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Polishing Introductions & Conclusions for a Portfolio November 16, 2009

Posted by jhicks in : CORE, Content, Essay Planning, Portfolio , comments closed

Beginnings and endings are difficult whether in a relationship, on a vacation, or in an essay! If you’re  unsure of what steps to take beyond error corrections as you polish a final draft or revision,  here are some techniques you can apply to your entrance and exit.

Introduction (1) If you used the “funnel” or “pyramid” method, check to see if you began with generalizations that are very far from your actual topic. Try cutting the first two sentences, for example.  Now add more lines directly related to your thesis.

(2) Did you begin with a quote? Be sure you actually refer to it by name and develop ideas from it in your introduction. Also, let us know the author or credentials of the author as related to your topic.

(3) Is your introduction too short in relation to the length of the essay? Try to add more depth . . .Why is exploring this thesis important . . .Why are you pairing these very different texts together . . . Are you exploring questions people have always wondered about? Take time to discuss ideas like these to convince us you have thought about the thesis and its relationship to other ideas, times, people, or events.

(4) Is the thesis complete? Include nouns and phrases to name specifics, rather than making the reader encounter the specifics later.  So, take out “. . .has many effects” and name the effects in your thesis.  Don’t worry about giving away the “plot”!

Conclusion–Don’t worry about the rule of avoiding new ideas in the conclusion; instead, think about adding depth to show your brain power. Include the “so what” of your thesis. (1) Why is your analysis important? What effect does your argument have in your life or your reader’s? (2) Suggest other related research or ideas that need exploration. (3) Do modern readers see this idea, issue, or literary work differently than in former times? If so, what does that say about its significance? (4) How might life be different if we accept or reject your argument? Picture it for us.

Ending your Paper: Finding the “So what?”  –Download for more ideas!

Love in Context November 9, 2009

Posted by egutierrez in : CORE, Essay Planning, Love Unit, Uncategorized , comments closed

As CORE students you’re probably either writing, making revisions, or finalizing your paper on love. Remember that this paper, like the first paper you wrote in CORE last semester, is a personal narrative and a reflection about a particular theme in action, in this case love.

Think carefully about a particular time in your life or a particular relationship you’ve had that dealt intimately with love in one of its many forms, such as philia or agape. Although your professor would like you to think about other forms of love besides romantic love, you might try looking at some of these relationships for interactions between these other forms of love as well.

Interesting stories usually have some element of personal transformation or triumph over adversity, so try thinking about a time that either you or someone you know experienced a kind of profound transformation or perseverance. Analyze this situation in terms of love: What forms of love are at play? Did love have any effect on the outcome in question? What were these effects? Could you or that person have transformed or triumphed without love? If you know of a story like this, tell it!

What makes this paper so useful and so timely is that it allows you to explore the various dynamics and nuances of love without many constraints. Take this opportunity to explore your own experiences and views of love in the context of your life, and don’t be afraid to venture out and make novel claims about it (so long as you back it up with evidence). This paper helps make what was previously a more abstract study of love more concrete by applying it to your own life and your own unique experiences. Explore, and have fun with it!

EG

APA 6th edition help! November 6, 2009

Posted by jhicks in : Citation & bibliography, Uncategorized , comments closed

For help with the 6th edition of the APA citation style, we suggest the Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab).  Of course, we are happy to help you in person at the Valpo Writing Center too.

GET A CORRECTED BOOK FREE:  If you purchased the 6th edition printing that has many errors, you may turn it in for a replacement. Call APA at 1-800-374-2721, ext. 5510 to fill out a form. You will receive a package label in email to return your error-ridden book.  Do not delay in making your call since the deadline is December 15.

If you are just purchasing a book now, check to make sure the books indicates it is a print run that has corrected the errors.

The Freedom to Write November 1, 2009

Posted by lundquistthe3rd in : CORE, Essay Planning, Getting started , comments closed

Beginning an essay or paper where the professor encourages you to define your own topic, either with no restrictions or within a very very general framework, can be quite intimidating at first.  I say “at first” because once you learn to channel your energy, writing can become an activity from which it is hard to pull yourself away.

Here I will address a few things that work for me. They are things that I was originally encouraged to do in high school and have stuck with me ever since. When I was a sophomore in high school, I hated writing. I cringed whenever we were given an assignment. It wasn’t until my teacher told me, “Write on any topic you choose. The topic does not have to be ‘academic’ per say or common at all. ” I went to her to get more specifics and she asked me a few questions:

From there on out, things went fairly well for the first major paper that I would call my own. I came to find out that the band I picked also happened to take very strong stands on different social and political issues. To top that off, I found that I agreed strongly with their stances on these issues. Before long I had too much information for the length of the paper we were supposed to do. Then I had to narrow things down, but too much is always better than not enough.

I think the key step is asking “What are you passionate about?” or “In what area do you have or want to have specific interest or knowledge?” These are questions which will quickly get you on a streamlined path towards finding your research and writing your paper.

