This is the course blog for the UC Berkeley Fall 2010 course English R1A/10, "Alcatraz." This course emphasizes research and composition skills, with a focus on Alcatraz Island. Instructor: Brian Gillis (gillis at berkeley dot edu) Office hours: Tuesday 11-12:30 and by appointment. Location: People's Cafe at 1796 Shattuck Ave.
Over the course of the upcoming semester, you will write 3 blog entries that concern our weekly readings. You will also be responsible for 3 "comments" to be directed at another student's entry. Comments can be posted by you directly in the "Post a comment" section below. You may write more than 3 comments, if you see fit. Each blog should be 4-5 paragraphs in length, and the comments may be as long as a paragraph or two. The longer blog posts should be based on the reading or movie viewing assigned for that day, and should focus on a particular topic or theme by posing a question (or questions) for the class to consider. After you're finished writing your entry, email me your 4-5 paragraphs; I'll then look over your submission and post it on the blog for the rest of the class to read. Please have the submission in my inbox (gillis at berkeley dot edu) by 5:30 p.m. the day before our next class meeting. This will allow your classmates to look over it before our class.
Finally, a sign-up sheet will circulate during the first week of class, and you're welcome to choose any date (or text) with which you feel comfortable. If you have questions, please email me, or just leave a comment below.
Happy Blogging!
