brain.
2) How I found my argument Explain how your research helped you find your argument. Or, in other words, how did your research evolve into your argument? Start with your research question.
My first research question was, when will my cellphone be smarter than my brain? It seems reasonable that eventually, as technology continues developing, our hand held devices will be smarter than our head held ones (Our brain). This article helped corroborate that theory. As I continued researching, it seemed obvious that everyone agreed that we were moving to a world where eventually humans would not be as smart as computers. I thought if I wrote an article saying the same thing, it would be boring. I started looking at the opposite perspective. How smart are people now? How amazing are our brains right now? Articles like this one helped me quantify the real power of our brain. Eventually I realized that even though neuroscientists think our brain is at its limits, it is still the most powerful tool out there. I think this is a fresh and interesting argument to make.
3) New research questions What do you still need to know? What is your research plan?
I have several questions that need to be resolved.
a) How can I compare the brain to a modern computer?
b) What areas are the brain objectively and obviously better at than computers?
c) What are the moral implications of possessing the most powerful "thought" apparatus in the world?
I'll continue browsing the internet and looking for interesting articles and keeping track of my research with blog posts.
4) Connections to the Harvard Sampler How is your argument connected to the Harvard Sampler? ANY CONNECTION IS VALID. Please focus on choosing a good argument first, then think about how it is related to the Harvard Sampler. I will help you think of the connection if necessary.
This argument has many connections to the Harvard Sampler. First, it obviously is directly related to the human mind. Second, it connects to medical detectives because there are lots of medical questions about the physical nature of our brain. It also relates to evolution because I can address how the power of the brain is what led to humans being the dominant species on the planet. Last, the internet is the most powerful product and playground of modern computing, so when comparing the mind to computers I will need to look at the mind versus the internet. NOTE: Here I connected the argument to all 4 Harvard Sampler topics. THIS IS NOT NECESSARY. You only need to connect it to one, but can connect it to more if you want.
You want to explain what your argument will be for your final project. Remember, your final project will be a persuasive essay, which means you are persuading your reader about something. Maybe, "Skateboarding is a healthier habit than internet surfing," or "The best way to prevent cancer is a healthy diet." I want you to explain how you discovered this argument through your research.
*Your post should look like the following. Red font is notes or explanations for what to do.*
1) My argument Write your argument in one sentence. Then, spend some time explaining it.
I want to argue that the human brain is the most powerful computational tool in the Universe. We are obsessed with upgrading computers and talking about the technological developments that allow our cellphones, computers and even refrigerators to think quicker, and I want to emphasize that none of these technologies come close to the computational power of the human brain.
2) How I found my argument Explain how your research helped you find your argument. Or, in other words, how did your research evolve into your argument? Start with your research question.
My first research question was, when will my cellphone be smarter than my brain? It seems reasonable that eventually, as technology continues developing, our hand held devices will be smarter than our head held ones (Our brain). This article helped corroborate that theory. As I continued researching, it seemed obvious that everyone agreed that we were moving to a world where eventually humans would not be as smart as computers. I thought if I wrote an article saying the same thing, it would be boring. I started looking at the opposite perspective. How smart are people now? How amazing are our brains right now? Articles like this one helped me quantify the real power of our brain. Eventually I realized that even though neuroscientists think our brain is at its limits, it is still the most powerful tool out there. I think this is a fresh and interesting argument to make.
3) New research questions What do you still need to know? What is your research plan?
I have several questions that need to be resolved.
a) How can I compare the brain to a modern computer?
b) What areas are the brain objectively and obviously better at than computers?
c) What are the moral implications of possessing the most powerful "thought" apparatus in the world?
I'll continue browsing the internet and looking for interesting articles and keeping track of my research with blog posts.
4) Connections to the Harvard Sampler How is your argument connected to the Harvard Sampler? ANY CONNECTION IS VALID. Please focus on choosing a good argument first, then think about how it is related to the Harvard Sampler. I will help you think of the connection if necessary.
