Remind you of anything you have read?

Check out this review of a new memoir :)

Subculture Proposal

This post should be at least one significant paragraph in length. It should include, at the very least, the following information:

1. A brief description of the subculture.

2. A brief rationale for why you are choosing this subculture. Why is it interesting to you?

3. Details regarding when, where, how often, and for how long this subculture meets. You also need to state exactly when (dates and times) you plan on observing this group.

4. Reassurance that you have received your parents' permission to observe this group. If your observation of the subculture will be conspicuous, you also need permission from at least one member of the subculture.

5. Questions you have about the subculture that you will attempt to answer. You should aim to have at least 7 insightful, thoughtful questions.

This assignment will be due Monday. It will be worth 20 points. 10 points will be awarded if all of the above information is provided thoroughly and thoughtfully. 10 points will be awarded for how well it is written (accurate diction, clear and concise writing, correct grammar, attention to top ten items, etc.).

List of 10 Possible Subculture Subjects

A few suggestions...

1. The more specific and regimented and personalized the subculture, the better. The more material your observations garner, the better.

2. Read over the lists of your classmates. Choose subjects they haven't come up with. Be original.

3. Choose subcultures you genuinely want to learn about. Your interest will come through in your writing.

This post is due by the beginning of class on Day 3 this week.

John Grisham on Writing

In today's NYTimes, John Grisham reflects back on the jobs that preceded his fame as an author. I found the entire OpEd interesting, but I especially appreciated his closing paragraph:

I had never worked so hard in my life, nor imagined that writing could be such an effort. It was more difficult than laying asphalt, and at times more frustrating than selling underwear. But it paid off. Eventually, I was able to leave the law and quit politics. Writing’s still the most difficult job I’ve ever had — but it’s worth it.

To check out the entire essay, go here.