Tonight I'd like to feature the fine work of a Mr. Blake David McDonald. His epic portrayal of the contrast between honors english studies and english for the common man inspires the dullest and dimmest of the masses. Frankly, I'm neither, yet I still found his logos, pathos, and ethos to be worthy conversation fodder for coffee-shop pontification. Here are his words:
Author: Blake D. McDonald
Date: 4/22/09
Publisher: B. Grow Whiting
Effective: Immediately
Title: Consider Honors English Easier
Consider Honors English Easier
In my search for an English 150 class this semester I came across several students who recommended I take honors English because it was easier. While this may sound like a contradiction, I’ve come across many facts that validate this claim.
One reason why honors English is believed to be easier is the perception that the student-professor relationship is closer; therefore professors can help students more effectively on assignments. This could only happen if class sizes were smaller, allowing professors to focus more on each individual. So I did some research and discovered that regular English classes average four more students per class. One might think that four students isn’t that much of a difference, but when you factor in that each student completes four major assignments and several professors teach two classes, the time consumption that an average of four students consumes is enormous.
Furthermore, an increased reading load is typically associated with honors classes. However, when comparing syllabuses from a regular class and an honors class, I found that the regular class required an extra text book and additional reading assignments from the text books common to both classes. I acknowledge that each teacher has the right to modify their reading schedule and this could be a rarity, however, it still shows that honors classes can be easier. With these points in mind, next time you’re looking to take the easier road out of your first year writing course, check out the honors road.
It would be a shame should we not pause and reflect on these true words. Thank you, Blake, for inspiring us all.
Over and Out.
BWhizzle
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
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