Update May 8

We are continuing to watch the tv series based on McCullough's book John Adams. We are skipping a few scenes in the film which contain moments of nudity.  Meanwhile, students should continue to read John Adams, searching for clues that will help them on the final exam essay question: What do you learn from John and Abigail Adams about what it means to be a Christian citizen?

Homework:
Read through page 144 in John Adams.

Update May 5

No new homework.

Today we had a guest teacher who taught about the differences between classical and Rogerian argument.

Update May 2

Today we worked on the final essay question regarding how Christians approach argument. We subdivided the topic into the following:
1) tactics
2) topics
3) purpose
4) assumptions

We also raised these questions:
1) What role does faith play in argument?
2) What kind of evidence does a Christian use in argument?
3) How does a Christian communicate with a secular world?
4) When is scriptural and prophetic evidence appropriate and helpful?

Homework:
Please read through page 93 of John Adams.

Update April 30

We discussed the final exam (see separate post). Students should begin preparing now for the exam. They may write the mini-essays ahead of time and seek feedback. In class over the next couple of weeks we will be focusing our discussions on the essay topics. Today we addressed the question of What is argument?

Homework:
Read John Adams through page 59.

Final Exam

Please compose a series of five mini-essays reflecting on each of the following questions. In responding to them, review all that you have learned this year about rhetoric. You will want to review the class syllabus (see attached) and your notes.

·         What is argument? What are the resources of language and how do they contribute to argument?

·         In what ways does a Christian argue differently?

·         Which arguments from our readings this year have been most meaningful to you? Why? What have you learned from them about argument?

·         What have you learned from John and Abigail Adams about what it means to be a Christian citizen?

·         How do you envision yourself using what you have learned about argument this year to further God’s work in your life? What are you willing to do right now in your life to pledge your allegiance to God and country?

On the days of the final exam, May 20-21, please be prepared to present for 2 minutes on the most important insights you gained from writing the essays.

 

Essay Grading Criteria

Depth & Density—Your ideas should reflect depth and density of thought and ideas.

Artful expression—You should demonstrate your ability to draw on the resources of language (i.e., organization, syntax, diction, imagery, tropes, appeals) to effectively and artfully communicate your witness of truth.

Evidence—Your essays should balance abstract ideas with concrete examples and evidence. When appropriate, use the four-part evidence analysis format.

Open-heartedness—Your essays should reveal sincere and personal reflection on your learning and your life. Remember, “out of the abundance of the heart” the pen writeth.

Technical Accuracy—Your essays should be grammatically clean. Each essay should also meet the length requirement of 300-500 words. Essays should be typed and in MLA format. Sources should be cited appropriately.

Update April 28

Students wrote final reflections on Uncle Tom's Cabin, including Stowe's concluding remarks. All personal reflections and word webs will be collected in class tomorrow.

The following page numbers reflect reading assignments for which journals are needed:

• 35
• 53
• 73
• 93
• 113
• 133
• 153
• 173
• 193
• 202
• 218
• 236
• 257
• 276
• 289
• 305
• 379

The last five will be collected tomorrow.

Homework: In class we also began reading John Adams (McCullough). Please read through page 35 by tomorrow.

Update April 23

Today and tomorrow we are having independent reading time. Students need to finish reading Uncle Tom Cabin by Monday.