Chapter One Adventurer's Journal
Below you will find quests and adventures arranged by their turn in date. If you have any questions, please consult your game master.
Monday - September 14th
"Who am I?" - Solo Quest x2
You are anxious to begin your first quest, but where do you start? You look around the Rhetorical Inn and see adventurers of all different races, genders, and skills. You adjust your belt out of self-consciousness. Who are you? Where do you fit into this adventure? A book catches your attention at the edge of the table. You look around and notice that nobody is paying you any mind. You walk over and pick up the book Understanding Rhetoric. A warn page is already bookmarked, so you begin to read...
Welcome to Composition 120. It is very important to understand who you are in college, but your writing identity is also important. The introduction to Understanding Rhetoric (EMU-1 - EMU-29) gives you information about the First Year Writing Program as well as Eastern Michigan University. You will find useful information about adjusting to college life. I think it is important to read this section, but I will leave that choice up to you.
Your real assignment starts on page 114 of Understanding Rhetoric. Read this chapter in its entirety and take notes. I also recommend you read pages 100-109 in Writing in Action (or look under the "Gaming Tips" tab) to hear about some good note-taking skills.
In your reading journal, pull at least four quotes from your reading and then write one to two solid paragraphs about the reading. This practice will help you remember readings in the future. (Every reading journal entry will be designed this way) In addition to Understanding Rhetoric, please take a Myers Briggs test and talk about your results in a few short sentences after your two paragraphs. You can take this test, or another that you are familiar with: Myers Briggs
Finally, I want you to create an avatar for yourself. This avatar will be your identity in Composition for the semester. Think about what gender, race (could be nonhuman), and clothing you want for your in-game personality. In many role-playing games (RPG's), I play female characters. Some of my favorite pieces of armor are purple. If I can, I am a dwarf. I want you to make a conscious choice about your avatar and name (yes, you have to come up with an awesome name). Along with your avatar, please include the following: Your Class/Specialization (go to character tab); Strengths in Composition; Weaknesses in Composition.
Overview:
Read EMU-1 - EMU-29 in Understanding Rhetoric (Optional)
Read pages 100-109 in Writing in Action (Optional)
Read pages 114-141 in Understanding Rhetoric
Take a Myers Briggs Test (Click me)
Write a reading journal entry 5XP
Create an Avatar and email it to me (the sooner the better) 5XP
You are anxious to begin your first quest, but where do you start? You look around the Rhetorical Inn and see adventurers of all different races, genders, and skills. You adjust your belt out of self-consciousness. Who are you? Where do you fit into this adventure? A book catches your attention at the edge of the table. You look around and notice that nobody is paying you any mind. You walk over and pick up the book Understanding Rhetoric. A warn page is already bookmarked, so you begin to read...
Welcome to Composition 120. It is very important to understand who you are in college, but your writing identity is also important. The introduction to Understanding Rhetoric (EMU-1 - EMU-29) gives you information about the First Year Writing Program as well as Eastern Michigan University. You will find useful information about adjusting to college life. I think it is important to read this section, but I will leave that choice up to you.
Your real assignment starts on page 114 of Understanding Rhetoric. Read this chapter in its entirety and take notes. I also recommend you read pages 100-109 in Writing in Action (or look under the "Gaming Tips" tab) to hear about some good note-taking skills.
In your reading journal, pull at least four quotes from your reading and then write one to two solid paragraphs about the reading. This practice will help you remember readings in the future. (Every reading journal entry will be designed this way) In addition to Understanding Rhetoric, please take a Myers Briggs test and talk about your results in a few short sentences after your two paragraphs. You can take this test, or another that you are familiar with: Myers Briggs
Finally, I want you to create an avatar for yourself. This avatar will be your identity in Composition for the semester. Think about what gender, race (could be nonhuman), and clothing you want for your in-game personality. In many role-playing games (RPG's), I play female characters. Some of my favorite pieces of armor are purple. If I can, I am a dwarf. I want you to make a conscious choice about your avatar and name (yes, you have to come up with an awesome name). Along with your avatar, please include the following: Your Class/Specialization (go to character tab); Strengths in Composition; Weaknesses in Composition.
