Final Blog 2130 "Reflective Self"

“The day that you consider that you know everything…you can do anything without any practice, I think you are closing the doors to improvement” (Sadeed, Raz: HISD teacher).

This applies to everyone. I especially want to (& have) learn from my students, schools, & classes, every year (or semester). 

You will likely be my last college students, or at least for a good while. Bittersweet! :(  I have enjoyed debating modern issues with you all & hearing your thoughtful discussions about sometimes "ancient texts;" hopefully you can see the legitimacy of appreciating literature. Plus, either things come back around in "fashion," or are tragically "timeless" repetitions of history. 

I would love to keep up with your lives (goals/dreams). I love seeing people make history, show passion for their logical ideas, & build others up! Feel free to find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or even just email me occasionally. Whatever your dreams are, don't quit! You will fall or fail sometimes, though. 

For this, your final IN CLASS blog A) Tell me what you learned either in this specific class, from me, fellow students, or even a new found understanding you have of yourself. B) Discuss new ideas or life goals you may have. (If you want to share something personal [not with the whole class], you may email me at j.d.hanson@hotmail.com; however, you still need to comment on other student's blog posts)!

Remember, it takes integrity & hard-work to TRULY accomplish goals. Anyone can be GIVEN a trust-fund or the easy route with everything; it is what you earn & strive for that mean something. 

Never compare yourself/compete with others; push yourself; no one else can force you to strive, work, & achieve goals in real life, but, luckily you have a choice, everyday! 

I will miss teaching college, but am ready for my next adventure! I hope you're ready for yours. + I'll be your biggest cheerleader, if you need one, & feel like no one believes in you. 

The "New Savage-Slave" Self Blog

DUE Sunday April 26th, 11:59 PM. 

Since there has been confusion with the course calendar, I want to clarify; we have been going by this course calendar all semester; it just got confusing (for some) after Spring Break, due to overlapping of topics. For example, we would finish one discussion/quizzing on a Tu/next week's Th & then begin a new lesson/ "self." Then people were blogging on the works out to the side of the old "self," even though it said those works would be quizzed on the NEXT meeting (with dates to think ahead about) & we were still discussing that self/being quizzed THAT night; nothing changed in that regard; the course calendar has been stuck to completely, even with weather issues.

To ensure NO POSSIBLE ERRORS on the last blogs, here are the available texts to choose from:

The "New Savage-Slave" Self Options

1. Wheatley's history/poetry (if some did her incorrectly on child self I told them to save & copy & paste for this blog); however, you will have to add to it in regards to the FULL assignment. 
2. Longfellow's poem "The Slave's Dream"
3. Slavery, Race, & the Making of American Lit (can include discussions of clips shown in class--"bonus time" discussion. 
4. Douglass' "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July"
5. Chopin's "Desiree's Baby" 
6. Toomer's From Cane poetry/or "Fern" 
7. Hughes' Negro Speaks of Rivers" 
8. Hayden's "Middle Passage" 

You will look at one of these texts alongside this very modern article: http://www.bustle.com/articles/76683-walter-scott-a-black-man-was-shot-to-death-but-my-white-husband-also-walter 

Many in class were still arguing during the M.L.K. Jr. speech (Leadership self) discussion that "white privilege no longer exists...that race is not that big of an issue in modern society." 

This will be a personal lesson hopefully or additional knowledge you already have a foundational grasp about (or sadly first hand experience), but also a practice for the final paper! 

• Jean & Grayson's blogs on the BONUS one discussed their personal experiences as young black males (the currently predominantly discriminated race/sex). Many others discussed their experiences as black/Hispanic females, whites unsure of their place in society, or even LGBTQ issues. However, many cannot relate. If nothing else, you should ensure history is not forgotten, whether that be teaching a young relative about it, future students, or your children. 
• Detail your opinion about the author's point of view in the article (agree/disagree) with specific quotes & then imagine replying in a LETTER format as one of the author's above. You must use a quote from one of the 8 works, when arguing. 
• I have posted this early because I DO NOT want to see people procrastinating in the last hour or even afternoon. Put some time/ effort into it. You should not skim the article; read it; it is not that long! 

