Brighton Beach Memoirs: End of Act 1; Act 2

This morning, please take 10-15 minutes to do the following:

• Print out your 500 word short story draft and turn in if you have not yet done so
• Print out your poetry walk poetry draft and turn in if you have not yet done so
• Upload any film footage for your human interest video project (or upload to Youtube and send me your URL in the COMMENT section below if you're done...)
• Extra Credit: There are 4 stages of the coming of age story:
• REALIZATION -- changing, emotional and mental preparation, growing, physical changes
• REMOVAL -- change of status quo or familiar environment; separation from support units (family, friends, social institutions), experimentation with "forbidden" issues/activities--testing the limits of support units/social institutions, breaking rules/laws or beliefs, etc.
• CHALLENGE --- proving oneself; overcome a major problem or resolve a major conflict (killing the boss monster, growing mature, taking on responsibility, etc.)
• REINTEGRATION - protagonist comes back into society; character undergoes a rebirth, new status, or new understanding or epiphany of his/her situation.

Choose a book you have read in the past (for pleasure or for school), or a film you have watched and explain how it follows the 4 stages of the coming of age story. 

Example: Star Wars, A New Hope: Luke Skywalker, at first left behind by his friends on Tatooine, learns about a rebel plot and the Force [realization]. When his aunt and uncle are slaughtered by the Empire, Luke sets out with his mentor Obi Wan and pilot Han Solo to recover a princess [removal]. Along the way, Luke struggles to find his force within, fights storm troopers, manages to survive a trash compactor, rescues a princess, and trains for the final battle against the Empire's "Death Star" [challenge]. Luke uses the force to blow up the Death Star and returns a hero [Reintegration].

Post your book or film choice and your explanation in the COMMENT section of this post. 

Let's continue reading Brighton Beach Memoirs this morning.

Nine Characteristics of a Coming of Age experience or story

1. Usually the protagonist is between the ages of 12-18, but can be younger
2. Adults are either "bad guys" or not important--they represent society or laws or rules--the natural order of things; in some stories a parent is missing, absent, or dead. Authority figures are often antagonists to the protagonist. (see below)
3. Usually involves a journey of some sort (this can by a physical, mental, or spiritual journey)
4. Protagonist must confront his/her fears or weaknesses
5. Conflicts with a parent /guardian/authority figure
6. Protagonist learns something important (usually about him/herself)
7. There are usually a series of tests or challenges that the protagonist must face and overcome
8. The ending may be bittersweet--there is often a loss of innocence as a protagonist matures
9. Scarification (there are often scars left--physical or/and emotional), but these "wounds" mark the protagonist as a hero--he/she has come through the "storm" and is "wiser" for the experience. Sorta like this class...

A memoir is a story about a memory. In essence the writer looks back on his/her youth and remembers a specific time period, or personal or historical event. In a MEMORY PLAY--a character does this remembering. He/she often breaks the 4th wall and speaks directly to the audience about what he/she remembers. Plays like this are SUBJECTIVE.

HOMEWORK: Aim to finish your FILMING of your human interest story by the end of the week (or weekend). Bring in your footage to upload and edit by next week. Our due date for the film will be next week.

Brighton Beach Memoirs: Day 1; Play Reading tips; Bildungsroman

As a bildungsroman or coming of age play, note the following occurrences in your journal. divide your page into 4 quadrants. Use the 4 quadrants to take note of the 4 stages of the coming of age story.

The 4 Stages

REALIZATION -- changing, emotional and mental preparation, growing, physical changes

REMOVAL -- change of status quo or familiar environment; separation from support units (family, friends, social institutions), experimentation with "forbidden" issues/activities--testing the limits of support units/social institutions, breaking rules/laws or beliefs, etc.

CHALLENGE --- proving oneself; overcome a major problem or resolve a major conflict (killing the boss monster, growing mature, taking on responsibility, etc.)

REINTEGRATION - protagonist comes back into society; character undergoes a rebirth, new status, or new understanding or epiphany of his/her situation.

