Saturday, December 3, 2016

10 Questions to Help You Write Your Reflective Essay

To help you compose your reflective essay (3-5 double-spaced pages), here are ten questions to ask yourself about your overall ENG 3352 experience and your development as a creative nonfiction writer. Your primary audience for this reflective essay will be me since I will be using this piece of writing as a guide to your portfolio. Your essay will offer me a way of reading the work in your portfolio and should help me understand what you have learned from your entire body of work for this class.

  1. What is your “English 3352” story? Where did you begin? What happened along the way? Where have you ended up?
  2. Check out the course syllabus again. What are the goals for this class? Which goals do you feel you’ve accomplished this semester?
  3. What were the challenges you faced this semester? How did you deal with those challenges?
  4. What do you see in all the work you’ve completed for this class? Discuss each assignment individually, if you wish. What was difficult/easy? How has all the work in this class helped you develop as a writer?
  5. What do you know about yourself as a writer now that you didn’t know before the start of this class?
  6. What strategies have you learned to use to make your writing more effective?  What were the things that helped you learn in this class?
  7. What were some of the important questions for you this semester? What important questions about creative nonfiction do you plan on investigating after this class is over?
  8. In terms of your development as a writer, what do you still need to work out in your mind to reach your goals?
  9. What do you still want to know more about? After all of our readings/discussions in class, what do you plan on investigating further?
  10. Overall, what have you learned in this class? What have you learned about the craft of creative nonfiction, revision, about yourself? Do you consider yourself a more confident writer now?

Final Portfolio Guidelines

A writing portfolio is a collection of REVISED writing assignments that are representative of a student's work throughout an entire semester. 

Your Google Drive shared folder will count as your final portfolio for this course. As discussed at the beginning of the semester, your final portfolio is worth 50% of your final course grade. Bear in mind that I will grade your final portfolio as a whole--not as the average of different project grades. Also, incomplete portfolios may not receive a passing grade. 

YOUR FINAL PORTFOLIO IS DUE ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 12TH BY 5PM. No late work will be accepted.

Below is an up-to-date list of all the files that you should have in your shared Google Drive folder by the assignment deadline. I have also included the correct file names. Finally, I STRONGLY encourage all of you to visit the UTRGV Writing Center (STAC 3.119) prior to the deadline for assistance with any grammar-related issues in any of your assignments.

ASSIGNMENT FILE      NAME IN GOOGLE DRIVE
Travel/Nature Nature/TravelEssay_YourFullName
Memoir                               Memoir_YourFullName
Reflective Essay Reflection_YourFullName

Week 15 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, December 5th
  • Final Portfolio Guidelines & Reflective Essay
  • On Publishing & MFA Programs
  • Homework
    • continue revising ALL assignments in Google Drive
    • compose Reflective Essay for Final Portfolio
      • in Google Drive, title file like this: Reflection_YourFullName
      • 3-5 double-spaced pages
      • Primary audience for this essay is Dr. Moreira

Wednesday, December 7th

  • WRITING/REVISION DAY [NO CLASS]
  • Homework
    • continue revising ALL assignments in Google Drive
    • continue composing Reflective Essay

Monday, December 12th
  • FINAL PORTFOLIO DUE BY 5PM

Monday, November 28, 2016

Reading Response #20: Ferguson, Chs. 22 and 23; Karr, Ch. 19 (Writer’s Block)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Week 14 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, November 28th
  • Mayela Montenegro / Monica Casanova: Ferguson, Chs. 20, 21 & Karr, Ch. 24 (Revision)
  • Homework
    • Read Ferguson, Chs. 22 and 23; Karr, Ch. 19 (Writer’s Block)
    • post Reading Response #20 on course blog before start of class on Wednesday

Wednesday, November 30th
  • Alejandro Sanchez: Ferguson, Chs. 22 and 23; Karr, Ch. 19 (Writer’s Block)
  • Homework
    • Continue revising ALL writing assignments

Monday, November 21, 2016

Reading Response #19: Ferguson, Chs. 20, 21 & Karr, Ch. 24 (Revision)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading.