ENGL 2130: Blog for Readings [Child Self]

We viewed several different examples of children for the readings you were quizzed upon last Thursday, April 9th & tonight, Tuesday, April 14th. I would like you to select one of those works. 

Discuss why you felt a personal connection (while reading--you did not have to experience what they did) with whatever character you associated with "childhood." It could be psychological immaturity and not necessarily age that affects this decision. 

Either way, back it up with textual evidence. The quote on the image above is telling; remember, each of those people were affected in some way; they are humans & have errors (like we all make) that make them each have unique experiences; right or wrong, their choices may have been affected by something deeper. 

This is due Sunday April 19th at 11:59 pm, like normal. 

Ms. Hanson 

Tonight's Discussion/ Thu's Readings [Quiz/Blog]...

Tonight's discussion got a bit heated; I feel the videos I tried to discuss with everyone speak better for themselves; we cannot relate to things often due to our own race, biases, where we grew up, or what we were taught. Just always try to think of yourself in someone else's shoes! MLK Jr. would not want people saying race no longer matters; color-blindness is just as powerful as racism. Just because something does not effect you, does not mean it is not still an issue; I also alluded to other groups that are still facing discrimination! We must always care about others; it could always have been or be us in future. 

The Application: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YRUUFYeOPI Some take voting for granted; imagine having that right taken away. 

Bloody Sunday 60 Minutes Spot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtIVcOT_o0M 

Glory Song Grammys 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgDTvj3W87M

Also, we discussed religious hypocrisy tonight & I hope those things did not offend anyone; however, those issues are still abounding in today's society too. If you research the meaning behind this modern song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYSVMgRr6pw [Take Me to Church], marches for gender (LGBTQ) and women's rights, etc...voices are still needed to fight for civil rights for ALL. 

I feel it is my duty as an instructor to share history, push for equality, etc... 

In this recently published poem (YESTERDAY on Facebook) by famed African American author Alice Walker (alongside this article about covered up prisoner's assaults- http://www.nationofchange.org/2015/03/21/four-corrections-officers-sentenced-to-prison-for-covering-up-inmate-abuse/_ she makes me see this is ALWAYS something that must go on. We can't forget or quit teaching history. Remember, it is American (or perhaps more importantly- HUMAN) history--no color breaks needed.

"Welcome To The Picnic
2015 by Alice Walker

I can never banish the image
Of you, manacled, between two psychopaths
Being marched to a defenseless
Beating
That will leave your brain injured.
Try as I might, your lonely walk,
Blind justice not even stumbling
Behind
Or anywhere in the neighborhood
Will forever haunt me:
As you face two, three, four,
A dozen
Soulless creatures
Who enjoy beating you
To the ground; when your hands are not only tied,
But, demonstrating their true courage,
Fastened behind your back.
Of what are we reminded:
The enslaved men worked to death
In seven years
Their heads bashed in
When they could no longer work
Their bodies, their bones, turning up
White with time; and directly underneath
Where they fell: Where, but Wall Street.
Or the plantations
And hundreds of years of this.
Beatings. Beatings to death.
Beatings to incontinence. Beatings to brain damage.
A friend tells me she never uses the word
Picnic for this very reason: that the mothers
And fathers and brothers and children of the psychopaths
Came to the beating, hanging, quartering
Eviserations or whatever else could be imagined
To entertain at a lynching
And brought baskets of food
To enjoy with the show. The torture of the Picaninny was
The eagerly anticipated attraction.
If they were lucky, these picnicking families, they
Got to take home trophies. Trophies sometimes seared from
The flames. Fingers, ears, toes.
A foot. Remember how DuBois saw those human feet in a
Butcher’s window in downtown Atlanta?
Brother, Sister, Children,
You are not crazy to feel crazy
Here.
Understanding this, may you realize
A greater exterior calm
And an unshakeable inner peace. We have lived within the soul
Of brutality from the beginning of our connections here.
The harshness of knowing our journey
Could easily steal our joy. To learn not to extend
Our disaster!
That is what teachers
Are for.

Recommended: It is crucial to have a meditation practice of some sort to deal with our relentless psychic wounding. The Dalai Lama, Jack Kornfield, Pema Chodron, are excellent guides. Google."

NEXT CLASS

The readings (as warned on the course calendar) are very long for some of the plays; there is one Thursday; the poems that go along with it are really short though. 

