Special Quests and Adventures!
This page explains the detailed instructions on how to engage with special quests and adventures. The dates that are listed are the dates in which the quest or adventure is DUE.
Tuesday, Jan 17
"My Identity"
After reading "Your Edentity," I want you to think critically about your public and private image. Gamers, except in rare cases, are represented by an avatar, or alternate appearance. Being represented by an avatar can be empowering in different situations. An avatar can give you the sense of fitting in, acceptance, power, authority, and privilege. We are always critical of our physical appearance, as well as the mental image we have of ourselves and others. For the purposes of this the Rhetorical Inn, you will be creating an avatar and handle (name/screen name/identifier).
With this being a composition class, I strongly urge you to consider how you want to be represented in this space. Do you want to hand draw your avatar? Do you want to go to an avatar creator and make your digital self? Would you rather find an image online? All of these options are acceptable. Think critically about what your persona will be in this course.
After you create your avatar, take a selfie (or upload a picture of yourself) and upload both images side-by-side in a GoogleDoc. Underneath, include your handle/avatar name/screen name, etc. as well as your Myers Briggs*** (click on link) results, then answer the following questions:
1. Why did you choose the avatar that you did? What was the process in its creation/selection?
2. Comparing the selfie and the avatar, what do the two images say about you as a person? As a student? As a gamer? As a human being?
3. What is the story behind the handle you chose? Why did you craft it in such a way?
4. Are you surprised by the classification of the Myers Briggs test? Why is it different? What were your percentages? (can be a screenshot)
Answer all of these questions in paragraph form. Each number should get at least a three sentence response. Use this personal writing as a way to reflect on yourself and your public image. You can write the minimum (at least 300 words) or you can write three pages. Whatever you send me, I will read.
After you answer everything in your GoogleDoc, title it "Last Name - Avatar Name - My Identity" and place it in "My Identity" folder under "Special Quests/Adventures."
***Even if you already know your Myers Briggs identification, please take the test and record your percentages.
After reading "Your Edentity," I want you to think critically about your public and private image. Gamers, except in rare cases, are represented by an avatar, or alternate appearance. Being represented by an avatar can be empowering in different situations. An avatar can give you the sense of fitting in, acceptance, power, authority, and privilege. We are always critical of our physical appearance, as well as the mental image we have of ourselves and others. For the purposes of this the Rhetorical Inn, you will be creating an avatar and handle (name/screen name/identifier).
With this being a composition class, I strongly urge you to consider how you want to be represented in this space. Do you want to hand draw your avatar? Do you want to go to an avatar creator and make your digital self? Would you rather find an image online? All of these options are acceptable. Think critically about what your persona will be in this course.
After you create your avatar, take a selfie (or upload a picture of yourself) and upload both images side-by-side in a GoogleDoc. Underneath, include your handle/avatar name/screen name, etc. as well as your Myers Briggs*** (click on link) results, then answer the following questions:
1. Why did you choose the avatar that you did? What was the process in its creation/selection?
2. Comparing the selfie and the avatar, what do the two images say about you as a person? As a student? As a gamer? As a human being?
3. What is the story behind the handle you chose? Why did you craft it in such a way?
4. Are you surprised by the classification of the Myers Briggs test? Why is it different? What were your percentages? (can be a screenshot)
Answer all of these questions in paragraph form. Each number should get at least a three sentence response. Use this personal writing as a way to reflect on yourself and your public image. You can write the minimum (at least 300 words) or you can write three pages. Whatever you send me, I will read.
After you answer everything in your GoogleDoc, title it "Last Name - Avatar Name - My Identity" and place it in "My Identity" folder under "Special Quests/Adventures."
***Even if you already know your Myers Briggs identification, please take the test and record your percentages.
"Instructor Bio Revision"
Sometimes it is difficult to meet new people. Unlike a character in a book, movie, or game, we aren't privileged the background information that makes the person relatable. When it comes to people of authority, it is easy to see them as their position instead of as a person. In a lighthearted way of getting to know one another, I have uploaded a short biography of myself that is open for revision. You can change whatever you like, as long as it has not already been changed. Each player will change two details and change the color of their change to red (either font or highlight).
