N. Aleman
naleman@raritanval.edu
English Composition I
ENGL 111-33
“Sparking” Discussion
DUE DATE:
Wednesday, March 28th
*You will be receiving a GRADE for your “Sparking” Discussion.*
DIRECTIONS:
Discussion is of great importance in an English class, as we deepen our understanding of
texts by questioning and sharing our ideas about them. You are encouraged and, indeed,
required, to participate in this exchange by sharing your reactions, opinions, theories,
questions and doubts about the material covered in class. You will be responsible for
“sparking” a discussion on your assigned text with a partner. You will come to class
prepared to lead a class discussion with your partner/group on your assigned text.
REQUIREMENTS:
o Length: TEN (10) minutes
o All students MUST submit typed notes/outline used for “sparking” discussion.
o All students MUST SPEAK during their own “sparking” discussion as well as in their
colleagues’ “sparking” discussions.
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS:
o Summary & Analysis
o Themes, Motifs, & Symbols
o Important Quotations
o Discussion Questions
o Links/Connections
o Text to Text
o Text to World
o Text to Self
TEXTS (Your assigned article is highlighted below):
 Amy Goldwasser, “What’s the Matter with Kids Today” (236-240)
 Sherry Turkle, “Can You Hear Me Now?” (270-280)
 Naomi Rockler-Gladen, “Me Against the Media: From the Trenches of a Media Lit
Class” (284-291)
 Dana Stevens, “Thinking Outside the Idiot Box” (231-234)
 Gerald Graff, “Hidden Intellectualism” (297-303)
**NOTE: You must read ALL of the texts above regardless of which text you are
“sparking.” You will be expected to participate in ALL discussions.**
***HINT: I would suggest that you keep notes on the texts that you are NOT
“sparking” so that you are able to participate in discussion.***