I told some that stayed late that there will not be a blog due this weekend for the readings/ quizzes we finished tonight, to give you all a break, since the readings will be long! I recommend watching or listening to plays on YouTube, to understand them better; sometimes visualizing is better than reading, as plays were meant to be performed. 

If you so desire (for BONUS) you may blog about what we discussed in class & I have posted further about tonight, regarding either religion or race. Try to make personal connections and to the texts, if you choose to do so though. You would have to respond specifically about one of the videos shared here as well. 

It still has a due date if you choose to do it for bonus (Sunday April 12--11:59 PM). 

ENGL 2130: Blog for Week #7 Readings [Worker Self]

A)Choose a reading from the worker self readings (what you were quizzed on tonight & last Thursday).

B)As Conner did in class, compare one of these works with another reading you may have done in this class or something you personally enjoy & related one of these to.

C)Use a quote from each work to prove your relation or summarize succinctly. These should be NO MORE than 10-12 lines TOTAL.

D)As always, reply to a fellow student's comment.Due Sunday April 5th (11:59 pm central)!

ENGL 2130: Blog for Week #6 Readings...(During/After Class)

A) Please choose one reading from either Thursday's quiz materials or tonight's on the "Nature Self."

B) Some of you are comfortable with this creative writing already, as evidenced in your quizzes, emails, texts, & essays; however, everyone else will have to practice, now! Choose a first line from
http://thefirstline.com/ (you can also use the Spring 2015 they already published-removed on main part: Fairy tales hardly ever come true for quiet girls.)

C)This must be the first line of your short, creative work; you must practice creating a piece of literature to analyze [alongside the work of your choice]. This should be similar to your midterm essay & expectations for your final. Have fun.

D) Limit yourself to no more than 6-10 sentences for your story & then analyze how it was possibly influenced by the "Nature Self" piece you selected, in no more than 4-5 sentences.

Due Sunday March 29th [6 pm], along with a comment to a fellow student.

Remember, the "Worker Self" quiz/material is Thursday March 26th, so now our blogs will be in weird, over-lapping weeks. You will not be blogging upon that material until next week(end) though.

"Naturalism aimed at giving the primitive wishes full play but failed because these wishes are too primitive, too infantile, too inconsistent with themselves to be satisfied even by the greatest license." --John Desmond Bernal

--Ms. Hanson

ENGL 2130: Blog for Week #5 Readings...

Please choose one reading from each night's selections from the Psychological/ Imbalanced Self that spoke to you; it could have horrified & shocked you or intrigued you. You do not have to have "liked" or "disliked" either text. 

Analyze each in no more than 5 sentences each. 

And, follow up with a fellow student's blog, like normal. 

This will be due, Sunday March 1st by 5:45 pm (72 hours from the end of tonight's "class"). I want you then to begin looking back at texts you enjoyed or would like to research further, as next week we will be work-shopping ideas for your midterm papers. 

DO NOT skip class, just because there is are no quizzes; otherwise, you will STILL forfeit the pre-discussions prior to quizzes after we return from Spring Break. No breaches of contracts, please! :) 

--Ms. Hanson 

Quiz Notes...See ASAP: Final Policy Change...

Good afternoon everyone! Thanks for the feedback from all & for the most part complying with the contract to get pre-discussion access.

Last week obviously messed us up due to the weather; and, last night was odd, in that we ran over slightly (even just covering Poe). I had intended to end by 5:30 and give everyone 30 mins (until 6) b/c staying over 15 mins would not have been long to dedicate extra, even with another class right after or familial/work obligations; however, then we ran over and everyone seemed to want to rush out. 

It seemed, other than the last two texts, that most had read the Poe information; plus, more are complying with my "contract," so it should work itself out. My goal was to give 30 mins, since you all have only had ~15 mins prior at the beginning of classes. That would give 15 mins extra & avoid people attempting to look up answers, even after class discussions. 

I only did it that way giving 24 hours + (over the weekend) to be fair, since many could not get to the library to copy book pages or use the internet (during the weather days/ campus closures). Some students can be so dishonest; however, we will have to stay in the lab in future to take quizzes; I will already be giving extra time; I just feel it is too chaotic opening it up THAT much to 24 hours, when you all already get pre-class discussions & extra time now to take them. The class is supposed to be 1.5 hours (to equate to a 3 hour credit); the school cuts it short 15 mins arbitrarily, so I will just take that back. Posting this to the blog as well, so everyone is completely aware. 

