MLA 2009 Source Questions

For those of you who have questions on Work Cited page entries, for our essay and for future research, here is a good website other than OWL that lists a bevy of general types of sources. Also, as MLA updates, Ms. Hacker -- an editor of Style guides -- provides great examples.

Homework for Tuesday, 12/1:

- Since we didn't have time in class, remember to do the following exercise to show that you can translate professional language into a language you would incorporate into your own essay the author's ideas...

Take the following quote excerpts from last Tuesday's reading and re-interpret what the author’s main ideas are in your own words.

Instead of an over-reliance on quotes, there are two other major ways to use secondary source material:

1) Summary – focus on explaining the main idea of a couple of lines or paragraphs, or a whole chapter/text. Instead of shortening the length of the article, what you are really trying to do is focus on the larger idea taken from the text.

2) Paraphrase – restating a piece in your own words, but in the same length as original text. For example, instead of quoting two lines of a text in its professional language, rephrase the lines into a language for a more general audience.

Excerpts to translate from “Heat on the street” by Charles Piot:

“Moreover, these playscapes seemed simultaneously wrapped in fantasy and cued into the everyday world…” (353).

“All of these explanations remain securely embedded within the world of the modernist subject – of a stable subject whose maturation involves identity struggles, gender differentiation and – when paradise is lost (at the end of the millennium) – the search for compensatory socialization mechanisms” (355).

“The fragmentation, ephemerality and chaotic flux of post-Fordist capital markets, and bourgeois society’s increasing reliance on the manufacture of imaginary appetites, have produced a culture which celebrates spectacle, fantasy, fashion, ephemerality, difference, and the commodification of cultural form. In postmodern culture, image reigns supreme, and there is a preoccupation with surface and style…” (358).

“Rather I see the violence as symptomatic of today’s new world order of boundary violation – of the assault on the nation-state, of the reconfiguring of global and local, of the dissolution, deterritorialization and remapping of the subject and of corporeality. It is also expressive of the paranoia, dystopia and conspiracy rhetoric that character [video game worlds] (and that proliferate in popular culture today…)” (360).

“…These games seem to provide, and indeed incite, ways of re-imagining bodies and selves. Here the body is experienced as detachable/combinatory and porous rather than bounded and whole, and the self as ‘intensity’ – and site of intense action – rather than as ‘emotion’” (361).

Also, as for major assignments:

- Remember that Defining 4 & 5 are due on Tuesday!!!

- Also, based on Tuesday’s discussion, start putting together at least four (4) example draft pages of your final essay that include secondary sources integrated into the text, along with a preliminary Work Cited page attached to the end of four pages! This Work In Progress 2 will be due on December 3, 2009 – the same day your Interview Culture Report is due.

Purdue's OWL website: In-text and Work Cited

Here is a link to Purdue's OWL tips on in-text citation - which provides a more thorough discussion and example page than we have time to do in class today... Since we cannot cover all of this in so short a time, make sure to go here for help as you do the final edits on Major Essay 2 to make sure you've properly cited material.

You also need a Work Cited page at the end of your essay. The OWL website also provides another on-line source for you to go to after today, by clicking here!

Student Example: Source Report

The following is a solid example of what is expected for the Source Report. The main critique of this successful report, in short: the student attempts to integrate relevance of article throughout, though at points the source is overly summarized and the Cultural Inquiry project could be discussed more to balance out. Despite the imbalance of summary, there is a strong attempt at synthesizing the guiding principle from the article.

The other major issue, is that the citation is incomplete -- if one is to cite an article, one must include which journal the article is from (where it was published); if the article was found on-line, then there needs to be inclusion of where on-line the article was found. Also, page numbers!

Student Example:

DeGrandpre, Richard “Ritalin Nation” 1999.

DeGrandpre writes “Ritalin Nation” focusing on the culturally induced disorder ADHD and the nationwide usage of its treatment drug Ritalin. The book takes on a touch of a bias and opinionated stance. The author openly doubts the legitimacy of the disorder. ADHD, in DeGrandpre’s opinion, is a culturally created phenomenon due to human’s constant need for sensory stimulation and ultimately a fast pace lifestyle. He describes the concept of a “rapid-fire culture” which thrives off society’s need for speed. In my research, I want to explore the origin of the disorder ADHD; examining the medical and psychological properties of ADHD, as well as the possible notion that it is a result of various cultural influences. DeGrandpre explains the latter theory in detail in his book “Ritalin Nation”.

