Students, please add your comment or question to this post regarding Prof. Gonzalez's information and inspiring presentation. His presentation offered us a peer into the past and an in-depth view to the birth of the conflict. All posts will receive participation credit.
As recently as 2007, a nationalist political movement/party had gained popularity in Germany. The party contained members who used anti-immigrant rhetoric. Seeing the current global economic crisis, would it be naive to believe that another like situation could happen? What are the signs to prevent this happening again?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Class Room, 12-15-09
Students, please remember that we will meet in Lab Rm. 221 (hallway near the Chemistry Deptartment) today for presentations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Descriptive and Narrative Essay Grades
Students, if I have given you a grade for your description and narrative essays, please bring the folders back to me on Tuesday, December 15th. I need them to record your information.
Thanks!
Prof. Alberdeston
Thanks!
Prof. Alberdeston
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Search engine: Google
For those of you who are having problems with the UPRA Library Database or are simply having a hard time searching for information for your topic:
Click on the link above or pasted below. It will take you to "Google Scholar." This search engine link will weed out any junk websites and lead you to verifiable sources such as newspaper and journal articles.
Click on the link above or pasted below. It will take you to "Google Scholar." This search engine link will weed out any junk websites and lead you to verifiable sources such as newspaper and journal articles.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Saturday class!
Students of 3103-MB5 and 3103-ME-5:
I will available tomorrow in Lab Room 221 (on the second floor, the hallways adjacent to the Chemistry Department). I will be there during the hours of 9 - 10 am and 10 - 11 am.
Students who attend a "help session" will receive 5 points extra credit on their participation grade at the end of the semester.
Prof. Alberdeston
I will available tomorrow in Lab Room 221 (on the second floor, the hallways adjacent to the Chemistry Department). I will be there during the hours of 9 - 10 am and 10 - 11 am.
Students who attend a "help session" will receive 5 points extra credit on their participation grade at the end of the semester.
Prof. Alberdeston
Thursday, December 3, 2009
TUESDAY DEC. 8TH ROOM CHANGE FOR STUDENTS OF 3103-ME5, 11:30 - 1 PM CLASS ONLY!
3103- ME-5 STUDENTS ONLY: WE WILL MEET IN FRONT OF TITULO V AT 11:30 AM ON TUESDAY DEC 8TH.
Weekend Assignment for ALL 3103 classes
Find the ethos, pathos, and logos aspects or backgrounds of your position. Assignments should be typed and ready to turn in Tuesday, Dec. 8th, without fail.
Read Chapter 9, "On Using Argument" in your Short Takes text (either edition.) Focus on the "Useful Terms" and the "Pointers for Using Argument" sections.
We will discuss the terms in class on Tuesday and you will begin to write your outline of your essay in class.
The work you do at home should include: online research on your topic and clustering or brainstorming. ALL DRAFTS of the TEXT MUST be done IN CLASS.
Read Chapter 9, "On Using Argument" in your Short Takes text (either edition.) Focus on the "Useful Terms" and the "Pointers for Using Argument" sections.
We will discuss the terms in class on Tuesday and you will begin to write your outline of your essay in class.
The work you do at home should include: online research on your topic and clustering or brainstorming. ALL DRAFTS of the TEXT MUST be done IN CLASS.
Short Takes Textbook
Students, please bring your Short Takes text book to class for continued discussion of the Argumentative Essay.
Ways to Think about Your Arguable Topic
Topos or topoi (plural): Greek: a traditional or conventional literary or rhetorical theme or topic.
Rhetorical questions provide ways to look at your arguable issue instictually, using multi-layered perspectives. In these questions, you hope to discover the "relationship of ideas".
Rhetorical Questions:
Common Ground: What commonalities do the opposing sides of the issue share?
Values: what the ethical questions or issues?
Comparison-Contrasts: What are analogies can the author draw with other issues or topics? What contrasts or differences can be found to help illustrate the issue?
