A.L.: Emerson's Aphorisms

Please cite the aphorism that struck you the most in "Self Reliance." Remember, an aphorism is a short statment that expresses wise or clever observations about life. Please elaborate on its meaning and the overall significance and connection to you. Was there anything you disagreed with regarding Emerson's insights? Explain.

Free-For-All: Grammar Girl and Comma Splices

So many people use commas incorrectly. One major problem with end-of-sentence punctuation are comma splices. What is a comma splice, you may ask? Well, listen to this podcast by Grammar Girl. Maybe you always earn a 3 in conventions on your CIM papers and want to bump your score up to a 4. This could be the perfect tool. First, briefly summarize what a comma splice is. Next, point out two things that you have learned from Grammar Girl's podcast. One person commented that this was the most useful tool about comma splices she has ever read. Do you agree?

Note: You will not be able to listen to this at school because the school's website will not allow students to download mp3 files. You'll have to listen to this one at home. If you are just dying to hear it and don't have access at home, you can read her transcript instead.

CPW: Grammar Grater Episode 71: What's Your Function, Again?

Listen to the podcast entitled "Grammar Grater Episode 71: What's Your Function, Again?" Recall a time when your teacher told you never to start a sentence with and or but. Briefly describe the situation. Do you believe your teacher simply did not understand the rule? (Remember, teachers aren't perfect and don't know everything.) Or did your teacher have another reason for teaching you this rule? Make a connection with Luke Taylor's podcast in your argument.

CPW: Grammar Grater Episode 20: Unfinished Business

Listen to the podcast entitled "Grammar Grater Episode 20: Unfinished Business." Do you think that the rule about not ending a sentence with a preposition is old-fashioned? Is this a rule that should be ignored by professors/grammarians? Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Taylor's argument that restructuring the sentence can make the sentence sound "clunky?"

CPW: Grammar Grater Episode 19: Passive Aggressive

Listen to the podcast entitled "Grammar Grater Episode 19: Passive Aggressive." (If you have problems listening, you can read the text.) Summarize Luke Taylor's point. Remembering what we have learned in class about the passive voice, does he have a convincing argument? What are your thoughts on the issue?

CPW: I Wonder as I Wander

In the past ten weeks or so, we have covered a lot of material. What is one thing you feel you have mastered in this time period? What is a specific item that is still perplexing? (We may or may not have covered it.) Make sure to provide a lot of detail.

AL: "Rip Van Winkle" and Battle of the Sexes

Dame Van Winkle is portrayed very poorly. Rip is referred to as a "hen-pecked husband," amongst other things. He always wants to escape her wrath. There seems to be a battle: Rip vs Dame. What movie, television show, or song portrays women in this light or has this same type of battle of the sexes? Clearly explain the comparison.

Additionally, do you think that our society has a double standard for men and women? Watch this YouTube video to see how society views Dame Van Winkle. Is this fair?

AL: "Rip Van Winkle"- Comic Tale?

Above all, "Rip Van Winkle" is regarded as a comic tale. Do you, as a 21st century reader, find the story humourous, or do you think it's too outdated to be funny to us today? Explain your response.

AL:"Rip Van Winkle" Behavior

Some argue that Rip Van Winkle has very adolescent behavior. How might this be true or untrue? Use specific examples from the text.