In reading anything (even syllabi), things that connect to your
own interests, experiences, concerns, etc. are worth noting and
pursuing
e.g., the late policy here is essentially the same as one seen
in high school
Things that are unusual or different from what you expected are
also worth pursuing
Like the strange grading policy for this course
It will tend to produce numeric grades much lower than you’re
used to
Pursuing the topic: why do I do that?
Buried in the syllabus is an explanation: it produces fairer and more
consistent grades than schemes based on finer distinctions
Diagnostic Writing Exercise
Help me figure out if there are writing mechanics issues I should try
to address during semester; help non-native English speakers figure
out if they would be better served taking Writing 101 or 201 before
INTD 105
Consider the claim “Birds are dinosaurs,” which more and
more paleontologists are seriously making
Write 1 - 2 paragraphs aka 100 - 200 words on…
Broad version: your reaction (any reaction) to this claim
Focused version: identify some common interaction with birds, and
show how rephrasing it in terms of dinosaurs makes it seem ridiculous
Give it to me via email (baldwin@geneseo.edu) or paper by end of class period