With the changes in mind, I want to reiterate a policy of the classroom. I have very thick skin and appreciate a good laugh, even at my own expense. However, if you write something that you think may be offensive to another player, please reconsider your edit. You can call attention to my physical appearance, gender, beliefs, etc., but do remember that some edits, even in the spirit of humor, can be highly offensive to others. Please keep this in mind when making your edits.
The file is in the folder, "Instructor Bio Revision." Make sure you click into the document and make your edit. DO NOT DELETE THE DOCUMENT or start your own document. Please have this done by Monday night, so I can print it out and read it to the class on Tuesday.
Sometimes it is difficult to meet new people. Unlike a character in a book, movie, or game, we aren't privileged the background information that makes the person relatable. When it comes to people of authority, it is easy to see them as their position instead of as a person. In a lighthearted way of getting to know one another, I have uploaded a short biography of myself that is open for revision. You can change whatever you like, as long as it has not already been changed. Each player will change two details and change the color of their change to red (either font or highlight).
With the changes in mind, I want to reiterate a policy of the classroom. I have very thick skin and appreciate a good laugh, even at my own expense. However, if you write something that you think may be offensive to another player, please reconsider your edit. You can call attention to my physical appearance, gender, beliefs, etc., but do remember that some edits, even in the spirit of humor, can be highly offensive to others. Please keep this in mind when making your edits.
The file is in the folder, "Instructor Bio Revision." Make sure you click into the document and make your edit. DO NOT DELETE THE DOCUMENT or start your own document. Please have this done by Monday night, so I can print it out and read it to the class on Tuesday.
Thursday, September 21
"Tutorial and Build"
Learning a new program and design medium opens up a world of adventure, wonder, and frustration. Learning how to operate inside Minecraft: Education Edition is no different. If you are a PC gamer, the ASDW and Mouse movement commands are as familiar to you as typing on the QWERTY keyboard. If you are a console gamer, you may yearn for your XBOX or Playstation controller to move around. With a bit of practice, the keyboard and mouse will become second nature.
When you first step into the world of Minecraft, you may be disoriented and confused and that is where a good tutorial comes in. The world linked below is the same world we navigated through as a class. If you need a refresher on controls--or just more practice--go to the tutorial section once more and move through the obstacle course. If you want to go to fresh terrain to build, take the path to the open build area. If you want to move straight to your assignment, go to the castle, find your guide, and get to work. The guides are located throughout the castle and will provide you with your task based on your specialization. Make sure to follow their instructions! Keep time of how long it takes you to do the assignment. Once you find the guide, run a stopwatch and record the final time in your Spark Page somewhere. Oh, also, make sure you turn on creative mode. It will make things easier!
Document your progress either by using Camtasia or the camera function in-game. Make sure to provide pictures/video of the progress and final build in an Adobe Spark Page. Once completed, upload it to Behance (remember to use the iframe code). Make sure to caption your photos and write at least one paragraph on your process of planning/building. The upload on Behance should be called: "Last Name - Tutorial and Build." For the first H1 header, put the following: "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - Tutorial and Build"
"Minecraft Adventure"
Now that you have played through Minecraft at least twice, you should have a sense for the game and your level of expertise. Minecraft is a vast world of possibilities where your mind is one of the only limitations. For your Journey Log 3, reflect on Minecraft. Remember to use at least one Habit of Mind and keep your specialization in mind. Here are some guiding questions to lead you through your Journey Log:
Learning a new program and design medium opens up a world of adventure, wonder, and frustration. Learning how to operate inside Minecraft: Education Edition is no different. If you are a PC gamer, the ASDW and Mouse movement commands are as familiar to you as typing on the QWERTY keyboard. If you are a console gamer, you may yearn for your XBOX or Playstation controller to move around. With a bit of practice, the keyboard and mouse will become second nature.
