Initial Homework Assignments: Leading to Summary Assignment 1

First assignments and initial schedule

Note: Due to Labor Day, we will not meet on 9/1. This means some legwork*.

Week 1: 8/18

First Homework assignment:

1) Actively read Reefer Madness: Intro (p. 1-11) and start “In the Strawberry Fields” pages 77-88. Note: your active reading will be checked off in class and evaluated in Week 2.

2) Autobiography of a reader: Length: Two typed pages

(double-spaced, 12 pt font, 1.25” margins)

Describe your experiences in life relating to reading. Lead up to where you are now from your first exposure to reading. (Did someone first read to you? Who? When/where did you learn how to read? What books have you liked best? What kinds of reading have excited you most?) You may choose to begin this assignment by making a timeline to help you with finding the important dates and moments of your life as far as reading is concerned.

3) Read over this syllabus to see if you have any questions.

Week 2: 8/25

Second Homework Assignment – Due 9/8

Note: due to the Labor Day holiday, we will not have class on 9/1. *It is your responsibility to connect with your peer group during these two weeks for feedback and workshop on your summary assignment.

Note: See attached handout for peer review. 

1) Finish actively reading “Into the Strawberry Fields.” Your active reading will be graded as a quiz score on 9/8 in class. (Scale of 1-10)

2) Graded Writing Assignment #1: Summarize Schlosser’s “Strawberry Fields” section covering as many of the main points, arguments and evidence as you can in 2-3 pages. (Not more than 3.)

Week 3: 9/8

            Collect Graded Assignment 1: Summary (rough draft and final)

Active reading for Strawberry Fields graded: quiz grade.

Further discussion of Summary/Writing process and Schlosser reading.