College Writing II

Sec 07 1 ENG102-08 (SI), Spring 2014 College Writing II: Bridging Connections and Shaping Public Discourse in your Research Tues & Thurs 12:30 pm - 1:45pm, MHRA2206 Professor Leah Milne Email: [email protected] Office: MHRA3210H (mailbox: MHRA3317) Office hours: Tues 2:45-4:45pm & by appt

“I argue very well. Ask any of my remaining friends. I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent. People know this, and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a sign of their great respect, they don’t even invite me.” –Dave Barry

“It is said that the fear of public speaking is a fear greater than death for most people. According to psychiatrists, the fear of public speaking is caused by the fear of ostracism, the fear of standing out, the fear of criticism, the fear of ridicule, the fear of being an outcast. The fear of being different prevents most people from seeking new ways to solve their problems. ” ―Robert T. Kiyosaki

Course description: In this course, we will conduct critical and analytical readings of texts, as well as our own research on topics that interest us. In the process, we will also explore these questions:  Does what we say and how we say it affect others? If so, how?  What effect does our research have on who we are as a community, a nation, and a people?  Do our methods of research, documentation, and presentation matter?  What responsibilities do we owe our audience and other writers when we conduct research, write papers, and present arguments?  Can we contribute to a larger community of knowledge? How do we do that? How can we consider others in what we write and what we research?

