Academic Creativity and Excellence Day
The semi-annual research colloquium at Bushnell founded by Dr. Tim Bergquist.
The Art of Creative Writing
This capstone presentation is an overview of the steps it takes to write creative fiction. The presenter will present on the novel that he wrote and the process behind writing the novel. The presenter will also share about what inspired him to write, the themes of his novel, and how creative writing can influence the world around us.
ENG 499, Capstone
James Watson
P103
10:30 – 11 AM
Grammar Instruction in High School
In many of today’s high schools, grammar instruction is not a part of the English Language Arts curriculum. Much of the focus is placed on expanding reading and writing skills in preparation for college, rather than readdressing or expanding grammar skills. The main reason for this focus is that school authorities believe that most students should have learned about grammar while in elementary school or possibly middle school. Regardless of what the previous model of the public education system looks like, is grammar instruction at the high school level conducive for high school and college success? If it is, then there should be no question on whether it should be implemented at the high school level or not. If it is not, then we may keep to our old ways. This question can be answered by looking at what research says about grammar instruction and adolescent learning, some case studies, two grammar instruction surveys, and a few interviews with students and teachers.
Honors Thesis
James Watson
P103
10 AM – Noon
Beacon Bolt Highlights
A presentation of four different pieces I wrote for the Beacon Bolt during the 2015 school year. Brief summary of my major (English) and career goals. Account of time spent writing for the Beacon Bolt. Pieces bear significance not only as individual products but also as collective whole. Collectively, the body of work encompasses the topics which I have the most passion for writing on, namely current events, history, community, politics, sports, entertainment, and religion, all from an opinion position. As individual works, each piece embodies different specific parts from the aforementioned list. The UCC article is religious, community, and current events focused . The Cross Country article is centers on sports and entertainment. The article about historical figures and opinions is both historical and community oriented. The dialogue and taboo article is primarily political. Purpose and function of each article will be elaborated on individually. Any questions following the presentation will be answered.
ENG 499, Capstone
James Watson
P114
10:30 – 11 AM
Bloom: A Short Story of Poverty and Identity
My name is Gabrielle, and I am a product of the so-called “American Dream.” I was born of an uneducated family, and I am first of that line to break the chain of teen pregnancy. More importantly, I am the first to attend college. My paternal grandfather passed away when my father was just seven. Being the oldest, my father was forced to drop out of the third grade and support his mother and siblings. And then, when he was fourteen, he left his ranch-house in Tamazula de Gordiano, Jalisco, Mexico, to “make something of himself” by migrating to America.
But it was not until recently that I began to wonder what my life would look like had my grandfather lived. These thoughts are futile, but I can’t help but wonder: would my own father still be illiterate? And if not, would he still have entered America under the same conditions, and would I have found reason to write this? Would my parents have met? It is through this story, my father’s story— a deeply rooted bloom of self discovery— that I hope to put these thoughts to rest.
ENG 211 Survey of American Literature
James Watson
PFB 114
1:00 – 2:00 PM