The comma has been the subject of a best-selling book and can cause consternation to even the most experienced writer. On Thursday, Feb. 7, that small -- but necessary -- punctuation mark will be the focus of "CommaFest," an event hosted by the Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center to teach proper punctuation in an entertaining way. CommaFest will begin at 9 p.m. in the Kirner-Johnson Auditorium and will feature workshops, contests, prizes and punctuation cupcakes.
Sharon Williams, director of the Writing Center, describes CommaFest as a review of punctuation conventions and rules. "The comma is an important aspect of writing, and incorrect or missing punctuation can mislead the reader," Williams said. This was illustrated in The New York Times best-selling book Eats, Shoots and Leaves, the Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss.
William said she feels that people are no longer being taught the fundamentals of punctuation and there is a general deterioration in writing, thanks to new media such as instant messaging and texting. "The comma is a detail that shouldn't be ignored," she said.
Attendees will be split into small groups where they will review standard punctuation patterns and more complex sentences. "This is not remedial," Williams says, "it's learning to punctuate thoughtfully. Most everyone can benefit from the information we will cover and we hope to present it in a way that's interesting." Some faculty, including those in physics, sociology, biology and economics, are requiring that their classes attend.
Hamilton faculty members Katheryn Doran, Margaret Gentry, Betsy Jensen, John O'Neill, Peter Rabinowitz, Margie Thickstun and Ernest Williams will serve as instructors of the small groups. Williams has enlisted Writing Center tutors to frost and decorate – with punctuation marks – 30 dozen cupcakes that will be among the refreshments offered during the session.
The event is free and open to the entire campus.
Sharon Williams, director of the Writing Center, describes CommaFest as a review of punctuation conventions and rules. "The comma is an important aspect of writing, and incorrect or missing punctuation can mislead the reader," Williams said. This was illustrated in The New York Times best-selling book Eats, Shoots and Leaves, the Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss.
William said she feels that people are no longer being taught the fundamentals of punctuation and there is a general deterioration in writing, thanks to new media such as instant messaging and texting. "The comma is a detail that shouldn't be ignored," she said.
Attendees will be split into small groups where they will review standard punctuation patterns and more complex sentences. "This is not remedial," Williams says, "it's learning to punctuate thoughtfully. Most everyone can benefit from the information we will cover and we hope to present it in a way that's interesting." Some faculty, including those in physics, sociology, biology and economics, are requiring that their classes attend.
Hamilton faculty members Katheryn Doran, Margaret Gentry, Betsy Jensen, John O'Neill, Peter Rabinowitz, Margie Thickstun and Ernest Williams will serve as instructors of the small groups. Williams has enlisted Writing Center tutors to frost and decorate – with punctuation marks – 30 dozen cupcakes that will be among the refreshments offered during the session.
The event is free and open to the entire campus.