People who are diagnosed with ADHD, are exposed to a ‘treatment’ option. A stimulant drug is prescribed with its purpose to control their ADHD symptoms. “ADD has become the most commonly diagnosed child psychiatric disorder in the united states. Ritalin, prescribed as treatment for ADD in about 90 percent of all cases, is a powerful psychostimulant that, when taken via the same route of administration, has pharmacological and psychological effects that are almost indistinguishable from those of cocaine.” This quote describes the prevalence of ADD and its corresponding drug. DeGrandpre discusses the background of Ritalin and its underestimated powerful effects. Various studies have shown the similarities between cocaine and the stimulant drug Ritalin. DeGrandpre states “As one journalist puts it, referring to the similarities between Ritalin and cocaine, ‘Americans would be horrified to learn that 2 million children across the nation are being given cocaine by their parents and doctors to make them behave better in school. It’s also close to the truth that it takes a chemist to tell the difference’”(DeGrandpre, p 176). The public or society’s view or understanding of the drug is an area I want to investigate in my research. Society seems to have quite a distorted view or understanding of Ritalin. Although studies have compared cocaine to Ritalin, the drug’s actual effects are still undermined. The context, of which the drug is being used, seems to alter the public’s view of its questionable negative effects. Since people are being prescribed this pill from a trusted doctor, the powerful effects of the drug seem to be well justified.

The misuse of stimulant drugs is another thing I want to explore, whether it is someone with ADHD or someone using recreationally. Specifically I want to research the methods of consumption and their varying effects, the distribution of pills, experimenting with different dosages, using recreationally, and developing an addiction. DeGrandpre states, “To give an example of what can happen, one college student reports: ‘I know a girl in the freshman class who actually stole a script pad from the heath center and faked her own prescription. She’s an unbelievably smart girl, got a 1600 on her SAT, but is convinced she needs to snort Ritalin in order to do all her work. She’s become an absolute speed freak- up all night and strung out all day. Ironically, she’s failing two of her classes.’”. Addiction to Ritalin and other stimulants used to treat ADHD, is a vital aspect I want to explore in my research. DeGrandpre touches on addictions that can result in the consumption of these medicines. Addiction to Ritalin is common, yet it is mentioned that it is not as likely to occur within people who are legally prescribed the medication. They take the pill in the mindset that it is medicine, with the purpose solely to “treat” their symptoms. Addiction is more likely to occur for people who are consuming the stimulant with the hopes to “get high” or to have recreational effects. Regardless of the context of which it is being taken, the drug still maintains the same properties and powerful effects.

“Ritalin Nation” will be a key secondary source for my research paper. However, I will need many more, considering it is somewhat outdated. The background information and the theories he expresses will be considered, analyzed and integrated into my research. His explanations of how ADHD is merely a reaction to high-speed society still may remain applicable today (ten years after the book was published). In fact, with the rapidly growing rise in technology and other varying means of convenience, that since then have occurred, his theory may be even more relevant and perhaps valid. Next, I will gather sources that focus on the medical explanations of the disorder.

Illness and Cancellation of class, Thursday, 10/29

Dear Students, I am sorry that my cold/flu is getting worse and we won't be able to have our WAR II class this Thursday. Defining: Body Language is still due on Tuesday, 11/3. Hold on to your myth examples that you were asked to do for homework. We will discuss them on Tuesday, and start work on discussion of Verbal Language. Stay healthy, Christopher

Mix Up

Dear Students,

I switched the dates of our readings, and we will read “Heat on the Street: video violence in teen culture” by Charles Piot for Thursday, Oct. 29th instead of for the 27th. I was a week ahead of my reading schedule, and I apologize.

This Tuesday, the 27th, we will discuss our writing exercise as well as a few other activities.

Sincerely,

Christopher

Reminder: for Thursday, 10/15: WIP 1

For those not in class this Tuesday...you will want to check Oasis and download and complete Work In Progress 1 in time for class on Thursday, the 15th. The file can be found under the WIP unit in Coursework.

--C.

Reading Changes

To focus a bit more on practicing Field Notes, the reading for Tuesday, 10/5 has been moved until 10/7. I am referring to the article from the Virginia Quarterly that can be accessed here: "Tropical Depression."

Remember, I recommended you read the Engaging Communities chapter on Place and Space for Tuesday's class in replace of the above scheduled reading. Basically, the readings were switched around.

I will make this announcement in class on Tuesday, and it should not harm our research efforts! In fact, our writing exercise on Thursday will be benefited by our reading the VQR reading.

bests,

C.

Reminder: for Thursday, Happy October!

Your Cultural Inquiry Research Proposal is due tomorrow, 10/1.

Also, here is the link to the cigarettes and heart attacks article I mentioned in class.

AND, perhaps this will intrigue and be of use to some of your projects. If nothing else, it is a fantastic read about how a society (culture) is affected by one of its parts. There is so much about social norms and mass ideology in Jamaican society that allows one to see how an idea (in this case, homophobia) is a catalyst in a culture for so much of what happens...

Schedule Edited:

1) In an effort to shift focus to individual student projects, Source Report 1's due date is being moved from Thursday to a week from today. Today's sole focus at the library today will be finding sources that may be useful to our project, through direct or inspiring your ideas.

2) On Thursday, 9/24: we will discuss our proposals and the kinds of texts we found on Library Day 1.

