English 102: Freshman Composition

Section 43

Catalogue Description

Analytical reading and writing and the methods of inquiry common to various academic disciplines. Write frequently in and out of class, using suitable sources of information and appropriate methods of documentation.

Course Goals & Objectives

The primary goal of this course is to learn how to write college-level research and argumentative essays. This goal will be met through readings and writings that allow us to critique examples of argumentative writing and to practice and master research and argumentation skills.

A secondary goal of the course is to develop critical reading skills. This goal will be accomplished through the reading and discussion of essays from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

A third goal is to enhance students’ library and electronic research skills. These skills will be improved through library research, using the on-line catalogue and the internet.

Required Textbooks

The primary textbook for this course will be Robert K. Miller, The Informed Argument: A Multidisciplinary Reader and Guide, 5th ed. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace, 1998.

Additionally, you should be familiar with these two URLs for additional readings:

http://www.salon.com

http://www.popmatters.com

Grading Formula

Grading Scale

Description of Assignments

NOTE: All papers will have an element of revision necessary to complete the assignment. These portions of the assignment will be announced. Final papers should be turned in with all earlier drafts of the paper. Final drafts alone will not be accepted, nor will 2 identical papers turned in as a “rough” and “final” draft.

1. Evaluation. Keeping in mind our discussions of logic (logos), authority (ethos), and persuasiveness (pathos), write a two to three page paper evaluating the effectiveness of an essay. Your argument should not focus dominantly on the subject matter of the essay but the rhetoric utilized by the author.
2. Analysis of an Advertisement.Cut out or print out an advertisement in a current magazine, newspaper or from a website. Write a two to three page analysis of this advertisement, looking at some of the rhetorical techniques used to appeal to the audience and assess the effectiveness of the ad.
3. Argument.Choose two essays. Read both selections carefully and write a three to five page paper in which you consider the relationship between various parts of the arguments of both essays in terms of their content and/or rhetorical similarities or differences. You should come to your own informed conclusion about what the relevance of comparing and/or contrasting these arguments is and you should support that conclusion with your own arguments rather than sources external to the texts.
4. Argumentative research essay.This is the most important assignment in the course, and must be written in the assigned sequence. You cannot receive a grade on a later stage until you have submitted all of the work previously assigned. To write this paper you need to do the following:
• Read and take notes in the library (both time spent in class and on your own).
• Consider a topic question and decide on a primary source(s) that might be used to analyze in order to address that topic. Review that primary source before going to the library in order to begin formulating a working thesis to guide your research in the library. The thesis must have an argumentative edge.
• Develop a bibliography of at least 10 secondary sources (including only books and journal articles) that you are considering using for your research paper.
• Develop a thesis proposal that introduces your argument and some of the research that you will use to frame the argument and/or be opposing in your argument.
• Using your bibliography obtain at least three secondary sources that must be included in the final draft of the paper from the following two categories:
  • Book or chapter of a book (besides the textbook) (1-2)
  • Bcholarly journal article (1-2)
• Write a 4-5 page rough draft of the paper focusing on the primary source(s) of your research (secondary sources can appear in the intro or as part of a framed argument but use them sparingly at this point—your argument is what needs developed for this draft) with an MLA formatted works cited page, making sure to follow the models discussed in class. Please note: a works cited page is always a part of any research paper and includes only those sources cited (directly quoted or paraphrased) in the paper. The contents of this page will likely be different from what you started with on your bibliography.
• Revise and expand the rough draft to 8-10 pages based on feedback from me and using additional secondary research sources.
• Present an oral report (of about 5 minutes) to the class on your research and findings. You should not read from the paper, but summarize your thesis and argument and any additional thoughts you have on the research process and your experience completing the paper. Be prepared to answer questions concerning your paper as well.
• Turn in a final draft (8-10 pages) with a works cited page (not included in page count).

Classroom Regulations

1. Attendance. Attendance is taken at each class. You are allowed ONE absence without penalty. Save these for days when you need them. Any absence following the first may result in loss of up to 50 attendance and lost points for daily work. In addition to attendance, these 50 points are also considered participation points. As long as you attend and contribute to discussion regularly, these points are yours. Plan on coming prepared to discuss and debate the readings.
2. Make-up work and late papers. Daily work and papers cannot be made up. If you do not attend a class and miss a daily writing, you will receive no points for that assignment regardless of the reason you missed the class. Missing one or two of these writings will probably have no significant effect on your final grade, but missing many of them can. Therefore, regular attendance is encouraged. Likewise, late papers will not be accepted. (Note to commuters: exceptions may be made for severe or inclement weather conditions that create unsafe driving conditions)
3. Paper specifications. All papers must be word processed and double-spaced in a 12-point readable font with standard one-inch margins. Identifying information (your name, instructor, class and--most importantly--section number, and date) should be typed in the upper left hand of the first page. The title should be centered and correctly capitalized, and the paper stapled or paper clipped together. (Invest in a stapler or paper clips. I don’t bring one with me to class). Special formatting instructions for the research paper will be provided. Avoid cover sheets.
4. Plagiarism. Students in this course are responsible for reading and understanding the University’s policies on plagiarism. You can find university policy on plagiarism via your MyPoint page. While inadvertent plagiarism can be easily corrected, intentional plagiarism is a serious academic offense with potentially grave consequences. With the rise of internet usage, incidents of plagiarism have risen. At the same time, internet tools have made plagiarism easier to identify. Don’t take chances. Do your own work. Many people do not understand what plagiarism is. The simple definition is this: plagiarism is using someone else’s words or ideas without properly documenting that the words or ideas belong to that original author. If you are uncertain whether you may be plagiarizing, please ask me what is appropriate. We are here to learn and asking questions ahead of time is always welcome and helpful.
5. Schedule. The following schedule is subject to change at my discretion. If you have been absent, please make sure to check with your fellow students regarding possible schedule changes for the next day that you will be attending. While you may have been absent, you are still responsible for being prepared for class when you return.
6. Students With Special Needs. If there is anything I can do to help you to make the best of your opportunities in higher education, please let me know. If you have any or need any special equipment, interpreters, or books on tape that would aid you in pursuing your interests in the course, I will do my best to help.

Course Schedule