Week 13 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, November 21st
  • Workshop #7: Memoir Essay
  • Homework
    • Revise Memoir Essay in Google Drive
    • Workshop Memoir Essay via email and/or Google Drive Share

Wednesday, November 23rd
  • NO CLASS [WRITING DAY]
  • Homework
    • revise Memoir Essay in Google Drive
      • REVISED Memoir Essay due for instructor feedback by 5pm on Friday, 11/25
    • Read Ferguson, Chs. 20, 21 & Karr, Ch. 24 (Revision)
    • post Reading Response #19 on course blog by 10pm on Sunday, 11/27

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Reading Response #18: Ferguson, Chs. 18, 19; Karr, Ch. 13 (Information, Facts, & Data)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading.

Week 12 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, November 14th
  • Gabriel Martinez: Ferguson, Chs. 16, 17; Karr, Ch. 10 (Talent)
  • Homework
    • Read Ferguson, Chs. 18, 19; Karr, Ch. 13 (Information, Facts, & Data)
    • post Reading Response #18 on course blog by 10pm on Tuesday, 11/15

Wednesday, November 16th
  • Sarah Sanchez & Jennifer Millan: Ferguson, Chs. 18, 19; Karr, Ch. 13 (Information, Facts, & Data)
  • Homework
    • print/bring three (3) copies of Essay #2 draft on Monday for workshop session

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Reading Response #17: Ferguson, Chs. 16, 17; Karr, Ch. 10 (Talent)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading.

Monday, November 7, 2016

Reading Response #16: Ferguson, Chs. 14, 15; Karr, Ch. 12 (Beloveds)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading.

Week 11 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, November 7th
  • Workshop #6: Memoir Essay
  • Homework
    • revise Memoir Essay in Google Drive
    • Read Ferguson, Chs. 14, 15; Karr, Ch. 12 (Beloveds)
    • post Reading Response #16 on course blog by 10pm on Tuesday, 11/8

Wednesday, November 9th
  • Doris Tolar: Ferguson, Chs. 14 and 15; Karr, Ch. 12 (Beloveds)
  • Homework
    • Read Ferguson, Chs. 16, 17; Karr, Ch. 10 (Talent)
    • post Reading Response #17 on course blog by 10pm on Monday, 11/13

Monday, October 31, 2016

Reading Response #15: Ferguson, Chs. 11-13, & Karr, Ch. 6 (Carnality)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading.

Week 10 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, October 31st
  • CLASS CANCELLED
  • Homework
    • Read Ferguson, Chs. 11-13, & Karr, Ch. 6 (Carnality)
    • post Reading Response #15 on course blog by 10pm on Tuesday, 11/1

Wednesday, November 2nd
  • Andres Trevino: Ferguson, Chs. 11-13, & Karr, Ch. 6 (Carnality)
  • Homework
    • print/bring three (3) copies of Essay #2 draft on Monday for workshop session

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Reading Response #14: Ferguson, Chs. 8-10 & Karr, Chs. 5 & 7 (Diction, Emotions, & Choosing Details)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading.

Monday, October 24, 2016

Reading Response #13: Ferguson, Chs. 6, 7 & Karr, Ch. 4 (Voice)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Week 9 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, October 24th
  • Victoria Benavidez: Ferguson, Chs. 3-5 & Karr, Ch. 2 (Truth)
  • Discuss Assignment #2: Memoir Essay
  • Homework
    • Read Ferguson, Chs. 6, 7 & Karr, Ch. 4 (Voice)
    • post Reading Response #13 on course blog by 10pm on Tuesday, 10/25

Wednesday, October 26th
  • Olivia Hinojosa / Muriah Huerta: Ferguson, Chs. 6, 7 & Karr, Ch. 4
  • Homework
    • Read Ferguson, Chs. 8-10 & Karr, Chs. 5 & 7
    • post Reading Response #14 on course blog by 10pm on Sunday, 10/30

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Reading Response #12: Ferguson, Chs. 3-5; Karr, Ch. 2