Nine Characteristics of a Coming of Age experience or story

1. Usually the protagonist is between the ages of 12-18, but can be younger
2. Adults are either "bad guys" or not important--they represent society or laws or rules--the natural order of things; in some stories a parent is missing, absent, or dead. Authority figures are often antagonists to the protagonist. (see below)
3. Usually involves a journey of some sort (this can by a physical, mental, or spiritual journey)
4. Protagonist must confront his/her fears or weaknesses
5. Conflicts with a parent /guardian/authority figure
6. Protagonist learns something important (usually about him/herself)
7. There are usually a series of tests or challenges that the protagonist must face and overcome
8. The ending may be bittersweet--there is often a loss of innocence as a protagonist matures
9. Scarification (there are often scars left--physical or/and emotional), but these "wounds" mark the protagonist as a hero--he/she has come through the "storm" and is "wiser" for the experience. Sorta like this class...

A memoir is a story about a memory. In essence the writer looks back on his/her youth and remembers a specific time period, or personal or historical event. In a MEMORY PLAY--a character does this remembering. He/she often breaks the 4th wall and speaks directly to the audience about what he/she remembers. Plays like this are SUBJECTIVE.

HOMEWORK: None. Start thinking about a specific time in your more distant (not this past year) past that involved a major conflict with your family (or you personally). Write about this time in your journal to get a head start on our next writing activity. More details to follow.

A few acting tips:

• Effective performances have ENERGY!
• Try to think about how you would react and what you would say were you in this situation.
• Empathize with the character you are playing.
• Match your tone of voice to the tone of the words.
• Speak loudly and clearly.
• Have confidence. If you make a mistake--own it. But keep going...

As you read Brighton Beach Memoirs out loud, practice your oral delivery. Those of you who are not reading parts should read along with the play script and take notes in your journal of each assigned element of the play:

Stage Directions 

Costumes/Props

Lighting/Set
Conflict (person v. person)
Conflict (person v. self)
Conflict (person v. society)

HOMEWORK: Film your human interest video footage!

500 Word Short Story Draft Due; Projects; Brighton Beach Memoirs Introduction

The Lab:

1. Complete your 500-word short story draft project. Give your story a title, check your grammar, then print it out by the end of period 3.
2. If you finish your 500-word short story, you may wish to work on your human interest video project. With your partner, go shoot some video footage or film a short interview for your project (see posts below for information...)
3. Type up the poem you wrote in your journal or use the poem word spill from our poetry-walk last class to write a draft of a poem. Print out and turnin your draft if you complete it.

See me or tech-savvy peers to help you upload your video footage and import it into Windows Movie Maker or Adobe Premiere. Both can be found in your programs menu at the bottom left hand of your screen.

• How to use Microsoft Movie Maker and a print version.
• How to use Adobe Premiere and the website for more help.

If you finish all 3 tasks, please go on to the short research task for 4th period:

Conduct the following research for our first play: Brighton Beach Memoirs by Neil Simon. Write your notes in your journal. Be prepared to share what you found with your peers this morning.

Find out:

1. Who is Neil Simon? What is he famous for? What books or plays did he write?
2. Where is Brighton Beach? What did it look like in the 1930's?
3. What was life like for American citizens in the 1930's? 
4. Check out this link and read about what was happening in the U.S. and around the world in 1937.
5. Finally, read about baseball in the 1930's. 

When called, please go to the library to pick up the play Brighton Beach Memoirs by Neil Simon.

When we return from the library, please go next door (room 238) and sign up for a reading role or script task.

Before we begin reading, please find at least 2 other peers and share information about the 5 questions posted above. Talk about what information you found in the lab. Then we'll get started reading this play.

HOMEWORK: None. Please bring your play scripts back with you to next class.

500 Word Short Story, Human Interest Video Project & A Diversion #1

The Lab:

1. Work on your 500-word short story project (see handouts and the information below...)
2. With your partner, go shoot some video footage or film a short interview for your project (see posts below for information...)

500 Word Short Story Project

Watch at least 3 500-word stories (see link below) and summarize each story in 1 sentence. Write your 1-sentence premise (summary) in your journals. Then, add to this list with some of your own 1-sentence premises. 

• Please watch and listen to at least 3 500-word stories from this site.  You can find the 2017 winners at this link too.
• Lab: writing a 500-word story. 
• Come up with a short story that should be exactly 500 words in length.
• Subject and genre are completely up to you!
• Use the handout advice to get you started.
• Use the advice from the videos on the web as well.
• Write. Drafts of your stories will be due soon. 

When you have completed your 500-word short story, proofread, print and turn in. If you finish before the 500-word short story is due, write another one in a different style or genre.

The Human Interest Video Project

Decide whether you are working alone or with a partner. Identify your subject, plan to meet your subject, and begin shooting your 1-3 minute human interest project. We will cover some video tips and advice next class regarding this project, but you should get started on this project asap. More details to follow.

