Major assignments

Major Assignments

  1. DALN Literacy Narratives Analysis Essay (20%)
  2. Literacy Narrative Essay (20%)
  3. Team Digital Exhibits (40%)
  4. Team-led Class Discussion and Annotated Bibliography (20%)
  5. Participate in Class Discussions
  6. A brief (one to two pages, single spaced) final reflection

In this course, you will analyze existing literacy narratives, compose your own literacy narrative, work in teams to interview members of the African and African American dance (and drumming) community in Columbus to collect, transcribe, and analyze their literacy narratives, conduct secondary research, compose a digital exhibit based on the narratives you collect, prepare team oral presentations for the community sharing night, and write individual reflections about your experience researching and writing about community literacy narratives.

Class discussions and activities will be greatly enhanced by active and respectful participation from each student.  The reading for the course is quite demanding (especially at the beginning of the course) as are the writing requirements.  Therefore, it is important that each student keep up with all reading and writing assignments and come to all classes.  Though much of our time will be devoted to discussion of assigned readings and teamwork on projects, this is a writing course, and we will focus on various aspects of your writing across genres and media.  I see a strong connection between reading and writing.  Being able to read and think critically generally leads to improved writing skills.

In addition to the reading and writing requirements, this course requires that you commit two-three hours per week (for several weeks) to primary research outside the classroom.  This time commitment will most likely begin in week six or seven and continue until you complete the group project.  You will have one in-class session to do interviews; however, most interviews will take place outside of class.  Each group is expected to interview 10-12 people.  You may interview local dancers, drummers for dance groups, dance scholars, and so on.  Interviews should be conducted during the month of October.  By November 1, all interviews should be completed.