When you first step into the world of Minecraft, you may be disoriented and confused and that is where a good tutorial comes in. The world linked below is the same world we navigated through as a class. If you need a refresher on controls--or just more practice--go to the tutorial section once more and move through the obstacle course. If you want to go to fresh terrain to build, take the path to the open build area. If you want to move straight to your assignment, go to the castle, find your guide, and get to work. The guides are located throughout the castle and will provide you with your task based on your specialization. Make sure to follow their instructions! Keep time of how long it takes you to do the assignment. Once you find the guide, run a stopwatch and record the final time in your Spark Page somewhere. Oh, also, make sure you turn on creative mode. It will make things easier!
Document your progress either by using Camtasia or the camera function in-game. Make sure to provide pictures/video of the progress and final build in an Adobe Spark Page. Once completed, upload it to Behance (remember to use the iframe code). Make sure to caption your photos and write at least one paragraph on your process of planning/building. The upload on Behance should be called: "Last Name - Tutorial and Build." For the first H1 header, put the following: "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - Tutorial and Build"
"Minecraft Adventure"
Now that you have played through Minecraft at least twice, you should have a sense for the game and your level of expertise. Minecraft is a vast world of possibilities where your mind is one of the only limitations. For your Journey Log 3, reflect on Minecraft. Remember to use at least one Habit of Mind and keep your specialization in mind. Here are some guiding questions to lead you through your Journey Log:
- What was your first reaction to Minecraft? If you have played before, how was this experience similar or different?
- Minecraft is an open sandbox game that's main purpose is creativity and collaboration. How would you respond to these two things in your experience?
- Was your planning and focus on process different than that of previous compositions? How so?
- What are the limitations and affordances of the game as you see it right now?
- Did you look up tutorials or help guides?
engl_1030_fall_2017_minecraft_tutorial.mcworld | |
File Size: | 4008 kb |
File Type: | mcworld |
Tuesday, September 26nd
"Olive Arguments"
Good research is most often read, but it can also be listened to or watched. John Oliver, on his show Last Week Tonight, engages in 12-20 minute segments on a major story that requires quite a bit of research before presenting. He has hundreds of segments to look at, but I selected a few that might be of interest to you. Go to the “Quest Items” portal and choose one of the following segments by John Oliver: "Journalism," "Charter Schools," "Encryption," or "Alex Jones." These are explicit videos due to vulgarities, just so you know. Once you have watched one of the videos all the way through, do the following:
Rangers: Google and find at least two articles that mention this episode. Read through them and write a 200-300 word response. What sides did they take? What change is being brought about, if any? What other information was brought up?
Mage: Create a digital representation of the arguments and sources. This could be a digitally drawn mind map, a video, or something else. What groups did he mention? Where did he get his information? What was backed up and what wasn’t? Do any arguments extend to one another or were they solitary arguments? (Use GoogleDraw, one of the Adobe programs or come up withe a creative solution)
Bard: Based on the change that Oliver proposes—and assume it happened—write a 200 word (2.5 minute) creative piece in response. You may write a poem, rap, song, or short story about the issue.Try to summon as much pathos as possible.
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "Olive Arguments" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - Olive Arguments." Good luck, and have fun!
Good research is most often read, but it can also be listened to or watched. John Oliver, on his show Last Week Tonight, engages in 12-20 minute segments on a major story that requires quite a bit of research before presenting. He has hundreds of segments to look at, but I selected a few that might be of interest to you. Go to the “Quest Items” portal and choose one of the following segments by John Oliver: "Journalism," "Charter Schools," "Encryption," or "Alex Jones." These are explicit videos due to vulgarities, just so you know. Once you have watched one of the videos all the way through, do the following:
- Using the rhetorical principles that we have discussed, write at least 250 words analyzing his argument. Remember to discuss ethos, pathos, logos, doxa, dogma, and Kairos (at the very least).
- (Depending on your specialization)
Rangers: Google and find at least two articles that mention this episode. Read through them and write a 200-300 word response. What sides did they take? What change is being brought about, if any? What other information was brought up?