Some things to remember:

• Your human interest story is a story. It should have a specific subject and involve some understanding of what it means to be fatally and tragically or humorously human.
• Create questions in your journal that you might ask your subject.
• Follow your subject around for some time (usually a day) and take pictures or video of him/her doing something normal.
• You may write a voice over script introducing your subject.
• You may use partial interviews or researched statistics in your video.
• You may use a musical underscore to add tone and ambiance to your video.
• Above all: Be creative!

How to go about doing this project. 

1. Decide to work alone or with a single partner. 

2. If you work alone: make a list of potential subjects for your human interest video. Choose one as your subject (this can be a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a teacher, a person of interest, etc.)

3. If you work with a partner, decide who will be the subject and who will be the videographer.

4. Videographers should come up with some interview questions to ask the subject. Record your questions and answers in your journal.

5. Decide on where you will shoot video footage of your subject. You may have to travel, so plan accordingly. Brainstorm different possible settings to use as an appropriate backdrop for your video in your journal.

6. Record your interview with your subject. Use some of this material (the best parts) for your video.

7. Use your smartphones or video equipment (you can borrow this from our department) to make your film.

8. Upload your video/audio footage into Windows Movie Maker (or iMovie or other video software if you have access to it).

9. Edit and prepare your video. It should be, again, 1-3 minutes in length.

10. Upload your video when it is completed. 

See me or tech-savvy peers to help you upload your video footage and import it into Windows Movie Maker or Adobe Premiere. Both can be found in your programs menu at the bottom left hand of your screen.

• How to use Microsoft Movie Maker and a print version.
• How to use Adobe Premiere and the website for more help.

Period 4: During period 4, when instructed we will have a diversion. Grab your journals and a pen or pencil and get prepared for our "field trip".

HOMEWORK: None. You may continue working on your drafts/projects.

Introduction to Short Stories & the 500 Word Short Story Exercise

Short stories:

Take a look at our introduction to short stories from Shmoop and How to Read Short Stories. Note any vocabulary that seems important concerning the short story.

Students often ask: "How long should my story be?" instead of realizing that any story needs to have a beginning, middle, and end. This sort of open-ended question really has no answer. How long should a story be? Well, traditionally, short stories are shorter than novels. That's a good place to begin.

Short stories are shorter than novels and are usually not as complex or involved. Short stories were originally meant to be read in one sitting. As our culture has sped ahead, and we don't have much free time, short stories have become as short as a sentence or two and as long as the traditional short stories, fewer than 20,000 words. A short novel is about 50,000 words. Most publishers want novels that are anywhere from 75,000 to 100,000 words or more.

Usually, a short story focuses on only one event or incident. It usually has a single plot, a single setting, a small number of characters, and covers a short period of time. Most writing students start off writing short stories because they are manageable. But the form is tricky and hard to perfect. Many authors spend their whole lives learning the craft of writing short fiction.

Longer short stories usually contain elements of dramatic structure: exposition (the introduction of setting, situation and main characters); complication (the event that introduces the conflict); rising action (development of the conflict), crisis (the decisive moment for the protagonist and her commitment to a course of action); climax (the point of highest tension and the point the protagonist faces her antagonist); resolution (the point when the conflict is resolved); and a sense of enlightenment, epiphany, or moral.

Short stories may or may not follow this pattern. Some do not follow patterns at all. Modern short stories only occasionally have an exposition. An abrupt beginning, with the story starting in the middle of the action (in media res) is more standard or typical.

Usually, all short stories have a turning point and climax, but endings may be sudden or what is called "open"--leaving the story incomplete. As with all art forms, short stories will vary by author.

Let's read a couple short stories this morning. As we read, notice the format and how each author uses dialogue, setting, description, language, sentences, a hook, plot elements, and conclusions. For each short story identify:

• POV (1st, 2nd, or 3rd person POV)
• Identify the speaker/protagonist
• Identify the conflict/antagonist
• Identify the setting
• Identify the theme or message of the story. We might also call this the premise. What is the story about?
• How does the title help make meaning or help focus the reader's attention?

The Lab:

Watch at least 3 500-word stories (see link below) and summarize each story in 1 sentence. Write your 1-sentence premise (summary) in your journals. Then, add to this list with some of your own 1-sentence premises. 

