One of the most useful skills developed in college is your ability to communicate written information effectively. Thus, in English 100, we will spend significant time concentrating on the process of how to write now, so you will be able to focus more of your time on what you are writing in future work. This course is designed to develop your college writing and critical thinking skills, and in it you will often focus on writing about topics of your own choosing. Thus, you should be interested in what you are researching and writing and should concentrate on topics which will enrich your life and understanding.
We will spend a large portion of our time together writing and revising. Writing is a process, and focusing on the individual steps of that process, such as brainstorming, creating a rough draft, editing, peer review, and revising to the final draft, is a significant key to creating a successful paper. This semester you will draft, and eventually revise, five essays ranging from two to six pages in length, each using a different approach. Approaches include a personal narrative essay, a rhetorical analysis of a documentary film, an op-ed argument essay, and a research essay with citations. We will also be frequently writing smaller pieces such as journal entries and other assignments geared toward the process of writing. Class will be both discussion and lecture based, thus students should expect to think on, write and talk about their writing every day. Regular attendance and participation is required. We will benefit from the wide variety of topics and ideas that each person brings to class and create an interesting, rich, and encouraging environment in which to gain greater confidence in writing.
Required Texts:
Ballenger, Bruce. The Curious Writer: The Brief Edition, 4th Edition. Boston: Longman, 2013.
Hacker, Diana, and Nancy I. Sommers. A Pocket Style Manual. 6th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2011.
A Note on Texts:
The Ballenger Curious Writer text (softcover 4th Brief edition–usually resalable) will be available at the UHM Bookstore or even through online rental, if you plan ahead.
(ISBN: 9780205876655)
The Hacker Brief Style Manual (6th edition) is an extremely useful citation and style guide for all of your college years. Most students get it at the UHM Bookstore or order it used (in advance) and do not sell it. You will need both texts throughout the semester.
(ISBN: 9780312542542)