Source Use Workshopping (30-45 min)

On Blackboard in “Syllabus and Other Course Documentation”, download entitled “Research Project for 11-28.”

Read the draft and rate each source used (all are highlighted) based on how effectively that you think it is used from 1-5. Rate as “5” something that you find to be very effective. Rate as “1” as something that is very ineffective.

“Effective” here can mean something like it is relevant to the argument and moves the argument forward in a given moment in the paper.

Some things that are highlighted are claims that are drawn from the writer’s personal opinions or what the author finds to be common knowledge. Other things are directly from sources cited in the paper.

I do want to add, as I always do when I circulate your writing in class, that I always share writing that I find to be admirable. So don’t feel you are tasked here with tearing down this paper or thinking that I want you all to find lots of faults with it. There are faults, to be sure, like ALL drafts (especially first drafts) and I want us to make comments that push this draft toward a strong revision. However, there’s lots of good things here, too.

Let’s discuss.

Building an Argument Out of Other Arguments (30 min)

After rating the sources use, read the draft again. What is the argument in one sentence? Write that sentence.

What made you write that sentence? What parts of the paper?

Can we push this paper to have a more specific argument?

What about the conclusion, can we push it further by letting it offer a place for readers to extend the conversation further? (e.g., what should be done knowing what we know about this topic written here, what more research is needed, what limitations there are in thinking about this topic, what related things there are that could offer another perspective to think further about).

Your Source Use, Your Argument (20 min)

Send your in-progress draft to a partner. Have them highlight every time you are making a claim based on your own opinion, what is perceived as common knowledge, and a source cited in the paper. Have them also write what they perceived to be your argument in one sentence. Talk about at least one source use that was strong and one source use that could be revised further for each of you. Also discuss your interpretations of your arguments. TAKE NOTES. This will be helpful for your revision.

Next Time (2-5 min)

• Get Assessment Letter submitted by tonight. Let me know if any issues.
• Complete Grade Boost Plan + Sharing Your Writing Survey before class
• Read Final Reflection Assignment Guidelines before class (on Blackboard)
• Have your Thursday-Wednesday Labor Log updated
• Next class: We will talk more about the Blankenship chapter related to organizing your ideas, we will talk about the final reflection assignment, and we will start planning toward getting work done from now until December 20.