• Please watch and listen to at least 3 500-word stories from this site.  You can find the 2017 winners at this link too.
• Lab: writing a 500-word story. 
• Come up with a short story that should be exactly 500 words in length.
• Subject and genre are completely up to you!
• Use the handout advice to get you started.
• Use the advice from the videos on the web as well.
• Write. Drafts of your stories will be due soon. 

When you have completed your 500-word short story, proofread, print and turn in. If you finish before the 500-word short story is due, write another one in a different style or genre.

Don't forget our other on-going project: The Human Interest Video Project. Decide whether you are working alone or with a partner. Identify your subject, plan to meet your subject, and begin shooting your 1-3 minute human interest project. We will cover some video tips and advice next class regarding this project, but you should get started on this project asap. More details to follow.

Some things to remember:

• Your human interest story is a story. It should have a specific subject and involve some understanding of what it means to be fatally and tragically or humorously human.
• Create questions in your journal that you might ask your subject.
• Follow your subject around for some time (usually a day) and take pictures or video of him/her doing something normal.
• You may write a voice over script introducing your subject.
• You may use partial interviews or researched statistics in your video.
• You may use a musical underscore to add tone and ambiance to your video.
• Above all: Be creative!

How to go about doing this project. 

1. Decide to work alone or with a single partner. 

2. If you work alone: make a list of potential subjects for your human interest video. Choose one as your subject (this can be a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a teacher, a person of interest, etc.)

3. If you work with a partner, decide who will be the subject and who will be the videographer.

4. Videographers should come up with some interview questions to ask the subject. Record your questions and answers in your journal.

5. Decide on where you will shoot video footage of your subject. You may have to travel, so plan accordingly. Brainstorm different possible settings to use as an appropriate backdrop for your video in your journal.

6. Record your interview with your subject. Use some of this material (the best parts) for your video.

7. Use your smartphones or video equipment (you can borrow this from our department) to make your film.

8. Upload your video/audio footage into Windows Movie Maker (or iMovie or other video software if you have access to it).

9. Edit and prepare your video. It should be, again, 1-3 minutes in length.

10. Upload your video when it is completed. 

HOMEWORK: None. Begin working and shooting your human interest video. This is an ongoing project.

Human Interest Story: Day 4 - Due!

3rd period:

Please use the next 15-20 minutes to complete and proofread your human interest article. Make sure you check your spelling, sentence construction, diction, and mechanical usage of grammar. Print 1 copy of your work and keep it with you for our next activity.

If you finish early or at the end of our prep time, let's get some writerly advice from published authors:

• Boredom is a selfish act, be curious: Patti Digh
• Elizabeth Gilbert, Author of Eat, Pray, Love: TedX: Success, Failure, and the Drive to Keep Creating

If you watched these videos, please make a comment about what you think or learned by watching these videos in the COMMENT section below. 

At about 9:30, when instructed, get into groups of 3 (that is: you and 2 other students in the class). Invite students who are alone to your group of 2!

Taking turns, please read your human interest article out loud to the other two members of your group. Listeners should listen to the speaker and give the reader some comments about his/her performance or writing (performance, word, or text).

Listeners may wish to comment on:

• The performer's volume (how quiet or loud the performer read)
• The performer's pace (how fast or slow the performer read)
• The performer's vocal range (how varied or energetic was the performance)
• The performer's overall effectiveness in performing/reading out loud
• The performer's written story/article (identify strengths and weaknesses in the article)
• The performer's opening hook
• The performer's written content & details

Each listener should complete the evaluation sheet with his/her comments, share these comments with the performer, and hand these critiques in to me for participation credit. The performer should hand in a copy of his/her human interest story. 

When time is called, let's view a few human interest videos as models. This will begin our next project.

• 3 Beautiful Human Minutes: food for thought on the power of Human Interest stories (intro)
• Ann's Story: A Foster Care Story (cause focused)
• Daughters Growing Up Without a Father: Letaris Witfield (cause focused)
• Animal Rescue Human Interest (cause focused)
• Michelle Duty: Human Interest (human focused)
• Jonathan Martinez: Human Interest (human focused)
• Caroline Bilta: Human Interest  (human focused)
• Rodeo Human Interest (topic focused)
• Construction Human Interest (event/place focused)

For your next project you will make a short 1 minute to 3 minute human interest video. You will shoot, edit, and upload your human interest story on Youtube to share with the class. 

