Approaches to University Writing 113B
Syllabus
Spring 2012
“Academic writing, reading, and inquiry are inseparably linked; and all three are learned not by doing any one alone, but by doing them all at the same time.” ~ James Reither
Instructor: Rachael Jordan
Office Hours: W 11:15-12:15 & 2-3 Room Number: SH285
Office Number: ST 833 Class Time: M/W 12:30 – 1:45pm
Office Phone: 818-677-0905 Email: [email protected]
SI Leaders: Ligia Lesko & Gayane Haroutyunyan
Emails: [email protected] & [email protected]
Introduction
Welcome back to Approaches to University Writing! As we continue in our writing journey, we are moving to The Projects. Remember, we’ve learned that reading and writing are interconnected processes. This semester we’ll be practicing (even more) entering conversations and communities through our words – first, by reading texts, contexts, and culture and then through writing.
Required Texts
Rules for Writers, 7th edition, Diana Hacker & Nancy Sommers, Bedford/St. Martin’s
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Recommended Texts
Wings Required Materials:
Active CSUN e-mail account
Access to Moodle
1 folder with pockets for your portfolio
Course Requirements
Weekly Moodle posts
3 Projects
Reflective Essay
Portfolio
Grammar Presentations
Rhetorical Analyses (10)
Course Description:
Prerequisites: Successful completion of ENGL 113A. Expository prose writing with a focus on both content and form. Specific emphases shall include the exercise of logical thought and clear expression, the development of effective organizational strategies, and the appropriate gathering and utilization of evidence. Includes instruction on diction, syntax, and grammar, as well as the elements of prose style. Students receive credit for only 1 course chosen from AAS, CAS, CHS, ENGL, and PAS 113B. Students are required to also enroll in UNIV 062 (1 credit). This supplemental instruction class is led by experienced peers, students who have successfully completed writing courses and have been recommended by two or more faculty members. Participation in University 062 is required. Individual tutoring is available through the Learning Resource Center.
Student Learning Objectives:
You will gain the ability to read critically.
We will be reading from a variety of texts – short stories, a novel, and essays – from authors of different cultural and historical backgrounds. You will be using this reading to help better understand your position in the world and academia.
You will gain the ability to write effectively. We will be practicing writing through various forms – Web, Space, and Text – in order for you to effectively share your critical ideas, analysis, and argument.
You will gain knowledge of the cultural diversity of literatures.
We will be reading from a variety of authors and various types of literatures – visual, web based, and written texts.
Course Requirements and Grading:
Final Portfolio (200 points) Three major thesis-driven essays (300 points/100 points each) Three Executive Summaries (60 points /20 points each) Rhetorical Summaries (50 points/ 5 points each) Group Presentations (60 points/ 20 points each) Project Exercises (annotated bibliography, ethnography, etc.) (90 points) Participation in Supplemental Instruction (100 points) Moodle Discussion Boards (40 points/10 points each) Participation/In-Class Writing (100 points)
Note: No student can receive higher than a “C” without a CR in University
“It is like the rubbing of two sticks together to make a fire, the act of reading, and improbable pedestrian task that leads to heat and light.” ~Anna Quindlen
Essay Requirements: The total points possible for each essay are made up of the following: Final Draft 50 points 2nd Draft 20 points 1st Draft 20 points Self Evaluation 10 points . Total: 100 points
Essay Draft Requirements: In order to obtain the full 20 points for the first and second drafts of each essay, you need to bring them into class on the day assigned. If they are not turned in on the day they are assigned, you will get no credit. Page length requirements for the drafts will be specified on the prompts. Failure to meet minimum page requirements on the final draft indicates less than average (“C”) work. We will be using MLA format.