This argument has many connections to the Harvard Sampler. First, it obviously is directly related to the human mind. Second, it connects to medical detectives because there are lots of medical questions about the physical nature of our brain. It also relates to evolution because I can address how the power of the brain is what led to humans being the dominant species on the planet. Last, the internet is the most powerful product and playground of modern computing, so when comparing the mind to computers I will need to look at the mind versus the internet. NOTE: Here I connected the argument to all 4 Harvard Sampler topics. THIS IS NOT NECESSARY. You only need to connect it to one, but can connect it to more if you want.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Research Topic Suggestions
Choose a topic that is interesting to YOU. Also, remember that your final project will be a PERSUASIVE essay, not a research paper.
Are you still looking for your research topic? Here are some generous suggestions from 김진영 선생님:
1) Psychological (or they can look at them from other point of view) reasons why we are attracted to physical beauty. Simply put, why do we like pretty and handsome people? Is it because of biological or evolutionary reasons or is there something else?
2) How far along have we come in terms of robot technology? How much can the robots be like us human beings?
3) Where does cognitive biological approach stand in the history of psychology? What research areas are there and what have we found?
4) Is the cognitive biological approach to human mind a suitable way of looking into our mental abilities? Can biology and evolution fully and profoundly explain every aspect of the human mind?
5) If we were able to copy the exact same human beings as ours, are they able to think, function and interact with creativity and intelligent the way we do?
Are you still looking for your research topic? Here are some generous suggestions from 김진영 선생님:
1) Psychological (or they can look at them from other point of view) reasons why we are attracted to physical beauty. Simply put, why do we like pretty and handsome people? Is it because of biological or evolutionary reasons or is there something else?
2) How far along have we come in terms of robot technology? How much can the robots be like us human beings?
3) Where does cognitive biological approach stand in the history of psychology? What research areas are there and what have we found?
4) Is the cognitive biological approach to human mind a suitable way of looking into our mental abilities? Can biology and evolution fully and profoundly explain every aspect of the human mind?
5) If we were able to copy the exact same human beings as ours, are they able to think, function and interact with creativity and intelligent the way we do?
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
SOLUTION! Make a Blog
Hey guys, I'm sorry for the problems many people have been having with Blogger. I can't explain the problem, but I can explain how to fix it. Follow these steps:
1) Are you using Google Chrome? If no, first download it here and use it.
2) Next log in to blogger and try making your blog again. If it still does not work, go to step 3.
3) Go the the Chrome Web Store and download and install "Hola". When it installs, you will see a little flame icon in the top right of Chrome.
4) Return to Blogger. Click on the Hola flame icon, then click on the American flag.
5) Try making your blog again.
6) If it STILL doesn't work, clear your cookies and cache and try again. If you need help, ask me and I will help.
1) Are you using Google Chrome? If no, first download it here and use it.
2) Next log in to blogger and try making your blog again. If it still does not work, go to step 3.
3) Go the the Chrome Web Store and download and install "Hola". When it installs, you will see a little flame icon in the top right of Chrome.
4) Return to Blogger. Click on the Hola flame icon, then click on the American flag.
5) Try making your blog again.
6) If it STILL doesn't work, clear your cookies and cache and try again. If you need help, ask me and I will help.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Research Example: 8/18 100 Facts You Never Knew About the Human Brain
Source:
100 Facts You Never Knew About the Human Brain
http://www.nursingassistantcentral.com/blog/2008/100-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-the-human-brain/
My Topic:
The human brain is capable of controlling body functions that we normally think we cannot control (Our heart beat, for example).
What I hope to learn from this source:
I want to find either facts that might help me develop my topic, or new sources that will help refine my topic or give supporting examples of this phenomenon.
Notes:
100 Facts You Never Knew About the Human Brain
http://www.nursingassistantcentral.com/blog/2008/100-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-the-human-brain/
My Topic:
The human brain is capable of controlling body functions that we normally think we cannot control (Our heart beat, for example).
What I hope to learn from this source:
I want to find either facts that might help me develop my topic, or new sources that will help refine my topic or give supporting examples of this phenomenon.
Notes:
- Largest brain. While an elephant’s brain is physically larger than a human brain, the human brain is 2% of total body weight (compared to 0.15% of an elephant’s brain), meaning humans have the largest brain to body size.
- 10%. The old adage of humans only using 10% of their brain is not true. Every part of the brain has a known function.
- Uh oh. Part of my topic was based on this myth. I thought if there was so much unused brain power then certainly it could do more.