3) On Tuesday, 9/29: Source Report 1 will be due, and we will discuss Engaging Communities Ch 4: Framing Ethical Research and Beginning Fieldwork. (Which means we will NOT be reading "In the Realm of the Censors" at this time.)

Also, here was an e-mail you may have gotten...that could help you in your research project:

SYMPOSIUM THIS WEEKEND: Gender, Identity, and the Crossing of Cultures in Contemporary Chinese Art and Media

Presented by: Department of Humanities, History and Social Sciences; Ellen Stone Belic Institute for the Study of Women and Gender in the Arts and Media; Museum of Contemporary Photography; Columbia College Chicago

Ø FRIDAY 9/25, 6-8pm: Artist Presentations by several artists participating in MoCP’s and Hyde Park Art Center’s concurrent exhibitions, followed by a discussion with curators and gallerists.

Ø SATURDAY 9/26, 9am-12:30pm: Academic panels featuring presentations by prominent scholars examining gender, identity and cultural exchange in contemporary China.

Ø SATURDAY 9/26, 2-4pm: Film Screenings, beginning with “My Dear” which provides a vivid commentary on the Beijing contemporary art world (82 mins). The second film is “Wasted Feelings” a short experimental video of passersby in Tiananmen Square in October 1995 (17 mins).

ALL PROGRAMS TAKE PLACE IN FILM ROW CINEMA, 1104 S. WABASH, 8TH FLOOR.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED.

Please see the attached COMPLETE SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE.

Reminder for Tues., 9/22: Library Day 1

Dear Students,

I just wanted to remind everyone that we are meeting at the Columbia Library for Tuesday's class. I hope each of you comes with a "Word Bank" and thoughts on your project. As you search for texts, I hope to be able to discuss individual projects.

bests,

C.

Using Read Texts in Research

What we can get towards research: “Manners Maketh the City…”

Annotated Terms / Words: (define words in dictionary, academic websites, personal understanding of term, etc.)

- Urban Sociability: (define here)

- Moral Relativism: (ditto!)

- Social differentiation:(ditto, ditto!)

- temperance society: ...

- the “urban left”: ...personally, seems to be a generalization that those in urban spaces tend to be more liberal.

Questions from reading (again, we will all come up with our own!):

- What is Montgomery’s definition of a “good person” and “good intentions”?

- Is American society afraid of punishment for crimes? Is there a segment of American culture where idea of punishment is seen as wrong? (from last page)

- Is language the culprit for the failure of a culture’s interaction? )(from page 2)

-Do manners really reflect a society’s worldview, and how can this be studied? Is there a correlation between polite language and a thriving society?

- Does a society mark civility by its peoples’ manners?

- Is lewdness connected to time of day? A correlation between behavior and time of day?

- What can we learn from study of historical periods of politeness being regulated?

Evaluation of Author’s main idea:

- Interesting reflections on social behavior and business, but much to be defined and explored more …

- Imbalance between studies and firsthand observation and expanded definitions

- Don’t feel he really clarifies or develops his own ideas

Word Bank of Search Terms:

- create from annotations done on reading, and from questions from reading…

Other Routes for Research: Cited Authors/ Texts?

- Who’s theories are used by author?

- How are theories explained, and then used?

-What outside texts are explicitly referred to?

- Record from both In-text citation, & from Endnotes/ References section (index in a larger text like a book, etc.)

Self-created starter questions...

For Thursday, here's what was the mentioned homework we didn't have time to go over since your professor likes his students so much he forgets about the time...

- Read Engaging Communities, Chapter 3 on Research Proposals (link in last post, and whole text on sidebar)

- One question that asks a behavioral question about your possible subject-culture

- One question that involves a question about the “structure” of the subject-culture

- One question that includes a “demographic” of subject-culture

Thursday's Reading Link

The link for the Engaging Communities on-line text is in the sidebar of important links.

That said, the specific link to a .pdf download of Thursday's (9/17) reading can be found directly by clicking this sentence.

See you Thursday,

C.

Gender and Society article

First, it was nice to meet everyone. Second, this is not a required reading, but I thought the author implicitly echoed cultural assumptions of gender and gender roles. So, perhaps some of you are interested in these underlying issues of athletics and gender role expectations? Caster.

Welcome!

Hello students,

This will be a resource material where I intend to make reminder announcements, as well as post links to relevant articles that in the least we will read for class discussion, but that also could help one or more of you in your individual Cultural Inquiry research.

This blog is a good excuse-busting tool for any "confusion" caused by those annoying absences and forgetfulness syndromes. More importantly, it's a place to come if Oasis is down or if there is a change in the schedule. If due dates or homework assignments change, this is the first place I intend to publish those changes.

That said, this blog in no way replaces coming to class. Those who try to replace face time with this blog will miss 98% of what we're doing. Yes, that's an arbitrary percentage, but I cannot stress enough the importance of being responsible and contributing to the class.

bests,

C.