I know that many of you really have hectic lives, so I hope you’re able to take full advantage of Spring Break.
Once you’ve submitted your proposal to Assignments, I encourage you to take some well-deserved time off from GSW 1120. I work you pretty hard, I know, but it’s all in the interest of making you better writers, and I hope you’re already seeing improvements in how you compose essays (I know I have).
Expect a revised syllabus once we reconvene on the 15th. I have every intention of giving you more once-a-week due dates, and you can expect to spend the bulk of your time to be spent on writing writing writing. There’s a lot of points left to be earned in MSE2 and RE, and I hope you know I’m here to help you maximize your potential and your grade. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
Are any of you doing anything cool for break? If so, I’d love to learn what–post a comment below. Melissa and I are headed to Chicago this weekend to visit friends (we’re having an Oscar party in our hotel) and eat at good restaurants (don’t worry, we’ve been scrimping and saving for a while). I’d love to try out the latest culinary fad, molecular gastronomy, at Alinea while we’re there, but it’s probably too much money to put down for a steak that looks like Swedish fish. More likely is Rick Bayless’ Topolobampo, which is gourmet Mexican. Dude can cook.
Anyway, email me if you have any questions, and by all means, Happy Spring Break!
Screenr’s not working today, and here is an illustration of me as a result. Check back for a Screenr sometime today or Tuesday, and I apologize. Be sure you’re:
–reading A Step By Step Guide to Achieving Synthesis
–finding sources for your MSE1 that are varied, relevant, timely and, most of all, credible,
–checking your email for my thoughts on your proposal, and
–staying warm!
Steve
Hello, and welcome to GSW 1120, Academic Writing! I’m Steve Edgehouse (you can call me Steve), and I’ll be your instructor this semester.
A few things about myself:
• This is my seventh year as a full-time instructor in General Studies Writing (GSW). I love my job.
• I’m married to an education professor, Melissa.
• We have a cat, Stirfry.
• I enjoy reading, writing, running, listening to indie music, and, lately, I’ve really gotten into Renaissance art.
• I’m an avid Cleveland sports fan—Go Browns!
But enough about me. You’ll learn more about me this semester than maybe you’ll care to. ☺
Here are the things I need you to do as soon as possible:
1. Download and read my Achievement Requirements, available in Course Documents on Blackboard.
2. Buy all textbooks.
3. Watch my screencasts (hereafter referred to as Screenrs) about my Achievement Requirements.
4. Head over to and check our class blog: http://blogs.bgsu.edu/estevegsw
5. Download and read our course syllabus and begin completing assignments for this week. Your first “due date” is 11:59 Thursday.
6. Sign up for a Twitter account (if you haven’t already).
a. Search for an follow me (@estevegsw)
b. Twitter gives us a great opportunity to stay “in touch” even on days when nothing’s assigned/due, so familiarize yourself with it ASAP!
7. Send me an email (esteve@bgsu.edu) and tell me about:
a. your technology situation:
i. How comfortable are you with technology?
ii. Have you taken any other online courses?
1. If so, what did you think of them?
iii. What sort of computer will you be working from this semester?
iv. Does your computer have a microphone and/or a webcam?
v. Can your computer support a Skype account? (http://www.skype.com)
1. (If so, then sign up for one.)
b. your personal situation:
i. Is there anything extraordinary about your life (that you didn’t post to the discussion board) I’m better off knowing now as opposed to later?
c. your writing situation:
i. How comfortable are you as a writer?
ii. What do you hope to get out of this class?
iii. What previous GSW classes have you taken, and with whom?
Get in the habit of checking your email, Blackboard, and this blog for updates from me, and I look forward to working with you this semester to help make you a better writer!
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Themocracy