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Monday, October 17, 2016

Reading Response #11: Ferguson, “To Begin," & Chs. 1, 2; Karr, Ch. 1

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Week 8 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, October 17th
  • Lisa Marie Serna: Moore, “Writing the Memoir Essay" & Karr, "Preface"
  • Homework
    • Read Ferguson, “To Begin," & Chs. 1, 2; Karr, Ch. 1
    • post Reading Response #11 on course blog by 10pm on Tuesday, 10/18

Wednesday, October 19th
  • Ruben Loa: Ferguson, “To Begin," & Chs. 1, 2; Karr, Ch. 1
  • Discuss Assignment #2: Memoir Essay
  • Homework
    • Read Ferguson, Chs. 3-5; Karr, Ch. 2
    • post Reading Response #12 on course blog by 10pm on Sunday, 10/23

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Reading Response #10: Moore, “Writing the Memoir Essay” and Karr, "Preface"

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Monday, October 10, 2016

Week 7 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, October 10th
  • Workshop #2: Nature/Travel Essay
  • Homework
    • revise Nature/Travel essay on Google Drive
    • print/read/bring three (3) copies of REVISED Nature/Travel essay to class on Wednesday

Wednesday, October 12th
  • Workshop #3: Nature/Travel Essay
  • Homework
    • revise Nature/Travel essay draft in Google Drive
      • REVISED Nature/Travel essay due for instructor feedback by 5pm on Friday, 10/14
    • Read Moore, “Writing the Memoir Essay” and Karr, Preface
    • post Reading Response #10 on course blog by 10pm on Sunday, 10/16

Monday, October 3, 2016

Reading Response #9: Shteyngart, “Behind Closed Doors at Hotels” (281-283) and Moore, “Red Light, Green Light: Conquering Writer’s Block” (214-218)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Week 6 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, October 3rd
  • Karina Saldivar & Sheryl Cavazos: Reel, “Camino Real” (237-251) and Moore, “Who Am I Today?” (139-151)
  • Homework
    • print/read/bring Shteyngart, “Behind Closed Doors at Hotels” (281-283) and Moore, “Red Light, Green Light: Conquering Writer’s Block” (214-218)
    • post Reading Response #9 on our course blog by 10pm on Tuesday, 10/4

Wednesday, October 5th
  • Quiz #6
  • Cemantha Hernandez: Shteyngart, “Behind Closed Doors at Hotels” (281-283) and Moore, “Red Light, Green Light: Conquering Writer’s Block” (214-218)
  • Homework
    • print/bring three (3) copies of Essay #1 draft on Monday for workshop

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Reading Response #8: Reel, “Camino Real” (237-251) and Moore, “Who Am I Today?” (139-151)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Reading Response #7: Farley, “Ashes to Ashes” (106-114) and Moore, “Writing the Contemplative Essay” (51-58)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Week 5 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, September 26th
  • Workshop #1: Nature/Travel Essay
  • Homework
    • revise Nature/Travel essay on Google Drive
    • print/read/bring Farley, “Ashes to Ashes” (106-114) and Moore, “Writing the Contemplative Essay” (51-58)
    • post Reading Response #7 on our course blog by 10pm on Tuesday, 9/27

Wednesday, September 28th
  • Quiz #5
  • Discuss Farley, “Ashes to Ashes” (106-114) and Moore, “Writing the Contemplative Essay” (51-58)
  • Homework
    • print/read/bring Reel, “Camino Real” (237-251) and Moore, “Who Am I Today?” (139-151)
    • post Reading Response #8 on our course blog by 10pm on Sunday, 10/2

Monday, September 19, 2016

Reading Response #6: Marx, “A Tale of a Tub” (153-164) and Moore, “Writing the Humorous Essay” (159-165)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Week 4 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, September 19th
  • Hessler's “Tales of the Trash” (128-145) and Moore's “On Becoming an Excellent Rewriter” (219-225)
  • Homework
    • print/read/bring Marx, “A Tale of a Tub” (153-164) and Moore, “Writing the Humorous Essay” (159-165)
    • post Reading Response #6 on our course blog by 10pm on Tuesday, 9/20

Wednesday, September 21st
  • Quiz #4
  • Discuss Marx, “A Tale of a Tub” (153-164) and Moore, “Writing the Humorous Essay” (159-165)
  • Homework
    • print/bring three (3) copies of Essay #1 draft on Monday for workshop

