English 407 
Composition: Theory and Practice
English 407
4 units, Wed. 6-10 pm
Instructor: Laurie Hatch
E-mail: [email protected]
Webpage: http://www.geocities.com/dnlhatch
NOTES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Link to TIME article "Lacking in Self-Esteem? Good for You!"
I've decided to write to clarify some common questions I'm receiving about the presentation and the autobiography.
The Presentation:
EACH student should provide notes on their presentation to turn in, which should include the 3 seminal characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, examples, etc. These should be different from your fellow group members (although there might be some slight overlap, the individual's interpretation will make it his or hers). These are NOTES. Although they should be complete, it isn't a formal essay. Some sort of outline would be fine (even if it is an outline form you invent . . . these are YOUR notes after all).
Autobiography:
As I'm reading through your first exploration, I'm discovering that most of you have a good grasp of narrative and include lots of anecdotal information. However, there is a lack of focus. I'm still not always certain what you have come to believe about writing. These details from your history (and, this week, from your writing practice) should support and reveal something about the writer you are. What have these experiences taught you about writing? What do you believe about writing? The anecdotes are examples demonstrating or revealing why you believe what you believe and what has shaped your current status as a writer. There are lots of details, but very few whys.
It might help you to think of this essay as a research project. You are researching your own writing history and habits to discover your own beliefs regarding writing. What governs the paper (its thesis) are your own beliefs, prejudices, etc. about writing. The anecdotes, the details about your own experience, etc. are the support for this thesis.
I hope this helps you all in your revision processes.
Link to CGU's Writing Center Webpage