Post your findings from Thursday's Exercise Here

Even though you have the directions in a handout, here they are again.

For this exercise, you will accomplish three important tasks. First, you will get a sense of persuasive writing in the public sphere. Second, you will create your own reading list for the third unit, instead of simply being handed a bunch of papers. Third, you will have an experience completing a research task. I hope that through this assignment, you will become better writers through the examples, and experience.

So, here’s the task. As a group, go to the library (or somewhere else with internet access). Together, locate online articles/essays through sites like Google, Yahoo, and/or newspaper/periodicals like Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, The LA Times, US News and World Report, CNN, etc.

You need to locate:

1. Two pieces that state a preference for Obama (search for newspaper editorials, which would be ideal here).
2. Two pieces that state a preference for McCain (same as above).
3. Two pieces that attempt to explain why Obama won…or why McCain lost.
4. Two pieces that address the impact of comedy/pop culture on elections.
5. Two pieces that address the effectiveness—or lack of—“negative ads.”

As you locate each, be sure to write down the entire web address where the text can be found. Once you have all of your sources, post the following to the blog (in the comments section for the appropriate post).

1. Name of piece, author
2. Working link for online access
3. A brief (1-2 sentence) description of the piece.

These articles will become our readings for Unit #3—you are directly responsible for the content! My one request (other than completion) is that you use credible sources (steer clear of obvious far-right or far-left sources, or unprofessional blogs, etc.)

Your findings must be posted to the blog by 4 pm. I was going to make it due by the end of class, since you are getting class time to complete it…but I’ve decided to be nice and give you a little breathing room.

Then, for Tuesday, select four of the pieces that relate to a topic of interest, read them, and write a Reading Response.

Please email me with any questions at all.