Class Notes 9/17/08

-Today we reviewed Beowulf in class, and Mr. Lazarow briefly went over the benefits of the Seamus Heaney version that we might buy for ourselves instead of the book given in class (Introduction to Beowulf on p. 29).
-Mr. Lazarow then went ovre the way that he wants us to read Beowulf, to discuss it among ourselves, discuss inon the blog and utilize outside resources to better understand.
-stoll@rowan.edu "Literary Biographies" for the study of Rowan, may submit essay to research study.
-We then briefly discused the assignment turned in today with things like utilizing the Toulmin mode of argument, keeping the essay near 650 words, "thinking about thinking," and anything for our audience.
-We discussed how the attitude of approach affected the paper we wrote; if we set ourselves up for error, we may end up making those errors.
ERROR IS A REALITY

-Unlike other forms of writing, academic arguments include discussions of objective and counter-arguments.
-Take place where opposite thinking exists.
-Writers must be aware of what other people (audience) think.
-It is key for building, refining, interpreting arguments.
-It's often good to point out counter-arguments
-Demonstrates that author is aware of opposing views (seems more fair)
-Shows that the writer is thinking about how the audience responds.
-Spreads point of view to others.
- When a writer contrasts their position, they clarify their arguing position.

DEALING WITH COUNTER-ARGUMENTS
-Table 1: Strategic concession
-Accept some of the arguing position's correctness, but reject it overall

-Chris Balch