Mage: Create a digital representation of the arguments and sources. This could be a digitally drawn mind map, a video, or something else. What groups did he mention? Where did he get his information? What was backed up and what wasn’t? Do any arguments extend to one another or were they solitary arguments? (Use GoogleDraw, one of the Adobe programs or come up withe a creative solution)
Bard: Based on the change that Oliver proposes—and assume it happened—write a 200 word (2.5 minute) creative piece in response. You may write a poem, rap, song, or short story about the issue.Try to summon as much pathos as possible.
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "Olive Arguments" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - Olive Arguments." Good luck, and have fun!
Thursday, September 28th
"For Your Audience (Rhetorically Speaking)"
“Choosing how to express your meaning is every bit as important as the message itself, which is really what rhetoric is. Every time you go to write anything (and every time you open your mouth), whether actively conscious of the purpose or not, you are making decisions about which words to use and what tone to establish as you order your thoughts based upon what is appropriate for your intended audience in that context.” (87)
For this assignment, you are to interact with Janet Boyd’s article, “Murder! (Rhetorically Speaking)” (found under Quest Items) with certain prompts which will enhance your understanding of rhetoric and genre. It is important that you read the entire article, instead of just flipping to the activities. The article gives you great detail as to what rhetoric is and the components that make it up. (I highly recommend that you take notes of the different terms she goes over, since we will be using them for the rest of the semester.) Remember, all classes must do all four prompts, but there are extra requirements for a prompt based off of your class.
The “Five Facts” of the Scene
Who: Mark Smith
What: Murdered
Where: Parking Garage
When: June 6, 2016; 10:37pm
How: Multiple stab wounds
Prompt 1: (Page 88)
Using the five facts, create a police report as if you were a detective. You are using the facts above, but you need to fill in the specific details of the scene. Be mindful that you are writing in the “police report” genre. Police reports are very specific, detailed, and to the point. Your audience is your superiors in the office, lawyers, jury, judge, and potentially the media. What do you write to fully explain the scene?
(If you are a RANGER, you are required to find a police report template [google police report template], and write your detailed police report in this way.)
Prompt 2: (Page 91)
Again, using the five facts, you are now to write a coroner’s report of the body. Even though you are writing a different report, your audience is the same as the detective report. Keep diction (word choice) in mind. What do you see? Again, very detail oriented and to the point.
(If you are a MAGE, you are required to create a "medical examiner's report" [google for template], and fill it out accordingly.)
Prompt 3: (Page 94)
Using the information you have already used for Mark Smith, you are to create a short eulogy, or a speech of remembrance. You can decide who your audience is. Is it those at the funeral home? Is this going to be more of an obituary? What details will you choose to include? What do you want to say?
(If you are a BARD, you are required to write at least 300 words for the eulogy. This should be thoughtful, detailed, and creative.)
(If you are a Builder, you are required to build the building in which the eulogy is taking place. You should include pictures of the outside (front and angled side) and inside (front and back view). Insert the pictures in your document.
Prompt 4: (Page 97)
After the investigation, coroner’s report, and eulogy, you should have a good understanding of Mark Smith. Now you are faced with his killer and all eyes are on you; Mark Smith’s lawyer. You need to give your closing argument to the jury which will deliver the verdict, so what do you say?
(If you are the Warrior, you are required to write a compelling closing argument of a minimum 400 words.)
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "For Your Audience (Rhetorically Speaking)" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - For Your Audience." Good luck, and have fun!
For Bonus Points: Make a confession tape for the crime explaining what you did in detail. Edit in Premiere and upload to Behance with the title: "Last Name - Confession"
“Choosing how to express your meaning is every bit as important as the message itself, which is really what rhetoric is. Every time you go to write anything (and every time you open your mouth), whether actively conscious of the purpose or not, you are making decisions about which words to use and what tone to establish as you order your thoughts based upon what is appropriate for your intended audience in that context.” (87)
For this assignment, you are to interact with Janet Boyd’s article, “Murder! (Rhetorically Speaking)” (found under Quest Items) with certain prompts which will enhance your understanding of rhetoric and genre. It is important that you read the entire article, instead of just flipping to the activities. The article gives you great detail as to what rhetoric is and the components that make it up. (I highly recommend that you take notes of the different terms she goes over, since we will be using them for the rest of the semester.) Remember, all classes must do all four prompts, but there are extra requirements for a prompt based off of your class.
