Macro Editing

Expectations you listed:

·         The course will improve my ability to speak in front of others

·         That the course will challenge me to think of the effects that environment has on writing

·         Fairness in the class

·         Interesting material

·         Reasonable time to finish assignments

·         Lots of papers, revising, and researching

·         A safe environment where we can safely discuss topics

·         Personal and welcoming environment

·         Learn creative, effective, and informative styles of writing

·         Have a clear idea of what is expected in this class and in college writing. “Tell us how you prefer a paper to be written.”

·         Instructor who is encouraging, honest, patient, holds us accountable, plays games, and never gives us caster oil or gruel.

·         Respect

·         Be able to write about something besides Iowa State

·         Focus on professional writing

·         Use peer response and revision to improve my writing

Your Desired Focuses and Outcomes:

·         Better understanding of where my writing skills are now

·         Become a better, more confident writer and communicator

·         Gain a broader perspective, and learn about diverse ideas and opinons

·         Become a better student

·         Public Speaking skills

·         Avoid procrastination

·         Improve my ability to voice opinions without worry

·         Write a perfect paper

·         Incorporate creativity into papers, and make them more polished and professional

·         Find writing easier and more satisfying than I do now. Become a more confident writer.

"Wilderness of Childhood" by Michael Chabon



Macro and Micro Editing







Imagine you were really invested in your survival. That is probably not too hard. Now imagine there were two issues threatening  your survival:


1) The building you are in is being attacked by Godzilla
2) You haven't eaten in a few hours and you need some food.
What issue would you deal with first? Not being crushed and food are both important to survival, but one is more pressing an issue. Our writing is like this too, where there are issues that need to be dealt with first. All of the issues that affect our writing are important for its success, but some are more pressing. We can classify issues in writing as first and second level.

First and Second Level Issues in Writing:
First level issues are issues of writing that affect the overall understanding of a piece of writing. First level issues are generally issues of content and organization.Once the content is understandable, substantial, and sophisticated, and the organization is clear and logical, then the writer is free to focus on the second level issues.


Second level issues are issues that don't necessarily affect understanding, but affect the audience's receptivity to a piece of writing.  Second level issues are generally issues of style, clarity, and grammar. For example, a reader may be able to understand an argument, but may also find it difficult to read through the piece because of distracting grammatical errors. If a reader isn't receptive to your piece of writing, you still won't be effectively communicating your message, even if it is understandable. Unless the grammar is so incorrect that it obscures understanding, it would be considered a second level issue.

Macro Editing: Addresses first level issues
Micro Editing: Addresses second level issues


IN CLASS: Discussion of Michael Chabon and Macro Editing Activity


Homework:
1) Assignment 1 DUE Thursday, January 19th posted to Blackboard by end of day (11:59pm). We will go over the posting of an assignment to Blackboard in class Thursday. Assignments need to be submitted as a word document so that I can comment on them using track changes.


2) Revise and bring an electronic copy of assignment 1 to class on Thursday for a micro editing exercise


3) Read Everything’s an Argument p.95- 129 by 1/24 (remember, there will be intermittent, unannounced quizzes on readings that are part of your grade)


4) Read Eula Biss “Is This Kansas” from Notes from No Man’s Land: American Essays by 1/24. This is an electronic reading posted in the readings folder of Blackboard. Print out or bring to class on your laptop and be ready to discuss.


5) Read Everything’s an Argument p.441-451 by 1/26