Self Evaluation Requirements (10 points each): Each essay packet must come to me with a self-evaluation. In order to obtain the full 10 points, write one full typed, double-spaced page in which you reflect on the process of writing this particular essay. Was it easier or harder than you anticipated? How well do you think you did? Why? Anything less than a full page will result in a lower grade. Executive Summary Requirements (20 points each): After completing your first draft of each essay, you will get into groups for peer workshops. You will then respond to the workshop in an Executive Summary. In order to obtain the full 20 points, you will be required to turn in a one page document split into two sections. The first section will be your executive summary of the feedback you received from your peers. Include the names of the people who responded to you, and the specific comments each person made. In the second section, respond to the comments you received, whether you agree or disagree, and how helpful this peer review session was for you. Anything less than a full page will result in a lower grade.
Project Exercise Requirements (20 points each): The project exercise requirements vary depending on each progression assignment. However, to obtain the full 20 points, you will be required to turn in full and complete assignments on time.
Moodle Discussion Board (15 points each): Four times during the semester, you will be required to respond to an assignment on Moodle. It will be due before class the following week. Anything less than a complete and thoughtful response will result in a lower grade.
Class Participation/In Class Writing Requirements (100 points): You earn points for participating in class, and we will begin most days with a quick free-write. Your participation is worth 10% of your grade. Be here and share your thoughts. Please see the “Notes on Class Participation” below.
Supplemental Instruction Participation (100 points): You earn points by attending, being on time, and participating in Supplemental Instruction. This semester, you will also be required to do a group grammar presentation during a scheduled U061. Accruing more than three absences means you will receive a “NC” in U061 and therefore, unable to earn above a “C” in this course.
Grade Breakdown:
There are 1,000 possible points to earn in this class. This scale represents the percentage of those points that you earn, and everything is graded on the plus/minus system:
A 100-94 B 86-84 C 76-74 D 66-64 A- 93-90 B- 83-80 C- 73-70 D- 63-60 B+ 89-87 C+ 79-77 D+ 69-67 F Below 60
“A good question is never answered. It is not a bolt to be tightened into place but a seed to be planted and to bear more seed toward the hope of greening the landscape of idea.” ~ John Ciardi
Notes: A Note about Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices
In a 75 minute class, I know we can survive without our personal electronic devices for that short amount of time. Please check your facebooks, myspaces, livejournals, twitter, etc. before class begins or after it is over. If I can go without listening to my iPod for an hour and fifteen minutes, so can you! Points will be deducted from Participation if this policy is neglected. Full Participation points will be forfeited by repeat offenders.
A Note about my Revision Policy This semester, if you receive a grade of “C” or lower, I will allow you to revise and resubmit your paper for a higher grade. To do this you must either 1. Set up an appointment with me or 2. Make an appointment with a tutor at the LRC (818) 677-2033, located in Bayramian Hall, Rm 408). This does not guarantee a higher grade, but you cannot get a lower grade on resubmission. Please, take advantage of this opportunity!
A Note about Participation Your participation grade is based on the following: Teacher Conference: Having one-on-one face time with your instructor can help you in a variety of ways. You will be required to meet with me during my office hours at least once this semester to discuss issues relating to the class. Use this time to strengthen your writing and argumentation skills. Attendance: Your attendance is necessary, especially since this is conducted as a workshop class! There will be in-class writing exercises, group activities, and important peer review sessions. Be here prepared and on time. Since we only meet twice a week, it is imperative to begin on time. Therefore, I will consider every three tardies exceeding 5 minutes as a full absence. More than 3 unexplained absences will have a significant negative impact on your grade. Peer Review: Writing as a process is part of the focus on writing in English 155, giving you opportunities to draft and revise your writing assignments. This revision process includes meeting in small groups to help rethink ideas and revise your papers. It is crucial to have your drafts (3 copies!) on days of peer review and be ready to give valuable feedback (don’t worry, I will help guide you in this). Electronic Devices: Again, use of these will lower your overall grade in the class.
A Note about Late Work
Please bring your work in on time. Turn in your papers and assignments on the due date. Unless there are dire medical or family emergencies, which will require written documentation, late work will NOT be accepted.