Overview:
Read EMU-1 - EMU-29 in Understanding Rhetoric (Optional)
Read pages 100-109 in Writing in Action (Optional)
Read pages 114-141 in Understanding Rhetoric
Take a Myers Briggs Test (Click me)
Write a reading journal entry 5XP
Create an Avatar and email it to me (the sooner the better) 5XP
Wednesday - September 16th
"Identity from a Different Perspective" - Solo Quest x2
You put down Understanding Rhetoric and look around the Rhetorical Inn. The inn is no longer filled with strange adventurers, but mages, rangers, bards, and warriors of all types. You nod at a few potential guild members and walk back to the bookshelf. Nearby is a trunk full of scrolls. You choose two at random and continue to read...
You have two readings for this quest. First, read Sherman Alexie's "Superman and Me" excerpt (only 3 pages, under "Quest Items") and think about your own experience with reading and writing. What books did you read as a child? Were there books in the house? Were you taught any metaphors for reading/writing? You can answer all or none of these questions in the discussion board, as long as you reflect on the piece you read. Your post should be at least 200 words.
Next, listen to (in GoogleDrive), or watch (linked under "Quest Items," "I am a Gamer" by iijeriichoii. The video is irrelevant to what he is talking about, so listening to it is fine. There are many videos about gamers online, but this one was an actual paper from a composition class, so I found it better organized than most. Take notes as you listen. How would you define gamer? What were/are your assumptions about gamers? What is your experience with gamers? You may watch and reference other videos that you find about gamer identification if you wish. Your post should be at least 200 words.
Overview:
Read Sherman Alexie's "Superman and Me"
Make Forum Post (min 200 words) 4XP
Post response to classmate's post 1XP
Listen/Watch iijeriichoii's "I am a Gamer"
Make Forum Post (min 200 words) 4XP
Post response to classmate's post 1XP
You put down Understanding Rhetoric and look around the Rhetorical Inn. The inn is no longer filled with strange adventurers, but mages, rangers, bards, and warriors of all types. You nod at a few potential guild members and walk back to the bookshelf. Nearby is a trunk full of scrolls. You choose two at random and continue to read...
You have two readings for this quest. First, read Sherman Alexie's "Superman and Me" excerpt (only 3 pages, under "Quest Items") and think about your own experience with reading and writing. What books did you read as a child? Were there books in the house? Were you taught any metaphors for reading/writing? You can answer all or none of these questions in the discussion board, as long as you reflect on the piece you read. Your post should be at least 200 words.
Next, listen to (in GoogleDrive), or watch (linked under "Quest Items," "I am a Gamer" by iijeriichoii. The video is irrelevant to what he is talking about, so listening to it is fine. There are many videos about gamers online, but this one was an actual paper from a composition class, so I found it better organized than most. Take notes as you listen. How would you define gamer? What were/are your assumptions about gamers? What is your experience with gamers? You may watch and reference other videos that you find about gamer identification if you wish. Your post should be at least 200 words.
Overview:
Read Sherman Alexie's "Superman and Me"
Make Forum Post (min 200 words) 4XP
Post response to classmate's post 1XP
Listen/Watch iijeriichoii's "I am a Gamer"
Make Forum Post (min 200 words) 4XP
Post response to classmate's post 1XP
Monday - September 21st
"Understanding your Role as a Writer" - Solo Quest x2
You roll up the scrolls and put them back, adding some key information into your quest journal. You reach into the chest and grab an older, longer scroll and walk back to the bookshelf. Understanding Rhetoric calls to you, so you pick it up and sit back at your table. You open the scroll and the tome and begin to read.
You have two reading assignments for this quest. First, start with Understanding Rhetoric and read the first chapter (1-31). This section is on writing spaces. This chapter covers places you find writing, as well as ways in which you engage it. Please do a reading journal entry for this piece, pulling four quotes and writing a short summary of what you read.
Second, read through Mike Bunn's "How to Read like a Writer." This piece gives you new ways to think about your writing as well as more efficient ways to go about reading texts. Please do a reading journal entry for this piece, pulling four quotes and writing a short summary of what you read.