Required texts: [RACW] Ensor, Lavina. Rhetorical Approaches to College Writing. (2014 ed.) ISBN 978- 073806133-7 [RM] Howard, Rebecca Moore. Research Matters. 2nd ed. ISBN 978-0-07-340594-0 [WO] Mooallem, Jon. Wild Ones. ISBN 978-1-59420-442-5 (or cheapest used book or e- book) [FFN] Schlosser, Fast Food Nation. ISBN 978-0547750330 (or cheapest used copy or e- book) [BB] PDFs from Blackboard, with your notes. As part of your participation grade, you must read these thoroughly, take notes, and bring them to class. UNCG only supports BB in Firefox or Safari, so please use these browsers to access Blackboard. Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): By the end of ENG102, students should be able to… 1. Locate and evaluate primary and/or secondary sources; 2. Identify and employ rhetorical elements in both formal and informal discourse; 3. Analyze the content and structure of complex texts (written, oral, and/or visual in nature); 4. Summarize, quote, paraphrase, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance an informed, cogent argument; 5. Speak effectively in genres appropriate to the discipline(s) of the primary subject matter of the course (this SLO is specifically for UNCG’s Speaking- Intensive requirement); Sec 07 2 6. Construct research-based writing projects that demonstrate focused, independent inquiry using drafting, peer review, and revision techniques in order to improve content, style, and structure. These SLOs fulfill LG1, which relates to the ability to “think critically, communicate effectively, and develop appropriate fundamental skills in quantitative and information literacies.” (http://uncg.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2013-2014/Undergraduate- Bulletin/University-Requirements/General-Education-Program) English 102 further satisfies three of the six hours of the Reasoning and Discourse (GRD) requirement at UNCG, which asserts that students “gain skills in intellectual discourse, including constructing cogent arguments, locating, synthesizing and analyzing documents, and writing and speaking clearly, coherently, and effectively” (http://uncg.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2013- 2014/Undergraduate-Bulletin/University-Requirements/General-Education-Program/General- Education-Core-Requirements). Course Assignments and Grading: Assignments will be graded based on clarity, ambition, originality, and adherence to the assignment sheet. Papers must be in MLA format, 12-pt Times New Roman font with 1” margins, double-spaced, with a header indicating name and page number at the top right-hand corner (sample papers in BB, and RM 292-305). You will write and speak on one topic this semester, so choose a topic that holds your interest. Revision is required for this course; you cannot pass this course without substantive revisions of your work (see the “Revision Tips” BB folder for more information). Keep backups of all assignments; “my computer crashed” is not an acceptable excuse for missing work. For technical difficulties with readings or assignments, contact 6-TECH (336-256-8324 or [email protected]). Extra credit options are on BB. Each informal and formal assignment builds upon the previous one, so KEEP EVERYTHING! Unless otherwise stated, essays must be submitted electronically as a Word attachment (.doc or .docx) in Blackboard under the Assignment folder BEFORE CLASS (by 11:00 AM) on the day the essay is due, unless otherwise stated. These are time- and date-stamped, so do not submit your work late (i.e., 12:31 or later). I deduct a full letter grade for each calendar day an assignment is late. First draft grades are lumped into your final draft grade. Extensions might be granted on a case-by-case basis, with the understanding that extended papers are no longer eligible for “A” grades. Save Word attachments in the following format: Lastname AssignmentName Draft# (e.g.: “Lowe Prospectus Draft1.docx”). I am not responsible for late or lost work due to incorrect naming. When we do peer editing, you MUST bring a hard copy of your paper to class for your peer to review and also email me a copy. Failure to do so will affect your grade for the second draft of that paper. a. Reading & Comprehension Quizzes, 10% , (SLOs 1, 2, 3) The majority of quizzes will be accessed via BB, to be completed before the start of each class period. You are responsible for BB quizzes regardless of whether you attend class or not. Expect BB quizzes every week; I will not remind you of these quizzes as they are on the syllabus. Following this practice quiz, your real quizzes will be (1) graded, (2) timed, (3) available to take only once, and (4) closed book, and fall under the Academic Integrity Policy. Extra credit options to alleviate missed quizzes or low quiz grades are posted in BB. There will be no make- up quizzes; the quiz period ends as soon as class starts and cannot be reopened. IMPORTANT: Because of the nature of this course, we may have days where we do not discuss the reading explicitly in class. However, because your reading is meant to supplement your research, you are still responsible for reading. b. Informal Writing and Speaking Assignments (IWAs), 10% , (SLOs 1, 2, 3, 4) Informal writing and speaking assignments (IWAs) may have components assigned in or out of Sec 07 3 class, and may or may not be graded. Just as with BB quizzes, you are responsible for online IWAs regardless of whether you attend class or not. Unless otherwise indicated, online IWAs must be posted to the Discussion Board before the start of class (see the schedule below). Online IWAs are time- and date-stamped, so post these before the start of class to get full credit. These will be graded holistically using a check system. c. Participation, 10% , (SLOs 1, 2, 3, 4) In her article, “Research on Reading/Writing Relationships,” Sandra Stotsky determined that “better writers tend to be better readers,” “better writers tend to read more than poorer writers,” and “better readers tend to produce more syntactically mature writing than poorer readers” (16). With that in mind, always read and bring course readings and notes to each class, and take notes during class discussion. Students who get an ‘A’ in participation will take notes on reading and discussion, and comment or ask questions in class and on BB discussion posts. Please see the BB folder, Reading and Note-Taking Tips, for more instructions and examples on how to annotate readings. d. Paper #1: Research Prospectus, 15% including peer assessment, (SLOs 1, 3, 5): You will draft a research proposal of 4-6 full pages consisting of a preliminary thesis, purpose, and methodology to convince your audience that this should be your research project. The final page(s) of this assignment will consist of a properly formatted working bibliography of 20 sources. We will also do a mini-presentation on your research topic and its anticipated direction. e. Paper #2: Research Synthesis, 20% including peer assessment, (SLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) You will write an essay of 6-7 full pages explaining your rhetorical intent in choosing your sources, and how they work in conversation with each other and with your intended argument. (This portion of the assignment will encompass material refined from your Prospectus.) You will include an annotated bibliography consisting of at least eight scholarly sources (i.e., books, peer- reviewed journal articles, etc.) and a summary of their arguments (see the Rhetorical Précis handout and other related documents in Course Information  Research Tips for details). f. Paper #3, Research Paper, 25% including peer assessment, (SLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) This final formal essay of 11-14 full pages will represent the culmination of your semester’s research by presenting a thoughtful, persuasive, and original argument supported by extensive evidence. Like the two previous papers, a Works Cited page will factor into your final grade for this paper. A short oral presentation, delivered during the final two weeks of class, will also