UCCS Writing Program
English 131: Rhetoric and Writing I
Academic Reading and Analytical Writing
David Shults Columbine Hall #1026 262-4019 dshults@cyberclass.uccs.edu
Don’t worry if the following description is confusing the first time you read it. We will of course be clarifying all terms and concepts.
Course Description: English 131 (3 credit hours) is the first course of a two-semester sequence, required of all UCCS students. The course introduces students to academic reading and writing processes. Students develop critical reading, writing and thinking skills through class discussion, the rhetorical analysis of academic texts, and the writing of analytical essays. Students write for a variety of purposes and audiences. Emphasis is given to reading and writing processes as multiple and rhetorically diverse. Course content focuses on language matters, the discipline-specific content of the field of Rhetoric and Writing Studies. Students study language theory and practice in one of the following areas: multicultural language practices; literacy and language practices, or literacy and technology. Requirements include academic journal writing, an in-class essay exam and three analytical essays. Rhetoric and Writing I is taught in a computer-mediated environment.
English 131 is aligned with the Council of Writing Program Administrators’ Recommended Outcomes for First-Year Writing Curricula. The outcomes are:
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Everyday Use, Roskelly and Jolliffe, Pearson/Longman Publishing Company
Paper #1: 10 percent of grade: the language of doublespeak
Paper #2: 20 percent of grade: the language of politics
Paper #3: 25 percent of grade: the language of the media
Paper #4: 10 percent of grade: the language of prejudice
In-class work with colleagues: 15 percent of grade
Miscellaneous in/out-of-class writing, quizzes, and activities: 20 percent of grade
Missing two class sessions will not be computed into the determination of final grades. Please understand, however, that making up some learning activities, including but not restricted to quizzes, small-group discussions, and peer reviews is not feasible. The student is responsible for obtaining assignments given on the day(s) missed.
During class the computers are for educational uses that are consistent with the course’s goals. Non-educational uses of writing-program computers include internet surfing, chat rooms, e-mail, and games. Observations of non-educational uses of writing-program computers as described above will result in a deduction of in-class participation points.
Civil behavior is required during class. Non-civil behaviors include talking with classmates while the instructor or peers are discussing topics related to the course’s content or disrupting the learning environment in any other form. Observations of non-civil behaviors as described above will result in a deduction of in-class participation points.
Plagiarism
The UCCS Writing Program utilizes recent versions of plagiarism-detection software. Plagiarism is grounds for a failing grade on either a specific assignment or for the course.
Individual Writing Conferences
At approximately the middle of the semester, I will be holding individual conferences with all students. Research shows that these required conferences are very helpful, and I look forward to working with you individually.
Office Hours
My office hours are set aside to help you with your work, both in our course and with any writing related tasks you encounter. I do hope to see you during my office hours, as we can make significant progress working together under these conditions!
Resubmitting Papers
You may resubmit papers one and two. Resubmissions must include significant modifications that go beyond my suggestions on the original paper, and the original paper must be turned in with the resubmission.
Late Papers
Unless we have discussed your specific situation, late papers are subject to a one-letter reduction in grade.
Important Information about the UCCS Library
The Library occupies the second and third floors of the El Pomar center. The Reserve collection is located at the Circulation desk and records for all items on reserve are in the online catalog (http://library.uccs.edu/). Students must have a campus ID card to check out materials. Basic information about the Library (hours, catalog, etc.) is on the Library web page--http://web.uccs.edu/library/.
Campus NT and e-mail accounts are available for students the day following enrollment. Instructions for both are found at the IT Website (http://www.uccs.edu/~it). Students, faculty and staff can access Library databases off-campus by connecting via a modem, cable or broad band to the University network. The network connection will allow you to access all the Library databases. For information on setting up a network connection, see http://web.uccs.edu/library/remote.htm or contact the IT Help Desk at 262-3536.
American Disabilities Act (ADA)
I will be happy to make accommodations for any student with a special need. Please also be aware that UCCS’s Office of Disability Services can be very helpful. Disability services can be reached at 262-3354.
And Finally…
It’s nice to have you here!
Please be advised that the following outline is an outline only and not comprehensive. Also be advised that this outline may require slight modification.
Week of August 22: introductions; syllabus; writing sample
Week of August 29: chapter 1
Week of September 5: no classes Tuesday; Lutz, “The World of Doublespeak”; explanation of paper #1
Week of September 12: rough, partial draft of paper #1 reviewed
Week of September 19: paper #1 due
Week of September 26: chapters 2 and 3
Week of October 3: Orwell, “Politics and the English Language”; explanation of paper #2
Week of October 10: rough, partial draft of paper #2 reviewed
Week of October 17: paper #2 due
Week of October 24: conferences
Week of October 31: chapters 4 and 5
Week of November 14: rough, partial draft of paper #3 reviewed
Week of November 28: paper #3 due; Allport, “The Language of Prejudice”; preparation for in-class paper (#4)
Week of December 5: in-class paper (#4)
The essays listed above are not in our text but will be accessed online or provided by the instructor.