Purpose

Each module unit takes the task of writing a good essay and breaks it down into smaller steps.  In this discussion, we will share our thoughts on our readings for this unit by relating the contents to our experiences and prior knowledge.  By sharing our interpretations on the readings, we will generate ideas for a good Essay thesis.  Doing so will be the first step in drafting a good essay final draft since a strong thesis tells the reader what the essay’s main argument will be.   In our discussion, you will also asked to support your thesis ideas with evidence from our assigned texts for this module.  That evidence will also serve to help you put together a comprehensive outline for your essay in the next assignment.

Main Post Prompt

Write three paragraphs (at least 200+ words) on the following:

Paragraph 1 

1. Summarize the main argument and supporting evidence provided in Happiness Lab Season 1, Episode 3 podcast “A Silver Lining” (Links to an external site.) (audio) with Dr. Laurie Santos or Silver Lining Transcript  Download Silver Lining Transcript.
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• Use your own words.  Please be careful to avoid plagiarism, which can lead to a “0” grade.  
• Tutorial on how todownload podcasts to an Iphone or Ipad (Links to an external site.).
• How to download podcasts to an Android device. (Links to an external site.)

2. Define “ethos,” “pathos,” and “logos.”  Helpful resources:

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• Farnam Street article “Ethos, Logos, and Pathos: The Structure of a Great Speech” (Links to an external site.)
• Ethos, Pathos, and Logos: Definition and Examples (Links to an external site.)

3. 
   End with your introduction paragraph with a 1 sentence thesis statement that is specific, concise, clear, and arguable.

In your thesis answer the following question:

Show specific examples of how our readings about athletic competition for this Essay 4 module use 2 of the following 3 modes of persuasion– ethos, pathos, or logos–to argue that strengthening the mind is the most important way to succeed at athletic competition.

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• Examples of strengthening the mind can include mindfulness, visualization and other meditation practices, positive reframing of past events, selecting beneficial points of reference etc..

Thesis problems to avoid:

Ethos / logos / pathos are not states of mind that athletes have; for instance, ethos is not when athletes in the readings talk about their emotions.

Ethos / logos / pathos are modes of persuasion that writers use to make their arguments more convincing. Pathos is when a writer says things that are meant to trigger the reader’s emotions in such a way the reader agrees with the text.  So if you are arguing that a text uses pathos, what does the author say to make the reader feel emotions that make them side with the author?

When you talk about Logos, explain what the writer’s logical arguments are to support her or his arguments.  Not that athletes think logically.  Look at the way the texts make their arguments convincing by being logical.

Make sure your thesis clearly says which modes of persuasion you’ve chosen to provide examples for: ethos / logos / pathos.  

Paragraphs 2 and 3

Before you can write Paragraphs 2- 3, complete your other required readings:

1.  
• Happiness Lab Season 1, Episode 3 podcast “A Silver Lining” (Links to an external site.) (audio) with Dr. Laurie Santos or transcript: Silver Lining Transcript.rtf  Download Silver Lining Transcript.rtf 
• Read the transcript or listen to Hidden Brain podcast: “Would You Rather Win Silver Or Bronze? (Be Careful What You Wish For)” (Links to an external site.) (August 3, 2012)
• “Mindfulness Meditation for Athletes: Get in the Zone” (Links to an external site.) on the benefits of self-awareness without self-judgement in sports. Athletes often struggle with performing well under the stress of competition; mindfulness meditation technique are shown to improve performance by drawing all the athlete’s attention on the present moment and thus silencing the voice of self-criticism and self-comparisons to others.
• Kris Heap’s “The Day Michael Phelps Went Blind” (Links to an external site.) on an Olympic swimmer’s ability to win gold even when blind because of his daily meditation practices he calls mental “videotapes.”

1) Pick two of the above articles and provide examples of ethos / logos / and pathos from their texts.  Write your first paragraph on your first article of choice.  Write your second paragraph on your second article of choice.

2) End your main post with an interesting question for the class that stems from the ideas in your post.

Reply Posts (50+ words each)

Part 1:  What parts of the other student’s main post could you identify with?  What parts did you like?  Explain why you liked those ideas.

Part 2: Suggest improvements by referring to additional supporting examples from our class readings.  Or point out parts of the other student’s main post that you would like to see discussed in more detail, either with more explanation, clarification, or support.

Part 3:  End your reply post with an interesting question that is relevant to your discussion.

Grading

1. Point Value: 30 points
2. Requirements:

• 1 main post (200+ words) that fully responds to Dr. Kwa’s prompt
• 2 replies (50+ words each) to others’ main posts
• Very Important:  You are required to end all of your main posts and replies with a question that is related to your thoughts in your post. 

1. Originality: If your discussion forum plagiarizes ideas or wording from another student’s post or an outside source, you will receive “0” points for your plagiarized forum.  Claiming lack of understanding of plagiarism will not be an acceptable excuse for plagiarism in your post.  You will not be allowed to rewrite your plagiarized post.  Please make sure to give credit to other students by name should you discuss their ideas.

Discussion Formatting and Other Important Tips

•  Main posts should be titled “Main Post”
to distinguish them from replies
•  Paragraph formatting: Divide your post into separate paragraphs.  Skip a blank line between paragraphs, and do not indent paragraphs (e.g. business letters).

•  Make sure to answer all parts of Dr. Kwa’s instructions for each discussion.

•  Avoid recopying Dr. Kwa’s questions and writing in a question and answer format.  
Write in well-organized complete paragraphs.
• Must show language respectful of other students and Dr. Kwa.  Disagreement is fine; hurtful language is not.  Flaming posts will be immediately deleted from the forum.
• Must be proofread and reasonably grammatically correct.  I recommend that you first write your post in Microsoft Word, save it, and then cut and paste it into the forum.

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• Remember to capitalize “I,” beginnings of sentences, proper nouns etc.
• Use proper punctuation, including periods at end of sentences.
• Avoid all capitalized letters in words since this looks like screaming in written form.
• Avoid run-ons and fragments.
• Avoid abbreviations used typically when texting or writing casual emails.
• Always spell-check.