factor into your paper grade. g. Peer Assessment, (see above for percentages), (SLOs 3, 5) Included in each of the major assignments is peer assessment, which consists of an in-class peer review and assessment letter. We will look at each other’s work to become better writers and readers. Peer editing gives you one more reader who can show you your strengths and where you may need to improve clarity, focus, and structure. You will be required to bring in a printed copy of your paper for peer editing day; be sure to budget this amount for printing. Writers who fail to do this cannot earn higher than a “C” on that draft. After peer editing, you also need to email a two- to three-page letter (as a Word attachment) to your partner detailing your observations, thoughts, and constructive suggestions for improvement. These letters are part of your final paper grades, so be sure to CC me on the email so I can assess them for quality of comments. h. Presentation and Writing Reflection Essay, 10 %, (SLO 5) Your “final exam” will be a writing reflection essay and presentation. You will describe how your writing and research processes have evolved over the course of the semester and, during our end of the year research symposium, you will present what you have learned about your topic to Sec 07 4 the class! Electronic devices and other distractions: Laptops and tablets may be used in class ONLY for designated assignments and/or viewing readings for this class. I expect you to turn off and/or close your screens during discussion and when otherwise not doing any of the above. Phones, MP3 players, and other non-relevant devices must be turned off and put away before class. Violators of this policy will lose privileges for using any devices in class, and will be required to handwrite notes and bring printouts and hard copies of readings until indicated otherwise. You also may be asked to leave, and/or marked absent for the day. Please be respectful. Listen when people speak, take notes, and engage in discussions and readings. Putting your head down, texting, viewing non-related websites, playing games, checking e-mail, holding private conversations, etc., are not only rude, but will affect your grade and attendance. If your classmates are engaging in distracting behavior, please respectfully confront them and/or let me know so that I can address the problem accordingly. If you foresee an emergency requiring access to your cell phone, you must notify me at the beginning of class. Contact policy: You must check your e-mail regularly for class-related announcements coming from either [email protected] or via BB. (Update your junk e-mail filters!) When writing me, ALWAYS mention your full name and section number. Include the relevant inquiry in the Subject line. Proofread. Between Monday and Friday, you may expect a response within 48 hours. I will address any inquiries made over the weekend as soon as possible the following week. If I do not reply within these timeframes, please resend the message. I am available via email, office hours, and through appointments. Please do not hesitate to contact me! Don’t wait till the last minute to voice any concerns. Students with special needs should make specific arrangements with me via the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services in the first week of the semester. Attendance policy: The English Department policy indicates that, because this class meets twice a week, you are allowed a maximum of two absences without a grade penalty. The third absence will result in a full-grade deduction on your final grade. Students who miss four classes will fail the course. There is no difference between excused and unexcused absences. You are required to consult the syllabus, BB, and fellow classmates to determine missed work. Peer reviews factor into your paper grades, so be sure to be present for all peer reviews. If you experience a major health problem or family emergency, please contact me immediately. Online quizzes and IWAs on BB have the same deadline regardless of attendance. Excessive tardiness and other class disruptions may result in a lowered participation grade and/or an absence for the day. If you have not read the materials for the day, or are otherwise not engaged in the class, I may ask you to leave and will mark you absent for the day. Because week 6 will be devoted to conferences, if you miss your conference, you will be marked absent. State law allows two excused absences due to religious holidays, which do not count toward the above. If you plan to miss class due to a religious holiday, you must notify me at least 48 hours prior to the absence via e-mail. Academic integrity: Per UNCG’s Academic Integrity Policy, “Academic integrity is founded upon and encompasses the following five values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Violations include, for example, cheating, plagiarism, misuse of academic resources, falsification, and facilitating academic dishonesty. If knowledge is to be gained and properly evaluated, it must be pursued under conditions free from dishonesty. Deceit and misrepresentations are incompatible with the fundamental activity of this academic institution and shall not be tolerated.” To ensure that you understand the university’s policy on academic integrity, review the guidelines and list of violations at http://academicintegrity.uncg.edu. I expect you to abide by the Academic Integrity Policy. Possible sanctions for academic integrity Sec 07 5 violations may include assignment failure, referral to campus authorities, course failure, suspension and expulsion. If a student is caught borrowing someone else’s ideas without proper documentation, falsifying information, or cheating, the student will receive a zero for that assignment. Subsequent violators may fail the course. If you have any questions regarding proper citation or the use of another person’s ideas, please see me. Accommodations: Students with documentation of special needs should arrange to see me as soon as possible. If you believe you could benefit from such accommodations, you must first register with the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services (formerly the Office of Disability Services) on campus before such accommodations can be made. The office is located on the second floor of the Elliott University Center (EUC) in Suite 215, and the office is open 8am – 5pm, Mon - Fri. Telephone: 334-5440; email: [email protected]. The Writing and Speaking Centers: The purpose of these facilities is to enhance the confidence and competence of student writers and speakers by providing free, individual assistance at any stage of any project. Staff consultants are experienced in what they do, prepared to offer feedback and suggestions on presentations and drafts of papers, help students find answers to their questions, and provide one-on-one instruction as needed. MHRA, room 3211. I will drop your lowest quiz grade if you visit the Writing Center; have your consultant e-mail me at [email protected]. To access these centers online, see this link: http://multiliteracycenters.uncg.edu/faqs.php The Learning Assistance Center: The Learning Assistance Center offers free services to UNCG undergraduates and is located in McIver Hall, rooms 101- 104, and 150. For help with study skills, contact the LAC: telephone: 334-3878; e-mail: [email protected]. Course Reading Schedule This schedule is subject to modification. Please check your email or Blackboard for changes. Readings must be completed by the date on the syllabus. Check the schedule regularly to keep up with readings and assignments, as I may not always mention them in class. As mentioned above, unless you have lost your privileges to bring in electronic copies, hard copies or digital copies are both acceptable. You must take notes on your readings and be prepared to discuss them in class. Though we meet biweekly, read ahead in order to keep up with readings, quizzes, and discussion. Do not wait till Wednesday night to start work for Thursday! Take notes and use your time wisely!