Surface and Depth: Surface: What is happening on the surface of the issue? What is obvious or known about the topic? Depth: What are the underlying or hidden problems, questions or contexts?
End results: What is the resolution? How could the issue be resolved?
http://rhetoric.byu.edu/Canons/Invention/TOPICS%20OF%20INVENTION/Topics.htm
Rhetorical questions provide ways to look at your arguable issue instictually, using multi-layered perspectives. In these questions, you hope to discover the "relationship of ideas".
Rhetorical Questions:
Common Ground: What commonalities do the opposing sides of the issue share?
Values: what the ethical questions or issues?
Comparison-Contrasts: What are analogies can the author draw with other issues or topics? What contrasts or differences can be found to help illustrate the issue?
Surface and Depth: Surface: What is happening on the surface of the issue? What is obvious or known about the topic? Depth: What are the underlying or hidden problems, questions or contexts?
End results: What is the resolution? How could the issue be resolved?
http://rhetoric.byu.edu/Canons/Invention/TOPICS%20OF%20INVENTION/Topics.htm
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Assignments for Thursday, December 3
FOR STUDENTS OF 3103, MB5 -- 8:30 am to 10 am:
ASSIGNMENT: RESEARCH YOUR ARGUABLE TOPIC. FIND TWO OR THREE SOURCES FROM THE UPRA LIBRARY ONLINE DATABASE. YOUR ARTICLES SHOULD COME FROM MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS, JOURNALS, AND BOOK CHAPTERS. PLEASE DO NOT USE GOOGLE, WIKIPEDIA OR ANY OTHER SEARCH ENGINE, AS THE INFORMATION IN THOSE SOURCES CANNOT BE VERIFIED.
_______________________________
FOR STUDENTS OF 3103-ME 5, 11:30 am - 1 pm:
ASSIGNMENT: STUDENTS MUST HAVE AN ARGUABLE TOPIC OR HOT ISSUE TO DISCUSS IN CLASS. YOU MUST HAVE A POSITION ON THIS ISSUE.
THIS ASSIGNMENT IS FOR STUDENTS OF 3103-ME5 ONLY!!!! I LISTED POSSIBLE TOPICS IN AN EARLIER POST. PLEASE PERUSE THE LIST AND THINK OF ANY ADDITIONAL TOPICS YOU MIGHT HAVE IN MIND.
ASSIGNMENT: RESEARCH YOUR ARGUABLE TOPIC. FIND TWO OR THREE SOURCES FROM THE UPRA LIBRARY ONLINE DATABASE. YOUR ARTICLES SHOULD COME FROM MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS, JOURNALS, AND BOOK CHAPTERS. PLEASE DO NOT USE GOOGLE, WIKIPEDIA OR ANY OTHER SEARCH ENGINE, AS THE INFORMATION IN THOSE SOURCES CANNOT BE VERIFIED.
_______________________________
FOR STUDENTS OF 3103-ME 5, 11:30 am - 1 pm:
ASSIGNMENT: STUDENTS MUST HAVE AN ARGUABLE TOPIC OR HOT ISSUE TO DISCUSS IN CLASS. YOU MUST HAVE A POSITION ON THIS ISSUE.
THIS ASSIGNMENT IS FOR STUDENTS OF 3103-ME5 ONLY!!!! I LISTED POSSIBLE TOPICS IN AN EARLIER POST. PLEASE PERUSE THE LIST AND THINK OF ANY ADDITIONAL TOPICS YOU MIGHT HAVE IN MIND.
Monday, November 30, 2009
9 STEPS TO AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Argumentative essay topics should be HOT topics or topics in which there are two sides or positions presented.