The “Five Facts” of the Scene
Who: Mark Smith
What: Murdered
Where: Parking Garage
When: June 6, 2016; 10:37pm
How: Multiple stab wounds
Prompt 1: (Page 88)
Using the five facts, create a police report as if you were a detective. You are using the facts above, but you need to fill in the specific details of the scene. Be mindful that you are writing in the “police report” genre. Police reports are very specific, detailed, and to the point. Your audience is your superiors in the office, lawyers, jury, judge, and potentially the media. What do you write to fully explain the scene?
(If you are a RANGER, you are required to find a police report template [google police report template], and write your detailed police report in this way.)
Prompt 2: (Page 91)
Again, using the five facts, you are now to write a coroner’s report of the body. Even though you are writing a different report, your audience is the same as the detective report. Keep diction (word choice) in mind. What do you see? Again, very detail oriented and to the point.
(If you are a MAGE, you are required to create a "medical examiner's report" [google for template], and fill it out accordingly.)
Prompt 3: (Page 94)
Using the information you have already used for Mark Smith, you are to create a short eulogy, or a speech of remembrance. You can decide who your audience is. Is it those at the funeral home? Is this going to be more of an obituary? What details will you choose to include? What do you want to say?
(If you are a BARD, you are required to write at least 300 words for the eulogy. This should be thoughtful, detailed, and creative.)
(If you are a Builder, you are required to build the building in which the eulogy is taking place. You should include pictures of the outside (front and angled side) and inside (front and back view). Insert the pictures in your document.
Prompt 4: (Page 97)
After the investigation, coroner’s report, and eulogy, you should have a good understanding of Mark Smith. Now you are faced with his killer and all eyes are on you; Mark Smith’s lawyer. You need to give your closing argument to the jury which will deliver the verdict, so what do you say?
(If you are the Warrior, you are required to write a compelling closing argument of a minimum 400 words.)
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "For Your Audience (Rhetorically Speaking)" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - For Your Audience." Good luck, and have fun!
For Bonus Points: Make a confession tape for the crime explaining what you did in detail. Edit in Premiere and upload to Behance with the title: "Last Name - Confession"
Tuesday, October 3rd
"Source Machine"
Now that we have reviewed how to gather research, I want you to start building your annotated bibliography, In preparation for your Raid Three: Annotated Bibliography, I am requesting that you go through two sources and diagram your research in one of several ways (based on your classification).
The base adventure is to find two articles/Books about your myth and skim through them. Do your best to find peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books through the library, however, you may use one primary book source. You are looking for key words, names (references), phrases (potential quotes), and organization (arguments/subheadings). For each of these--keywords, references, quotes, and arguments--you are to list four. Please reference the example Annotated Bibliography I have listed below.
Format:
Full MLA citation
Short summary of source's arguments
4 keywords
4 citations/references (list the name and title of their work)
(If it is a primary source, list the deity/hero and another story they are in)
4 potential quotes (with page numbers)
4 main arguments (can be subheadings from article//chapters in a book)
Warrior: Write at least a 150 word summary of each article. Do not copy and paste from the abstract of the article. You are summarizing the main ideas, but, more specifically, you are summarizing the ideas you are going to use.
Ranger: For each of the four references you pull from the article, find two other articles each scholar has written and post the citation in BLUE under their name. You may use one reference that was already cited in the article/book.
Mage: Using Microsoft Word, GoogleDraw, or a similar program, create a diagram/web of the myths, ideas being discussed, and/or key figures. Use different colors to connect the research together to the ideas. Be detailed. Be creative with it, but make sure that it can be read.