Ask questions IMMEDIATELY if you are unsure of the new quiz policy. We will have to stay on top of it for our time/ discussion (1 hour) to give you all the 30 mins to take quizzes in lab for the remainder of the semester. 

ALSO, I will be grading/ posting your quizzes this weekend; during the week since these are late classes, with tutoring, teaching, & lesson planning I do not have time & last week's was odd due to weather. 

--Ms. Hanson 

Contract Reminders!!! See, & Tag Me: Acknowledge...

Grayson reminded me last night during our quiz in the lab (after the pre-discussion) that some students were absent the night of the contract discussion/signing. 

However, being ABSENT does NOT exempt anyone from it; I post to D2L's Newsfeed, here on the blog, & go out of my way to make you aware of anything possibly missed.

It is YOUR responsibility though to email me and clarify or inquire about anything posted you might not understand. 

I posted a SPECIFIC blog/ Newfeed on D2L regarding the contract (2-12-15). When I share this post, I will tag everyone's name that was absent; you are to IMMEDIATELY tag me & respond, acknowledging. 

I don't do "fine print," contracts. Here it is below. You MUST sign & comply or pre-discussion prior to quizzes will CEASE. If you see someone NOT reply by Thursday, encourage them to, CLASS! #inthistogether

Ms. Hanson 

___________________________________________________________________________

I STUDENT'S NAME  will not be late (4:30 PM!) If I am absent, I will email (or contact instructor by another method ) PRIOR to class-time with reason. I will read all texts prior to class! Even if I did not understand this (the readings), it does not exempt me from readings. I will participate in discussions, blog, & reply to fellow students by deadlines given. 

Student Signature!

Midterm Assignment!

I gave a paper copy of this midterm paper if you were in the lab; however, I wanted to attach it here (below) as well, in case anyone left early, was absent, or prefers a digital one (word file on D2L). 

REMEMBER to ask questions!!! We will have midterm workshop days. Stay strong. Push through. Not long until Spring Break!!! 

--Ms. Hanson 

____________________________________________________________

ENGL 2130 Midterm Essay (Minimum 6 FULL pages- Maximum 8 FULL pages).

Any of the texts we will have covered/ been quizzed upon &/or discussed on the blog (from the course calendar) are open topics for your midterm analysis paper.

You must PERSONALLY analyze them; put your voice/ opinions (obviously then, 1^st person is acceptable; just try not to overuse).

MLA formatting required (no cover sheet!); we will review PowerPoint for a refresher for those that haven’t had in 1010/1020 in awhile or just NEED a brush up.

Must have quotations correctly incorporated: OCM.

2 sources (Norton —must be one). Other, your other “text!”

I want NO random analysis from some website, blog, book. I want what you think/thought & reflected upon (perhaps more after our discussions/ quizzes/blogs).

Further, you will compare &/or contrast this chosen work/ author to a text, song, work of literature, politics, article [journal/newspaper/magazine], etc…

I want this to be very personal, yet concise—while thoroughly analyzing the text(s).

Literature can be in many different forms. The point of this is show how many things can be influenced by former “old,” perhaps not even classically recognized American literature works.

Happy researching. Ask ANY questions ASAP! Do not procrastinate.

Final Draft due March 17^th. 

Quiz #8 +

We took this quiz (only on Poe) after our discussion in the lab; I am going to try this method & see if with extra time at the end - 6 pm & further (1 hour allowed total) if everyone feels even more confident. Not as rushed...since class cuts off 15 mins early both days, as it is.  

I also allowed people to choose an hour to take it within the next 24 (if they had a class at 6 pm or work); but, if you were absent, you need to email me IMMEDIATELY (if you haven't already). I timed these exactly as everyone requested. It seems to have a minute or two delay; maybe D2L is on some server that is barely off time wise. Keep refreshing; let me know if it doesn't work after that. 

Ensure you review the play, Plath poetry, & short story on the calendar for quiz #9 on Thursday. 

Night!

