Hypertext: Reading and Writing Online

 

 Week 2 (Jan. 19-21) - Web Page Design:

Use search engines to locate one or more web sites (no more than 3) that you think will be interesting additions to the collaborative web page we will construct on the topic of "Virtually 21."  Then write a paragraph (maximum of 250 words) explaining what you think is valuable about the site.  You do not have to like or approve of the site to argue for the inclusion of a link.  Please be careful, however, about suggesting links to sites that might be offensive to others.

Topics that you might consider include sites that deal with the following:
 

• drinking age
• voting age
• youth cultures
• youth and other subject, such as:
• hacking
• music
• gender
• race
• religion
• place, region, or nationality
• sports
• current events
• cyberspace
Bring your paragraph and the URLs to class Thursday on disk.
 

Week 3 (January 28)

Rough draft of 2nd paper due (5 pp.) - Autobiographical narrative to contribute to the "Virtually 21" collaborative web site - Bring rough draft of paper to class on Windows disk or post it to your VUspace folder.

Week 7 (February 23)

Rough draft of 3rd paper due (5 pp.) - Argument to contribute to the "Virtually 21" collaborative web site - Email the rough draft of your paper to the class homework email address.  Subject line: Third Paper--Rough Draft and post it to your VUspace folder.

Write an essay arguing for or against one of the following propositions:
 

• People who are on the verge of turning 21 should have unlimited access to sexually explicit material on the internet.
• Restricting the content of private electronic communications is indefensible for people on the verge of turning 21.
• Discussions in electronic chat rooms should be free from all censorship or restriction even for people younger than 21.
• The music industry should not be able to restrict the sale of new recording technologies in order to protect their copywrites.
 
No matter which topic you choose, be sure to determine the the scope of your argument.  For example, how much younger than 21 are you willing to extend your argument?  Do things change after one turns 21?  Illustrate your argument with particular examples or cases, whether real or hypothetical.  Anticipate and answer potential objections to your position.