Week 4 Notes (5th week of class)

Dear Class,

Above, I've posted a map of New Mexico from 1772, and a picture of modern-day Acuma. I look forward to seeing how you respond to Cather's work.

Reflecting on Last Week:

Last week, you did such a nice job analyzing elements of naturalist writing and feminine roles. I was particularly appreciative of the real-life examples you used to demonstrate feminism and gender concerns today, the textual support you used to demonstrate your naturalist claims, and all the lively dialogue that took place in the "Questions for Your Classmates" discussion board and in our Adobe meeting. I'll grade your Week 3 work by Wednesday evening.

 

Looking Forward to Week 4:

• This week, you will need to read a whole book, submit your Essay #1 draft on the Peer Review Discussion Board #1, review some lectures, participate on discussion boards, and submit some work centered on the seven deadly sins.
• Don't sweat the Seven Deadly Sins assignment. If you can't find a specific passage that proves your claim, just describe the event. This assignment should take no more than one hour. Students on campus fill in this worksheet within their one hour of class time. If you want to print out the sheet and just scribble your answers as you read--and then email me a picture of your worksheet--feel free. Your focus this week should be crafting a fantastic draft of Essay 1 and working through the book.
• This week, you will get important advise about how to prepare for your upcoming exam (due at the end of Week 5!) and craft your first major essay (due at the end of Week 6!).
• You have a lot to do now and during the next few weeks. But here is some good news: you may use any of your posts from the first four weeks of class as a springboard for your five-page essay.
• Remember the emails I have sent explaining how to do well on the small writing assignments: I am looking for clear, organized work that fully addresses the prompts posted. Even though this may sound like an annoyance--being graded for how well you write, and how well you develop your arguments--it will help you become stronger writers and it is therefore worth it.

A Final Note:

I am so impressed with your work and wisdom! Thank you for your herculean efforts in our class. I am praying for your success and happiness.

Sincerely,

Sister Bowen