Blogging Portfolio III

This entry contains the final portfolio for the Fal 2009 semester of American Literature. Blogging Portfolio III includes links to entries from my own blog as well as from classmates' blogs. The portfolio demonstrates coverage, depth, interaction, discussion, timeliness, xenoblogging and contains a wild-card entry.

Coverage: A complete list of blogs thus far.

That Wuz Him: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Finish)

Those Bad, Bad Boys: The Bad Boy Boom - Mallioux

Ouch, My Heart: How to Read Literature Like A Professor (23-24)

Tom Sawyer, Brave or Baloney? : There's More to Honor.... - Kevin Michael Scott

Not What It Seems: Huck, Jim, and the American Racial Discourse - D.L. Smith

Can This Person Be Saved?: How to Read Literature Like a Professor (25-26)

So Blind, So Arrogant, So Bigoted: How to Read Literature Like a Professor (Envoi)

Oh John Henry: Traditional, "John Henry" - Various

Structurally Equal: Address of Booker T. Washington...  - B.T. Washington

Praise? I Think Not: The Souls of Black Folk- Du Bois

There is No Place Like Home: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Baum

Depth: Blogs that I have gone into detail about and have drawn specific conclusions about plot, characters, or the story in general.

Oh John Henry: Traditional, "John Henry" - Various

In this blog, I really tried to answer the specific questions asked by Dr. Jerz, relating to the true identity of John Henry. I also looked up extra videos on Youtube to get the full effect of the John Henry songs.

Structurally Equal: Address of Booker T. Washington...  - B.T. Washington

I thought I had a great grasp at what Booker T. Washington had to say here. I made a comparison between the equality of a structure created by "Negro Design" and debated the true meaning behind Washington's words.

Praise? I Think Not: The Souls of Black Folk- Du Bois

This blog exposed Du Bois' praise and criticism of Booker T. Washington, as well as provided some insight into their respective views.

There is No Place Like Home: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Baum

                                Is the land of Oz a parody of the powers during World War I?

Interaction: Comments I have posted on the blogs of peers that have sparked discussion or added insight into what was being discussed.

Lost: Heather Mourick

Here I tried to explain a little more about the assigned readings from Washington and Du Bois. I thought that I could have provided a little more insight, but tried my best.

Queer and Gay Words: Jeremy Barrick

                An analysis of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in terms of colors.

I would also like to note that I have posted a comment for each classmate's response to one of the agenda items on the week of November 11^th, as I was absent during the class.

Discussion: Blogs of mine that have sparked discussion online or in class.

That Wuz Him: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Finish)

The ending of the novel was brought up by the class for discussion. I felt like this blog contributed to the overall discussion.

Those Bad, Bad Boys: The Bad Boy Boom - Mallioux

A few other students also wondered why Huck was considered to be such a "bad boy." In truth, I think his actions were just misunderstood.

Tom Sawyer, Brave or Baloney? : There's More to Honor.... - Kevin Michael Scott

This blog solicited two great responses from my classmates. They really made me open my eyes to see that Tom wasn't such a bad guy. Plus after the class discussion I realized that I needed to take a second look at the reading.

Timeliness: These blogs have been posted early enough to spark discussion before class.

There is No Place Like Home: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Baum

Although we have not discussed this blog in class yet, I feel that it is going to be a great topic to discuss. Already Jeremy Barrick and I have had some similar thoughts on the topic.

Those Bad, Bad Boys: The Bad Boy Boom - Mallioux

A few other students also wondered why Huck was considered to be such a "bad boy." In truth, I think his actions were just misunderstood.

Tom Sawyer, Brave or Baloney? : There's More to Honor.... - Kevin Michael Scott

This blog solicited two great responses from my classmates. They really made me open my eyes to see that Tom wasn't such a bad guy. Plus after the class discussion I realized that I needed to take a second look at the reading.

Xenoblogging: These are comments I have left on the blogs of peers that demonstrate an understanding of the post and promote or encourage discussion.

Lost: Heather Mourick

Here I tried to explain a little more about the assigned readings from Washington and Du Bois. I thought that I could have provided a little more insight, but tried my best.

Queer and Gay Words: Jeremy Barrick

                An analysis of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in terms of colors.

Wild Card: An entry of my choice!

Creative Critical Response: A link to my Youtube Video for American Literature

Another Wildcard: Pictures integral to the creation of my Youtube Video