Some things to remember:

• Your human interest story is a story. It should have a specific subject (see examples above) and involve some understanding of what it means to be fatally and tragically or humorously human.
• Create questions in your journal that you might ask your subject.
• Follow your subject around for some time (usually a day) and take pictures or video of him/her doing something normal.
• You may write a voice over script introducing your subject.
• You may use partial interviews or researched statistics in your video.
• You may use a musical underscore to add tone and ambiance to your video.
• Above all: Be creative!

How to go about doing this project. 

1. Decide to work alone or with a single partner. 

2. If you work alone: make a list of potential subjects for your human interest video. Choose one as your subject (this can be a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a teacher, a person of interest, etc.)

3. If you work with a partner, decide who will be the subject and who will be the videographer.

4. Videographers should come up with some interview questions to ask the subject. Record your questions and answers in your journal.

5. Decide on where you will shoot video footage of your subject. You may have to travel, so plan accordingly. Brainstorm different possible settings to use as an appropriate backdrop for your video in your journal.

6. Record your interview with your subject. Use some of this material (the best parts) for your video.

7. Use your smartphones or video equipment (you can borrow this from our department) to make your film.

8. Upload your video/audio footage into Windows Movie Maker (or iMovie or other video software if you have access to it).

9. Edit and prepare your video. It should be, again, 1-3 minutes in length.

10. Upload your video when it is completed. 

This is an ongoing project. No due date has yet been set--but note that we will be moving on to other tasks and activities while you gather the resources and spend the time to shoot and make your video. Due date will be set by next week. The sooner you begin working on the project, the better. 

And if you forget why you're here: I am Human: Unique and Imperfect (view this video and feel free to respond in the comment section below). 

HOMEWORK: None. Begin planning/writing/shooting your human interest video project.

Human Interest Article Project: Day 3

This morning, take about 15-20 minutes to read and examine the following Human Interest Articles (models and articles to help you write your own draft):

• NFL Star Brandon Marshall
• Malala: The Girl Who Was Shot for Going to School
• The Power of the Human Interest Story

Continue to write your human interest article. Your human interest article/essay should reveal something about the nature or character of the person you interviewed. Use your notes to help guide your essay. 

• After completing your draft, make sure that you started your expose/human interest essay by adding a short introduction sentence or hook. \
• Note that many of the samples we've looked at hook the audience/reader with an anecdote (or short, short story) concerning the subject.
• Make sure you begin your essay/article with a clever hook or attention-grabber. Write an interesting opening line to introduce your subject matter (your partner).
• The best stories set the scene (setting) by using description. Make sure your article helps set the scene or setting you are writing about. See the models above for examples.
• Human interest stories are generally positive in tone. The ending usually reports how the subject persevered or became stronger or better or wiser, or survived a difficult experience.
• You may need to ask your partner some follow up details as you write. If you need to interview your subject again, you may do so, but remember that your subject may be writing their own article. Don't waste their time in the lab! Keep your follow up questions short and focused to the point.
• Again, if you get stuck or need more guidance check out the following link: How to Write a Human Interest Story.

If you finish your human interest article in the lab today, please proofread your work, print it, and turn it in for credit.

If you finish take a look at some of these human interest speeches:

HOMEWORK: If you didn't finish your draft in class, please complete it and turn it in Tuesday at the beginning of class. If you did not review the human interest speeches, please  complete these as well over the weekend.

Interview; Human Interest Story Project

Activity:

1. Please follow my verbal directions to find your partner for this exercise.

2. Once you have found your partner, you will have 10 minutes to ask any of the following questions (see handout) and record what your partner says in your journal. 

TIP: Don't worry about long quotes or trying to write down everything your partner says verbatim (word for word). Instead, jot down only the KEY POINTS of what your partner discussed. Try effective listening techniques to comprehend what your partner is saying. Synthesize or summarize these key points when you deliver your short introductory speech. 

3. When time is called, switch places and take another 10 minutes to be interviewed by your partner.

4. When time is up (about 20 minutes total) you will be asked to quickly organize your notes and give an extemporaneous speech introducing your partner to the rest of the class. Use the index card provided to you for your key or main points.

Sample Questions to ask (use some of these questions if you have no better ideas):

A. How were you shaped by your environment or cultural background as you grew up? 

B. Name a friend, relative, or childhood friend or hero figure that had an impact (positive or negative) on your life. Describe how this person influenced you. 

