Special Quests and Adventures!
This page explains the detailed instructions on how to engage with special quests and adventures. The dates that are listed are the dates in which the quest or adventure is due.
Tuesday, Aug 23
"My Identity"
After reading Drexler's article, "What Your Selfies Say About You," I want you to think critically about your public and private image. Gamers, except in rare cases, are represented by an avatar, or alternate appearance. Being represented by an avatar can be empowering in different situations. An avatar can give you the sense of fitting in, acceptance, power, authority, and privilege. We are always critical of our physical appearance, as well as the mental image we have of ourselves and others. For the purposes of this the Rhetorical Inn, you will be creating an avatar and handle (name).
With this being a composition class, I strongly urge you to consider how you want to be represented in this space. Do you want to hand draw your avatar? Do you want to go to an avatar creator and make your digital self? Would you rather find an image online? All of these options are acceptable. Think critically about what your persona will be in this course. Along with your image, come up with a handle/gamertag/forum name (whatever you like to call it) to accompany you for this semester.
After you create your avatar and handle, take a selfie and upload both images side-by-side in a GoogleDoc, then answer the following questions:
1. Why did you choose the avatar that you did? What was the process in its creation/selection?
2. Comparing the selfie and the avatar, what do the two images say about you as a person? As a student? As a gamer? As a human being?
3. What is the story behind the handle you chose? Why did you craft it in such a way?
4. What specialization are you choosing and why?
Answer all of these questions in paragraph form. Each number should get at least a two sentence response. Use this personal writing as a way to reflect on yourself and your public image. You can write the minimum (at least 300 words) or you can write three pages. Whatever you write me, I will read.
After you answer everything in your GoogleDoc, title it "Last Name - Avatar Name - My Identity" and place it in "My Identity" folder under "Special Quests/Adventures."
After reading Drexler's article, "What Your Selfies Say About You," I want you to think critically about your public and private image. Gamers, except in rare cases, are represented by an avatar, or alternate appearance. Being represented by an avatar can be empowering in different situations. An avatar can give you the sense of fitting in, acceptance, power, authority, and privilege. We are always critical of our physical appearance, as well as the mental image we have of ourselves and others. For the purposes of this the Rhetorical Inn, you will be creating an avatar and handle (name).
With this being a composition class, I strongly urge you to consider how you want to be represented in this space. Do you want to hand draw your avatar? Do you want to go to an avatar creator and make your digital self? Would you rather find an image online? All of these options are acceptable. Think critically about what your persona will be in this course. Along with your image, come up with a handle/gamertag/forum name (whatever you like to call it) to accompany you for this semester.
After you create your avatar and handle, take a selfie and upload both images side-by-side in a GoogleDoc, then answer the following questions:
1. Why did you choose the avatar that you did? What was the process in its creation/selection?
2. Comparing the selfie and the avatar, what do the two images say about you as a person? As a student? As a gamer? As a human being?
3. What is the story behind the handle you chose? Why did you craft it in such a way?
4. What specialization are you choosing and why?
Answer all of these questions in paragraph form. Each number should get at least a two sentence response. Use this personal writing as a way to reflect on yourself and your public image. You can write the minimum (at least 300 words) or you can write three pages. Whatever you write me, I will read.
After you answer everything in your GoogleDoc, title it "Last Name - Avatar Name - My Identity" and place it in "My Identity" folder under "Special Quests/Adventures."
"Instructor Bio Revision"
Sometimes it is difficult to meet new people. Unlike a character in a book, movie, or game, we aren't privileged the background information that makes the person relatable. Especially with individuals of authority, it is easy to see them in their position instead of as a person. In a lighthearted way of getting to know one another, I have uploaded a short biography of myself that is open for revision. You can change whatever you like, as long as it has not already been changed. Each player will change two details and change the color of their change to red (either font or highlight).
With the changes in mind, I want to reiterate a policy of the classroom. I have very thick skin and appreciate a good laugh, even at my own expense. However, if you write something that you think may be offensive to another player, please reconsider your edit. You can call attention to my physical appearance, gender, beliefs, etc., but do remember that some edits, even in the spirit of humor, can be highly offensive to others. Please keep this in mind when making your edits.
