course rationale
What makes writing, especially academic writing, good? Many of us have an idea in our head of what good writing is, yet it's hard to describe in precise terms. Indeed, many answer this question with "I know it when I see it." Can't we find a better answer than that?
This course aims to find a more definitive answer (or answers) to that question, and throughout the semester, I expect us to discover new, related questions. What are the forces at play that determine one person's idea of good writing? How do we as scholars of writing, teachers of writers, or writers ourselves conceive of the writing process(es) so that we attain that end goal of "good writing"? How do we negotiate our own ideas of "good writing" with those of our professors, bosses, or other audience members?
In an effort to find answers to these questions, we'll read a variety of sources--essays from newspapers, academic articles, news reports, etc. We'll look into some of the core issues of composition studies to identify what the field sees as the qualities of good writing and good writing processes and we'll compare that to popular notions of writing. This course will cover three primary topics: composition studies' rhetorical roots, composition studies' process theories, and political/public discussions of writing.
While you're doing this reading, you'll also be doing a good deal of writing, both formally and informally. You will complete one major research project that will be due at the end of the semester, but you will also be responsible for graded reading responses, a commonplace book (sort of like a journal), and other ungraded, in-class writing assignments. As we are thinking about the criteria for good writing, then, you will also be expected to employ the writing strategies we discuss.
required text and materials
- English 304C coursepak (available at CopyMat in Chauncey Hill)
- Access to a computer with the following software: Microsoft Office XP, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a working Purdue University e-mail account.
All of the software is available on any ITaP computer on campus. The software is also available at Boiler Copy Maker in Purdue Memorial Union at a discounted price if you are interested in purchasing it, but it is not necessary that you do so.
course expectations and participation
In order to accomplish the course goals, you must come to each class prepared. This means coming to class on time, as well as completing your readings and outside assignments. Active and informed participation in class discussions and collaborative work is also crucial.
You will be responsible for the following this semester:
reading responses
You will be responsible for completing a 1-2 page reading response every few weeks during the course. These reading responses should cover some issue raised by the readings that is of interest to you. Successful responses will also relate that issue to your own experience as a reader, writer, and student.
commonplace books
In an effort to identify the qualities of good writing, you will be responsible for keeping a commonplace book where you will record, analyze, and reflect on passages of writing that you find particularly effective. The passages you record can come from anywhere--your favorite novels, textbooks from other classes, news reports, personal blog entries. You should plan on making an entry each week for a total of 14 entries. Your commonplace books will be collected throughout the semester, so be sure to keep up with your entries.
final research project
Your final research paper for the semester should explore a question related to composition studies that is of interest to you. As a part of this process and in addition to your final paper, you will complete a paper proposal and an annotated bibliography.
class participation
You will be expected to attend class prepared and ready to discuss the day's readings.
point distribution
| Assignments | Percentages | Points |
|---|---|---|
| reading responses | 20% | 200 |
| commonplace book | 15% | 150 |
| paper proposal | 15% | 150 |
| annotated bibliography | 15% | 150 |
| final research paper | 25% | 250 |
| participation | 10% | 100 |
grading scale
| Points Earned | Final Grade |
|---|---|
| 1000-900 | A |
| 899-800 | B |
| 799-700 | C |
| 699-600 | D |
| 599 and below | F |
paper requirements
Each paper that you turn in should be:
- Word-processed or typed
- Formatted following MLA guidelines. (see Purdue OWL for details). This includes double-spacing, 1-inch margins, and 12-point Times New Roman font.
- Stapled or paper-clipped
attendance
Your attendance is expected and required. If you accumulate more than 3 absences, I will automatically lower your final participation grade by one letter grade. If you have six absences, I will lower your participation grade by two letter grades. If you miss more than six classes, you will fail the class.
In case of extended illness or an emergency, please contact your advisor and the Office of the Dean of Students to make necessary arrangements.