C. Describe a personal experience that had a major impact on your life and/or creating the person that you are today. 

D. What activities or hobbies or interests bring pleasure and meaning to your life? 

E. Name a goal that you have set for yourself. How are you going to achieve that goal? 

F. What value or philosophical belief do you hold dear? Why do you hold this belief or value so highly? How does it affect your life?  

G. What is one thing you want other people to know about you? 

H. What do some things you want to do after you graduate? 

I. What is one event that happened to you that changed your personality/outlook on life forever?  

J. What single event in your life has made you a better person? 

K. If you could accomplish one thing in your life, what would you like it to be? 

L. Any other question you wish to ask within the time limit of this exercise.  

Again, please note:     

You do not have to write down everything your partner says. Part of communication is listening to what is being said, then remembering and retelling what you heard in your own way. Use your notes and ask follow-up questions to develop your partner's answers. (see below)    

Keep your notes for the next writing assignment--part 2!

Part 2:

INSTRUCTIONS: A human interest article is an article about...wait for it...yes! A human. It usually highlights a subject who has overcome an obstacle or difficult event, or how these events affected the subject. In other words: Your human interest article/essay should reveal something about the nature or character of the person you interviewed. Use your notes to help guide your essay. 

Let's read a model article together. We often see human interest stories on the news. Here's a sample student documentary: Human Interest Story: Yesenia Ramirez. Now it's your turn.

• Start your expose/human interest essay by adding a short introduction sentence. 
• Stories, speeches, and essays usually open with an interesting statement or lead-in. This is called The Hook. 
• Begin your essay/article with a clever hook or attention-grabber. Write an interesting opening line to introduce your subject matter (your partner).
• Human interest stories are generally positive in tone. The ending usually reports how the subject persevered or became stronger or better or wiser, or survived a difficult experience.
• You may need to ask your partner some follow up details as you write.
• If you get stuck or need more guidance check out the following link: How to Write a Human Interest Story.

Try one of these approaches to structure your essay:

• Chronological approach. A popular defining style for beginning writers, this usually trails off based on the information you are able to gather. In a nutshell, this approach involves telling a story by detailing it from beginning to end, exactly in sequential order. Simply arrange the events according to how they naturally flow and you should be fine.
• Suspended interest approach. This is a pyramid style of organization, where the lead fires off with a partial summary of the major facts.  The human drama’s resolution, however, is reserved for later in the piece, unfolding as you work towards the outcome and the conclusion.  Obviously, the suspense should compel the reader to stay with the piece, giving an immediate incentive to follow the story.
• Narrative approach. As the name suggests, you tell the human interest feature like a short story, using narrative elements (setting, plot, rising action, climax, falling action, characters, conflict, etc.) to lure and engage the reader’s interest. It’s considered one of the most flexible forms.

We will conclude our writing next class. This assignment is due next class (we'll be using it for other purposes as well) and the assignment is worth participation credit.

HOMEWORK: None. If you did not get far in the lab, feel free to write your essay on your own time at home.

9/11 Announcements; Coffeehouse Date: November 15

Announcements for 9/11 if you missed them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC0zKLO0A30&feature=youtu.be

Our coffeehouse performance (required) is on November 15, from 6:45 - 9:00. Please alert your parents/guardian(s) about this event. It is required of all Freshman Creative Writing students.

Interview Project: Part 1 & 2--Human Interest Article

Let's define the following terms:

Speech of Introduction: a speech to introduce a person to a group of people or listeners.

Interview: a meeting in which the purpose is to gain information about a person.

Conversation is one of the most obvious processes of communication. Conversation is a verbal discussion between two or more people. Today you are going to "interview" a class member, then introduce this person to the rest of the class. The notes you take in your journal will also be used to create a "fictional" character based on a real person during our next class. More information about that assignment will be discussed next class.

Activity:

1. Please follow my verbal directions to find your partner for this exercise.

2. Once you have found your partner, you will have 10 minutes to ask any of the following questions (see handout) and record what your partner says in your journal. 

TIP: Don't worry about long quotes or trying to write down everything your partner says verbatim (word for word). Instead, jot down only the KEY POINTS of what your partner discussed. Try effective listening techniques to comprehend what your partner is saying. Synthesize or summarize these key points when you deliver your short introductory speech. 

3. When time is called, switch places and take another 10 minutes to be interviewed by your partner.

4. When time is up (about 20 minutes total) you will be asked to quickly organize your notes and give an extemporaneous speech introducing your partner to the rest of the class. Use the index card provided to you for your key or main points.