Week 1: Writing about Writing Tues 1/14 – Course introduction, informal writing assignment (IWA): Writing about Writing If you haven’t already done so, obtain the required books for this class TODAY.

Thurs 1/16 – Due before class: Practice quiz on BB on syllabus and today’s readings Roberts, “How to Say Nothing in 500 Words” [BB] Bartholomae, “Inventing the University” [BB] King, “What Writing Is” [BB] Howard & Taggart, “Owning your Research” [RM 1-8]

Week 2: Rhetoric and Academic Discourse Tues 1/21 – Due before class: (1) Quiz in BB on today’s readings (2) Practice IWA on BB Discussion Board: How You Read Morehead, “The Genre of Academic Discourse” [RACW 89-94] Cunningham, “Why Women Smile” [BB] Sec 07 6 Blades, “Reading Critically” [RACW 49-56] Howard & Taggart, “Reading your Sources” [RM 9-22]

Thurs 1/23 – Due before class: (1) Quiz in BB on today’s readings (2) Practice Assignment  submit to Assignment folder on BB Kozol, “Preparing Minds for Markets” [BB] Truth, “Ain’t I A Woman?” [BB] Shook, “Reading for the Rhetorical Appeals” [RACW 25-33] In-class discussion: Turning in assignments Over the weekend: Post your IWA by start of class Tuesday.

Week 3: Starting a Research Project Tues 1/28 – Due before class: (1) Quiz in BB on today’s readings (2) IWA on BB Discussion Board: Delineating Your Research Interests Schlosser, “Introduction” [FFN 1-10] Schlosser, “The Founding Fathers” [FFN 13-28] Howard & Taggart, “Exploring & Sharpening your Topic” [RM 23-36]

Thurs 1/30 – Due before class: Quiz in BB on today’s readings Tedder, Academic Integrity [RACW 34-40] Howard & Taggart, “Citing your Sources & Avoiding Plagiarism” [RM 127-138] Skim UNCG’s Academic Integrity Policy (in BB under Course Information  Research Tips) Ensor, “Understanding the Rhetorical Dimensions of Academic Citations” [RACW 113-119]

