In this course, we will focus on constructing "arguments" concerning notions of what it is to be "American." We will consider four basic kinds of arguments: Arguments of Fact, Arguments of Definition, Arguments of Evaluation, and Proposal Arguments. Within these types, we will also consider several lines or approaches that arguments might take, such as emotion-based, value-based, and reason-based strategies. Further, we will look at ways in which all discussions are, in some sense, arguments, a contention held by the authors of everything's an argument, one of our texts.
Our goals in this course will be twofold. First, to develop an understanding of writing as a subjective process. That is, each writer approaches the task of composing a text differently. We will work to overcome preconceptions about this process and learn to revise, revise, revise. Our second goal is to develop the skills necessary to identify a workable topic, to develop a thesis from that topic, and to use effective evidence to support the thesis. At the same time, we will be exploring American culture and examining elements of that culture that define what it is to be American.
This is a writing course. Expect to do a considerable amount of writing.
Requirements:
Grading will be based on participation (20%) in class
discussions; three short essays (15%) of varying lengths (3-5
pages as assigned); and one extensive research paper (25%)
(5-8 pages in length), which will also include a one-paragraph
research question, a one-page proposal, a one-page annotated
bibliography, a five-page first draft, a mid-process draft, and an
5-8 page final draft. Essays two through the research essay will also
include an introductory letter in which you will discuss your
process for writing the particular essay and your feelings on what
might change if you had the opportunity to write one more draft. I
will also be assigning grammar worksheets (10%) that will help
you to brush up on your mechanical skills. These worksheets will be
graded +, /, -, or 0 (if the sheet is not submitted).
All work submitted for this class must conform to the MLA format illustrated in the MLA Format handout (which I will distribute) unless otherwise approved by the instructor.
*Please note that I do not accept late work without prior arrangements except in cases of dire emergency. While I do try to be flexible, I must be kept informed of your circumstances.
Texts: Course materials will consist of the following books which may be purchased at the Bookie on campus. Assigned readings will be identified by the abbreviations following the texts:
Andrea A. Lundsford and John J. Ruszkiewicz. everything's an argument, 2nd edition. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2001 (LR)
Blanche Ellsworth and John A. Higgins. English Simplified, 9th edition. Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers, 2001. (EH)
Kandy Robertson and Bryce Campbell. English. McGraw-Hill/Primis Online, 2000. (RC)
Extra Credit: Extra credit can be earned by visiting the WSUV Writing Center in LB260. Extra credit forms are available in the Writing Center and can be submitted with your final draft packet. Each visit of at least 30 minutes earns 2 points toward the grade of the essay discussed at the visit. (Points cannot be hoarded and saved for another essay.) Extra credit forms must be completed and signed by a Writing Center tutor. This is an excellent opportunity for you to experience the benefits available by visiting the Writing Center. Carefully selected and trained, student tutors read and discuss your work with you in one-on-one tutorial sessions. Please be sure to bring your assignment sheet and draft of your essay. It is helpful if you are prepared with specific questions for the tutor.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism on this campus is defined as submitting the work of another as your own (stealing) or submitting the work required in one class to meet the requirements for another (recycling papers). One of the issues we will discuss at length in this class is citation. I do not consider citation error to be plagiarism, however it does negatively affect the grade of the essay in question. Plagiarism is a serious offense that can result in a failing grade in the course. I go to great lengths to consider all circumstances and to be fair to the students in my class. An accusation of plagiarism comes only after ample warning and repeated offenses. Thus, be aware, but not paranoid.
Instructor Availability: Because I am also the Writing Center Coordinator, I am on campus Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (earlier or later by arrangement). I am happy to meet with any of you one-on-one at any time within this schedule. You need not feel confined to my official office hours. If you need to contact me and I am not in my office, try (360) 546-9650, the Writing Center phone. In an emergency you can e-mail me as I have access to my campus account at home. I maintain a strict open-door policy. I look forward to meeting with you individually, as well as in class.
Student with Disabilities: Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have documentation of a disability on file in the Student Services Office (SS200). Please notify the instructor of any approved accommodations during the first week of class. Accommodation are approved through the Student Services Office.
Assignment Schedule: (Organized by due date)
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01/22 |
Chapters 1-3 (LR). "Examining Your Writing Process" responses due. |
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01/24 |
Chapter 4 (LR), "Cassirer p. 1-7 (RC), Levi-Strauss p. 44-49 (RC) |
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01/31 |
Complete items 1-4 on the Essay 1 Assignment sheet. |
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02/05 |
Rough Draft of Essay 1 due. |
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02/07 |
Mid-process Draft of Essay 1 due (use feedback from 02/05 to revise). |
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02/12 |
Murray p. 115-119 (RC), Grammar Diagnostic HO due. |
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02/14 |
Final Draft Essay 1 Due. |
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02/21 |
Chapter 5 and respond to Question #2 on p. 62-63 (LR), Crevecoeur p. 177-194 (RC), Schlesinger p. 154-160 (RC), Mumford p. 101-114 (RC), Kafka p. 8-43 (RC). |
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02/26 |
Rachels p. 195-205 (RC), Machiavelli p. 174-176 (RC). |
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02/28 |
Generate a list of topic ideas for Essay 2 as per the Assignment sheet. Use developmental strategies like freewriting, clustering, or outlining to work one idea into a Zero draft. |
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03/05 |
Rough draft due. |
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03/07 |
Bring revision of Rought draft (Mid-process draft) to Conference. |
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03/12 |
Chapter 7 (LR). Final Draft Essay 2 Due. |
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03/14 |
Orwell p. 131-140 (RC), Rosen p. 141-145 (RC), Schudson p. 161-173 (RC). |
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03/19-23 |
SPRING BREAK |
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03/26 |
Chapter 14 (LR), Orwell p. 120-130 (RC), Schlesinger p. 146-153 (RC). "American Culture and the News" handout due. |
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03/28 |
Rough draft due. |
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04/02 |
Mid-process draft due. Bring two (2) copies! |
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04/09 |
Final Draft Essay 3 Due. |
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04/11 |
Library |
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04/16 |
Miller p. 50-81 (RC), Miller p. 82-100 (RC). |
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04/18 |
Generate a list of topics for your Research Paper. Chapter 12 (LR). |
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04/23 |
Proposal draft due. |
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04/25 |
Bring Zero draft and Proposal to Conferences. |
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04/30 |
Revised draft of Research Paper due. |
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05/02 |
Last Day of Class! |