Thursday September 24

Nag: vocabulary 2 is due Friday October 2. Get it in early, if you wish, but none accepted after that time. Send along responses if you are absent.

In class work: you are being assigned groups to work on Franklin's Dialogue. You will note that we have moved into the Age of Reason. (see class handout and copy below). This ties directly into our critical thinking skills: say something, prove it and analyze it. This should sound familiar, as that is how we should be writing. To demonstate your understanding of this process, you will work with partners, ripping apart the dialogue, hopefully not destroying its inherent humor. This is due at the close of class; be prepared to share your work with the class.
As well, each of you will provide an individual assessment for each member of your team. Make them honest and private. The grade will go under homework.

The Literature of 1750-1800

During the years from 1750-1800, almost all writing in America was influenced by the revolutionary spirit or the spirit of the new nation. Recognizing this spirit and the ideas of this period will enable you to understand better the purpose and techniques of the writer of the period.
It was during these years that the American colonists reached the point where they were no longer able to tolerate the British rule. The colonies united and took a stand against Britain. The revolution was successful, and a proud and practical new nation emerged.
This was the Age of Reason. The ideas of reason and discipline prevailed in the writing of the time. Because the attention of the nation was on political events surrounding the revolution, the literature was mostly political also. There was some personal writing—poetry and letters, for example, but most writing was public—pamphlets, speeches, and other documents—advocating and supporting a break with England.
Logical reasoning is the major technique used by the writers of this period. Public writing offered sound clear arguments in support of the causes. Personal writing too showed the reasoning process.

Class assignment: You have been assigned to a group (some are repeated). Using specific textual evidence respond to the following four questions. Be prepared to share your responses.

The Dialogue Between Franklin and the Gout by Ben Franklin shows his interest in self-improvement; he was a thoughtful, forthright, practical representative of the period.

Three questions:

1. How does Franklin’s dialogue reflect a belief in reason?

2. How does the dialogue reflect a belief in moderation and self-restraint?

3. How does the dialogue reflect an interest in science?

4. Understanding Reasoning: In his dialogue Franklin uses the process of reasoning to analyze his condition. First he assesses the causes of his condition, then he provides a body of evidence to support his assessment and ends his dialogue by presenting possible solutions.

Names of group participants

_______________________________________ _____________________________________

___________________________________ __________________________________


1. How does Franklin’s dialogue reflect a belief in reason?





2. How does the dialogue reflect a belief in moderation and self-restraint?





3. How does the dialogue reflect an interest in science?





4. a. Causes of his condition: ____________________________________________

b.Evidence to support his assessment ______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

c. Possible solutions______________________________________________________

Group assessment. Give your partner a score of 1-5 based upon the following criteria. Do not share with others.
1= a physical presence only; did not really participate 2.= rode on the tails of the working team mates; did not contribute anything original
3= make a good faith effort, stayed focused, but did not provide material
4= actively participating; found material to support the assignment; shared with group
5= actively participating; clearly demonstrated they had read the material and could offer reasons
for their choices.
Your name:______________________________/_____________________
Partner name;_____________________________/____________________
Partner name:_____________________________/____________________
Partner name: ____________________________/ ____________________