The file is in the folder, "Instructor Bio Revision." Make sure you click into the document and make your edit. DO NOT DELETE THE DOCUMENT or start your own document. Please have this done by Monday night, so I can print it out and read it to the class on Tuesday.
Sometimes it is difficult to meet new people. Unlike a character in a book, movie, or game, we aren't privileged the background information that makes the person relatable. Especially with individuals of authority, it is easy to see them in their position instead of as a person. In a lighthearted way of getting to know one another, I have uploaded a short biography of myself that is open for revision. You can change whatever you like, as long as it has not already been changed. Each player will change two details and change the color of their change to red (either font or highlight).
With the changes in mind, I want to reiterate a policy of the classroom. I have very thick skin and appreciate a good laugh, even at my own expense. However, if you write something that you think may be offensive to another player, please reconsider your edit. You can call attention to my physical appearance, gender, beliefs, etc., but do remember that some edits, even in the spirit of humor, can be highly offensive to others. Please keep this in mind when making your edits.
The file is in the folder, "Instructor Bio Revision." Make sure you click into the document and make your edit. DO NOT DELETE THE DOCUMENT or start your own document. Please have this done by Monday night, so I can print it out and read it to the class on Tuesday.
Tuesday, Aug 30
"For Your Audience (Rhetorically Speaking)"
“Choosing how to express your meaning is every bit as important as the message itself, which is really what rhetoric is. Every time you go to write anything (and every time you open your mouth), whether actively conscious of the purpose or not, you are making decisions about which words to use and what tone to establish as you order your thoughts based upon what is appropriate for your intended audience in that context.” (87)
For this assignment, you are to interact with Janet Boyd’s article, “Murder! (Rhetorically Speaking)” (found under Quest Items)with certain prompts which will enhance your understanding of rhetoric and genre. It is important that you read the entire article, instead of just flipping to the activities. The article gives you great detail as to what rhetoric is and the components that make it up. (I highly recommend that you take notes of the different terms she goes over, since we will be using them for the rest of the semester.) Remember, all classes must do all four prompts, but there are extra requirements for a prompt based off of your class.
The “Five Facts” of the Scene
Who: Mark Smith
What: Murdered
Where: Parking Garage
When: June 6, 2010; 10:37pm
How: Multiple stab wounds
Prompt 1: (Page 88)
Using the five facts, create a police report as if you were a detective. You are using the facts above, but you need to fill in the specific details of the scene. Be mindful that you are writing in the “police report” genre. Police reports are very specific, detailed, and to the point. Your audience is your superiors in the office, lawyers, jury, judge, and potentially the media. What do you write to fully explain the scene?
(If you are a RANGER, you are required to find a police report template [google police report template], and write your detailed police report in this way.)
Prompt 2: (Page 91)
Again, using the five facts, you are now to write a coroner’s report of the body. Even though you are writing a different report, your audience is the same as the detective report. Keep diction (word choice) in mind. What do you see? Again, very detail oriented and to the point.
(If you are a MAGE, you are required to create a "medical examiner's report" [google for template], and fill it out accordingly.)
Prompt 3: (Page 94)
Using the information you have already used for Mark Smith, you are to create a short eulogy, or a speech of remembrance. You can decide who your audience is. Is it those at the funeral home? Is this going to be more of an obituary? What details will you choose to include? What do you want to say?
(If you are a BARD, you are required to write at least 300 words for the eulogy. This should be thoughtful, detailed, and creative.)
Prompt 4: (Page 97)
After the investigation, coroner’s report, and eulogy, you should have a good understanding of Mark Smith. Now you are faced with his killer and all eyes are on you; Mark Smith’s lawyer. You need to give your closing argument to the jury which will deliver the verdict, so what do you say?
(If you are the Warrior, you are required to write a compelling closing argument of a minimum 400 words.)
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "For Your Audience (Rhetorically Speaking)" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - For Your Audience." Good luck, and have fun!