Bard: Find two pieces of popular literature (comic books, movies, TV shows, novel, magazine, newspaper, etc.) that feature your myths. Pull the descriptions or screenshots of the myths/references/heroes/deities. Now, write about how these descriptions are similar and/or different than the primary source and speculate why.
Remember to make sure the document is organized, in MLA format, and easy to read. Make sure you title it "Last Name-Avatar Name-Classification-"Source Machine" and put it in the "source machine" folder.
Annotated Bibliography Example (click)
Now that we have reviewed how to gather research, I want you to start building your annotated bibliography, In preparation for your Raid Three: Annotated Bibliography, I am requesting that you go through two sources and diagram your research in one of several ways (based on your classification).
The base adventure is to find two articles/Books about your myth and skim through them. Do your best to find peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books through the library, however, you may use one primary book source. You are looking for key words, names (references), phrases (potential quotes), and organization (arguments/subheadings). For each of these--keywords, references, quotes, and arguments--you are to list four. Please reference the example Annotated Bibliography I have listed below.
Format:
Full MLA citation
Short summary of source's arguments
4 keywords
4 citations/references (list the name and title of their work)
(If it is a primary source, list the deity/hero and another story they are in)
4 potential quotes (with page numbers)
4 main arguments (can be subheadings from article//chapters in a book)
Warrior: Write at least a 150 word summary of each article. Do not copy and paste from the abstract of the article. You are summarizing the main ideas, but, more specifically, you are summarizing the ideas you are going to use.
Ranger: For each of the four references you pull from the article, find two other articles each scholar has written and post the citation in BLUE under their name. You may use one reference that was already cited in the article/book.
Mage: Using Microsoft Word, GoogleDraw, or a similar program, create a diagram/web of the myths, ideas being discussed, and/or key figures. Use different colors to connect the research together to the ideas. Be detailed. Be creative with it, but make sure that it can be read.
Bard: Find two pieces of popular literature (comic books, movies, TV shows, novel, magazine, newspaper, etc.) that feature your myths. Pull the descriptions or screenshots of the myths/references/heroes/deities. Now, write about how these descriptions are similar and/or different than the primary source and speculate why.
Remember to make sure the document is organized, in MLA format, and easy to read. Make sure you title it "Last Name-Avatar Name-Classification-"Source Machine" and put it in the "source machine" folder.
Annotated Bibliography Example (click)
"Day in the Life of" Journey Log Five
For Journey Log Five, you will create a "Day in the Life of" video. First, choose a day that you want to record. Then, periodically throughout the day, record yourself and/or your surroundings. Try to combine recording yourself talking, voice-over, and text to explain your day. You may want to include Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook pictures with filters and annotations. When you have completed your day (end with going to bed), you can then edit your recordings and images in Premiere Pro. Your goal is to be somewhere near four and five minutes. If you would like to do a longer video, you may do so. There is Bonus XP offered for those that want to critique either the life of a student or digital literacy.
Links for Free Music and Images! (Click Me)
"Day in the Life of" Examples (One) (Two)
Critical "Day in the Life of" style (Click Me)
How to Add Text in Premiere Pro (Click Me)
For Journey Log Five, you will create a "Day in the Life of" video. First, choose a day that you want to record. Then, periodically throughout the day, record yourself and/or your surroundings. Try to combine recording yourself talking, voice-over, and text to explain your day. You may want to include Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook pictures with filters and annotations. When you have completed your day (end with going to bed), you can then edit your recordings and images in Premiere Pro. Your goal is to be somewhere near four and five minutes. If you would like to do a longer video, you may do so. There is Bonus XP offered for those that want to critique either the life of a student or digital literacy.
- 4-5 minute edited video
- Use of text, voice-over, and recorded voice.
