Systematic Argumentation Workshop

A sophomore attending a Great Books workshop aimed at freshman GB students? Wow, weird right? Wrong. Great Books is an experience where you can always learn something new, even if you have already discussed and heard of the subject before. In fact, it was just my luck that Dr. Fullman and Dr. Jacobs presented to the attendees a writing strategy called SIEL. SIEL stands for State your point, Illustrate with a quote, Explain how the quote demonstrates your point, and Link to the next idea or point. This strategy is a key idea that my fellow GB students, including myself, need to remember to use when we tackle our essays and comments. Great Books can become a confusing course, but this strategy brings its students back to reality of what the professors want them to achieve...a concise and interpretative way of receiving the text. If the students achieve this, they have a better chance at becoming better writers for the course and for their future careers! So, yes, it is wise to attend an old GB workshop because you never know what your mind may need to be refreshed on.