Ms. Hanson 

YouTube-Audio!

I highly suggest for LONG / LATE nights of cramming for these literature (vs. history/ bio type) quizzes/ midterms, that everyone use some sort of audio. Don't BUY. There are so many free ones: YouTube/ Librovox! 

Some do have weird, monotone voices, but some make all the reading fun/ or bearable at least for those that hate it ;) 

Ms. Hanson 

Bonus Follow-Up!

I mentioned the two bonus opportunities this weekend! 

• NOTE--if you do the UNPLUG event with the library this week: "Each qualified reading session (15 minutes or longer) enters the participant into the Prize Drawings to be held on Monday, March 2nd.  ALL Students, Staff, and Faculty are invited to participate!"
• The 2nd event is TOMORROW (11 am-2 pm)>>>

Reading works by people from ALL walks of life is so pertinent to a well-rounded & open minded society! Join the Diversity Club Tuesday (11 am-2pm) at Motlow State Community College's Smyrna Center' s Student Success Center Tuesday February 24th (TOMORROW) to learn about phenomenal black writers! I'll be reading poetry by our previous (2012-14) U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey & discussing why her work matters to ME! Who is your favorite black author?!?! Speak up below on the blog!‪#‎BlackLivesMatter‬ ‪#‎participate‬ ‪#‎ReadtoSucceed‬‪#‎whyjustduringblackhistorymonth‬ ? 

Deadlines! See ASAP...

ENSURE you look at News-feeds & blog updates; I've tried to post updates all week/weekend due to our weather issues last week; however, look at the prior posts! ! One thing is due by midnight (TONIGHT : 11:59 PM)>>Blog & one tomorrow afternoon (1 PM)>>quiz [Tu/Th makeup] a. 

Some have been emailing, texting, etc...to ask. See blogs, news-feed, or email me ANY questions you have! But, do NOT procrastinate! Also, be sure to get your readings done for Tuesday; you should have ALREADY been done with the readings from last week (especially since I didn't officially tell you about class cancelling until Thursday morning)! 

--Ms. Hanson 

1) See Yesterday's Newsfeed Post 2)Bonus Opportunities: African American Read-In, Tuesday, February 24th & UNPLUG & Read Motlow Library!

• Please ensure you see the D2L Newsfeed post from yesterday. It has a reminder about staying ahead on your course calendar readings; I don't want anyone to get behind due to this crazy weather and I tried to be considerate this week and let you all stay home, so do stay ahead! We will still have a quiz Tues. I am actually thinking of doing them differently this week to give extra time and prevent some stress with the rush, further. 
• Teachers & some students will be doing readings by influential black leaders/ authors & telling why they are important to them, personally-- in honor of black history month. 
• For possible bonus points, try to attend one of the 15 minute readings; they will be going on 11 am-2 pm Tuesday, February 24th (in the student success room). If you go, you MUST take a selfie of yourself at the event & do a video of the speaker you were present for. I realize time wise this may not be efficient for many; however, I will offer several opportunities throughout the semester (such as below). I do not assign a specific point value, so do not ask. I add in points needed to your ACTUAL final grade at the end of the semester or onto specific grades where you were lacking. 

___________________________________________________________________________________

• There is also an opportunity for bonus through the UNPLUG & READ event hosted by the library next week (Monday, February 23rd through Saturday, February 28th); however, again, if you participate, you must get a form signed by a librarian saying you were there. After you are done with your reading (not during-since you are to UNPLUG) take an image of the book/work you unplugged to read. I encourage you to hashtag #Motlow #Unplug&Read on your social media pages if you use them (next week).
• If you open the jpg (ON D2L)...
  
  and click the print button, it is the same size as a piece of paper! Print in the library & get signed before you leave (after doing the activity-with NO technology on/ near you) :) 
• Reading is so important! And sometimes putting down our technologies can be freeing. 

     ----Ms. Hanson

ENGL 2130- Looking Ahead Normally! Listen to Scar...

I know everyone is going to be reviewing, quizzing, & blogging; however, remember we would have completed the quiz portion/ readings Tu/ Th & you would have been on to the next readings. DO NOT let yourself get behind! ! ! 

If you did not notice, there is A LOT of reading for Tuesday's quiz; you have to read ALL of POE & the really long play. 

