Ms. Susan's etiquette sheet

amlit338
more on this tomorrow, and some surprises, too.

English 338
March 2, 2006
Susan M. Schultz

Discussion and blog suggestions


(or, Ms. Manners is an American character, too)


--Always listen carefully to what others say. Consider not simply their words, but also the context in which they’re spoken, as well as their tone of voice.

--If you feel offended by something said in class, please bring it up immediately. “Do you mean to say what I thought I heard?” But don’t ask the question sarcastically!

--Tone is often an issue on email and blogs. People can sound more strident, more bitter, more lackadaisical on the blog than they are in other contexts. Cut them some slack. By the same token, govern your own tone, consider how it will sound to classmates who don’t know you or understand your particular sense of humor.

--Do not take offenses and complaints to the blog. You may take on other students’ ideas on the blog, but do not criticize them. No name calling.

--If discussion is going in a direction that doesn’t interest you, then say, “I see that, but I’d also like to talk about the following issue.” Even better, “given that you’re arguing that the book is about race, then how is it also about gender?”

--In other words, don’t diminish what others say; instead, add onto it. Try to put money into the class bank; don’t take money out. That loses us all interest.

--We’re talking about tough issues. Be supportive of one another and trust each other’s intentions. We all know very different things, so try to put them together rather than setting them up against each other.

--Have a lovely week off while Ms. Manners is away.