Since we have a short, five-week summer term, we will significantly compress the schedule for the semester, and, at the same time, will do what we all would really like to be doing: enjoy the summer. You will write five papers and build a web folio in which to publish the papers on the Internet. Each of the papers will be at least 500 words in length (two full pages) but no more than 750 words in length (three full pages). To allow for flexibility in the schedule to conduct the experiential research necessary to complete the writing projects, Papers 2, 3 and 4 may be turned in out of order; however on the due dates assigned, a paper will be turned in. Papers 1 and 5 will be turned in on the dates indicated on the daily schedule.
Paper 1 (due 5/23) A "Hidden
Treasure" or "Minor" Attraction
While we live in a major tourist area which attracts thousands of visitors
every year, there are many enjoyable places that aren't necessarily widely
known. One of these may be your favorite fishing spot, a quiet family
park in your neighborhood, a crafts shop where you go to work on your hobby,
an island with sandy beaches in the middle of the York River, the Watermen's
Museum in Yorktown, Bluebird Gap Farm, War Memorial Stadium, a fishing
charter, the Casemate Museum, or, or, or... Write an essay describing
such a place that is special to you, for whatever reason, that someone
reading your web folio might also enjoy.
Paper 2 (due 5/30, or 6/4,
or 6/10) A Restaurant Review
Where do you go when you go out to eat? What places do you recommend
to friends who ask about a good meal? What is your favorite restaurant?
Have you ever read a review of your favorite restaurant or one which you
had recently visited for the first time? Did you agree with the reviewer
or disagree? I think we are all restaurant reviewers because at one
time or another we have all recommended or advised against going to eat
a certain place based on our experiences of it. So here is some very
difficult homework to do: Go eat at a local restaurant. Then, having
done your experiential research, write a review of the place.
Paper 3 (due 5/30, or 6/4, or
6/10) An Entertainment Review
There are a lot of entertainment venues to visit during the Summer
months, one of which might be your very own living room. Write a
review of a movie, a play, a concert, a dance performance, a festival or
some sort, or even a rented video.
Paper 4 (due 5/30, or 6/4, or
6/10) A Major Attraction in this Area
People come to this area from all over because they love to go to the
Mariners Museum, Nauticus, the Air and Space Center, the major beaches,
Bush Gardens, Jamestown, the James River Plantations, Yorktown, Colonial
Williamsburg, the Virginia Marine Science Museum, whew! I'm just getting
started! What major attractions do you enjoy, or would you advise
against? Write a paper about a major attraction in this area.
Paper 5 (due 6/13) What
We Really Need Around Here Is...
This summer we have focused on how to enjoy life during the warm months,
and that's exactly what we should do for the rest of the season. But before
we do, think about what is lacking, what we still need in this area, or
in your community, or in your neighborhood, to improve the quality of life
or to expand the opportunites for recreation, leisure, or entertainment.
Research what it would take to make this thing a reality (the costs, location,
etc.), target the audience which is in a position to implement your suggestion,
and convince that person or group to take action.
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