- Can use video and images
- Use music as background, but be mindful of copyright because this is a public video (on Behance)
Links for Free Music and Images! (Click Me)
"Day in the Life of" Examples (One) (Two)
Critical "Day in the Life of" style (Click Me)
How to Add Text in Premiere Pro (Click Me)
Friday, October 13
"Video Essay" Journey Log Six
For this journey log, you are going to record a burst story. Using a camera from either the library or your phone, you are to record a burst story that will use images, video, voice, and text to convey your narrative. Remember, a burst story is a narrative that explains the intersections of your personal life and the mythology you are researching. The video should be roughly four minutes and made in Premiere Pro. Remember to look up tutorials on Youtube for help. This should be an exploration into your mythology and get a full burst story written for your Raid Four.
When completed, upload to Youtube or Vimeo and put in your Journey Log.
"Shitty Experiences and Process"
Now that you have written an annotated bibliography of your research, it is time to reflect on the writing process of a paper. I would like you to read Lamott's piece "Shitty first Drafts" (Under Quest Items) in its entirety. Once you have done the reading, complete the following prompt:
Write a short, minimum 300 word, essay on your process for writing longer essays. Think about writing in drafts as Lamott explains it. What about your process is like hers? What are the thoughts in your head before you submit a paper? Do you often write in drafts? If time wasn't an issue, would your process change?
This can be a narrative, or you can answer the questions in paragraph form. Extra points will be rewarded for Premiere Videos that are done creatively. If you do a Video, you do not have to do the essay. This should be a fun and creative piece that explores your understanding of process so it can be abstract or specifically rooted.
If you want to build a representation of your process in Minecraft Education, you may do so as well. Make sure you take pictures and video and upload them with explanations in Adobe Spark.
Submit Essay: Under class folder: "Shitty Experiences"
Submit Video: On Behance as "Last Name - Shitty Experiences"
Submit Minecraft build: On Spark page and posted to Behance as "Last Name - Shitty Experiences"
"Game Analysis"
Now that you have read "Navigating Genres" and we discussed genres previously in class, I want you to do a short genre analysis of a game of your choice. The game can be a board, card, or digital game. The only parameter is that you cannot choose Minecraft. In essay form, answer the following questions:
Make sure you also provide an image and link to each game mentioned.
This essay should be between 300 - 600 words.
Submit your essay to the special quests/adventures folder under "Game Analysis."
For this journey log, you are going to record a burst story. Using a camera from either the library or your phone, you are to record a burst story that will use images, video, voice, and text to convey your narrative. Remember, a burst story is a narrative that explains the intersections of your personal life and the mythology you are researching. The video should be roughly four minutes and made in Premiere Pro. Remember to look up tutorials on Youtube for help. This should be an exploration into your mythology and get a full burst story written for your Raid Four.
When completed, upload to Youtube or Vimeo and put in your Journey Log.
"Shitty Experiences and Process"
Now that you have written an annotated bibliography of your research, it is time to reflect on the writing process of a paper. I would like you to read Lamott's piece "Shitty first Drafts" (Under Quest Items) in its entirety. Once you have done the reading, complete the following prompt:
Write a short, minimum 300 word, essay on your process for writing longer essays. Think about writing in drafts as Lamott explains it. What about your process is like hers? What are the thoughts in your head before you submit a paper? Do you often write in drafts? If time wasn't an issue, would your process change?
This can be a narrative, or you can answer the questions in paragraph form. Extra points will be rewarded for Premiere Videos that are done creatively. If you do a Video, you do not have to do the essay. This should be a fun and creative piece that explores your understanding of process so it can be abstract or specifically rooted.
If you want to build a representation of your process in Minecraft Education, you may do so as well. Make sure you take pictures and video and upload them with explanations in Adobe Spark.
Submit Essay: Under class folder: "Shitty Experiences"
Submit Video: On Behance as "Last Name - Shitty Experiences"
Submit Minecraft build: On Spark page and posted to Behance as "Last Name - Shitty Experiences"
"Game Analysis"
Now that you have read "Navigating Genres" and we discussed genres previously in class, I want you to do a short genre analysis of a game of your choice. The game can be a board, card, or digital game. The only parameter is that you cannot choose Minecraft. In essay form, answer the following questions:
- What is the title of the game?
