ENGLISH 102-01: FALL 2001
Instructor: Litasha Dennis
Office: McIver 137 Office Phone: 334-5867
Office Hours: MW: 10-11:30 a.m. *Any other time by appointment*
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Exploring Language by Gary Goshgarian
OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS:
An English Language Dictionary
Loose-leaf paper for in class writing/work
A notebook for these writings/works
A folder or binder to serve as the portfolio
COURSE DESCRIPTION
English 102 is a course designed to introduce students to the art of argumentation and rhetorical analysis. Through the use of several non-fiction pieces that will serve to highlight various issues, some of which may be emotional and controversial, this course will attempt to make students more critical readers and thinkers, which will make them more analytical writers, and which, ultimately, will make them more adept public speakers.
Because this course has now been designated as speaking intensive, students will be much more active and involved in oral participation than in a regular writing class. The method that seems the most effective for incorporating intensive opportunities to speak is through debate. Thus we will have several formal debates that will allow students the occasion to express their views and refine their abilities to speak publicly. Smaller oral presentations may also occur throughout the semester.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Personal Essay
Position papers
In class writing/journal entries
Group activities
Conferences
Writing Portfolio
There will be a total of 3 position papers written throughout the semester in which you will be asked to clearly choose a side of an issue to argue. As with any argument, you will need evidence to support your position, which requires research. Since you will be researching 2 debates, the evidence and notes from them can be turned into 2 of your position papers. The third position paper will be a larger scale research paper.
At the beginning of most class periods, a student will be asked to provide a topic that will serve as a warm up. Students will be asked to write for approximately 5-8 minutes on these topics. This topic can be anything relating to argumentation through some current issue, something recent in the news, something dealing with communication, etc. Students may also use this as an opportunity to bring up an issue from the reading for homework. Students will be told in advance when they need to bring in the topic.
This class will make use of various kinds of group activities; therefore, your attendance is very important. Absence from more than 25% of the class will result in failure. Since this class meets 3 times a week, that equates to about 3 class meetings. The 4th will result in failure. There is no distinction between an excused and unexcused absence. Use your three absences wisely. If you know ahead of time of an absence, let me know so arrangements can be made. Absence does not excuse you from any work that is done in class that day or that may be due on that day. I will take attendance within the first few minutes of class every day. If you are not in class when your name is called, you will be marked absent. Should you walk in after the attendance has been taken, it is YOUR responsibility to let me know after class that you were present. If you do not, then your absence will stand.
At some point during the semester, I will hold formal conferences with you, either individually or as a group, wherein we can discuss your progress and performance in the class. These conferences will give you another opportunity to display your oral communication skills in a one on one setting. They are important and will count as a regular absence should you miss them.
As in English 101, this class will use the portfolio method; therefore, you should keep all of your writings, including drafts, for the final evaluation. This portfolio will be collected at midterm and at the end of the semester in order to assess your progress in the course. More specific details will be given when the time draws closer to turning them in.
LATE PAPER POLICY: Late papers will not be accepted. Papers are due by the end of class time. If you choose to put an assignment in my box because of an inability to attend class, it needs to be put there either before or during the allotted time of the class- not after. In the event of a real emergency, one with verifiable documentation, arrangements may be possible. For example, computer or printer problems in the lab or at home are not excuses.
PLAGIARISM POLICY: Plagiarism will not be tolerated nor accepted. If you use the words, ideas, etc. of someone else, you must give him credit. If there are questions concerning documentation, then you should either consult a handbook or ask me. Any paper with plagiarism will receive a "0."
The writing center is a resource that is free and available to all students of the university. Writing center consultants are available to look at and respond to all writing, regardless of the stage of the writing process. They are there to assist in your development as a writer. They are not there to proofread and edit your paper. It is located in 101 McIver. Feel free to drop by or make an appointment.
If at any point you should have comments, questions, or concerns, please either call or come by my office.