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 Drexler's article, "What Your Selfies Say About You," 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).
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 choosen specialization (see character page), 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. What specialization are you choosing and why?
Answer all of these questions in paragraph form. Each number should get at least a two 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 write 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."
After reading Drexler's article, "What Your Selfies Say About You," 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).
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 choosen specialization (see character page), 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. What specialization are you choosing and why?
Answer all of these questions in paragraph form. Each number should get at least a two 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 write 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."
"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. Especially with individuals of authority, it is easy to see them in 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. Especially with individuals of authority, it is easy to see them in 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.
Tuesday, Jan 31
"Monster Readings"
Based on your classification, you will be reading specific pieces on monsters to introduce us to monster theory. You may read the PDF of the "Monster Contents" in order to read short summaries of each piece. This may help with picking your class. Please read the following:
"Why we Crave Horror Movies" (All classes must read!)
Warrior - "The Origins of Half-Human, Half-Animal"
Mage - "My Zombie, Myself" and "Composite"
Bard - "Conception"
Ranger - "Monsters and the Moral Imagination"
Based on your classification, you will be reading specific pieces on monsters to introduce us to monster theory. You may read the PDF of the "Monster Contents" in order to read short summaries of each piece. This may help with picking your class. Please read the following:
"Why we Crave Horror Movies" (All classes must read!)
Warrior - "The Origins of Half-Human, Half-Animal"
Mage - "My Zombie, Myself" and "Composite"
Bard - "Conception"
Ranger - "Monsters and the Moral Imagination"
Thursday, Feb 9th
"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," or "Encryption." 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 150-250 word response. What sides did they take? What change is being brought about, if any? What other information was brought up?
Mage: Create a web of the arguments and sources. 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 or similar program)
Bard: Write a poem, rap, song, or short story about the issue. Based on the change that Oliver proposes—and assume it happened—write a (1 ½ minute) creative piece in response. 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," or "Encryption." 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, 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 150-250 word response. What sides did they take? What change is being brought about, if any? What other information was brought up?
Mage: Create a web of the arguments and sources. 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 or similar program)
Bard: Write a poem, rap, song, or short story about the issue. Based on the change that Oliver proposes—and assume it happened—write a (1 ½ minute) creative piece in response. 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!
"Tutorial and First Build"
Now that you have been introduced to Minecraft Education, it is time to jump into the game and see what you can do. Exploration is important to Minecraft, as it is in life. Your curiosity will shape your interactions with the game and surrounding world. Your first task is to play through ENGL1030 Lesson One (linked below). You will learn basic controls, crafting, and building through the tutorial section which will lead you to your first build. Detailed instructions are below:
When you make it through the three tutorial stages, there will be a bridge and forest. Hopefully you still have an axe or other tools from the tutorial to hasten the resource gathering process. Collect materials and proceed to the clearing where you will build your first structure. It must be larger than a 4x4x4 space. Since Minecraft is constructed with three dimensional blocks, you must create something that is larger than 4 blocks wide, 4 blocks deep, and 4 blocks high. If you found enough resources, you can experiment with different blocks and types (i.e., sand into glass). Examples of structures are seen throughout the tutorial or can be found online. If you want to learn more about crafting, you can go to the Minecraft Wiki (linked HERE).
To submit the assignment, I want you to take THREE pictures using either a screenshot function or the in-game camera. Also, place a sign in front of the structure (you can take one from the tutorial stages) with how many minutes it took you to complete the whole tutorial and build the structure. Please be honest with these numbers. Those that want to explore more will spend more time in game. The three pictures you have to take are as follows:
Finally, to turn in the assignment, make sure you open a GoogleDoc under the folder "Tutorial and First Build" and post your three pictures. Write a BRIEF reflection on the process and your first impressions of the game. Title the document in the following format: "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - Tutorial and First Build." Good luck, and have fun!
**For those explorers out there: There are SIX hidden treasures around the tutorial. They are marked with large signs that have a number. If you find them, take screenshots or pictures of them. If you find 5/6 of them, you will be rewarded with an extra 10XP. If you find all 6, you will receive 15XP. Upload these pictures in the document as well. Happy hunting!
