AboutElana Peled, Ed.D. Expertise I can answer questions related to the writing, formatting and development of academic papers, essays and dissertations, from selecting a topic and developing a thesis, to focusing a sentence and/or paragraph. I can also answer questions regarding syntax, grammar and punctuation. And I can answer questions regarding the role of creativity in academic writing as well as dealing with writer's block and procrastination.
Experience I have more than 20 years experience teaching academic writing to college students at every level. I have designed and taught courses on reading and writing for college freshman, both those who enter college ready to do college level work and those needing additional "catch-up" work. I've taught writing to students in master's programs and even designed a workbook to help students working on a master's thesis. I've worked in college writing centers helping students with papers for courses across the curriculum, and I've even coaching doctoral candidates through their dissertations, providing guidance for the process and direct feedback on their writing.
Organizations Owner, www.MyDissertationEditor.com
Education/Credentials *Ed.D., Human Development and Psychology with emphasis on Language and Literacy, Harvard Graduate School of Education
*Ed.M., Language and Literacy, Harvard Graduate School of Education
*M.A., English Composition, San Francisco State University
*Certificate in Teaching Post-Secondary Reading, SFSU
Question QUESTION: Hi, I hope I'm doing this correctly but, I have a "Long Summary" due on Tuesday. I've been working on this for almost 2 weeks and I've changed it many times. I seem pretty confident with this one but I'm still having doubts. Could you please read this and maybe give me any tips/pointers on how to possibly make it better?
This is all in MLA format, it just doesn't show like that on here.
A Summary of “Mallaise: How to Know If You Have It”
In his article “Mallaise: How to Know If You Have It”, William Kowinski writes “Malls affect people. They’re designed to” (491). While designed to familiarize us with a carefree, positive shopping experience there can be and have been adverse side affect’s, leading some to come down with a case of “Mallaise”, Kowinski’s self-discovered and self-titled disease (492). With his ironic sense of humor, Kowinski describes a few of the symptoms of Mallaise, why they occur and how some may never be cured.
While malls may be tactically designed to let you shut off the outside world and peacefully roam, these intended effects may not always come in the right dosages. “The Zombie Effect” for one, is a perfect example of how the malls environment can consume you. Kowinski explains that, shopping can be compared to watching television; “we are everywhere and nowhere in particular” (493). Television shows, just like the mall are strategically designed to stimulate the brain without focusing too much attention on one thing in particular. Barbara Lambert, a woman that Kowinski toured with in the malls of Chicagoland said that “whatever you actually came here for is in the distant past. You’ve been floating here . . . for hours” (493).
Just like television, this is the malls intention, Kowinski explains that malls are designed to attract its consumers, they create an environment that lets you “turn off your mind and let you float; to create a direct and unfettered connection between eyeing and buying; and the more you do, the easier it becomes” (493). Shoppers however may have a change of heart once they reach the point of overstimulation. The once peaceful environment becomes a frantic one leading to confusion and exhaustion.
There is no cure for Mallaise but, Kowinski offers us one suggestion of simply leaving the mall. As easy as that may sound it may be harder for some then you would realize. Some mallaise victims may linger at the mall longer than they need to, weighing the pros and cons of leaving versus staying. Kowinski writes that the mall can create a safe environment “with its real walls and psychological illusions” (494)
Another symptom that Kowinski is especially frustrated with because its victims aren’t as easily cured is “the state of being malcontented with what the mall offers and how it offers it” (494). These sufferers of mallaise do not realize that there are other possible choices than shopping at a mall. They will endure the psychological structure and in turn become “prisoners of the mall” (495).
While the mall may be planned to have a positive impact on us as shoppers, its overabundance of stimulation and pleasure can often lead to many diverse, unpleasant reactions. Kowinski reminds us that even though the mall might be the most suitable place or even the only place to shop, there is no one forcing you to stay for any amount of time.
Work Cited
Kowinski, William. “Mallaise: How to Know If You Have It.” Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum. Ed. Laurence Behrens and Leonard J. Rosen. 10th ed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2008. 491-95. Print.
ANSWER: Hi Olivia,
Since your work is due today, I doubt you'll have time to incorporate any feedback. Next time you have a question, try submitting it well in advance of your deadline.
Best,
Elana
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QUESTION: It would still be nice to get some feedback so I can use it in my next paper. :)
Answer Olivia,
I can't tell if you've paragraphed this correctly. I also don't know if you have a word limit. If not, you might try to add a few more details, especially about the term "mallaise." And I see some errors with your use of apostrophes.