Week 4: Having It Your Way Tues 2/4 – Due before class: Quiz in BB on all of today’s readings Schlosser, part of “Your Trusted Friends” [FFN bottom of 42-57] Schlosser, part of “Behind the Counter” [FFN bottom of 71-83] Sparks, “Reading an Assignment Sheet” [RACW 123-126] Assignment Sheet #1: Research Prospectus [BB, in Course Information  Paper Information] Leuschen, “Asking Questions to Find a Starting Point” [RACW 57-60]

Thurs 2/6 – Due before class: (1) Quiz in BB on today’s readings (2) IWA: Refining Your Research Interests. Upload your properly formatted and correctly named IWA to the Assignment folder in Blackboard no later than 12:30PM. Wooten, “Finding a Conversation to Find Research” [RACW 95-99] McAlpin, “How the Thesis Guides Effective Writing” [RACW 61-65] CLASS WILL MEET IN ______TODAY!

Week 5: Drafting your Proposal Tues 2/11 – Due before class: Quiz in BB on today’s readings Howard & Taggart, “Developing a Sense of Purpose & Context for your Research” [RM 37- 45] Howard & Taggart, “Writing a Research Proposal” [RM 46-57]

Thurs 2/13 – Due before class: (1) Quiz in BB on today’s reading (2) 1st draft, Research Prospectus due (Upload your properly formatted and correctly named draft to BB by 12:30PM, AND print a copy to bring to class.) Sec 07 7 Ensor, “Viewing Peer Review as a Rhetorical Process” [RACW 127-131] In-class: Peer Assessment and signup for conferences Over the weekend: (1) Email letter to peer editor. CC me. See “Peer Editing Assessment” above for details. (2) Revise your first draft so we can discuss it during your conference. You still have a quiz next week! Week 6: CONFERENCES THIS WEEK! (we will meet in my office this week!) Tues 2/18 – Due before class: Quiz in BB on today’s reading; no formal class meeting or office hours Schlosser, “Why the Fries Taste Good” [FFN 111-131] Schlosser, part of “What’s in the Meat” [FFN 204-222] Meriwether, “Conferencing Rhetorically” [RACW 132-134]

Week 7: Remembering Rhetoric Tues 2/25 – Due before class: 2nd draft, Research Prospectus due (Upload your properly formatted and correctly named draft to BB no later than 12:30 PM.) Discussion/review of last week’s readings from Schlosser (“Meat and Potatoes”) Mini-presentations of Research Prospectuses

Thurs 2/27 – Due before class: Quiz in BB on today’s reading Schlosser, “Epilogue: Have it Your Way” [FFN 255-270] Schlosser, “Afterword” [FFN 271-276] Assignment Sheet #2: Research Synthesis [BB, in Course Information  Paper Information]

Week 8: Into the Wild Tues 3/4 – Due before class: Quiz in BB on today’s reading Howard & Taggart, “Gathering Information” [RM 60-75] Mooallem, “Introduction: The Woman Who Counted Fish” [WO 1-9] Mooallem, “Martha Stewart on the Tundra” [WO 13-24]

No class meeting Thursday – I will be in Oklahoma City presenting at a conference!!! Start writing your research synthesis!!! Fri 3/7 - due before 5pm –Quiz in BB on today’s readings Berrier, “Rhetorical Context Is (Almost) Everything” [RACW 13-16] Mooallem, “American Incognitum” [WO 25-51] Mooallem, “Billy Possums” [WO 52-74] Fri 3/7 - Last day to drop courses without academic penalty Week 9: Calm before the Storm

Tues 3/11 – Thurs 3/13: NO CLASS. HAVE A GREAT SPRING BREAK!!!