“Choosing how to express your meaning is every bit as important as the message itself, which is really what rhetoric is. Every time you go to write anything (and every time you open your mouth), whether actively conscious of the purpose or not, you are making decisions about which words to use and what tone to establish as you order your thoughts based upon what is appropriate for your intended audience in that context.” (87)
For this assignment, you are to interact with Janet Boyd’s article, “Murder! (Rhetorically Speaking)” (found under Quest Items)with certain prompts which will enhance your understanding of rhetoric and genre. It is important that you read the entire article, instead of just flipping to the activities. The article gives you great detail as to what rhetoric is and the components that make it up. (I highly recommend that you take notes of the different terms she goes over, since we will be using them for the rest of the semester.) Remember, all classes must do all four prompts, but there are extra requirements for a prompt based off of your class.
The “Five Facts” of the Scene
Who: Mark Smith
What: Murdered
Where: Parking Garage
When: June 6, 2010; 10:37pm
How: Multiple stab wounds
Prompt 1: (Page 88)
Using the five facts, create a police report as if you were a detective. You are using the facts above, but you need to fill in the specific details of the scene. Be mindful that you are writing in the “police report” genre. Police reports are very specific, detailed, and to the point. Your audience is your superiors in the office, lawyers, jury, judge, and potentially the media. What do you write to fully explain the scene?
(If you are a RANGER, you are required to find a police report template [google police report template], and write your detailed police report in this way.)
Prompt 2: (Page 91)
Again, using the five facts, you are now to write a coroner’s report of the body. Even though you are writing a different report, your audience is the same as the detective report. Keep diction (word choice) in mind. What do you see? Again, very detail oriented and to the point.
(If you are a MAGE, you are required to create a "medical examiner's report" [google for template], and fill it out accordingly.)
Prompt 3: (Page 94)
Using the information you have already used for Mark Smith, you are to create a short eulogy, or a speech of remembrance. You can decide who your audience is. Is it those at the funeral home? Is this going to be more of an obituary? What details will you choose to include? What do you want to say?
(If you are a BARD, you are required to write at least 300 words for the eulogy. This should be thoughtful, detailed, and creative.)
Prompt 4: (Page 97)
After the investigation, coroner’s report, and eulogy, you should have a good understanding of Mark Smith. Now you are faced with his killer and all eyes are on you; Mark Smith’s lawyer. You need to give your closing argument to the jury which will deliver the verdict, so what do you say?
(If you are the Warrior, you are required to write a compelling closing argument of a minimum 400 words.)
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "For Your Audience (Rhetorically Speaking)" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - For Your Audience." Good luck, and have fun!
Tuesday, Sep 6
"Olive Arguments"
Now that we have discussed the fundamentals of research arguments, you are ready for your next adventure. Go to the “Quest Items” portal and choose either the “Televangelists” or “Dr. Oz and Nutritional Supplements” skit by John Oliver. Both are well-researched arguments and try to give the most information possible on the topic at hand. Once you have watched one of the videos all the way through, do the following:
Rangers: Google and find at least two articles that mention this episode. Read through them and write a 150-250 word response. What sides did they take? What change is being brought about, if any? What other information was brought up?
Mage: Create a web of the arguments and sources. What groups did he mention? Where did he get his information? What was backed up and what wasn’t? Do any arguments extend to one another or were they solitary arguments? (Use GoogleDraw)
Bard: Write a poem, rap, song, or “eulogy/ode” to the issue. Based on the change that Oliver proposes—and assume it happened—write a (1 ½ minute) creative piece in response. Try to summon as much pathos as possible.
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "Olive Arguments" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - Olive Arguments." Good luck, and have fun!
Now that we have discussed the fundamentals of research arguments, you are ready for your next adventure. Go to the “Quest Items” portal and choose either the “Televangelists” or “Dr. Oz and Nutritional Supplements” skit by John Oliver. Both are well-researched arguments and try to give the most information possible on the topic at hand. Once you have watched one of the videos all the way through, do the following:
- Using the rhetorical principles and fallacies that we have discussed, write at least 250 words analyzing his argument. Remember to discuss ethos, pathos, logos, and Kairos (at the very least).