Although not everyone is likely to fall into the category of ‘passionate,’ each of us has something that is very important to us. Even if your life philosophy is apathy, there is still something valuable to be said or to explore towards that end. There are others who can and will learn from your words and experiences. There are always new things to learn about your areas of interest. Almost always the process of this learning opens you up to even more.

THE BLUE LIGHT show: A Long Way Gone Discussion October 23, 2009

Posted by willmeister in : CORE, Core paper #3, MP3s , add a comment

This mp3 episode of the Blue Light Show is devoted to A Long Way Gone. Three CORE students discuss ideas relevant to paper #2.

Is the book more about war or enlightenment? Why do the boys join the army? How does enlightenment occur, and what the responsibilities of the enlightened? Can family be replaced? Why is music so prominent in the text–How does it become a metaphor?

Ali McLaughlin, John Moldenhauer, and Philip Feldwisch, as well as moderator William Milhans provide serious talk about a thought-provoking text.

If you would like to save the file, please simply right-click on the ‘download’ link, and selected ‘Save Link Location As’, or the equivalent.

 
icon for podpress  Blue Light Show, Episode 5: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Meet a Consultant – Eric October 16, 2009

Posted by egutierrez in : Uncategorized , add a comment

Hey all,

I’m Eric, and I’m back for another year at the Writing Center. This is my fifth semester consulting, and I really enjoy working with everyone who stops by.

I’m a senior this year majoring in philosophy and economics, so I’m fairly up to speed on MLA and writing standards for the humanities and social sciences. If you need help in one of these areas, I’d be more than happy to chat with you about it. I work Monday/Wednesday 3-5pm and Tuesday/Thursday 9:30-11:10am.

Now a little about me. I’m originally from NWI (the region!) and I live off campus this year. Some of my hobbies (or distractions depending on the day) include relaxing with friends, philosophy from the early modern period, traveling, and solving puzzles. I also enjoy anything off beat or original.

Happy writing!

Jiddins – Writing Consultant October 9, 2009

Posted by lundquistthe3rd in : Consultant bios , add a comment

Hello to all!

My name is Jim, although I go by many nicknames, so I encourage you to be creative. I am excited to be back in the business of writing after taking a few years off to collect my thoughts (Actually many of them got away). I graduated from St. Mary’s University of MN with a degree in Literature and much experience in audio recording. I recently began an individualized Master’s program here at VU (MALS). My main focus is American Cultural Studies. My passions are books, music, and most things out of the ordinary. A radio show dealing with all three of these is in the works for next semester. Keep your ears open. Currently my hours at the Writing Center are Sun nights and Friday mornings. Stop in for a proofread, edit, or just to chat. I am also open to one on one outside tutoring if requested. Peace.

Jiddins

Meet a Consultant- Vickie September 16, 2009

Posted by vickiec in : Consultant bios , add a comment

Hey Folks-

Vickie here, back for a third year at the Writing Center. I’m now a senior nursing student here at VU, which means I’m your go-to girl for APA! If I had the time, I’d add an English major as well because I love to write but my schedule is pretty packed, so I fill that void by working with you here at the WC. As a former CORE student, and survivor of many English classes, I can help you with pretty much anything you bring to us. Nursing students- whether you’re working on a process paper or your research project, I’m the person to ask in regards to anything and everything APA. If you can’t make it to the 1st floor of the Christopher Center while I’m there (Wednesdays from 11-1) send us an email at writing.center@valpo.edu, include my name in the subject line and I’ll be sure to look over it and get back to you when I can.

Otherwise, stop by to say hi, talk about the West Coast (I’m from Oregon) or bring a paper that we can sit and work through together- I love making you more proud of your work (nerdy, I know.)

We’ve Got Mail! September 15, 2009

Posted by jhicks in : Consulting with us, Getting started , comments closed

Though talking face-to-face is the best kind of writing consultation, sometimes an email consultation works very well. Send your paper as an attachment to writing.center@valpo.edu. After reading your paper, a consultant will reply with reactions to the text and suggestions you might consider. Other than the end-of-semester rush, we respond within one day (except weekends). By explaining the assignment, you’ll help the consultant focus on your questions.

Why the “BLUE LIGHT”? September 5, 2009

Posted by jhicks in : Consulting with us , comments closed
blue-light-sign-best-2.jpg This blog is called the BLUE LIGHT because we have a blue light on the peer consultant desk. When it’s on, we’re on, and you can be on!But what other blue lights are there? A blue light special at K-Mart means you’ll get a bargain, maybe something you didn’t know you needed. Blue light on stage hints at romance or mystery. A study shows exposure to blue light at night prevents drowsiness, and your dentist may use a blue light to harden your new filling.SO, whether it’s inspiration, a wake-up, a bargain, a place to gather, and maybe mystery (and romance?) you need, stop by THE BLUE LIGHT at the Christopher Center first floor, or visit online writing.center@valpo.edu or IM until 10:30 PM Sun-Thurs.