- Each time we blink, our brain kicks in and keeps things illuminated so the whole world doesn’t go dark each time we blink (about 20,000 times a day).
- Daniel Tammet. Daniel Tammet is an autistic savant who, since the age of three when he suffered an epileptic seizure, has been able to perform astounding mathematical computations, knows seven languages, and is developing a language of his own.
- 3 and 4 are good example of brain "magic".
Final Thoughts:
This source is interesting but more of a brainstorming source than of practical value. I think next I need to examine individuals who display special brain functions. Maybe monks who claim to control their body temperature? Also, I wonder if my topic will be too hard to defend? Maybe I need to change it.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Research Proposal
What is my current topic?
*Explain the topic you want to research. What do you think your final persuasive essay will be about? Add as much detail as you can*
What are my guiding questions?
*What questions are you curious about? What do you want to know? What questions do you think your reader will have?*
What are my current thoughts?
*What do you already know about your topic? What are your opinions? What do you want to persuade people of?*
What is the opposition?
*What will your opponents say? What is the common belief that you are arguing against? What counterarguments do you anticipate?*
*Explain the topic you want to research. What do you think your final persuasive essay will be about? Add as much detail as you can*
What are my guiding questions?
*What questions are you curious about? What do you want to know? What questions do you think your reader will have?*
What are my current thoughts?
*What do you already know about your topic? What are your opinions? What do you want to persuade people of?*
What is the opposition?
*What will your opponents say? What is the common belief that you are arguing against? What counterarguments do you anticipate?*
Week 2 Objectives
- Explore the syllabus posts on my blog about our schedule and grading.
- Write a research proposal.
- Begin researching.
- Study the classical argument.
You should have a good idea of what direction your research will take you now. If you have a topic for your persuasive essay, fantastic! If you are still working on it, no problem. The more research you do, the easier it will be to find what interests you. Explain what you hope to accomplish with your research in a research proposal (Label it "Research Proposal"). Research Proposal Template
Next start your research. Where? Where ever! (Google is a good idea). Also, it is true that you cannot use Wikipedia as a source in a formal essay, but you can use it to generate ideas or find useful articles (Posted at the bottom of Wikipedia articles). For every interesting article you encounter make a Research blog post about it (Please label it, "research"). This is where I will get your research grade from. Example Research Post
Last semester we studied how to write a traditional five paragraph essay to express your thoughts and opinions. Building on that, I want you to use the classical argument structure for your essay. Please read the following resources about the classical argument.
The Classical Argument from http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedfiles/writingcenter/centerhandoutclassicalargument.pdf
A good description of the parts of the classical argument. I am expecting you to have a general understanding of the classical argument, and a sincere attempt at including the 5 elements of the classical argument will be sufficient for full credit.
A Sample Classical Argument from
http://faculty.winthrop.edu/kosterj/archives/writ102/sampleclassicalargument.htm
http://faculty.winthrop.edu/kosterj/archives/writ102/sampleclassicalargument.htm
This should give you an idea of what a classical argument will look like when it is finished.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Week 1 Objectives
1. Follow my blog.
2. Start your blog.
3. Make your first post about brainstorming.
By Monday, August 18, you should have successfully started your blog (If you could not do it in class because of errors, it is homework!) and followed this blog. You also should have posted your first blog entry with your brainstorming on the topic you want to choose. I will attach the PPT and Handout that you saw in class for your reference. Also, please note the list of all course materials on the side of the blog. Every handout or PPT I give you will be linked here, also.
The Incredible Semester Long Performance Test PPT
2. Start your blog.
3. Make your first post about brainstorming.
By Monday, August 18, you should have successfully started your blog (If you could not do it in class because of errors, it is homework!) and followed this blog. You also should have posted your first blog entry with your brainstorming on the topic you want to choose. I will attach the PPT and Handout that you saw in class for your reference. Also, please note the list of all course materials on the side of the blog. Every handout or PPT I give you will be linked here, also.
The Incredible Semester Long Performance Test PPT
Grades
15% of your semester grade will come from this project. This is the breakdown of the grade, and what you need to know to get full points.
UPDATE 11/3/2014
Plagiarism penalties
If you plagiarize part of your first draft, there is no penalty.
