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9/12: Style: Crafting Stock Story & Counterstory
You did great work last class with your lightening-round presentations of Martinez’s articles “A Plea for Critical Race Theory Counterstory” and “Alejandra Writes a Book”. We’re going to look more closely at both of those texts to understand Martinez’s style and the rhetorical strategies she uses to communicate her purpose to her audience. Starting with “Alejandra Writes a Book,” we’ll consider: We’ll then identify how these representations look different in “A Plea for Critical Race Theory Counterstory.” IN-CLASS WRITING On a sheet of paper, create two areas (columns, circles, use two sheets if you’d like, whatever feels right to you). In one area, start by making a list or writing notes about a…
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9/7: Aja Martinez & Counterstory
Your job today is to craft a presentation of the text you were assigned for homework. Get into groups and discuss either Aja Martinez’s “A Plea for Critical Race Theory Counterstory” or Aja Martinez’s “Alejandra Writes a Book” (depending on which group you were assigned). Consider the questions below:
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9/5: “Single Stories” and “Counterstories”
We’ll discuss the role of storytelling in activism. Stories can lead to persuasion, protest, and policy changes. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘s story–and the many stories that circulate in her life–inform her writing, non-profit work, and public engagement. As you watch, take note of anything you like, find interesting, relate to, or have questions about. Be ready to describe “single stories” Adichie held about other people or places and “singles stories” that were imposed upon her. Consider Adichie’s definition of a single story. We understand single stories to be stereotypes that gain traction, eventually becoming common narratives often fueled by hate or fear and subconsciously accepted as some sort of truth. Single…
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8/31: Technology Pivot! Create your WordPress.com sites
As promised, I’ll start class today by asking what your questions are about our syllabus. (Feel free to point out typos!) We’ll start with this syllabus review to get further oriented with our course and with each other. IN-CLASS WORK You will deliver all coursework to me via a unique site that you create. Start by going to WordPress.com, create an account, and try to set-up a FREE site. If you succeed, email me your new web address at [email protected]. HOMEWORK If you didn’t finish in class today, complete setting up your account at WordPress.com and create a FREE site. Email me your new web address at [email protected]. If you…
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Hello! How are you? Welcome!
This course is intended to support students through connecting their personal identities to public advocacy and community engagement. We’ll work together to understand how writing can build bridges between private and communal spaces with the goal of effecting change. Alongside learning theories of community writing and civic engagement, we will analyze how scholars and advocacy groups have used writing and rhetoric as tools for action.
