UWRT 1102

Project One:

A Humanizing Condition

(Literacy Narrative/ Profile)

Who are we to stand back and watch when we can, when we should, participate in life, in history, to make
life and history? ~ Fyvish Finkel
Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, Vlaad the Impaler, Caligula... you cant beat the classical teachers.
~ Emperor & Supreme General Nappy Bonaparte
This project is for relating concepts from contemporary literacy theory, but by means of examining a key example of the
human condition, that of advocacy on others behalf. Specifically, youll be searing out a person who advocates for the
betterment of others. You will profile that individual, who he or she is, what makes him/her a suitable advocate, what
advocacy means in this context, and how this advocacy is displayed.
It should touch upon the following...
* Explain the type of literacy you are focusing upon (the kind of advocacy being examined)
* Offer your personal definition of literacy
* Explain how this literacy type fits within your definition (this advocacy is a kind of literacy because...)
* State why you wish to learn about or even master this new literacy, or why it is worth exhorting
* State how learning this new literacy would change your current life and in what way(s)
* State who is your main literacy sponsor for your literacy (the advocate being examined)
* Explain the situation which stands as the best example of your sponsor mentoring others in this literacy
* Explain how the literacy and your exposure, even meeting your sponsor, are now part of your personal culture
* Touch upon how and why you value this literacy and what it means to your life now
* Touch upon how this literacy came to your attention, your key event, or your sponsors
* Touch upon your current preconceived notions of this literacy (and even the sponsor)
* Touch upon how you would promote this literacy after mastering it, to entice others into also wanting to learn it
Strong idea tips: Use plentiful descriptions of what you have seen, heard, read, watched, and so on, which has drawn you
to this literacy; use this sensory and perceptual input in the descriptions; use clear and concrete statements.
Project Specifics.
Topic:
Your personal literacy notion(s), related to a field of the human condition and a representative of said condition.
Medium:
How long a paper do you have to write? This is always the question people want to ask before anything else. In this
case, it depends on how much you want to write. I want you to split the project into two different components write
some of it and place some of it into a visual medium of your choice:
* put together a website (approximately two to three full screens) and write a two page essay;
* make a great Prezi (seven to ten flashes) with a two page essay;
* create an electronic pamphlet and write a two page essay;
* make a photo slide show, preferably with narration (twelve photos/slides) and write a page and half essay;
* compose a song (or poem) which represents your literacy (three to four stanzas) and two and half page essay.;
* create a video or film and write a single page;
* make a PowerPoint (fourteen or more slides), preferably with narration or discourse included, with two page
essay;
* create an in-depth game about literacy and your literacy, write up the instructions, with a two page essay;
* make a scrap/memory book about the literacy in question, along with a two page essay...
and so on.
Note that making a physical game needs to be played by a test group, and while they play, film them so you have an eversion. For the scrap book, make a phone photo or scan for each entry, then save in order to a single folder.
You can do other things, too, such as make a Haiku Deck piece, an Alice.org presentation, create an interpretative dance,
or make a game (you have to make the game, not simply write about what it would be or do).

Your choice of medium will be discussed with me and with your peer group, gaining feedback from both. Know that I
appreciate risk-taking, and even if a piece does not turn out the way you wanted or envisioned, I will still note taking
chances on something risky. Do not make me quote Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus Series! You do not have to
be creative, merely try. Do something. Try something. And, if you still cannot stand what you have made, then write. You
can do that. You also can find a way to tie the two pieces together, even if it is only to discuss it a bit in the written
component some pieces need explanation; other pieces need instructions, explanation, and prayer for judgement. You
will have a place and chance to discuss what risks you took, if any, and why they should be considered risks.
Length:
Four to five (4 - 5) pages, total equivalent. Whatever you do, the end result should yield roughly the same as three to five
full pages. While complimentary, and there may be some natural, overlap, the composition component should not be a
summary or retelling of the medium piece.
Format:
Semi-formal, MLA format (title headings, pagination, 1" margins, DS, standard 10/12 sizes & fonts, black ink, white
paper...). You may use contractions and slang in this project. You may use I, me, mine, we, use, and so on, but do not
use you, your, or youre, not even yall or yourn. Nor youse.
Peer Workshop.
Before I call for the project to be submitted for grading, I will hold an in-class peer workshop. Participation will be
mandatory and graded. If you miss it, you will have to meet with me, soon as possible, so we can discuss alternatives for
make-up. Usually make-up for a missed peer workshop will revolve around pairing you off with another student who
missed, then meeting outside of class time. Use the notes and feedback from this workshop to polish your materials prior
to a call for grading.
For Grading.
When I call for the projects final due date for grading, I will announce the date, and post it on the class calender. For
grading, I want to see... (And note this also serves as a nice checklist of having all necessary items.)
- a polished final version, both written and media pieces
- rough draft(s)
- peer review materials
- reflection
Note that I require a reflection as a mandatory component for all major works, even some minor. I like knowing your
thoughts and insights. I will distribute the reflection questions ahead of the due date.
Materials should be submitted via electronically, and anything you do not have electronically, either scan or take
photographs, and viola! You have electronic matter to send! And, even better, you gain a step up for compiling materials
for the e-portfolio!
Knowledge is learning something every day. Wisdom is letting go of something every day.
~ Zen Proverb
~ R AB