(Download the below file. Make sure it is on the desktop. If it downloads as a ".zip" file, you will have to open it and drag the ".mcworld" file out of it. When you click Start in the game, there will be a button with an arrow that will allow you to load a game. Click on that then find the file.) (Picture Here)
Now that you have been introduced to Minecraft Education, it is time to jump into the game and see what you can do. Exploration is important to Minecraft, as it is in life. Your curiosity will shape your interactions with the game and surrounding world. Your first task is to play through ENGL1030 Lesson One (linked below). You will learn basic controls, crafting, and building through the tutorial section which will lead you to your first build. Detailed instructions are below:
When you make it through the three tutorial stages, there will be a bridge and forest. Hopefully you still have an axe or other tools from the tutorial to hasten the resource gathering process. Collect materials and proceed to the clearing where you will build your first structure. It must be larger than a 4x4x4 space. Since Minecraft is constructed with three dimensional blocks, you must create something that is larger than 4 blocks wide, 4 blocks deep, and 4 blocks high. If you found enough resources, you can experiment with different blocks and types (i.e., sand into glass). Examples of structures are seen throughout the tutorial or can be found online. If you want to learn more about crafting, you can go to the Minecraft Wiki (linked HERE).
To submit the assignment, I want you to take THREE pictures using either a screenshot function or the in-game camera. Also, place a sign in front of the structure (you can take one from the tutorial stages) with how many minutes it took you to complete the whole tutorial and build the structure. Please be honest with these numbers. Those that want to explore more will spend more time in game. The three pictures you have to take are as follows:
- The front of the structure with the sign
- The side of the structure
- Inside the structure
Finally, to turn in the assignment, make sure you open a GoogleDoc under the folder "Tutorial and First Build" and post your three pictures. Write a BRIEF reflection on the process and your first impressions of the game. Title the document in the following format: "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - Tutorial and First Build." Good luck, and have fun!
**For those explorers out there: There are SIX hidden treasures around the tutorial. They are marked with large signs that have a number. If you find them, take screenshots or pictures of them. If you find 5/6 of them, you will be rewarded with an extra 10XP. If you find all 6, you will receive 15XP. Upload these pictures in the document as well. Happy hunting!
(Download the below file. Make sure it is on the desktop. If it downloads as a ".zip" file, you will have to open it and drag the ".mcworld" file out of it. When you click Start in the game, there will be a button with an arrow that will allow you to load a game. Click on that then find the file.) (Picture Here)
engl1030_lesson_1.mcworld | |
File Size: | 10461 kb |
File Type: | mcworld |
Tuesday, Feb 14th
"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!
“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!
Thursday, Feb 16th
"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 about your monster/villain/concept and skim through them. You are looking for key words, names (references), phrases (quotes), and organization (arguments/subheadings). For each type, you are to list four (i.e., four names, four phrases, and four arguments/subheadings).
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 another article each of them has written and post the citation in BLUE. These cannot be the same article that was referenced in your article.
Mage: Using Microsoft Word, GoogleDraw, or a similar program, create a diagram/web of each article with the information you pulled from it. Make sure each type is a different color. Be creative with it, but make sure that it can be read.
Bard: Find two pieces of literature (comic books, movies, TV shows, novel, magazine, newspaper, etc.) that feature your monster/villain/concept. Pull the descriptions or screenshot the monster/villain/concept. Now, write about how these descriptions are similar and/or different and speculate why. Think about the probing questions for the essay we discussed in class.
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-"Citation Machine" and put it in the "citation machine" folder. Have fun!
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 about your monster/villain/concept and skim through them. You are looking for key words, names (references), phrases (quotes), and organization (arguments/subheadings). For each type, you are to list four (i.e., four names, four phrases, and four arguments/subheadings).
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 another article each of them has written and post the citation in BLUE. These cannot be the same article that was referenced in your article.
Mage: Using Microsoft Word, GoogleDraw, or a similar program, create a diagram/web of each article with the information you pulled from it. Make sure each type is a different color. Be creative with it, but make sure that it can be read.
Bard: Find two pieces of literature (comic books, movies, TV shows, novel, magazine, newspaper, etc.) that feature your monster/villain/concept. Pull the descriptions or screenshot the monster/villain/concept. Now, write about how these descriptions are similar and/or different and speculate why. Think about the probing questions for the essay we discussed in class.
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-"Citation Machine" and put it in the "citation machine" folder. Have fun!
Thursday, Feb 23rd
"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 "Bird by Bird" (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 Adobe Pages or Videos that are done creatively. If you do a Page or 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 upload them with explanations in Adobe Spark.
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 "Bird by Bird" (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 Adobe Pages or Videos that are done creatively. If you do a Page or 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 upload them with explanations in Adobe Spark.