D2L Quiz: 11:30 PM (Th- Feb. 19) - 1PM (M- Feb. 23)

• You should ensure you have glanced over (after having initially read thoroughly) ALL introductions/readingsprior to attempting the D2L quiz. 
• There is a time limit of 1 hour from the time you begin it.
• The quiz will be available until Monday Feb. 23rd at 1 PM; I made it available tonight at 11:30 PM.
• Only 1 attempt is permitted.
• There are multiple choice, short answer/ discussion, T/F, & (1) fill in the blank. 
• It is in order of how you were supposed to have read the assignments. 
• I have a built in late submission limit; however, pace yourself & try to complete within the first hour. 
• It is now active & displayed in the calendar. 

--Ms. Hanson 

ENGL 2130: Blog for Week #4 Readings...[Blog Week #4 Note... See Even if You Posted Already]

Tuesday's Readings : (Analyze each question with 1-2 sentences) This needs to have opinion & textual evidence! I realize everyone might start "semi" repeating; however, discuss YOUR opinion &/or interpretation, as they are usually VERY different. 

Label each section with the author's name (followed by a :) & remember to use page #'s or "quotes" typed out (in case you have a different textbook). 

Do NOT write over 10-12 sentences MAXIMUM: TOTAL!

A)Winthrop

1. Discuss your personal faith beliefs (if any) in relation to Winthrop's sermon style. If you do not feel comfortable making personal connections, simply discuss your opinions upon his sermon style. 

B)Roger Williams

1. Why do you think it might be odd that Williams says "they" natives "from Adam and Noah that they spring" in regards to their origins? (pg. 104) 
2. William's discussion of "violence" in the name of religion seems to transcend time; discuss in relation to modern issues you are familiar with (any religion is applicable to discuss). (pgs. 107-108)

C)Mather

1. Many are under the misconception that Mather actually attended the Salem Witch Trials; even his father Increase Mather was supposedly involved (but was in England during accusations). He was interested and even supposedly visited accused, but did not attend trials. What do you make of his research, interest, & writings concerning the trials (pgs. 151-155). I find that "real life" murder/ sci-fi is more interesting, or stranger than fiction. 

D)Jonathon Edwards

1. Edwards had a daunting study schedule (13 hours a day); what do you make of that in relation to his long personal narrative, & the fact that he had 11 children & had been the 5th of 11 children himself? 
2. Name some specifics in any of Edward's writings that you felt made him more relatable. 

Thursday's Readings : (Analyze each question with 1-2 sentences) This needs to have opinion & textual evidence! I realize everyone might start "semi" repeating; however, discuss YOUR opinion &/or interpretation, as they are usually VERY different. 

A)O'Connor

1. Choose one important theme from the short story: names, education, arrogance, judgment, or religion & discuss how you feel it was the most important aspect of it. 

B)Morrison

1. Choose the most shocking, interesting, or upsetting way slavery was justified through Biblical texts.

*NOTE: I know many have had issues being concise with this post; however, I REALLY want you to try your best; I found this interesting tool; think of it in THAT way!! Hashtags & Twitter are actually great ways to practice conciseness!

Use hash tags to practice summary writing

Official Class Weather Decision...ENGL 2130 REPLY IMMEDIATELY ...(If You Have Not ALREADY)!

If we did not speak through phone, email, text, etc... email me at j.d.hanson@hotmail.com to let me know you SAW this or D2L & know not to report to campus tonight!

We will be having the quiz (combined two #6 [from Tues] & #7 tonight's) just through D2L. It will be discussion/ multiple choice.

It will be a ONE TIME quiz, timed ~45-1 hour from when you begin.

I will leave it up through Sunday night (like blogs- 11:59 PM CST-midnight) so everyone can have time to access it.

Plus, you will still have the blogs.


_____________________________________________________________________

Email/ text I sent out to everyone:

"I can't see making everyone come out in these conditions. School won't cancel my time...so I'm going in to tutor 12-4; however, I am cancelling class tonight, PHYSICALLY. 

You should login and be prepared to take the D2L quiz --I will be posting later. It will be mainly multiple choice, with a few short answer discussions. It will be available probably until Sunday around midnight; however, it will have a ~45-1 hour time limit to take when begun and can only be attempted ONCE.