"Gamify that Biography!" - Mini Quest
You close your tome and pack it away with a few scrolls into your Bag of Holding. The Rhetorical Inn is starting to thin out, several adventurers have gone upstairs, while others have left. You go outside to find a new quest, to find several adventurers standing around a bard. You slip in between bodies to hear what's going on.
"You, adventurer!" You look up to find the bard standing next to a scroll on the community board. "Can you summon the muses and add some humor to the Game Maker's story?" You walk up to the board...
Under the GoogleDrive folder "Quest Turn In," there is a folder titled "Game Master Bio." Open the "class" document and read it through. Make one change to the original wording for credit. You may also add as many details as you like in the document. Remember, I will be reading these out loud. Please abstain from offending others. HAVE FUN!
Overview:
Read Understanding Rhetoric's first chapter
Make a reading journal entry 5XP
Read Mike Bunn's "How to Read like a Writer"
Make a reading journal entry 5XP
Make changes to "Game Master Bio" 1XP
You roll up the scrolls and put them back, adding some key information into your quest journal. You reach into the chest and grab an older, longer scroll and walk back to the bookshelf. Understanding Rhetoric calls to you, so you pick it up and sit back at your table. You open the scroll and the tome and begin to read.
You have two reading assignments for this quest. First, start with Understanding Rhetoric and read the first chapter (1-31). This section is on writing spaces. This chapter covers places you find writing, as well as ways in which you engage it. Please do a reading journal entry for this piece, pulling four quotes and writing a short summary of what you read.
Second, read through Mike Bunn's "How to Read like a Writer." This piece gives you new ways to think about your writing as well as more efficient ways to go about reading texts. Please do a reading journal entry for this piece, pulling four quotes and writing a short summary of what you read.
"Gamify that Biography!" - Mini Quest
You close your tome and pack it away with a few scrolls into your Bag of Holding. The Rhetorical Inn is starting to thin out, several adventurers have gone upstairs, while others have left. You go outside to find a new quest, to find several adventurers standing around a bard. You slip in between bodies to hear what's going on.
"You, adventurer!" You look up to find the bard standing next to a scroll on the community board. "Can you summon the muses and add some humor to the Game Maker's story?" You walk up to the board...
Under the GoogleDrive folder "Quest Turn In," there is a folder titled "Game Master Bio." Open the "class" document and read it through. Make one change to the original wording for credit. You may also add as many details as you like in the document. Remember, I will be reading these out loud. Please abstain from offending others. HAVE FUN!
Overview:
Read Understanding Rhetoric's first chapter
Make a reading journal entry 5XP
Read Mike Bunn's "How to Read like a Writer"
Make a reading journal entry 5XP
Make changes to "Game Master Bio" 1XP
Wednesday - September 23rd
"Practice Run"
The bard thanks you for your contribution and you make way for the road. A chord is struck by the bard and you turn around to watch him perform...
Adventurers far and wide seek out means to know their fate,
And the legends speak of the Reflection Gardens of old.
It isn't until they reach the garden's inner gate,
That they must summon all they have to be bold.
For the travel is short, simple, and true,
But the ultimate test lies unseen.
Unfortunately for most, it is their life that is due,
Failing to slay the dragon of green.
Literoug is his name, and in the garden he will wait.
Until reflection will enable the adventurer to rise.
Only then revealed will be your fate.
And with the guild, the rest of your journey lies.
The first step to success is to practice. Before you submit your gaming literacy narrative, I want you to submit a rough draft for me to read and give you feedback. This rough draft is a practice run for the submission of the project. The draft must be at least 800 words and be on task with the project goals in order to receive experience points.
You must submit the draft to the correct folder in GoogleDrive (Raids>Raid 1>Practice Run) in the following format: [Avatar Name - Practice Run]. In the GoogleDoc (Will not get credit if it is not a GoogleDoc), make sure you have the following heading in the left corner:
First Last Name (Avatar Name)
Date Assignment is Due
Christopher Stuart
Practice Run
You should also have a creative title center and the page number in the top right corner. For more explanation, please reference Writing in Action, page 403. You will lose credit if it is not properly formatted. Remember to also print a copy an bring it to class.
