instruction.docx

Assignment directions:

1. First, set up your note sheets by drawing a line down the center of several columns with the headings, Physical Details (what I observe and discover about the object)—in the left column, and Inner Process Details (what I observe and discover happening within myself as I work: my moods, reactions, associations, and thoughts)—in the right column.

Physical Details (what I observe and discover about the object) Inner Process Details (what I observe and discover happening
within myself as I work: moods, reactions, associations, and thoughts)

2. Select as your subject one vegetable or fruit that you have seen and handled many times such as a sweet potato, an onion, a tomato, or an apple. Whatever you can find in your neighborhood grocery store of home refrigerator will do. It does not have to be an exotic mango or persimmon. Consider your selection to be your specimen for study just as Scudder worked with one fish.

3. Set up your workplace on your desk or a kitchen table. Perhaps you will want to have a knife and a cutting board handy as well as some drawing paper for sketching.

4. Begin by really taking your time to explore this object. Let yourself become absorbed in the task like either a curious child or a dedicated scientist. As your mind slows down, your sensations will tell your more, and you will make more and more discoveries. Remember to notice not only the parts but also wholes, not only see but also touch, hear, smell, and taste. Whenever you become aware of a characteristic that you can articulate, write that down in the left column under “Physical Details.”

5. Do not forget to use the right column for noting your personal reactions as you work. At what points did you become bored? Excited? Angry? Impatient? Lost in Daydreams? Acknowledge these distractions by writing them down as you bring your attention back to the task of observing your object.

6. See how many times you need to renew your commitment to keep observing. Note all the stages of interest and concentration that you pass through: the plateaus, valleys, and peaks.

NOTE: include all senses: touch/texture, taste, smell, temperature, sound, color, shape, and changes that occur during description and notice crucial aspects (skin, seeds, interior aspects, and design)

7. When you know for certain that you have finished, assemble your notes and prepare to write up a complete description of your fruit or vegetable.

8. Your final description may take one of two forms: (1) a report that describes the object completely with the addition of a final paragraph describing your own inner personal process, or (2) a narrative—or story of your observing process—that describes your object, the stages you went through, the progression of your discoveries, insights, and reactions.

9. Type up and submit your final draft via Canvas. Required length is at least 500 words. Check the Weekly Assignments schedule for the due date.

Scoring for description for fruit or vegetable

______ 1. minimum of 500 words 20 points

______ 2. all senses used: 24 points (3 points each)
_____ touch/texture
_____ taste
_____ smell
_____ temperature
_____ sound
_____ color
_____ shape
_____ changes that occur during description

______ 3. physical description at least 2/3 of paper 10 points

______ 4. language accuracy 10 points

______ 5. crucial aspects not omitted (skin, seeds, interior aspects, and design) 10 points

______ 6. inner process description 10 points

______ 7. no distracting errors of spelling, punctuation, or sentence structure 16 points