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Reading Response #5: Hessler, “Tales of the Trash” (128-145), and Moore,“On Becoming an Excellent Rewriter” (219-225)

Post your reading response to the two readings below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Monday, September 12, 2016

Reading Response #4: Abend, “The Sound of Silence” (1-8), and Moore, “Write What You Wish You Knew” (172-185)

Post your reading response to Abend's “The Sound of Silence” (1-8) and Moore's “Write What You Wish You Knew” (172-185),  below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Week 3 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, September 12th
  • Moore's “A Closer Look: ‘Ah Wilderness!’ and “Of Conflict”
  • Discuss Assignment #1: Travel/Nature
  • Discussion Leader Signups
  • Homework
    • print/read/bring Abend's, "The Sound of Silence” and Moore's “Write What You Wish You Knew”
    • post Reading Response #4 on our course blog by 10pm on Tuesday, 9/13

Wednesday, September 14th
  • Quiz #3
  • Discuss Abend's, "The Sound of Silence” and Moore's “Write What You Wish You Knew”
  • Discuss Essay #1: Nature/Travel Essay
  • Homework
    • read Hessler's “Tales of the Trash” (128-145) and Moore's “On Becoming an Excellent Rewriter” (219-225)
    • post Reading Response #5 on our course blog by 10pm on Sunday, 9/18

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Reading Response #3: Dinty Moore's “A Closer Look: ‘Ah Wilderness!’ and “Of Conflict”

Post your reading response to Dinty Moore's “A Closer Look: ‘Ah Wilderness!’ and “Of Conflict” below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Reading Response #2: Dinty Moore's "Pursuing Mental Rabbits," "Writing the Nature Essay," and "Writing the Travel Essay"

Post your reading response to Dinty Moore's "Pursuing Mental Rabbits," "Writing the Nature Essay," and "Writing the Travel Essay" below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Monday, August 29, 2016

Reading Response #1: Dinty Moore's "The Gentle Art of the Personal Essay" and "The Personal (Not Private) Essay"

Post your reading response to Dinty Moore's "The Gentle Art of the Personal Essay" and "The Personal (Not Private) Essay" below. 

Here are the guidelines:
  1. Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
  2. Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
  3. From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
  4. Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading

Week 1 Agenda [Tentative]

Monday, August 29th
  • Course & Student Introductions
  • Activity: What is Creative Nonfiction?
  • Homework
    • print/read/bring  Dinty Moore's "The Gentle Art of the Personal Essay" and "The Personal (Not Private) Essay" to class for discussion on Wednesday
    • post Reading Response #1 on our course blog by 10pm on Tuesday, 8/30
    • On Wednesday, meet in ARHU 140 (Computer Lab)

Wednesday, August 31st
  • **MEET IN ARHU 140 (COMPUTER LAB)**
  • Quiz #1
  • Discuss Moore's "The Gentle Art of the Personal Essay" and "The Personal (Not Private) Essay"
  • Google Drive setup
  • Discussion Leader Sign-up
  • Homework
    • read Moore's "Pursuing Mental Rabbits," "Writing the Nature Essay" and "Writing the Travel Essay"
    • post Reading Response #2 on our course blog by 10pm on Tuesday, 9/6

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Welcome to ENG 3352!



The purpose of this blog is to provide an online space where all of our class materials will be available. 

On the blog itself, I will post:
  • weekly agendas & homework
  • announcements, reminders, offers of help
  • the occasional Youtube video, meme, or link
On the right side of our blog you will find:
  • my contact information
  • our syllabus
  • Google Drive instructions
  • course readings
  • workshop forms sheets
  • other helpful documents and links
At the top of our blog, you will find:
  • the 'Readings' section
    • Includes select course readings (check syllabus)
  • the 'Forms' section
    • includes workshop forms for all four major writing assignments
  • the 'Links' section
    • includes supplemental readings and links

Essentially, if you need information about this course, you need only visit this blog and it's likely you'll find your answers. So, browse around and get to know the blog well. 

I'm looking forward to a fun and meaningful semester!