- (Depending on your specialization)
Rangers: Google and find at least two articles that mention this episode. Read through them and write a 150-250 word response. What sides did they take? What change is being brought about, if any? What other information was brought up?
Mage: Create a web of the arguments and sources. What groups did he mention? Where did he get his information? What was backed up and what wasn’t? Do any arguments extend to one another or were they solitary arguments? (Use GoogleDraw)
Bard: Write a poem, rap, song, or “eulogy/ode” to the issue. Based on the change that Oliver proposes—and assume it happened—write a (1 ½ minute) creative piece in response. Try to summon as much pathos as possible.
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "Olive Arguments" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - Olive Arguments." Good luck, and have fun!
Thursday, Sep 22
"Source Machine"
Now that you have read through Chapter 5, 6, and 7, you should understand how research, citations, and quotations work in a research project. In preparation for your Raid Three: Annotated Bibliography, I am requesting that you go through two sources and diagram your research in one of several ways (based on your classification).
The base adventure is to find two articles that SUPPORT your position and skim through them. You are looking for key words, names (references), phrases (quotes), and organization (arguments/subheadings). For each type, you are to list four (i.e., four names, four phrases, and four arguments/subheadings).
Warrior: Write at least a 150 word summary of each article. Do not copy and paste from the abstract. You are summarizing the main ideas, but, more specifically, you are summarizing the ideas you are going to use.
Ranger: For each of the four references you pull from the article, find another article each of them has written and post the citation in BLUE. These cannot be the same article that was referenced in your article.
Mage: Using Microsoft Word, GoogleDraw, or a similar program, create a diagram/web of each article with the information you pulled from it. Make sure each type is a different color. Be creative with it, but make sure that it can be read.
Bard: You must reach out to two other players in the class and ask for an article of theirs from each. Then, put each of the four articles into "word clouds." Find an image that best relates to the word cloud and put both on a page and write 2 sentences as to why you chose the image. Do this for all four articles. (Hint: Google "word cloud generators" to start. To copy and paste your article, you may need to use "AdobePro," which should be on most library computers, but you can also download it for free onto yours.).
Remember to make sure the document is organized, in MLA format, and easy to read. Make sure you title it "Last Name-Avatar Name-Classification-"Citation Machine" and put it in the "citation machine" folder. Have fun!
Now that you have read through Chapter 5, 6, and 7, you should understand how research, citations, and quotations work in a research project. In preparation for your Raid Three: Annotated Bibliography, I am requesting that you go through two sources and diagram your research in one of several ways (based on your classification).
The base adventure is to find two articles that SUPPORT your position and skim through them. You are looking for key words, names (references), phrases (quotes), and organization (arguments/subheadings). For each type, you are to list four (i.e., four names, four phrases, and four arguments/subheadings).
Warrior: Write at least a 150 word summary of each article. Do not copy and paste from the abstract. You are summarizing the main ideas, but, more specifically, you are summarizing the ideas you are going to use.
Ranger: For each of the four references you pull from the article, find another article each of them has written and post the citation in BLUE. These cannot be the same article that was referenced in your article.
Mage: Using Microsoft Word, GoogleDraw, or a similar program, create a diagram/web of each article with the information you pulled from it. Make sure each type is a different color. Be creative with it, but make sure that it can be read.
Bard: You must reach out to two other players in the class and ask for an article of theirs from each. Then, put each of the four articles into "word clouds." Find an image that best relates to the word cloud and put both on a page and write 2 sentences as to why you chose the image. Do this for all four articles. (Hint: Google "word cloud generators" to start. To copy and paste your article, you may need to use "AdobePro," which should be on most library computers, but you can also download it for free onto yours.).
Remember to make sure the document is organized, in MLA format, and easy to read. Make sure you title it "Last Name-Avatar Name-Classification-"Citation Machine" and put it in the "citation machine" folder. Have fun!
Thursday, October 6th
"Outline"
Now that you have your research, it is time to start planning out your paper. The easiest way to do this is to make an outline of your ideas, thesis statement, introduction, and quotes. For this adventure, you are going to do just that. Follow the instructions and complete the adventure as follows:
(please download and use the template below in GoogleDocs for your outline)
Thesis Statement: Write out a revised thesis statement.
