LAST WEEK we finished a faux workshop of the student college essays from last year's workshop. Additionally, everyone signed up for a writing conference, whereat we'll talk about why you choose SWS, your strengths and weaknesses as a writer, where you are at in the college process, and if applicable, discuss a draft of your college essay.

Monday

Day one of discussion of Tobias Wolff's style. What stands out? What patterns do you see? Which of his techniques are most interesting to you? Keeping notes of discussion.
HW: An analysis of ONE of Wolff's technique is due Wednesday. 2-3 pages. Provide evidence from various points in the memoir. Your revision of the college essay is due one week from today.

Tuesday

Second day of discussion of Wolff. Today we will start with a short documentary on Wolff, sponsored by the NEH: public film available here
HW: Wolff essay is due tomorrow. Bring your copy of Short Takes to class on Wednesday, as we will begin working with it this week. Between drafts, take a minute to read "Wolff at the door."

Wednesday

Journal entry. How is the college essay importantly different from memoir? Lecture on wordiness, structural and notional language, and active language. Some final Q&A on college essays.
HW: Read the introduction to Short Takes, as well as the introduction to descriptive writing. That would be pages 1-22.

Thursday

Today we will read the first essay in ST, "The Summer Wind," and will work in small groups to answer the Organization and Ideas, and Technique and Style (OTIS) questions on page 24..
HW: Type responses to the OTIS questions tonight. Due tomorrow.

Friday

Small group reading of college materials. Make sure to bring hard copies of the work you want read. Do NOT share material that you're uncomfortable reading in small group.
HW: Revision of college essay due Monday.