Class Work

Here is where we left off last week:
Homework Pt. 1

• Think about how your life would be different without the item. Record your thoughts in MyCompLab. Write in paragraph form. First, explain what the item is and tell why you selected it. Second, explain how often you use the item. Now show how your life would differ without the item. (25 pts.)

Homework Pt. 2

• Get some numbers. How many people of households have/use your item?
• How much money is typically spent on the item either to purchase it or to keep it up and running?
• What are the ages of the typical users? Does it matter?
• Are there places in the world that do not have the item? How is life there different from life in the United States?
• Are there dangers associated with the item? What are they?
• Would you be willing to give up the item? Explain.
• Write a summary paragraph of your research. How is it going? What are you finding? Are you surprised by anything? Post in MyCompLab. (25 pts.)

(Many of you still need to get started!)

1. Let's tell stories.
Working with the people at your table, discuss things that have happened when you used the item. Who was there? What was said? Tell what happened! Think of anything exciting, unusual, or unique. Was there something frustrating?  Why were you using the item?  Turn this into a two or three paragraph story.  Recreate the event with your words. Paint the picture. 

2. For homework, write and post the story in MyCompLab. It is due Tuesday.

3. Locate a work of art that features your item. Consider the following:

Looking at Art

• What is the title of the work? How does the title help you to understand the message? What is the message?
• What is the most obvious image in the work. To where is your eye drawn?
• Look at the colors. Are they symbolic? Would the message be different if the colors were different? Explain.
• Study the shading and shadowing. How do these elements impact the overall message?
• Who is the artist? When was the work created? Is the artist's message about a specific event in history? What was going on in the world when the work was created? Is the art universal - speaks to people of all times and in all places, or is it limited to the audience for whom it was created.
• How does the work relate to technological advances in  21st century America?
• How does the work relate you?

Write your responses on paper. It is due before you leave the room today. Add the source information to your EasyBib project.

4. Get ready to write. This is where we are headed. :

Technology – Friend or Foe?

For this essay, you are writing to convince the opposition.  Consider the dangers and advantages of technology. For this essay, you must pick a side. Think of this essay as a debate on paper. You must know what the opposition thinks, but you do not support that point of view.

I.                    Introduction –

a.       Identify the specific technology you will be discussing – cell phone, computer, automobile, dishwasher, microwave, GPS, etc.

b.      Capture the attention of the audience in the normal way with startling statistics, an interesting anecdote, a quotation from an expert, lines from a song or poem, a thought provoking question, etc. In short, make sure that what you say makes the reader want to know more.

c.       In addition, state your thesis – make your point of view clear! (Some of you may be taking a creative approach. See me if this is the case.)

II.                  The body of the paper will do several things –

a.       Convince the reader that their either need or do not need the technology.

b.      Provide a brief history of the specific technology you plan to discuss. What was life like before its invention? When was it invented? How has it evolved? What is its story?

c.       Provide clear evidence to support your point of view. You must have proof from

                                                               i.      At least three experts.

                                                             ii.      A current news source such as a newspaper or magazine article or news cast.

                                                            iii.      An interview with at least one user.

                                                           iv.      A personal anecdote.

v. Lines from literature - poem, short story, or novel

                                                            vi.      Strong statistics from an expert source.

The body of the paper will be several paragraphs in length.

III.                Conclusion –

Wrap it up for the readers. Leave them with a call to action to either give up or get the gadget you are supporting. Be sure they know why they need or do not need one. Consider:

a.       Convenience

b.      Cost

c.       Safety

d.      Environmental impact

e.      Impact on society

Get busy with your research. By Tuesday, know the history of your item. Paraphrase the information in MyCompLab. Cite your source there as well. (15 pts.)