EXTRA CREDIT

Writers Conference featuring Junot Díaz

On November 4, 2011, Montco will host the Pulitzer Prize winning novelist Junot Díaz. He will have two event. Díaz is a Dominican American immigrant and currently a professor of Creative Writing at MIT. His works offer a literary look at life as an immigrant in New Jersey that focus on class, masculinity, and the language of the street. At times disturbing and yet often hilarious, he offers a window on an often ignored part of America. The extra credit options are listed below and are "stacked": you must read before you can get extra credit for attending events.

Part 1: Reading Díaz Extra Credit:

Read three of the four short stories by Díaz in the Course Documents "Díaz" folder OR read the first chapter of the novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Mark it like you would a class reading, particularly thinking about the fact that you might get a chance to ask the man a question in person. Post a one-page response to his writing, indicating what surprised you about his style, his subject matter, or his tone. Post this response in the extra credit section of the class discussion board.

Possible Points 5 to 8 points depending on the quality of your marks and response.
Due Date: Class Starting Time, Tuesday, November 1.

Part 2: Attend either the Public Q&A with Díaz (ATC 101 3:30 to 4:30, free) or his Keynote Speech (SC 213, ticket required)

Once you've read something by Díaz, you can come see the man speak. If you come to the Q&A, ask a question to extra points: just don't make it a dumb question just to get points. If you come to the Keynote speech, you can get him to sign a book afterwards (but you have to buy your own book). Post a one-page reaction to his public appearance in the discussion board. I can get you a free ticket to his keynote, but you need to tell me on November 1 that you want one.

Possible Points:

Attend Q&A (but stay silent): 8 to 10 points, depending on quality of post
Attend Q&A (but ask question): 10 to 15 points, depending on quality of question and post.
Attend Keynote: 8 to 15 points, depending on quality of post.
Due Date: November 9th, 2011

Attend Saturday Workshops of Writers Conference

Aspiring writers may want to register as a student for the Saturday, November 5th workshops, including an opportunity to speak to a literary agent about crafting pitches. Details about the conference and registration costs can be found at http://www.mc3.edu/writersconf. Because this event will take all of Saturday and cost money, the extra credit value is slightly higher, but you need to post a two-page response that discuss the workshops you attended and what they taught you about being a writer and getting published.

Possible Points: 20-25 points, depending on quality of post
Due Date: November 9th, 2011

Do a Grammar Revision of Your First Paper

See the instructions for the grammar revision here. Complete the assignment using the graded copy of Paper #1 as a guide. Turn in a typed grammar revision plus my handmarked copy of your first paper to my box by noon on Thursday, December 8, 2011.

 

Possible Points: 1 to 20 depending on quality and completeness of coverage.
Deadline: Noon, Thursday, December 8, 2011