Composition I

This course will
introduce students to the fundamentals of writing at the university level.
Students will be introduced to various different modes of writing, including
narrative, argumentative, descriptive, expository, and others. There will be an
emphasis on writing as a collaborative social act of constructing and
performing the self for particular public audiences, both at and away from
one’s “home”—broadly conceived. Students will also develop critical reading
skills in analyzing literary texts: Fun Home—a graphic novel by Allison
Bechdel—and Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town—a comic novel by Canadian author
Stephen Leacock. Reading and critically engaging with these novels, we will
consider concepts around the nature of home, writing, reading and performance
of self.

Texts

(Available from Revolution Books):

  • Stephen Leacock – Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town
  • Allison Bechdel – Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

Grading
Breakdown:

  • Five small
    assignments (1-2 pages) – 30%
  • Two medium
    assignments (3-4 pages) – 20%
  • One large
    assignment with revision (5-7 pages) – 25%
  • Presentation of
    large assignment – 5%
  • Midterm &
    Quizzes – 10%
  • Participation
    (including attendance) – 10%