Sample Questions to ask (use some of these questions if you have no better ideas):

A. How were you shaped by your environment or cultural background as you grew up? 

B. Name a friend, relative, or childhood friend or hero figure that had an impact (positive or negative) on your life. Describe how this person influenced you. 

C. Describe a personal experience that had a major impact on your life and/or creating the person that you are today. 

D. What activities or hobbies or interests bring pleasure and meaning to your life? 

E. Name a goal that you have set for yourself. How are you going to achieve that goal? 

F. What value or philosophical belief do you hold dear? Why do you hold this belief or value so highly? How does it affect your life?  

G. What is one thing you want other people to know about you? 

H. What do some things you want to do after you graduate? 

I. What is one event that happened to you that changed your personality/outlook on life forever?  

J. What single event in your life has made you a better person? 

K. If you could accomplish one thing in your life, what would you like it to be? 

L. Any other question you wish to ask within the time limit of this exercise.  

Again, please note:     

You do not have to write down everything your partner says. Part of communication is listening to what is being said, then remembering and retelling what you heard in your own way. Use your notes and ask follow-up questions to develop your partner's answers. (see below)    

Keep your notes for the next writing assignment--part 2!

Part 2:

INSTRUCTIONS: A human interest article is an article about...wait for it...yes! A human. It usually highlights a subject who has overcome an obstacle or difficult event, or how these events affected the subject. In other words: Your human interest article/essay should reveal something about the nature or character of the person you interviewed. Use your notes to help guide your essay. 

Let's read a model article together. We often see human interest stories on the news. Here's a sample student documentary: Human Interest Story: Yesenia Ramirez. Now it's your turn.

• Start your expose/human interest essay by adding a short introduction sentence. 
• Stories, speeches, and essays usually open with an interesting statement or lead-in. This is called The Hook. 
• Begin your essay/article with a clever hook or attention-grabber. Write an interesting opening line to introduce your subject matter (your partner).
• Human interest stories are generally positive in tone. The ending usually reports how the subject persevered or became stronger or better or wiser, or survived a difficult experience.
• You may need to ask your partner some follow up details as you write.
• If you get stuck or need more guidance check out the following link: How to Write a Human Interest Story.

Try one of these approaches to structure your essay:

• Chronological approach. A popular defining style for beginning writers, this usually trails off based on the information you are able to gather. In a nutshell, this approach involves telling a story by detailing it from beginning to end, exactly in sequential order. Simply arrange the events according to how they naturally flow and you should be fine.
• Suspended interest approach. This is a pyramid style of organization, where the lead fires off with a partial summary of the major facts.  The human drama’s resolution, however, is reserved for later in the piece, unfolding as you work towards the outcome and the conclusion.  Obviously, the suspense should compel the reader to stay with the piece, giving an immediate incentive to follow the story.
• Narrative approach. As the name suggests, you tell the human interest feature like a short story, using narrative elements (setting, plot, rising action, climax, falling action, characters, conflict, etc.) to lure and engage the reader’s interest. It’s considered one of the most flexible forms.

We will conclude our writing next class. This assignment is due next class (we'll be using it for other purposes as well) and the assignment is worth participation credit.

HOMEWORK: None. If you did not get far in the lab, feel free to write your essay on your own time at home.

Welcome Class of 2021: Introduction, Interview, & Human Interest

Welcome class of 2021!

This morning, after covering our course criteria, complete this in-class activity: 

With a partner, discuss and create: 

A. a list of ways in which humans communicate (humans communicate through...) 

B. Reasons why humans communicate

This begins our first step as creative writing majors. It is important for us to examine how and why (and when), as human beings, we decide to communicate. Of course, communicating through writing is only one way we, as humans, communicate with one another. This course will cover areas of communication, the communication process, techniques of effective communication, along with performance skills, public speaking, and various writing projects (fiction, poetry, scripts, personal narrative, essays, etc.) If you go on to study the arts, literature, political science, divinity, history, business, advertising, marketing, teaching, law, journalism, communication, or media, you will definitely need a basic understanding of these concepts.

Our first speech will be rather short. On your index card, jot down any of the following answers to these personal questions:

• What is one thing you want other people to know about you?
• What do you want to do after you graduate?
• What is one event that happened to you that changed your personality/outlook on life forever?
• What is one thing you're proud of that you never told anyone?
• What single event in your life has made you a better person?
• If you could accomplish one thing in your life, what would you like it to be?

