Thursday, May 28, 2009

Instructions

  • I will invite you to contribute to the blog, by sending an email to your existing email address.
  • Follow the link in your email to the homepage of blogger.com- Create a “google id” using either real name or a pseudonym, or an alias.
  • Sign in to blogger.com- Start posting!!!-
  • I reserve all the administrative rights, including moderation of posts before they appear on the blog, and the right to delete them if they are not considered suitable.
  • You can use colloquial, informal language to engage the readers, but remember that anything in excess is ineffective.

During this Marking Period, you will be required to post twice on the Creative Class-Blog. Each post should consist of:

Post 1: Approximately one-two pages (double spaced, 12 font) (50 points)

  • Post a link to an example of published Creative-Nonfiction that you liked.
  • Use approved sources with content appropriate for academic purposes.
  • Critique the non-fiction piece for its use of language, including style and tone.
  • Show how the author persuades and engages the readers.
  • Discuss why in general you liked the article, and how it added to your understanding of the issue.

Post 2: (100 points). This is your own “Creative Nonfiction” article. First revision: individual conferencing- Second revision: peer-review. The pieces will be graded for:

  • Research and facts, style and tone of writing, organization.
  • Friendly responses: (10 points each)- You should write at least 2 friendly, appreciative responses to the blog-posts by your classmates, showing what makes their posts readable and interesting.

What is Creative Nonfiction?

Let's look at the two links below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/27/world/asia/27mumbai.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Shashi_Tharoor_Keep_up_the_spirit_to_fight/articleshow/3774369.cms


  • The first news story gives an objective account of the terrorist attacks on Mumbai.
  • The second news story takes a more involved approach, responding to the attacks as a citizen of the country.
  • The first one only states facts.
  • The second one states the facts as they relate to the writer, and to the history of the nation.
  • The first story is summative (summarizing) in tone.
  • The second news story is analytical in tone.
  • The first news story does not express emotions.
  • The second story expresses emotions and states an opinion at the end.

What are the other aspects of Creative Nonfiction, as seen from this differentiation? What is the process of writing Creative Nonfiction?