Reposting from 2018 Looking into one of my College’s hallway recycling bins, as one does, I found a fourth edition paperback of Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style. Arguably, for my generation, as Strunk died the year before I was born, this has been one of the most useful and inspiring books for any … Continue reading Reading and Endorsing ‘Elements of Style’
writing
Feelings? A Note to Students
Note to Students: Don’t Tell Me How You Feel Far too often, when I am reading an undergraduate student paper, José Neto’s lyrics come to mind: ‘Feelings … nothing more than feelings, …”. I truly don’t want to hurt a student’s feelings, but I have to tell them time and again that I am not … Continue reading Feelings? A Note to Students
Some Tips for Students on your Final Exam and Term Paper:
In preparing for and sitting your final exam, keep the following in mind: Answer the question, and make sure you read the question carefully and not answer the question you thought would be asked; Show that you were engaged in the course by bringing lectures, discussion and readings into your responses; Demonstrate an understanding of … Continue reading Some Tips for Students on your Final Exam and Term Paper:
The Reader’s Brain by Yellowlees Douglas – Strunk & White Explained
In her new book, The Reader’s Brain, Professor Yellowlees Douglas explains Strunk & White. That is, she explains why some of their guidelines work, and why others might need revision. I am one of many fans of guides to good writing. Lord knows I need them. And Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style (1918) … Continue reading The Reader’s Brain by Yellowlees Douglas – Strunk & White Explained
The Lost Art of Pen and Paper
It is depressing to shop in almost any university bookstore for a decent fountain pen or even a nice tablet of paper. The pens are almost entirely the cheapest ballpoints imaginable and the paper is monopolized by cheap spiral notebooks of lined paper that comes close to the quality of toilet paper. Why would students … Continue reading The Lost Art of Pen and Paper
Writing a Refereed Journal Article: A Personal Perspective on Strategies for Doctoral Students
Develop a Set of Realistic Expectations X (4?) articles accepted, in press, or published before completion of DPhil 2 or more in peer reviewed journals or equivalent outlets book chapter(s) are good, more valued with other professional journal articles (Co-)Authorship issues vary across disciplines, but in Internet Studies: One or more single authored publications idea … Continue reading Writing a Refereed Journal Article: A Personal Perspective on Strategies for Doctoral Students