M&W 6-7:15
Instructor: Travis Mulhauser
Office Hours: Mon 10-11, Tues. 1:30-3:30,
Fri. 10-11
Mailbox: McIver 133
Email: tfmulhau@uncg.edu
Course Description: We will explore the art of
writing, with the focus being on your development as a writer. We’ll read essays to help fuel your creative
process and discuss them with the emphasis being on their application to your
work. In-class exercises, group
presentations and workshops will also be used to help you begin to develop your
critical reading and self-evaluation skills.
Texts: The Writer’s Presence by Atwan and McQuade
A
Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines
Writing
Matters handbook by the UNCG English Department
Requirements: 3 Essays
Regular Reading Assignments
In-class Writing
Active participation in small-group and
class discussions
Peer
critiques/Evaluations
Three Conferences
Proposal Speech
Final Portfolio (including self-evaluation)
At the completion of this course, the student will
be able to:
·
Interpret
and evaluate argumentative discourse, including writing and speech
·
Construct
cogent arguments
·
Communicate
those arguments clearly, coherently and effectively
·
Locate,
synthesize, and evaluate relevant information
·
Demonstrate
an understanding of the aims and methods of intellectual discourse
·
Weigh
evidence and evaluate the arguments of differing viewpoints
General
Expectations
·
The
skills knowledge, and/or attitudes engendered should be foundational and
applicable to a significant range of discourse
· The proposal should indicate how the course will satisfy both these expectations
Essays: We will take you essays from
their inception through the workshop and revision process and we’ll work with
multiple essays from The Writer’s
Presence for each project. Your
final essays will reflect your growth as a writer and your ability to evaluate
your own work and receive criticism from others.
All
work (except in-class writing) should be typed, double-spaced, with a size 12
‘times’ font. 1 inch top and bottom
margins and 1 inch left and right margins.
Your name and the title of the assignment should go on the first
line. No late work will be accepted.
Speech: Each student will give a
proposal speech regarding a current problem and will develop and deliver their
own original and feasible solutions.
Discussion: Discussion of the various
assigned readings is a vital aspect of this course. Do not underestimate its importance! Students will be graded on
their participation.
Grading: You will not receive an
official grade until the end of the semester but I will always respond to your
work and let you know where you stand.
In our conferences we’ll talk about how you are progressing and ways in
which you can improve. Extra-credit
will be available but students MUST talk with me about the assignment before
completing it. No credit will be given
to unauthorized projects.
Attendance: Attendance is required. You are allowed two absences during the
semester and beyond that you will lose a half a letter grade for each
absence. Notes from the health center
or any other documentation will be evaluated but do not guarantee that the
absence will be excused. Coming late to
class and leaving early results in at least ˝ an absence.
Writing Center: An excellent opportunity to
receive one-on-one attention where the focus is your writing. I may ask you to go to the Writing Center
for an out-of-class critique and would encourage you to go on your own as
well. It’s located in McIver 101 and is
open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Writing Center will give you a note to document your session.
Course Objectives:
Students
will develop their abilities in writing and speaking clearly and
effectively.
Students
will interpret and evaluate scholarly and professional work and apply their
findings to their own work.
Students
will respectfully discuss the work of their peers and offer praise and
significant suggestions for improvement.
Students
will develop their ability to evaluate their own work and become more aware of
their individual strengths and weaknesses as they fulfill writing and speaking
goals.
Students
will work cohesively in large and small group settings, developing many of the
focal points of the class and furthering academic support.