If you plagiarize in your second draft, one point will be subtracted from your total grade.
If you plagiarize in your final draft, you will receive a 0 for your final draft.
5 points maximum for research
You will demonstrate your research through "Research" blog posts with the label "research".
5 points
2 points
Over the course of the semester you will create two drafts for your persuasive essay with the label "draft".
If either draft is late, one point will be subtracted.
First Draft - October 26 Monday October 27
Second Draft - November 16
First draft
By the end of the semester you will complete a final draft that is the product of all your drafting and research.
If the final draft is late, one point will be subtracted.
Final Draft - December 14
5 points
4 points
2 points
UPDATE 11/3/2014
Plagiarism penalties
If you plagiarize part of your first draft, there is no penalty.
If you plagiarize in your second draft, one point will be subtracted from your total grade.
If you plagiarize in your final draft, you will receive a 0 for your final draft.
5 points maximum for research
You will demonstrate your research through "Research" blog posts with the label "research".
5 points
The student shows creativity and perseverance in her research. The research was clearly a process of exploration and reveals a pattern of thought, inquiry and revelation.4 points
The research displays a clear, reasoned evolution from beginning to end. The student is committed to finding useful sources.3 points
The research is adequate for completing the persuasive essay.
2 points
The research is inadequate.0 points
There is no meaningful research.5 points maximum for drafting
Over the course of the semester you will create two drafts for your persuasive essay with the label "draft".
If either draft is late, one point will be subtracted.
First Draft -
Second Draft - November 16
First draft
2 points - The first draft is thoughtful and a good start to an effective persuasive essay. It demonstrates an understanding of the classical argument.
1 point - The student completes a first draft that demonstrates an understanding of the classical argument
0 points - The first draft is inadequateSecond draft
3 points - The second draft builds on the ideas of the first draft in a meaningful and thoughtful way. A reasonable evolution of ideas is visible.
2 points - The second draft is a reasonable development of the 1st draft. There is meaningful improvement in the essay.
1 point - The second draft is only improved technically.
0 points - The second draft is not an improvement on the first draft.5 points maximum for final draft
By the end of the semester you will complete a final draft that is the product of all your drafting and research.
If the final draft is late, one point will be subtracted.
Final Draft - December 14
5 points
Technically perfectTechnically almost perfect- Follows the classical argument
- Displays an interesting and unique perspective on a highly specialized topic
- Thought provoking and captivating
- Clearly the product of extensive drafting and research
4 points
Technically perfectTechnically excellent- Follows the classical argument
- Displays a unique perspective on a highly specialized topic
- Clearly the product of thorough drafting and research
- Follows the classical argument
- Displays a unique perspective on a highly specialized topic
- Some evidence of drafting and research
2 points
- Displays a unique perspective on a highly specialized topic
- Incomplete or inadequate
Schedule
UPDATE There is a more detailed syllabus for the year available here.
We have 16 classes tentatively scheduled this semester. Since that might change, I will not give a daily schedule. Instead I'll give you a tentative outline of the schedule for the semester.
This is a rough prediction of how the class will progress, and the order of work you will do. It is all very fluid. That means if you want to write a rough draft first, and then base your research on peer assessment, you can do that.
1. Choose a topic to write about.
2. Research the topic.
3. Learn the classical argument.
4. Write a first draft.
5. Do a self assessment.
6. Continue researching.
7. Write a second draft.
8. Get feedback from peers.
9. Continue researching.
10. Write final draft.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Brainstorming Instructions
Make sure to add a label or 태그 to this post called "Research Question"
Brainstorm thoughts about the various topics, what are you curious about? What do you want to write a persuasive essay about?
This post is a place to start your semester long project. Remember, it is your job to choose something you are interested in and something that excites you. You do not need to make any final decisions today. You can change your topic whenever you want.
You can add photos, links, whatever you want to help you brainstorm ideas for your final paper.
Brainstorm thoughts about the various topics, what are you curious about? What do you want to write a persuasive essay about?
This post is a place to start your semester long project. Remember, it is your job to choose something you are interested in and something that excites you. You do not need to make any final decisions today. You can change your topic whenever you want.
You can add photos, links, whatever you want to help you brainstorm ideas for your final paper.
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