- Who is the intended audience of the game?
- What are the core mechanics/rules that determine gameplay?
- What genre/classification is it under and why do you think it is classified this way?
- What are some other popular games in this genre and how are they similar or different to your game?
Make sure you also provide an image and link to each game mentioned.
This essay should be between 300 - 600 words.
Submit your essay to the special quests/adventures folder under "Game Analysis."
Thursday, October 26
"Video Remix"
For this adventure, you are to take the skills that you have learned in Adobe Premiere, and apply them to your favorite television show or movie. This is a fair use project, but I want you to acknowledge that this is an exercise in video edition in the description of the video you upload as "unlisted."
One you are done, upload the video to Youtube as unlisted, put a disclaimer in the description that explains you own no rights to the content and that it was an exercise in video editing. Finally, put it on Behance as "Last Name - TV/Movie Trailer." Also put the disclaimer in the Behance description.
For this adventure, you are to take the skills that you have learned in Adobe Premiere, and apply them to your favorite television show or movie. This is a fair use project, but I want you to acknowledge that this is an exercise in video edition in the description of the video you upload as "unlisted."
- First, choose a source of media that you want to create a short trailer for. If this is a television show, try to create a trailer for that episode or that season. If it is a movie, you are creating a trailer for the entirety of the movie.
- Next, you want to locate your source material. This can be a digital copy on your computer for any number of sources. You can typically find clips on Youtube or Vimeo that can be downloaded as well.
- Then, you want to import the media into Premiere, cut it up, and rename it in a manner that makes sense to you. Once it is named, you can start cutting it together to make your trailer.
- For inspiration, you may want to watch some movie trailers as we did in class.
One you are done, upload the video to Youtube as unlisted, put a disclaimer in the description that explains you own no rights to the content and that it was an exercise in video editing. Finally, put it on Behance as "Last Name - TV/Movie Trailer." Also put the disclaimer in the Behance description.
Tuesday, October 31
"Designed Identity"
Now that you have learned about Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, you are to use your avatar image (or a different one of your choice) and create a scene with other images. This scene--or composition--should express your identity in some way. Be very mindful of what images you choose. Your avatar image may not be creative commons, but all other images must be. Your composition should be exported and put into your Journey Log. Along with the journey log, you should include text about your rationale, where you found your images, and what this composition says about your identity.
Now that you have learned about Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, you are to use your avatar image (or a different one of your choice) and create a scene with other images. This scene--or composition--should express your identity in some way. Be very mindful of what images you choose. Your avatar image may not be creative commons, but all other images must be. Your composition should be exported and put into your Journey Log. Along with the journey log, you should include text about your rationale, where you found your images, and what this composition says about your identity.
Thursday, November 16
"Code Switch"
For your last adventure, you will simply complete the first lesson for the HTML coding language at CodeAcademy.com (first 14 exercises).
First, make an account at CodeAcademy.com, click on "All Lessons," then "Learn HTML: Elements and Structure => Introduction to HTML."
When you are finished with the 14th exercise, do a screenshot and upload it as an image to the appropriate GoogleDrive folder and name it "[Last Name] - Code Switch"
This entire lesson took me 15 minutes while reading each section. If you would like to do the next section, "Common Elements," you may do so for extra credit. Make sure to upload the screenshot of the completed screen as an image and name it "[Last Name] - Code Switch XC"
For your last adventure, you will simply complete the first lesson for the HTML coding language at CodeAcademy.com (first 14 exercises).
First, make an account at CodeAcademy.com, click on "All Lessons," then "Learn HTML: Elements and Structure => Introduction to HTML."
When you are finished with the 14th exercise, do a screenshot and upload it as an image to the appropriate GoogleDrive folder and name it "[Last Name] - Code Switch"
This entire lesson took me 15 minutes while reading each section. If you would like to do the next section, "Common Elements," you may do so for extra credit. Make sure to upload the screenshot of the completed screen as an image and name it "[Last Name] - Code Switch XC"