ARGUABLE TOPIC
CLAIM
REASONS
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
COUNTERARGUMENT
REFUTATION
CONCLUSION
RESTATED CLAIM
INSIGHT, MORAL STATEMENT
1. Examples of HOT topics: abortion, capital punishment, island statehood vs. independence, legal drinking ages, gay marriage, women in the priesthood,
2. The thesis statement in an argumentative essay is called a CLAIM.
3. The CLAIM presents the writer's POSITION on an issue. A CLAIM cannot be a fact; it must be an arguable POSITION.
4. CLAIMS must be supported by reasons and facts. A CLAIM cannot be based solely on the writer's opinion.
5. The writer supports his argument with REASONS why his CLAIM has a valid viewpoint.
6. The REASONS are supported by SUPPORTING EVIDENCE: explanation, examples, facts, anecdotal information, statistics, and quotes.
7. After the reasons are argued, the next step is to provide COUNTERARGUMENT. The COUNTERARGUMENT is a statement which represents the topic's OPPOSING VIEWPOINT (the other side's POSITION on the topic.) The COUNTERARGUMENT informs the reader that the writer is informed of all aspects of the topic.
8. The writer then argues against the COUNTERARGUMENT by presenting a REFUTATION. the REFUTATION is a statement which refutes or disproves the COUNTERARGUMENT. REFUTATIONS must use transitional words or phrases so that the reader understands there is a contrast in opinion.
9. In the CONCLUSION, the writer presents the RESTATED CLAIM and a MORAL STATEMENT OR INSIGHT which lets the reader know the importance of the topic in the reader's life.
ARGUABLE TOPIC
CLAIM
REASONS
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
COUNTERARGUMENT
REFUTATION
CONCLUSION
RESTATED CLAIM
INSIGHT, MORAL STATEMENT
1. Examples of HOT topics: abortion, capital punishment, island statehood vs. independence, legal drinking ages, gay marriage, women in the priesthood,
2. The thesis statement in an argumentative essay is called a CLAIM.
3. The CLAIM presents the writer's POSITION on an issue. A CLAIM cannot be a fact; it must be an arguable POSITION.
4. CLAIMS must be supported by reasons and facts. A CLAIM cannot be based solely on the writer's opinion.
5. The writer supports his argument with REASONS why his CLAIM has a valid viewpoint.
6. The REASONS are supported by SUPPORTING EVIDENCE: explanation, examples, facts, anecdotal information, statistics, and quotes.
7. After the reasons are argued, the next step is to provide COUNTERARGUMENT. The COUNTERARGUMENT is a statement which represents the topic's OPPOSING VIEWPOINT (the other side's POSITION on the topic.) The COUNTERARGUMENT informs the reader that the writer is informed of all aspects of the topic.
8. The writer then argues against the COUNTERARGUMENT by presenting a REFUTATION. the REFUTATION is a statement which refutes or disproves the COUNTERARGUMENT. REFUTATIONS must use transitional words or phrases so that the reader understands there is a contrast in opinion.
9. In the CONCLUSION, the writer presents the RESTATED CLAIM and a MORAL STATEMENT OR INSIGHT which lets the reader know the importance of the topic in the reader's life.
Possible HOT Topics
1) Young women under 17 should be / should not be able to have cosmetic surgery, such as breast augmentation.
2) Gay marriage in Puerto Rico should be/ should not be legalized.
3) The Catholic Church should / should not permit women in the priesthood.
4) Marijuana use should be/ should not be legalized.
5) The legal drinking age in Puerto Rico should be raised to 21.
6) Smoking cigarettes should / should not be allowed in restuarants and bars on the island.
7) Cockfighting in Puerto Rico is a cultural tradition of the island and should continue.
8) Cockfighting in Puerto Rico demonstrates cruelty to animals and should be a criminal act.
9) Convicted child molesters should be / should not be castrated.
10) Violent video games, such as Grand Theft Auto, are / are not responsible for youth violence.
11) The United States Government should / should not continue its military exercises in Afghanistan.
If you have any additional topics you think are arguable topics, please let me know.
2) Gay marriage in Puerto Rico should be/ should not be legalized.
3) The Catholic Church should / should not permit women in the priesthood.
4) Marijuana use should be/ should not be legalized.
5) The legal drinking age in Puerto Rico should be raised to 21.
