Rewriting Assignment (All Classes) 2026b

 Click here for the introduction to the Round and Square series "Assignments"

On this day in Round and Square History 
17 November 2014—China's Lunar Calendar: 2014 11-17
17 November 2013—China's Lunar Calendar: 2013 11-17
17 November 2012—Structure, History, and Culture: Electoral College Politics (k)
17 November 2011—Lectures: Scholarship

[a] Fire Write RF

This special Tuesday-before-Thanksgiving assignment has a number of functions. It is meant to highlight the importance of writing drafts and rewriting as part of the ongoing writing process. It is also a realistic approach to the confusion of Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. Take a look at the assignment and follow the instructions precisely. Please note that this assignment replaces class. It does not involve extra work (you get to choose when you do it, as long as it in by Wednesday afternoon).

 All Classes

Letter Rewriting Assignment

[1] Make sure you have the following materials. They will be handed out in class on Thursday, November 19.

If you were not in class on Thursday, 11/19, you may pick up the items outside of my office door (Godfrey 106).

          *An index card.

          * A paperclip (seriously)

          *A copy of John McPhee's New Yorker essay, "Draft No 4."

             (these are attached with the paperclip, which you should not lose)

          *Your copy of "Writing, History, and Culture" (my writing guide, which you have)

[3] In place of a class meeting on Tuesday, November 24, do the following things.

          *Read the blue writing guide that you already own, pages 31-44, on the complete

            process of writing a truly exceptional paper (as you read, just imagine doing it).

            This should take about thirty minutes.

          *Read John McPhee's essay (about thirty minutes).

          *Think about it; really reflect upon it.

          *Mark up your previous letter draft—really mark it up.

          *Rewrite the letter you wrote for the first assignment of this course.

          *Reread it carefully one more time (on-screen or as a print-out).

          *Print the letter.

[b] Rewrite RF

[4] Take your unstapled, printed letter and make sure that the pages are in order.

[5] Take the index card and write out the full address of your reader. Then put your name on the index card, too.

[6] Put the index card on top of your letter, and attach them with the paperclip.

[7] Bring the paper-clipped materials to the MI administrative assistant in MI 219. From the top of either set of stairs on the second floor of MI, turn left and keep walking all of the way to the very end of the hallway—the office will be on your right. If you have problems, ask anyone in the building. If no one is in the office, gently slip it under the door.

Due No Later Than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24

[c] リライト RF