Answer some of these questions (at least one) and jot down at least 3 main points you would want to share with the class about your answers. When you are called, come up to the front of the room and share your answers in a short introductory speech. 

Start with an introduction: who are you? (what's your name, etc.) then hit your 3 main points. Try to sustain your short speech with some details. End your speech after your details...you can thank us for listening, or leave us with something to remember, or inspire us with an image or detail that helps summarize your main points. 

Conversation is one of the most obvious processes of communication. Today you are going to "interview" a class member, then use your notes to write an expose (or human interest article) using this character sketch.  The notes you take in your journal will also be used to create a "fictional" character based on a real person during our next class. More information about that assignment will be discussed later.

Activity:

1. Please follow my verbal directions to pick a partner for this exercise.

2. Once you have a partner, take 5 minutes to ask any of the following questions (see below) and record what your partner says in your journal. 

TIP: Don't worry about long quotes or trying to write down everything your partner says. Instead, jot down only the KEY POINTS of what your partner discussed. Try effective listening techniques to comprehend what your partner is saying. Synthesize or summarize these key points when you take notes. 

3. At the end of 5 minutes, switch places and take another 5 minutes to be interviewed by your partner.

4. When time is up (about 10 minutes or so) you will be asked to quickly organize your notes and write an expose or human interest essay (see below).

Sample Questions to ask (use some of these if you have no better ideas):

A. How were you shaped by your environment or cultural background as you grew up? 

B. Name a friend, relative, or childhood friend or hero figure that had an impact (positive or negative) on your life. Describe how this person influenced you. 

C. Describe a personal experience that had a major impact on your life and/or creating the person that you are today. 

D. What activities or hobbies or interests bring pleasure and meaning to your life? 

E. Name a goal that you have set for yourself. How are you going to achieve that goal? 

F. What value or philosophical belief do you hold dear? Why do you hold this belief or value so highly? How does it affect your life? 

G. Any other question you wish to ask within the time limit of this exercise.  

Again, please note:     

You do not have to write down everything your partner says. Part of communication is listening to what is being said, then remembering and retelling what you heard in your own way. Use your notes and ask follow-up questions to develop your partner's answers. (see below)   

5. Keep your notes for our next writing assignment (more details to follow). 

INSTRUCTIONS: A human interest article is an article about...wait for it...yes! A human. It usually highlights a subject who has overcome an obstacle or difficult event, or how these events affected the subject. In other words: Your human interest article/essay should reveal something about the nature or character of the person you interviewed. Use your notes to help guide your essay. 

Let's read a model article together. We often see human interest stories on the news. Here's a sample student documentary: Human Interest Story: Yesenia Ramirez. Now it's your turn.

• Start your expose/human interest essay by adding a short introduction sentence. 
• Stories, speeches, and essays usually open with an interesting statement or lead-in. This is called The Hook. 
• Begin your essay/article with a clever hook or attention-grabber. Write an interesting opening line to introduce your subject matter (your partner).
• Human interest stories are generally positive in tone. The ending usually reports how the subject persevered or became stronger or better or wiser, or survived a difficult experience.
• You may need to ask your partner some follow up details as you write.
• If you get stuck or need more guidance check out the following link: How to Write a Human Interest Story.

Try one of these approaches to structure your essay:

• Chronological approach. A popular defining style for beginning writers, this usually trails off based on the information you are able to gather. In a nutshell, this approach involves telling a story by detailing it from beginning to end, exactly in sequential order. Simply arrange the events according to how they naturally flow and you should be fine.
• Suspended interest approach. This is a pyramid style of organization, where the lead fires off with a partial summary of the major facts.  The human drama’s resolution, however, is reserved for later in the piece, unfolding as you work towards the outcome and the conclusion.  Obviously, the suspense should compel the reader to stay with the piece, giving an immediate incentive to follow the story.
• Narrative approach. As the name suggests, you tell the human interest feature like a short story, using narrative elements (setting, plot, rising action, climax, falling action, characters, conflict, etc.) to lure and engage the reader’s interest. It’s considered one of the most flexible forms.

We will conclude our writing next class. This assignment is due next class (we'll be using it for other purposes) and the assignment is worth participation credit.

HOMEWORK: Feel free to work on your article, particularly if you did not get far writing it in the lab. Get your course criteria sheet signed and return it.