And then we will blog like normal.

Ms. Hanson"

ENGL 2130: SEE IMMEDIATELY & ANSWER THROUGH j.d.hanson@hotmail.com EMAIL...

Email me at j.d.hanson@hotmail.com to let me know... 

How would you ALL feel about NO CLASS tomorrow afternoon, but instead taking a D2L multiple choice quiz & discussion on blog this weekend? I would prefer to NOT have everyone out in FREEZING temps tomorrow; the school announces too last minute. 

Ms. Hanson 

ENGL 2130: Proud: Pre-Discussion Quizzes & Averages Rising!

Hopefully, there will be no suing over "breach of contracts" this next meeting (either Thursday- tomorrow or Tue- next week) depending on how weather goes!

However, I do want you all to hold yourselves/classmates accountable. I know it is tough reading this lengthy & often confusing literature; but, it must be done! So, you may as well put forth the FULL effort. Stay up. Push yourself.

This quiz was much improved; it was obvious though who had not read or at least not thoroughly. I think it will help discussing in class + the blogs.

I want EVERYONE to succeed. We will not though if everyone does not comply with the contract. Remember it stated:

"I Student Name Printed  will not be late (4:30 PM)! If I am absent, I will email prior with reason! I will read all texts prior to class! Even if I did not understand this [particular readings assigned] it does not exempt me from readings. I will participate in discussions, blog, & reply to fellow students by deadlines given"

--Signature

To the four students who were absent (Conner, Travis, Zakry, & Grayson) you will still be held accountable. I have emailed you and let you know as well!

Quiz #5- After in class discussion one. 

+ 100   -N/A
A's     -16
B's     -5
C's     -3
D's     -1
F's     -1

26 quizzes taken (4 absent students) *31 points possible  (NO BONUS APPLICABLE)   710.20 /806 points total = ~88% CLASS average

ENGL 2130 SNOW DAYS: Take Advantage (Wednesday Feb. 18th)>>Read Ahead + Quiz Averages Rising...Congrats as a Class, Collectively!

It is abundantly clear everyone did better with multiple quiz question types already; on quiz #4 with both multiple choice & discussion your class average skyrocketed! 
Quiz #4
100's + -13
A's -6
B's -1
C's -4
D's -0
F's -2
______________
28 quizzes taken (2 absent students) * 26 points possible (+2 bonus possible) 657.40/ 728 points total = ~ 90% CLASS average
1st quiz= 71% class average
2nd quiz= 72% class average
3rd quiz= 67% class average (more dramatic because--3 absent students/ + 3 did not attempt even ONE of the questions, which skewed this average severely).

ENGL 2130- Weather, Quiz, & Blogging Update... SEE ASAP

It seems likely we may get ANOTHER snow day, Thursday; however, we shall see. Motlow closed last year just for "cold" and sleet. ICE sheets, slushy roads, & tiny bits of real snow may close us for the entire week. I had not put up the D2L readings for Thursday night's "quiz," as I normally put them up right after class Tues nights (which we would have just had) though we may not likely have a quiz even Thursday with weather/county closings. I have put the link to it here "The religious justification of slavery before 1830" : http://www.kingscollege.net/gbrodie/The%20religious%20justification%20of%20slavery%20before%201830.pdf?origin=publication_detail 

& attached the PDF if you would rather have that to print/ read in a different format on D2L's Newsfeed. 

If class does wind up being cancelled due to weather Thursday as well, we will discuss things on the blog (due ~Sat/ Sun: like normal) & I will keep you updated on an "actual" quiz through here/D2L. 

Keep warm & stay ahead on your work with this extra ~3 hours of your week you now possibly have. 

Ms. Hanson

ENGL 2130: Class is Canceled Tomorrow...Still See! :)

If you do not have RAVE alerts, snow/ice day tomorrow ALL DAY/ EVENING classes for Motlow; I was on the interstate today & the sludge was horrid, so I agree for once lol. Last year's snow days were a waste; I will combine your quiz info Thursday. So, BE PREPARED! And, get AHEAD with your reading in pajamas, of course. 

Please be safe if you MUST  go out to work or anything else. 

P.S. My dad would make fun of all of us. Lol, he is from Michigan. 

