Journal Topics

Directions: There are really only two ways to become a better writer.  First, you read more.  We're doing that with our regular reading assignments in class.  Second, you write more.  That is what journals are for.  Journal entries are a place for you to write without fear of being censored or edited.  Whatever your thoughts are on the subject, put them down on paper.  I don't grade journals on mechanics, grammar, vocabulary, tone, or the dreaded MLA format!  Be yourself and find your voice.  Even swearing, slang, and cliché can be used here, but still keep it readable and civil...  I don't care if these are typed or in MLA format; the whole point of them is just to get you to write for the sake of writing.  As long as you are on topic and meet the word count, you'll get the points.

Requirements: To get full points for each entry, you must do the following.

• Each entry must be 250 words long. 
• Each entry must be on the subject I have indicated.
• Each entry must be clearly numbered, so I know which entry is which.
• Each entry must have your name and the class section you are in (you can just list the days of the week and the time your class meets).

Due: All journals are due, stapled together, on the last day of class before final exam week.

NOTE: I reserve the right to collect journals and grade them at any time.  Stay up on your entries, so a pop journal collection doesn't hurt your grade!

Points: The final journal will be worth 100 points.

Class Journal Topics:

Topic 1: Based on your early reading from Navigating America (specifically, the introduction to Media Conglomerates), what are the pros and cons of the media conglomerates and mergers?  Do the good things outweigh the bad?  Explain.

Topic 2: Compare the novel 1984 with the scholarly readings we've done so far from Navigating America?  What connections do you see between the fictional world of Oceana and the modern day media-scape?

Topic 3: What are some real world technologies, laws, or policies that make our world similar to that of 1984?  What things exist now that make you think of the novel?

Topic 4: Discuss what you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses as a writer, going in to start our first research paper.  You all have natural talents in some area and have some weak points as well.  Talk about them here.

Topic 5: Our final research paper is about corporate wrongdoings in the name of financial profit.  What is one corporation/company/industry which has upset you in the past?  It could be because of poor customer service, environmental dangers, or even you just getting ripped off.  Discuss.

Topic 6: Read the introduction to Navigating America Chapter 22, "Corporate America" (Pages 664+).  What is one thing in this chapter which surprised/shocked/upset you?  Discuss.

Topic 7: Read the introduction to Navigating America Chapter 19, "Advertising" (Pages 536+).  Discuss an instance when one of these advertising techniques has worked on you.  Clearly identify and summarize the technique you have selected, and then provide me with a clear example of the ad and/or circumstance where it affected you.

Topic 8: Discuss the notion of corporations "going green" and trying to help the environment.   Do you think this is simply done as part of some public relations scheme by corporations that don't truly care about the environment?  Do you think they are genuinely concerned about helping?  Or, do you think it even matters as long as they do some good?

Topic 9: What is one brand that you are loyal to?  Some people prefer Coke over Pepsi, Ford over Chevy, you name it.  Pick one brand you support and explain why.  Is it a better product, or did you just fall for corporate branding techniques?

Topic 10: Write a critique of this class. I always enjoy hearing feedback.  What assignments did you like?  What did you hate?  Let me know what I should and should not do next semester when I teach this class again.  I always take this entry very seriously when considering next year's lesson plans.  You can do this in one of two ways.  1) You can simply write a journal entry to me which tells me what you think of the class now that it is winding down.  2) You can write an open letter to next year's students--I'll read the best of these to my class on opening day.

Topic 11:  Okay, there is no topic 11, but if you are worried about your journal grade, write some extra entries.  Just focus on something from class, hit the word count, and it can help make sure you get the full 100 points for this sucker!