Overview
Write a Practice Run
At least 800 words 8XP
The bard thanks you for your contribution and you make way for the road. A chord is struck by the bard and you turn around to watch him perform...
Adventurers far and wide seek out means to know their fate,
And the legends speak of the Reflection Gardens of old.
It isn't until they reach the garden's inner gate,
That they must summon all they have to be bold.
For the travel is short, simple, and true,
But the ultimate test lies unseen.
Unfortunately for most, it is their life that is due,
Failing to slay the dragon of green.
Literoug is his name, and in the garden he will wait.
Until reflection will enable the adventurer to rise.
Only then revealed will be your fate.
And with the guild, the rest of your journey lies.
The first step to success is to practice. Before you submit your gaming literacy narrative, I want you to submit a rough draft for me to read and give you feedback. This rough draft is a practice run for the submission of the project. The draft must be at least 800 words and be on task with the project goals in order to receive experience points.
You must submit the draft to the correct folder in GoogleDrive (Raids>Raid 1>Practice Run) in the following format: [Avatar Name - Practice Run]. In the GoogleDoc (Will not get credit if it is not a GoogleDoc), make sure you have the following heading in the left corner:
First Last Name (Avatar Name)
Date Assignment is Due
Christopher Stuart
Practice Run
You should also have a creative title center and the page number in the top right corner. For more explanation, please reference Writing in Action, page 403. You will lose credit if it is not properly formatted. Remember to also print a copy an bring it to class.
Overview
Write a Practice Run
At least 800 words 8XP
Monday - September 28th
Alternate Strategies
On your journey towards the Reflection Gardens, you pull out a couple scrolls that explain strategies to approach larger monsters. You don't find anything that speaks directly towards Literaug or dragons, but you start to formulate different strategies...
Write a reading journal entry for the article "Beyond Black on White" by Klein and Shakelford. This article speaks directly to what we will discuss in our session on Monday. Although these strategies won't be acceptable in all classes, well, my class isn't like the others. Take notes on these strategies and write a reading journal entry.
In addition to this journal, please work on your final draft. I will have all drafts reviewed by Saturday.
Overview:
Read "Beyond Black on White" by Klein and Shakelford
Write a journal entry 5XP
On your journey towards the Reflection Gardens, you pull out a couple scrolls that explain strategies to approach larger monsters. You don't find anything that speaks directly towards Literaug or dragons, but you start to formulate different strategies...
Write a reading journal entry for the article "Beyond Black on White" by Klein and Shakelford. This article speaks directly to what we will discuss in our session on Monday. Although these strategies won't be acceptable in all classes, well, my class isn't like the others. Take notes on these strategies and write a reading journal entry.
In addition to this journal, please work on your final draft. I will have all drafts reviewed by Saturday.
Overview:
Read "Beyond Black on White" by Klein and Shakelford
Write a journal entry 5XP
Wednesday - September 30th
Chapter One - Raid and Quest Log
Time for practice and strategy is over. Literaug rests 100 paces ahead; 90; 80; 50 paces. You are ready. Now it's time for your first raid...
Your first raid and quest log is due. Your quest log will include the following: A printed Reading Journal (All Four Entries), your marked up rough draft, strategy session, current printed player card, and debrief. The quest log is due, in a folder at the start of our sessions (9:30). Anything accepted later this time will e considered late and will result in the loss of points.
Overview:
Submit chapter one raid and quest log. up to 75xp and 10g
Time for practice and strategy is over. Literaug rests 100 paces ahead; 90; 80; 50 paces. You are ready. Now it's time for your first raid...
Your first raid and quest log is due. Your quest log will include the following: A printed Reading Journal (All Four Entries), your marked up rough draft, strategy session, current printed player card, and debrief. The quest log is due, in a folder at the start of our sessions (9:30). Anything accepted later this time will e considered late and will result in the loss of points.
Overview:
Submit chapter one raid and quest log. up to 75xp and 10g