This class is meant to build on the composition, critical thinking, and research skills you acquired in Composition I. Through an emphasis on analysis, research, and style conventions we will learn to generate elevated and succinct academic papers. Academic fields vary in writing style, and this course will provide you with experience in some of those styles. In addition, you will have the opportunity to research an issue, problem, or controversy in your own field/major.
Course requirements:
- Attendance and participation: you are required to be present both physically and mentally. This means you show up to class with your work completed, you listen actively to the instructor and your classmates, and you contribute regularly to discussion.
- In-class work and homework: depending on the day, you may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of the required readings and in-class discussion through daily assignments which may include (but is not limited to) group work, worksheets, blog posts, and free writing.
- Papers and Assignments: This course will require you to turn in two short essays, a presentation, and a large research paper. You will be asked to turn in several small assignments that will serve as building blocks to that final research paper. These assignments include: a proposal, an annotated bibliography, a lit review, an outline, and two drafts of an 8-10 page research paper.
- Texts: The following text is required in digital format or paperback.. We will also be using pdfs/readings online: Starkey, David. Academic Writing Now: A Brief Guide for Busy Students–with MLA 2016 update. Broadview, 2018. ISBN: 9781554813803 (paperback)