Unit II Instructions

Take any quizzes posted in this unit by the date(s) indicated.

Mechanics, including grammar, punctuation, MLA

Papers in this course should follow Modern Language Association (MLA) format. See the links provided for a discussion of what MLA is and how to format using MLA.

In the orientation unit, you introduced yourself. Take this same information and put it in a document. For this and all assignments, you Word doc or docx or use Rich Text formatting. Format the document using MLA format. For this and all MLA assignments use Times New Roman, 12 pt. font. Refer to your handbook and the link provided to format your paper. You should also see the Word handout, especially for formatting the header. Also see the sample paper to help you format your paper. You can use this as a model for formatting your papers.

As indicated, all papers submitted this term should follow Modern Language Association (MLA) format. Your text and your handbook will be your primary resources for formatting questions. (Look at the sample papers.) Use the header function in Word when indicating page numbers for your paper. (See the handout on Word for help with this.) There have been some changes to MLA in the last few years, so follow the texts carefully. Don’t assume you know how; use the textbook.

Additionally, there are some things that I will briefly point out. For example, MLA guidelines indicate that you should double space the entire document. Use Times New Roman, 12 pt. font. Also, use present tense when writing about literature, which includes anything from a novel or scholarly article to a letter from your mom. Therefore in an essay about Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery,” you would indicate Jackson says, not Jackson said. Of course, any event from the past would still use a past tense verb, such as Flannery O’Connor lived in Georgia, not lives, since she is deceased. Finally, include a works cited page when you use outside sources. You must cite any source you use, even if you do not quote but only paraphrase. Failure to do so is considered plagiarism. (Review my policy on plagiarism.)

Composition and Rhetorical Modes

Last unit you discussed communication. As a follow up, see my comments about communication.

Composition and Literature

Read Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” The story is available at the link provided. Also read the article by Lasseter about the story. Then summarize the article. In the first sentence of the summary give the author’s name and the title of the article. Also, give the article’s main idea. Support this with adequate primary and secondary supporting detail. This is a summary, so quote sparingly if at all. Use MLA format. Also, for this and all MLA assignments use Times New Roman, 12 pt. font.

Use the following handouts as you develop your summary: Formal Standard English, Techniques for Incorporating Quotes, When to Quote, Word 2007 (even if you are using a later edition of Word, this handout will help you).

The final version of the summary will be due next week. This week, post your summary in the discussion link and get feedback from your classmates. Give feedback to at least two other learners. Give constructive feedback. Compliment anything that is good, but explain why it is good or effective. Also give indications about what should be corrected or at least done better.

Research Skills

There are no research skills assignments for this unit.

Student Skills

Be sure to see the student skills tips at the end of this unit.