Week 10: Annotating your Bibliography Tues 3/18 – Due before class: Quiz in BB on today’s reading Howard & Taggart, “Evaluating Information” [RM 100-112] Howard & Taggart, “Writing an Annotated Bibliography” [RM 139-149] Mooallem, “The Connection” [WO 75-92]

Thurs 3/20 – Due before class: (1) If you wish to do so: Extra credit quiz in BB on today’s reading (2) 1st draft, Research Synthesis due (Upload your properly formatted and correctly named Sec 07 8 draft to BB by 12:30PM, AND print a copy to bring to class.) Mooallem, “The Lift” [WO 93-101] In-class: Peer Assessment Over the weekend: (1) Email letter to peer editor and CC me. See “Peer Editing Assessment” above for specific details. (2) Revise your first draft; contact me and/or your peer editor with any questions. Week 11: Taking Flight Tues 3/25 – Due before class: (1) Quiz in BB on today’s reading (2) Email peer assessment letter to partner and CC me. Bring peer review sheet to class! Howard & Taggart, “Taking Notes & Keeping Records” [RM 113-126] Ray, “The Art of Summarizing, “Paraphrasing, “and Quoting” [RACW 106-112] Howard & Taggart, “Writing & Refining your Thesis” [RM 150-156] 3rd Annual UNCG Entrepreneur Day! No class meeting Thursday – I will be in Wilmington presenting at a conference. Revise your research synthesis!!! Fri 3/28 – 2nd draft, Research Synthesis due (Upload your properly formatted and correctly named draft to BB no later than 5pm.). Today’s quiz is for EXTRA CREDIT only! Mooallem, part of “Construction Workers” [WO 197-207 only!] Mooallem, “Craniacs” [WO 217-231] Extra Credit quiz in BB on today’s reading due by Friday, 5pm

Week 12: Revision is Writing Tues 4/1 – Due before class: Quiz in BB on all of today’s readings Assignment Sheet #3: Research Paper [BB, in Course Information  Paper Information] Skelley, “Arrangement as Rhetorical Composing” [RACW 66-71] Mullins, “Revision Is Writing” [RACW 77-80] Sommers, “Revision Strategies of Student Writers and Experienced Adult Writers” [BB]

Thurs 4/3 – Due before class: Quiz in BB on today’s reading Mooallem, part of “Their Incredible Essence” [WO 244-261 only!] We will meet in the classroom first and then later head over to the Writing/Speaking center!

Week 13: Putting in your Oar Tues 4/8 – Due before class: Quiz in BB on today’s readings Howard & Taggart, “Organizing your Project” [RM 157-169] Howard & Taggart, “Drafting your Project” [RM 170-181] Lamott, “Shitty First Drafts” [BB]

Thurs 4/10 – Due before class: (1) Quiz in BB on today’s readings (2) 1st draft, Research Paper due (Upload your properly formatted and correctly named draft to BB by 12:30PM, AND print a copy to bring to class.) Howard & Taggart, “Entering Conversations & Supporting your Claims” [RM 182-192] In-class: Peer Assessment Over the weekend: (1) Email letter to peer editor and CC me. See “Peer Editing Assessment” above for specific details. (2) Revise your first draft; contact me and/or your peer editor with any questions. . Week 14: Carrying Them Home Tues 4/15 – Due before class: (1) Quiz in BB on today’s readings (2) Peer assessment letter due. Bring peer review sheet back to class! Sec 07 9 Howard & Taggart, “Revising, Editing, and Proofreading” [RM 203-215] Mooallem, “Spoiler” [WO 262-271] Evaluations

Thurs 4/17– Due before class: Quiz in BB on today’s readings Mooallem, “Backpacks Full of Rocks” [WO 272-282] Mooallem, “Epilogue: The Man Who Carried Fish” [WO 283-296] Presentation sign-up

Week 15: Sharing your Hard Work! Tues 4/22 – Due before class: 2nd draft, Research Paper due - Upload your properly formatted and correctly named draft to BB by 12:30pm. In-class IWA: Participation & Self-Assessment In-class discussion: The Reflection Essay Research Symposium, Part I

Thurs 4/24 – Due in class: Your undivided enthusiasm and attention for your fellow researchers Research Symposium, Part II

Week 16: In Conclusion… Tues 4/29, noon to 3pm – Due in class: Writing Reflection Essay Research Symposium, Part III

Fri, May 2, 3:30–6:30 P.M. (final exam time)