--Ms. Hanson 

ENGL 2130: Blog for Week #3 Readings...

I will remind you ALL about the contract you signed tonight & expect you to respect it, your fellow students & me! 

I will give you until Sunday (Feb. 15th) 11:59 PM CST(right before midnight). Google + runs on PST (so that will show up as 9:59 PM PST). However, no late comments &/or replies to fellow students will be acceptable. 

1. You must choose two natives's works or fictional works discussing natives (one from Tues's readings/ one from Thur's readings). 
2. Pick one that you enjoyed; you must utilize actual lines from the Norton text (quoting with page(s) #'s). Analyze why you related to/ enjoyed that particular work, personally.  [Eg: writing style, content, the person themselves).
3. Pick one that you disliked; you must utilize actual lines from the Norton text (quoting with page(s) #'s). Analyze why you disliked/ disagreed with that particular work, personally. [Eg: writing style, content, the person themselves). 
4. Do not just Google/ Wikipedia something about the person/author/text. You must analyze straight from the Norton text.

       ---Ms. Hanson 

‏ENGL 2130-Quiz Grades/ Feedback...‏

FYI all, I am entering grades for your 4 completed quizzes, currently; your grade averages as I go; please do not freak out about grades until all four quizzes are added in (as they are all worth different points).

Furthermore, several students have expressed concerns about quiz grades. I realize there is a ton of reading; further, it is difficult to read quickly, while working, taking other classes, etc... + comprehension is an issue for many (you are not alone). 

In terms of the class, we are limited on time! 15 minutes for quizzes & 1 hour for discussion/ lecture is NOT sufficient for all the reading required for curriculum. The class is worth 3 hours credit, but they split it in 1 hour 15 mins increments for two nights; we all can add, so that cuts us a 1/2 hour already, each week. 

I try to adjust quiz types for students; I also WELCOME feedback! I am not immovable. I understand people learn differently, read differently, and even interpret differently. 

I have heard from 4 students specifically regarding this (after class, in a note, through email, etc...). Therefore, for the next class, EVERYONE has to participate. That means SPEAK up. Give opinions. Ensure you read; highlight things you thought were important/ interesting. 

We will take the quiz AFTER the discussion; I realize immediately when I post this (& a student & I discussed this)...some will NOT read anything. You will only be hurting yourself. That is where the blog/ participation come into play. 

If you make 100% on the quiz after we discuss in class, yet you say not 1 word during class participation or don't blog thoughtfully/thoroughly, it will reflect in your overall grade. 

The quiz will STILL be a mixture of discussion/ multiple choice next time; however, possibly this will aid! We shall see, together. 

Ms. Hanson 

General Reading Note: Bios/Intros...

It should be pretty obvious after 3 (make that 4 quizzes after tonight) that the biographical information about the authors, speakers, or historical figures is JUST as important, if not more so, than the literature. 

In my re-readings of the literature/ biographies, I have found several questionable things Norton says about these people (white/ native--alike), or if you read simply the literature, you might not get a full historically accurate portrayal of the individual (ie: Hernán Cortés). We read, saw, and heard that he was much more violent historically than you might have inferred simply by reading the Norton provided journal sample. 

Therefore, I am stressing to you to read the intros/ bios, even if that historical aspect of it seems dry to you! 

That "quote"/maxim historically is even attributed to many different people!!!

Of cowards no history is written. 
- proverb 
@Cited in `The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs' Compiled by Rosalind Fergusson 

History is the propaganda of the victors. 
- Ernst Toller (1893-1939) 
@Quoted in Claud Coburn `In Time of Trouble' 

History is written by the survivors. 
- Max Lerner (1902-1992) 
@Quoted in `Saturday Review' (1944) 
@Cited in `Concise Columbia Dictionary of Quotations' Microsoft CD 

History is written by the winners. 
- Alex Haley 
@(1972) cited in `My Soul Looks Back, 'Less I Forget. A Collection of Quotations by People of Color.' by Dorothy Winbush Riley 
@Cited in `Crisp Toast' by William R. Evans III & Andrew Frothingham 

and of course the widely attributed but sourceless... 

History is written by the victors. 
- Winston Churchill (1874-1965) 
@Attributed widely