6) Smoking cigarettes should / should not be allowed in restuarants and bars on the island.
7) Cockfighting in Puerto Rico is a cultural tradition of the island and should continue.
8) Cockfighting in Puerto Rico demonstrates cruelty to animals and should be a criminal act.
9) Convicted child molesters should be / should not be castrated.
10) Violent video games, such as Grand Theft Auto, are / are not responsible for youth violence.
11) The United States Government should / should not continue its military exercises in Afghanistan.
If you have any additional topics you think are arguable topics, please let me know.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Reading Assignments for Oct 29th Discussion
Reading Assigment (you'll find the readings in either text):
Chapter 2, On Using Narration
Essay I: Learning, Then College
Essay II: The Night of Oranges
Please bring your texts to class on Thursday.
Writing Assignment:
For 3103-MB5: Bring to class an idea for a narrative essay; a first time or monumental event in your life or the life of a loved one. Your event should have some element of conflict.
For 3103-ME5: Bring to class your cluster topic and your free-writing exercise.
Chapter 2, On Using Narration
Essay I: Learning, Then College
Essay II: The Night of Oranges
Please bring your texts to class on Thursday.
Writing Assignment:
For 3103-MB5: Bring to class an idea for a narrative essay; a first time or monumental event in your life or the life of a loved one. Your event should have some element of conflict.
For 3103-ME5: Bring to class your cluster topic and your free-writing exercise.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
ESSAY ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES
WHAT YOU MUST TURN IN:
You must turn in your essay using the following format. All credited work must have the professor's initials and date on it. The essay and its parts are worth 100 points:
1) In-class Cluster or Brainstorming exercise (10 points)
2) Outline (10) points
3) First body paragraph (10 points)
4) Draft of essay (50 points)
5) Typed draft of essay: 20 points
6) Evaluation sheet (evaluation sheets will be provided)
Your essay and its parts must be enclosed in a two-pocket folder.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR ESSAY'S CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION:
One of the most important aspects of writing an academic essay is the critical analysis, development, and evaluation of your topic.
Hook/Motivation: These three sentences should work to attract your reader and get them interested in your topic.
Thesis statement: The essay's logic is found in its thesis - your reader should be able to follow the thesis all the way through the body paragraphs to the conclusion.
Subtopics and supporting details: The development of your topic exists in the body paragraphs, in which you provide proof or you support your thesis statement using explanation, examples, facts, statistics, data, anecdotes, quotes, and/or historical background. You must ask yourself if you have developed your topic clearly and intelligently.
Transitional phrases or words: You should remember to use transitions in your essays, between paragraphs and between sentences to show the reader you are taking them from one idea to another or expanding on an idea. Examples of transitions are: such as, for instance, for example, however, therefore, in contrast, additionally, etc.
For more information on transitions, go the following weblink:
http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/trans1.html
Conclusion: Your conclusion is made up of two parts: the restated thesis and the insight. The restated thesis is important because it reminds the reader of the essay's purpose. Like a summary, it must be paraphrased or rewritten, using new words to repeat the same idea. Remember: a restated thesis never repeats the same language as your thesis statement.
Because the insight is the final sentence of the essay, it should leave your reader with a lingering and powerful perspective of your topic. Many writers use proverbs or saysings to close their essays. Some writers offer an insight into the future of the topic. The insight should not, however, offer new or contradictory information on the topic. It should still be relevant to the main idea. Like the hook or the motivation, the insight is used to keep your critical evaluation of the topic in the reader's mind for a very long time.
You must turn in your essay using the following format. All credited work must have the professor's initials and date on it. The essay and its parts are worth 100 points:
1) In-class Cluster or Brainstorming exercise (10 points)
2) Outline (10) points
3) First body paragraph (10 points)
4) Draft of essay (50 points)
5) Typed draft of essay: 20 points
6) Evaluation sheet (evaluation sheets will be provided)
Your essay and its parts must be enclosed in a two-pocket folder.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR ESSAY'S CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION:
One of the most important aspects of writing an academic essay is the critical analysis, development, and evaluation of your topic.
