You will create a written narrative similar to a This I Believe essay. This narrative should be at least 3 pages long and will be workshopped in our classroom.
- Go to the website and listening to various essays. As you listen, think about how the story is told. Recognize voice, language use, tone, etc. Feel free to model the type of language and sentence structure. Play around with the words.
- Tell a story: Be specific. Take your belief out of the ether and ground it in the events of your life. Consider moments when belief was formed or tested or changed. Think of your own experience, work, and family, and tell of the things you know that no one else does. Your story need not be heart-warming or gut-wrenching—it can even be funny—but it should be real. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your daily life philosophy and the shaping of your beliefs.
- Name your belief: If you can’t name it in a sentence or two, your essay might not be about belief. Consider focusing on one core belief.
- Be positive, which is not the same as happy. Please avoid preaching or editorializing. Tell us what you do believe, not what you don’t believe. Avoid speaking in the editorial “we.” Make your essay about you; speak in the first person.
- Be personal: Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. We recommend you read your essay aloud to yourself several times, and each time edit it and simplify it until you find the words, tone, and story that truly echo your belief and the way you speak.
At least 1 page long.
Due Dates:
Friday, September 13: Rough Draft emailed to kristin.hartridge@wmich.edu
Monday, September 16: Class Workshop. Bring 2 printed copies.
Wednesday, September 18: Paper due in class. Bring 1 copy for Kristin.
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