This second discussion forum has two parts, an initial post and at least two peer responses.

Part of this week’s lecture discusses the concept of length. in this forum, we’ll apply that concept.

Find an essay or article that is roughly the same length as our final paper. (Since you’re writing a 4000 word paper, please find something in the 3000-5000 word range.) This can be one of the sources you’re using in your final paper, or something completely different.  (NOTE: Please do not use any of the assigned student essays. I want you to select your own essay.)

Share a link to that work, or information so we can find it (like the title and author).  Then describe and analyze how this work uses length.

That may sound vague and strange, so let me give you an example.

 

I found an essay on my topic titled "The Worst Mistake in Human History" by Jared Diamond. You can find it here:

http://www.ditext.com/diamond/mistake.html (Links to an external site.)

It is 2700 words long.

The first 120 words are a classic introduction. The author starts with a very broad wedge, leading readers to his specific thesis by providing a larger context (the changes created by science) and three sentences presenting parallel changes specific sciences have created in humanity’s view of the world.

The next 4 paragraphs/400 words provide a more specific context for his claim (that agriculture is the worst mistake in human history), and specifically explain why this is a difficult argument to make.

However, the next paragraph (roughly 170 words) transitions from this admission of how difficult it is to make this argument starting to make the argument.

 

And so on. You’ll notice that this example blends summary, a discussion of length, and an analysis of function. That’s what you want to do.

Please take at least 200 words to address this prompt.

Please post these initial posts by Wednesday evening, 11:59 PM, Pacific time.