Semi-Daily Scribbles

I've been working on the essay feedback received over the past two weeks. I'm fortunate that the students who've read my work have been thoughtful in offering constructive criticism. Submitting anything for review can leave one feeling exposed and vulnerable, but a little discomfort is well worth the price for the opportunity to learn. On the topic of learning, I've recommended Coursera to my family and friends. Despite growing pains, I'm enjoying my sojourn into MOOC-dom and plan on becoming a returning Courserian.

Here's how my peers assessed my Unit 3 assignment ~

FORM

student1 → Good form for the most part, but it's "the count who must be must be vanquished," not, "that must be vanquished," because you're talking about a person. Also you need a hyphen between "vampire" and "slaying" in your second sentence.

student2 → good language, proper sentences. The right level.

student3 → You illuminated a new and interesting topic beautifully. I love this essay!

student4 → Excellent essay. Interesting and varying vocabulary, complex but clear sentences, focused content, appropriate references: all of these things made this by far the best essay I've reviewed. I actually worried about the possibility of plagiarism so I googled what seemed to me a sentence that could have been copied with no direct reference to Dracula. When I found this exact essay on the net I was sorely disappointed until I realized that it had only been posted yesterday. Thus, I conclude you are Theresa Largusa.

Score from your peers: 2.5

CONTENT

student1 → I really liked how you tied Dracula's appearance, fear of the other, and phrenology together. It was quite a nuanced argument, and you presented it vey well. I'd never thought of that spin before and especially enjoyed your footnotes; it was sort of an "Aha! moment" for me. And, yes, I definitely agree that we practice our own version of phrenology today. Just look at how many Americans view President Obama as "the other!" So well thought out! Congratulations! ("Bloodsucker Watch List," indeed!)

student2 → If, as you say, phrenology was something that was "big" in the time that dracula was written, it would be a reason that it is stated several times as a science that our main characters as scientists practice. The dichotomy between beautiful and ugly people and their being perceived as good or evil is something that dates back to older times, though. It is an interesting point that phrenology is used in the book, but I would say only a minor plotline.

student3 → Simple, smart, well-played. Thanks!

student4 → Your observations about phrenology and how it influenced people's (and Stoker's in particular) views of others and how that matched up with how the characters of the book are presented seem spot on. Sufficient explanation about phrenology (appropriately referenced) make clear that it was known and respected in the author's time frame. The way this reinforced stereotypes and prejudices is clear and (to my mind) accurate. Well done!

Score from your peers: 3

Please write here any other comments which you feel might be of use to you or the writer of this essay.

student4 → I'm glad I got to review your essay. After some of the other (too often awful) essays I've seen it was a pleasure to read.