A Note about Plagiarism Don’t do it. The CSUN catalogue defines plagiarism as “intentionally or knowingly representing the words, ideas or works of another as one’s own in any academic exercise.” We will review and discuss the issue of plagiarism in class. Please don’t commit literary theft. We will discuss how to correctly incorporate outside sources in your essays. If you are still unsure, please come see me. Remember, academic dishonesty by cheating or plagiarism can result in an “F” and is “an offense for which a student may be expelled, suspended, or given a less severe disciplinary sanction.”
A Note about Help
If you require any special course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have any emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case of a building evacuation, please let me know as soon as possible. And if you have any questions or problems with respect to any assignment, class discussion, or any other aspect of this class, please contact me. You are here to learn and I am here to facilitate that process.
~ Tentative Schedule ~
Week One: Welcome Back!
M 1/23: Discuss syllabus & semester
W 1/25: Choose Discussion Leader partners
Read Allyn & Bacon Ch. 11 pgs. 280-285 (Moodle)
The Giver Chapters 1 & 2
Week Two: Project Web Invention Strategies
M 1/30: Project Web distribution
Read Allyn & Bacon Ch. 5 pgs. 95-99 (Moodle)
W 2/1:
The Giver Chapters 3, 4, & 5
Week Three: Finding Sources Round Two M 2/6: Blog Set Up Due
W 2/8: Library Day
The Giver Chapters 6 & 7
1st Draft
Week Four: Project Web Essay Revision
M 2/13: Peer Review – 3 drafts
Second Draft & Executive Summary
W 2/15: 2nd Draft Due with Executive Summary
“Let’s Write!” 1
The Giver Chapters 8 & 9
Week Five: Discussion & Presentations
M 2/20: “Let’s Write!” 1 Due
W 2/22: Project Web Due
Group Presentations!
The Giver Chapters 10, 11 & 12
Week Six: Project Space: Subcultures
M 2/27: Subcultures lecture
Read Allyn & Bacon Ch. 9 pgs. 201-208
Read Streets, Sidewalks, Stores, & Stories (Moodle)
W 2/29: Project Space handout
Ethnography
The Giver Chapters 13, 14 & 15 Week Seven: Project Space: Field Research
M 3/5: Ethnography Due
“Let’s Write!” 2
W 3/7: “Let’s Write!” 2 Due
Diagram
The Giver Chapters 16 & 17
Week Eight: Project Space: Drafting & Representation
M 3/12: Diagram Due
Write 1st Draft
W 3/14: Peer Review – 3 drafts
2nd Draft & Executive Summary
The Giver Chapters 18 & 19
Week Nine: Conferences
M 3/19: 2nd Draft with Executive Summary Due
W 3/21: 2nd Draft with Executive Summary Due
The Giver Chapters 20 & 21
Week Ten: Project Space: Revisions & Wrap-up
M 3/26:
W 3/28: Project Space Due
The Giver Chapters 22 & 23
Week Eleven:
M 4/2: SPRING BREAK W 4/4: SPRING BREAK
Week Twelve: Project Text: The Giver
M 4/9: The Giver discussion
“Let’s Write!” 3
Read Allyn & Bacon Ch. 15 pgs. 401-405
W 4/11: Project Text Prompt
“Let’s Write!” 3 Due
Write 1st Draft
Read Allyn & Bacon Ch. 7 pgs. 164-168
Week Thirteen: Project Text: Drafting & Revision
M 4/16: Peer Review – 3 copies
2nd Draft & Executive Summary
W 4/18: 2nd Draft with Executive Summary Due
Annotated Bibliography
Week Fourteen: Project Text: Research & Analysis
M 4/23: Annotated Bibliography Due
“Let’s Write!” 4
W 4/25: “Let’s Write!” 4 Due
Week Fifteen: Reflective Essay
M 4/30: Project Text Due
W 5/2: Portfolios Due Week Sixteen: Conferences
Happy Summer!