Blog #8

Throughout my papers, what I've had the most problems with is leaving some paragraphs undeveloped and short. I tend to only state the situation and what the authors say. What I need to do is expand on the paragraphs. What I will do is use the strategies that I presented today in front of the class. I will "frame the quotes that I use" to both extend the paragraphs and further develop them. I will explain a quote before and after and try to show it's relevance to the topic and discussion. For example, in my first essay, instead of just saying that "Barberio believes that 'search engines...are closer to slot machines that library catalogues' (Pg. 1, Col. 2)", I could say "Barberio believes that 'search engines...are closer to slot machines than library catalogues' (Pg. 1, Col. 2). In other words, students simply put in key words to find what they are looking for much like putting money in a slot machine." This will improve my papers mainly because it will show a better understanding of what the author is saying and how it ties into the topic. It also improves them because extends the paragraphs which lengthens the papers.

Caires, Mathew R, "Taming the Gang at Animal House." Association of Governing Boards of Universities and College. 2004. Washington DC.

This article dicusses house education boards can gain a better understanding of today's Greek culture. Many boards do have a negative opinion on the Greek community, but there are many programs that help to maintain the Greek system's positive reputations.

"Greek Life Academics." Division of Student Affairs. 2010. University of Georgia.

This article discusses the high level of academic success in the Greek system at UGA. This shows a good example of the potential of academic programs in the Greek system. Academics are a high priority in the Greek community.

Blog #5

How does living in a fraternity/sorority affect one's academic success? How does it help someone to manage both an academic and social life? There are many views on the greek system and how it affects the academics of students. While many people may think that greek life only promotes partying, I believe that it can also help to strenthen responsibilities and maturity. There are also many programs within the greek system that help to strenthen students' academics success.

Leisure College, USA: The Decline in Student Study Time

According to Babcock and Marks’ “Leisure College, USA: The Decline in Student, Study Time”, the average amount of time a college student spends studying has dropped since 1961. That year, the average student spent about twenty four hours a week. Now, Students spend about fourteen hours studying. Studies showed many theories as to why the amount of study hours has dropped over the years. They eventually conclude that it has dramatically dropped because of a decline in professor’s standards. While this is a plausible idea, I believe that the real reason for a drop in hours used for studying is because of the modernization of our society. Today we have education systems that teach students more subjects at an earlier age. We also have technology like the internet that allows for instant access to information. Both of these allow for less study hours because we know more at an earlier age and don’t have to work as hard to find information. To sum up, the average amount of study hours in college has dropped most likely because of the lower need for them.

Philosophies on University Education

Dave Martin


English 101

K. Keller

Summary 1

Philosophies on University Education

Newman’s “Idea of a University” discourses V and VI discuss both the purpose of a university, as well as the purpose of education. Discourse V emphasizes the idea that knowledge is something that is shared by everyone. It states that a university is a place where students learn not only about their intended focuses, but others as well. Newman says that “even though students cannot pursue every subject which is open to them, they will be the gainers by living among those and under those who represent the whole circle.” (100) In other words, students learn not only by studying their majors, but by surrounding themselves with others in a learning environment.

Both also focus on the idea of knowledge. In discourse VI, Newman says that “knowledge then is the indispensable condition of expansion of mind, and the instrument of attaining to it.” (129) This saying that knowledge is what allows us to learn, as well as what we use to learn. Education is only possible with knowledge, while knowledge is only possible with education. People living together in a learning environment allows for both of these. This is the idea of a university.