Your next essay in this class, Essay Two on Frankenstein’s Legacy, is not due until Sunday, April 10, though you have some preliminary work on it due on Monday, April 4. Nevertheless, read through the assignment now so that you can keep it in mind as you keep reading Frankenstein. As you read, you may want to mark down page numbers and selections from the book you might want to refer to in Essay Two. Essay Two: Frankenstein’s Legacy The Situation: Just like in your first “think on your feet” essay assignment, in this assignment you aren’t writing a traditional essay, exactly. Imagine that you are presenting at a conference on the legacy of Frankenstein in art, culture, and philosophy. Your job is to write a presentation speech that you will be presenting to your fellow scholars in which you draw connections between Frankenstein and other works of art and ideas. Because this is a speech you are writing, imagine how you’d set it up to engage your audience. You may want to use “I” and at times you may want to speak directly to the audience, just as you would if you were making a presentation in class. Please note: in your first think on your feet assignment you were meant to write your assignment within a two hour window. There is NO TIME LIMIT that you can take to write this assignment (other than making sure you turn it in by the due date/time J). Your completed essay should be around 3 double spaced Times New Roman pages in length (about 750 words). The Purpose: You have three key responsibilities in the speech you write. First, you will need to select one of the following topics related to Frankenstein: specific philosophical principles; heroes and heroism; science (“bad science” and/or technology) and the gothic, or parents and children. Then make an argument about how the topic is represented or shown in the novel Frankenstein. This should be the main part of your essay (think about laying this out in your introduction and spending a few body paragraphs on this–use plenty of textual evidence from Frankenstein to prove your point!). This argument and your support of it with a few body paragraphs with textual evidence supporting it should comprise about 60% of your speech. Second, somewhere in your essay you will need to make an argument in which you compare or contrast how your paper topic or theme from Frankenstein is connected to another source from our class (such as a reading from the unit on the Enlightenment), or a source connected to our class (such as a relevant work of art or architecture that you’ve found using the resources suggested in class) or a contemporary work of fiction or film that connects to Frankenstein. If you really prefer to focus on Frankenstein and not focus on another source, that’s fine, but do at least briefly mention a different source in your introduction or conclusion…or spend a body paragraph making this connection. This reference should be given and its connection explained and should make up about 20% of your speech/essay. Third, you’ll want to make an argument about why your observations matter and why it is worth paying attention to what you have to say. This is a good way to wrap up your conclusion in your essay. A good way to approach this is to connect how your observations are still relevant (important) in today’s world. For example, are technological developments of today ever problematic or do they ever have unintended negative consequences? I’ve provided some links below to help you think of present-day connections. This section about why your observations matter might take up about 20% of your speech/essay. **You do not need a Works Cited page for this assignment if you are using sources provided below or our regular class texts. If you use other outside sources, please just provide links to them so that I can check them out.” The Details: The topic of your written speech should be on one of the following topics: philosophical principles and ideas connected to our unit on the Enlightenment and truth (what makes a human human? What is ‘the truth’ in the novel?) Etc. Who is a good person/hero or villain in the novel? Are there any good people? Who are they? gender (especially the ways men and women are represented in the text) science/ethics/and scary science aka “the techno-gothic” Here are some additional resources to get you started for your assignment. Remember that at some point in your essay you will need to reference at least one source from our class such as the ones listed below or a related source… For Topic 1 (philosophy in Frankenstein): Remember that you can use any of the readings we’ve already looked at in our class, especially if you are writing about philosophy. There are many connections to writers and thinkers like Descartes , Kant, and Wollstonecraft (Shelley’s mom!) For Topic 2 (heroes and heroism): If you write about heroes and heroism please make sure to mention a video or source used in our class such as this or this. For Topic 3 (science, technology, the techno-gothic): A good painting to think about using that I’ve referenced in class might be Benjamin West’s painting of Benjamin Franklin performing the kite experiment which helped him harness electricity. (Links to an external site.) You could also compare Dr. Frankenstein’s creature to different 21st century topics connected to science and ethics. Here are some fun ones to get you started: Doctor’s Plan for Full-Body Transplants Raises Doubts Even in Daring China https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/world/asia/chin… (Links to an external site.) China’s CRISPR twins: A time line of news https://www.technologyreview.com/s/613007/chinas-c… (Links to an external site.) Building a Better Human With Science? The Public Says, No Thanks https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/27/upshot/building… (Links to an external site.) Articles about genetically modified foods Articles about specific examples of animal and human cloning Information about Theranos including the HBO documentary The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley and “The Talented Ms. Holmes” or the podcast “The Dropout” or the TV show “The Dropout” https://search.proquest.com/pqrl/docview/1826246067/D71EEB0FFF6B4E7DPQ/1?accountid=27372 (Links to an external site.) Theranos: The Silicon Valley’s Biggest Disaster https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=theranos+silicon+valley%27s+greatest+disaster&view=detail&mid=D05BA98101B88BC7DC07D05BA98101B88BC7DC07&FORM=VIRE (Links to an external site.) For Topic 4 (parents and children): you might look back at the Powerpoint slides on Frankenstein that touch on parenting.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.