In this course we will
focus on key skills and strategies of effective writing that will support your
success in college and beyond. We will practice “reading” both print texts of
all kinds, including literature, newspaper and magazine articles and advertisements
as well as non-print texts such as movies, TV advertising, local performances
and events, and other instances of contemporary culture here in Hawai’i, the
US, and beyond.
During the term we will
discuss and practice writing different types of essays that feature reasoning,
argumentation and research, including personal histories. We will read and
analyze writing by published writers, as well as student work-in-progress from
our class. Class time will be structured as a workshop to a large extent, so
that discussion will take place largely in small working groups, where you can
share ideas, drafts, and constructive responses to your own and each other’s
writing. Every third class or so we’ll meet in the computer lab, where the
focus will be on practice and developing skills in proofreading, editing and
revision.
During the course you’ll
complete three formal essays and one research paper, in addition to shorter
writing assignments and exercises en route.
Students who complete the
course successfully should demonstrate (a) awareness of the ways in which
feedback contributes to the process and effectiveness of writing; (b)
proficiency in constructing reading-based analysis and argument; (c) awareness
of a variety of academic and other discourses, audiences, and forms; (d)
attention to and appreciation of language; (e) ability to locate, evaluate,
use, and document sources.
Required texts (available from Revolution Books in Puck’s
Alley)
Ø
“They Say / I Say”: The Moves That Matter
in Academic Writing with Readings,
Gerald Graff ,Cathy Birkenstein, Russel Durst. 2012. 2nd Edition
Ø
A Pocket Style Manual, Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers, 6th Edition.
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Materials
·
Portfolio
·
Flash
drive (recommended)
Course Requirements and Grading:
·
3 finished essays
(1) 1-2 pages (250-500 words
minimum)
(2) 3-4 pages (750-1000 words
minimum)
(3) 5-6 pages (1250-1500 words
minimum)
·
Research
Paper (7-8 pages/ 1750-2000 words minimum)
Format
All formal writing for the class must
follow MLA guidelines for scholarly writing.
All papers should be type-written (one side of page only) and
double-spaced. If you are not able to submit type-written work, please consult
with me about options.
All work must be completed to pass the course.
Final grades will be determined along the following
lines:
Essays 30%
Peer Review (online & in-class) 20%
Mentor meetings 10%
Portfolio 10%
Research Paper 30%
Grades:
A-F, including plus or minus
Extra credit option:
You may earn extra credit by completing
additional work above and beyond course requirements: for example, Action
Items, posting constructive responses and feedback to other students’ writing beyond
the general requirement for the whole class, and other approved work.
I do not
offer any fixed number of points for extra credit. Where extra credit can make
a difference is in the final grade, especially in borderline cases. For
example, it couldmake the difference between a B+ and A-, and so on.
Support Resources
·
Course Mentor
· English Department Writing Center, Sinclair Library
COURSE
POLICIES
ATTENDANCE
- Excessive tardinesss and/or absences will affect
your standing in the class as well as your final grade. - You are
allowed 3 unexcused absences without penalty. However, for each unexcused absence
beyond that 1 , your final grade will be reduced by 1 letter grade (ie., 4 absences/1
letter grade, 5 absences/ 2 letter grades, and so on.) A valid excuse means a doctor’s note or other written documentation from
an authorizing third party. - Tardiness: 2 unexcused instances are equivalent
to 1 unexcused absence. If you come
in after the roll has been taken, it is your responsibility to confirm
your attendance for the day. - NOTE: Attendance at meetings with the Course
Mentor is required for this section. These meetings will take place
outside of class time, 1-2 times per month, each lasting approximately 15
minutes or so. As much as possible, meetings will be arranged to
accommodate your schedule.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
- Late assignments: 1-day grace period with
5-point reduction per each late day following due date. - No Incompletes except in emergencies, with the
same documentation required as for an excused absence above.
FORMAT
- All hard copy must conform to MLA guidelines.
INTEGRITY
- Please keep in mind that all written work must
include appropriate citations when referring to the work of others, in
accordance with the UH policy on plagiarism and disciplinary action
in the UH Manoa Catalog. Any instance of plagiarism will result in
an F for the course.
RESPECT
- I will expect all class activities, including
Email and online postings, to be informed by and conducted with respect
for others, including those with views that may be different than your
own.
SPECIAL NEEDS
- If you have a physical (and/or other) handicap
and need logistical support to participate in class, please contact the
Kokua Program on campus (telephone 956-7511: Student Services Center Room
013), and/or let us know of your
situation. All communications in
this regard are confidential.