(The) Writer's Mind: Provocations and Responses
A provocation is a thoughtful problem or question, at least one fully developed paragraph in length (depending on the genre--see below), and it is respectfully designed to trigger--in the addressed audience--an irresistable urge to respond.
During the semester EACH student will be required to post at least one provocation to the course blog and respond to at least three other provocations. I will assign 1-2 students per scheduled week to post. Once you are assigned to write a provocation, you will begin to brainstorm on a google document that you will share with me once you've made any progress. We will then collaborate together until we arrive at a full provocation. Then I will take the text and post it on the blog, and then announce to the class that the provocation is available. What to Aim ForAny assigned provocation must pose a thoughtful problem or question (please avoid general complaints) concerning any of the following items dealing with this course (200-400 words):
You are to design your provocations to generate a conversation on the blog beyond one or two obligatory responses. If you come second or third in line in a given week, you are to aim to move the conversation forward by adding some significant element not included in the original posting, so as to provoke others (including the original provocateur) to enter the conversation. If a conversation fails to ignite, you will not be penalized; on the other hand, merely attempting a provocation when assigned will not guarantee full points.
As long as it has to do with insights concerning the course and yourself as a writer, you will meet the basic requirement for writing the provocation. However, you must avoid repeating what others have written for provocations before yours. If you are interested in writing a provocation that is similar to a past provocation, then cite that post in yours, presenting it in summary, so that you can then amplify with your contribution, or reveal what was overlooked, etc.
I will evaluate each provocation according to these basic qualities:
Lastly, I expect each person in class to participate in the provocation discussions, as doing so will deepen your understanding of the course material and will enrich your experience and understanding of what it means to be a writer. Having responded outside your being assigned to will factor into your provocation grade.
The breakdown is as follows (total of 100 points):
NOTE: Any provocations and responses beyond those required to fulfill this activity may be added to your Writer's Notebook.
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