Notes
Click on the small “Whole Class” link at the top of the page. To post, scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the “Reply” button.

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 Instructions

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

Paragraph 1 (Your Personal Example):

• Have you ever personally known anyone who projected a strong “bad boy” image?
• What does a “bad boy” image mean to you?
• Do you think it is true that women are more attracted to “bad boys” as opposed to clean-cut “good guys”?

Paragraph 2 (Dogtown and Z Boys and Lords of Dogtown films)

• What do surfing and skateboarding have in common that would make it sensible that the Zephyr gang loved both sports?
• What technological innovations in the surfboard and the skateboard were equally important in improving performance?
• Describe the three boys: Adams, Alva and Peralta. Which one of those characters are you most similar to?
• Watch Both Dogtown Films Here

Paragraph 3 (Essay 2 Thesis Brainstorming)

1. What does “countercultural” mean?
2. What were some key U.S. historical events from 1974- 1977?
3. Provide a one sentence thesis that fully answers the Essay 2 question:

What are two ways in which the skater surfers in the Dogtown films embraced their countercultural reputation for being “bad boys” in the 1960-70s (as opposed to their predecessors’ clean-cut public images in the 1950s)?

See Chapters 4-7 of The World in the Curl.

Don’t forget to see Model Essay 2 for help.

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

Reply Posts (2 required, 50+ words each)

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.
2. Suggest improvements by referring to additional supporting examples from The World in the Curl. 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.
3. End your reply post with an interesting question that is relevant to your discussion.

Grading

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.

Originality

Please make sure to give credit to other students by name should you discuss their ideas. If your discussion forum plagiarizes ideas or wording from another student’s post or an outside source, your post will not be accepted for credit.

My brother is someone who projects a strong “bad boy” image. I often associate a “bad boy” image with someone who’s tough, super masculine,