Hook/Motivation: These three sentences should work to attract your reader and get them interested in your topic.
Thesis statement: The essay's logic is found in its thesis - your reader should be able to follow the thesis all the way through the body paragraphs to the conclusion.
Subtopics and supporting details: The development of your topic exists in the body paragraphs, in which you provide proof or you support your thesis statement using explanation, examples, facts, statistics, data, anecdotes, quotes, and/or historical background. You must ask yourself if you have developed your topic clearly and intelligently.
Transitional phrases or words: You should remember to use transitions in your essays, between paragraphs and between sentences to show the reader you are taking them from one idea to another or expanding on an idea. Examples of transitions are: such as, for instance, for example, however, therefore, in contrast, additionally, etc.
For more information on transitions, go the following weblink:
http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/trans1.html
Conclusion: Your conclusion is made up of two parts: the restated thesis and the insight. The restated thesis is important because it reminds the reader of the essay's purpose. Like a summary, it must be paraphrased or rewritten, using new words to repeat the same idea. Remember: a restated thesis never repeats the same language as your thesis statement.
Because the insight is the final sentence of the essay, it should leave your reader with a lingering and powerful perspective of your topic. Many writers use proverbs or saysings to close their essays. Some writers offer an insight into the future of the topic. The insight should not, however, offer new or contradictory information on the topic. It should still be relevant to the main idea. Like the hook or the motivation, the insight is used to keep your critical evaluation of the topic in the reader's mind for a very long time.
End of October and Beginning of November Schedule
Tuesday, October 20: Continue in-class work on draft of essay.
Thursday, October 22: Complete draft essay and discuss with professor.
Tuesday, October 27: Final essay due date. Turn essay in to professor, according to guidelines (guidelines listed in second blog post.)
Thursday, October 29: Begin discussion of Narrative essay pattern. Students should bring Short Takes text to class for discussion. Readings will be assigned.
Tuesday, November 3: Essay I will be returned. Essays must be revised. Revisions will be due on November 10. Continued discussion of narrative pattern. Exercise handouts will be provided to expand on discussion of the narrative pattern.
Thursday, November 5: Begin in-class, pre-writing exercises on narrative pattern.
Tuesday, November 10: Begin drafting outline and first body paragraph of narrative pattern.
Thursday, November 12: COntinued draft of narrative essay.
Tuesday, November 17: Narrative essay due, according guidelines.
Students must visit my office during office hours to discuss their essays. During these visits, students should have questions in mind to ask me regarding their draft essays. Questions concerning organization, content, thesis, vocabulary and grammar are expected; however, any question about the writing process and experience is welcomed. If you have a scheduling conflict, I can try to make an appointment for another time.
Thursday, October 22: Complete draft essay and discuss with professor.
Tuesday, October 27: Final essay due date. Turn essay in to professor, according to guidelines (guidelines listed in second blog post.)
Thursday, October 29: Begin discussion of Narrative essay pattern. Students should bring Short Takes text to class for discussion. Readings will be assigned.
Tuesday, November 3: Essay I will be returned. Essays must be revised. Revisions will be due on November 10. Continued discussion of narrative pattern. Exercise handouts will be provided to expand on discussion of the narrative pattern.
Thursday, November 5: Begin in-class, pre-writing exercises on narrative pattern.
Tuesday, November 10: Begin drafting outline and first body paragraph of narrative pattern.
Thursday, November 12: COntinued draft of narrative essay.
Tuesday, November 17: Narrative essay due, according guidelines.
Students must visit my office during office hours to discuss their essays. During these visits, students should have questions in mind to ask me regarding their draft essays. Questions concerning organization, content, thesis, vocabulary and grammar are expected; however, any question about the writing process and experience is welcomed. If you have a scheduling conflict, I can try to make an appointment for another time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)