Syllabus for a second-semester college composition course with an emphasis on argument
This syllabus for Challenging Perspectives is based on one designed by Marjorie Justice of Governors State University.
Governors State University Marjorie Justice
College of Arts and Sciences English Program
English 400: Advanced Composition Office Hours: By Appointment
Fall 2004
Description: Advanced Composition is a course in critical reading, critical thinking, research, and writing. Tackling this enterprise we will 1) study composition techniques, rhetorical principles, and questions of usage; 2) analyze many types of professional writing; 3) practice writing and rewriting to acquire a habit of literate expression; and 4) share work and respond helpfully to the work of others.
Rationale/Outcomes: It is the goal of this course that the student will gain a better sense of his or her own personal style of writing for a variety of rhetorical situations as well as an understanding of the conventions of research writing. Through the discussion of individual writing goals, multiple writing tasks, and critical interaction over readings and original work, we will work to enhance students’ written skills.
Text: Deborah H. Holdstein, Challenging Perspectives: Reading Critically about Ethics and Values. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin, 2005.
Requirements
Reading: Since many discussions will come from our textbook readings, keeping up with the weekly assignments will be essential to your success in the course.
Presentation: Take 7 -10 minutes to present what you learned during your research project. You can be as creative as you would like to be. Consider those 10 minutes your opportunity to teach the class in any way you see fit. Fun, right?!?
Writing: Four papers, in-class assignments, reading responses, and written peer reviews are required for this course.
Essay 1: Editorial
Essay 2: Argument (Part 1)
Essay 3: Analysis
Essay 4: Argument (Part 2)
Participation: Attendance is mandatory. Absences beyond two will result in a lower final course grade. It is essential that you are present for peer evaluation to contribute your comments. Be sure to read all assignments and be prepared for classroom discussion! Your in-class writings and reading responses will also factor into your Participation grade.
Performance Evaluation
Paper 1 20%
Paper 2 N/G
Paper 3 20%
Paper 4 30%
Presentation: 10%
Participation 20%
Essay 1: Editorial. (2-3 pages) Write a 2-3 page opinion piece on a timely issue based on one that you’ve read about—or that is suggested in—Challenging Perspectives.. You should have a clear thesis statement, strong tone, and well-supported points. Sources are not necessary. Focus on developing and supporting your opinion. What are some potential topics? Banning smoking, cell phone usage, educational issues…the topic is up to you!
Essay 2: Argument - Part 1 (3-5 pages) Argue a position on a topic of your choice. Please avoid the following topics: abortion, death penalty, euthanasia, gun control, and legalizing marijuana. Select a topic that you can research, again basing your choice on a selection or image in Challenging Perspectives and using the questions at the end of the selection(s) and the chapter(s). Look at these different selections with an open mind. You will want to consider different viewpoints on this topic but advocate one position through the use of rhetorical appeals and thorough research. Include at least two sources using proper MLA citations and a Works Cited page.
Essay 3: Analysis (3-5 pages) Using another of the selections and/or images in Challenging Perspectives, analyze a persuasive essay, article, image, speech, or letter. Explain how the writer uses rhetorical appeals to sway his or her audience. Does the writer consider counter-arguments? If so, how does he or she handle the counter-arguments? Point out any holes you find in the writer’s argument. Finally, explain why the text is persuasive or not persuasive. Be specific. Please identify the piece you analyze along with your essay.
Essay 4: Argument - Part 2 (9-10 pages) Extend Essay 2 into a longer research paper. In this version, include at least six sources. One of your sources should be a primary one. We will discuss primary sources later in the trimester.
Submitting Essays: Please submit all essays in a folder. You must include the rough draft, peer editing responses, and final draft.
Revision Policy: After I return your graded essay, you will have one week to revise. The revised grade will replace your original grade. Please submit the original graded essay along with the revision.
Course Calendar
September
07 Course Introduction. In-class Writing.
14 Discuss prewriting techniques, essay structure, grammar and sample editorials.
21 Read Rosin, “Separation Anxiety: The Movement to Save Marriage,” pp.728ff, and answer the questions at the end of the selection. Peer Edit Editorial.
28 Read Rauch, “The Case for Gay (or Straight) Marriage..”, pp. 735ff. Answer questions at the end of the selection and consult the end-of-chapter questions. Discuss MLA style. Editorial Due.
October
05 Analyze “Cheathouse.com home page (420); Shister, “NBC Has its Eye on New Reality Series” (308ff); and “Real Beauts” (614), responding to the questions at the end of each selection. Group project: Write/perform an infomercial using rhetorical appeals.
12 Discuss research paper topics. Read Ravitch, “Thin Gruel” (616); Edwards, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” (644); Grudin, “Ideology and Moral Philology” (677), answering questions at the end of each selection. Peer Edit Research I.
19 Class Debate. Writing self-assessment. Research I Due.
26 Read Harrington, “The Other America” (341); Wright, “The Man Who Went to Chicago” (365); Gayles, “Interracial Relationships” (396). Answer chapter and selection questions. Discuss Primary versus Secondary Research. In-Class Interviews.
November
02 Persuasive Writing Exercise. Peer Edit Analysis Essay.
09 Read Collins, “Scorpion Tongues” (529); Wenig, “Oops! I Shouldn’t Say This…” (544); Kaplan, “Machiavellian Virtue” (590). Reply to discussion questions at the end of the selection(s) and chapter. Discuss Style. Descriptive Writing Exercise. Analysis Essay Due.
16 Analyze two end-of-chapter images of your choice, responding to the questions at the end of each. Be prepared to discuss these in class.
23 In-class Writing Exercise based on Tennyson, “Ulysses,” (674).
30 Read Bellow, “In Praise of Nepotism” (798); Menand, “The Thin Envelope” (92). Peer Edit Argument Part II.
December
07 Presentations. Argument Part II Due.
14 Presentations. Final revisions due December 20th by 5:00 (put it my mailbox in the English Office – E wing).
Note: Assignments and dates may change. If you miss a class, please send me an email.