This class is really awesome. I'm not sure what everyone else was expecting, but I was expecting boring readings, boring papers and boring lectures... I guess that is what the name "Issues in Composition" conjured up in my mind. I was pleasantly surprised to learn just the opposite... the readings are actually not boring and the class discussions are always interesting. The class seems to be getting into that comfort zone of being able to speak up without feeling awkward - we all know it is safe to voice our opinions without being ridiculed. Some teachers shove their opinions down your throat... but not Garrison... he actually jots down little notes of interesting things we say (I think he is going to sneak the comments into his dissertation - ha ha) Anyway... love the class.
As I mentioned in a previous blog, this class will give me great insight on how to make writing appeal to teenagers. I know reading and writing leaves a bad taste in some teens' mouths... but I am pretty sure after this class, I will be able to change some of their opinions... and how will I do that??? Yep - the art of persuasion!! I am learning so much about how truly manipulative people can be!! When you take this class, it seems to sharpen your (excuse my language) bullshit radar. Its almost like some people become transparent and you know instantly what their motives are! (My boss for instance) Not that persuading people is always a bad thing because it isn't... I was just using that as an example.
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I agree that the readings are a lot more interesting than what I was expecting for this class. I was also expecting to be writing a ton of long papers, but I definitely enjoy class discussions instead.
ReplyDeleteYea I was pleasantly surprised that the readings are all really interesting... And your "bullshit radar" comment is really true. I'm not sure how this point of view, im referring to all language being persuasive, is effecting my relationships but I know its had alot of influence.
ReplyDeletehaha, great post. I think that this class will be very useful to in trying to get our future students to read and write. The hardest part is getting their attention. However, start with an article on cannibalism, and you just might get that accomplished...
ReplyDeleteI agree that reading and writing tends to leave a bad taste in the mouth, too. Like you, I hope that i may become better at it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I definately think that this class will help us get ideas of the kind of things that we can have students read in order to grab their interest. I also definately agree with your "bullshit radar" comment. It is amazing how different people seem when you really listening to what they are saying.
ReplyDeletelol... bs radar. New terminology for the 21st Century rather than the old Greek terms.
ReplyDeleteOh, and sneaking comments into my disseration. Why hadn't I thought of that before?
haha great post! I agree that what we are learning in this class will help us get our students interested in composition. The class has definately made it more appealing to me!
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