Introduction: Write out a place holding introduction including a hook, argument, and thesis statement.
Then, write out three arguments with three quotes as well as a counter-argument and three quotes as explained in the template. Remember to include proper citations.
In addition to the above instructions, modify the outline based on your specialization:
Warrior: Write at least a 200 word introduction and 100 words for each argument.
Ranger: Write a fourth argument using the same template as the other arguments.
Mage: Create at least 2 minute video that explains the outline. This should include text and images. (Can use any technology you want)
Bard: Using Adobe Spark, create a Page that includes all the information on your outline (can be shortened). Make sure you are conscious of text layout, images, and videos (if necessary). This should not just be a block of text. Remember to include citations.
Remember to make sure the document is organized, in MLA format, and easy to read. Make sure you title it "Last Name-Avatar Name-Classification-"Outline" and put it in the "Outline" folder. Have fun!
If you do not have the outline for class, you will be considered absent.
Now that you have your research, it is time to start planning out your paper. The easiest way to do this is to make an outline of your ideas, thesis statement, introduction, and quotes. For this adventure, you are going to do just that. Follow the instructions and complete the adventure as follows:
(please download and use the template below in GoogleDocs for your outline)
Thesis Statement: Write out a revised thesis statement.
Introduction: Write out a place holding introduction including a hook, argument, and thesis statement.
Then, write out three arguments with three quotes as well as a counter-argument and three quotes as explained in the template. Remember to include proper citations.
In addition to the above instructions, modify the outline based on your specialization:
Warrior: Write at least a 200 word introduction and 100 words for each argument.
Ranger: Write a fourth argument using the same template as the other arguments.
Mage: Create at least 2 minute video that explains the outline. This should include text and images. (Can use any technology you want)
Bard: Using Adobe Spark, create a Page that includes all the information on your outline (can be shortened). Make sure you are conscious of text layout, images, and videos (if necessary). This should not just be a block of text. Remember to include citations.
Remember to make sure the document is organized, in MLA format, and easy to read. Make sure you title it "Last Name-Avatar Name-Classification-"Outline" and put it in the "Outline" folder. Have fun!
If you do not have the outline for class, you will be considered absent.
Outline Instructions Template | |
File Size: | 82 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Thursday, October 13th
"Shitty Experiences and Process"
Now that you have written a rough draft of your outline and had it peer-reviewed and you are working towards a draft of your paper, it is time to reflect on process once more. I would like you to read Lamott's piece "Bird by Bird" (Under Quest Items) in its entirety. If you rather work on your rough draft, just focus on the "Shitty First Drafts" section, though I believe the entire piece would be greatly helpful to you and your process. Once you have done the reading, complete the following:
Write a short, minimum 300 word, essay on your process. Think about writing in drafts as Lamott explains. What about your process is like hers? What are the thoughts in your head before you are submit a paper? Do you often write in drafts?
This can be a narrative, or you can answer the questions in paragraph form. Extra points will be rewarded for Adobe Pages or Videos that are done creatively. If you do a Page or Video, you do not have to do the essay. This should be a fun and creative piece that explores your understanding of process so it can be abstract or specifically rooted.
Now that you have written a rough draft of your outline and had it peer-reviewed and you are working towards a draft of your paper, it is time to reflect on process once more. I would like you to read Lamott's piece "Bird by Bird" (Under Quest Items) in its entirety. If you rather work on your rough draft, just focus on the "Shitty First Drafts" section, though I believe the entire piece would be greatly helpful to you and your process. Once you have done the reading, complete the following:
Write a short, minimum 300 word, essay on your process. Think about writing in drafts as Lamott explains. What about your process is like hers? What are the thoughts in your head before you are submit a paper? Do you often write in drafts?
This can be a narrative, or you can answer the questions in paragraph form. Extra points will be rewarded for Adobe Pages or Videos that are done creatively. If you do a Page or Video, you do not have to do the essay. This should be a fun and creative piece that explores your understanding of process so it can be abstract or specifically rooted.