English 101–08        Autumn 2000         T/TH 8:00–9:15           BUSN 2117

JosephW.Cates       mailto:joecates@cavtel.net       English dept: 828-1331

Office: Hibbs 408f    Hours: T, 9:30-11:30 (by appointment)

Required Texts and Materials:

A Guide to Composition and Rhetoric 2000-2002 edition, Cooper and Hodges

The Writer’s Presence, 3^rd edition, McQuade and Atwain, eds.

The Craft of Revision,4^th edition, Donald M. Murray

Sharing and Responding,3^rd edition, Peter Elbow

· two diskettes, labeled with your name

· email account

· large manila envelope with label, for handing in work

· three-ringed binder divided into three sections and paper

· standing appointment with tutor of your choice; the Writing Center (Hibbs 330) is highly recommended and free.

                                        Praxis: def. [n.(concept)] : thought in action.

Rhetoric is rooted in an essential function of language itself, a function that is wholly realistic, and is continually born anew; the use of language as a symbolic means of inducing cooperation in beings that by nature use symbols. Kenneth Burke

Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Francis Bacon

It still comes as a shock to realize that I don’t write about what I know, but in order to find out what I know. Patricia Hampl

How do I know what I mean until I see what I say? E.M. Forster

A problem well put is half solved. John Dewey

Those of you who do not wish to avoid failing this course raise your hands. Amy Sedaris

Essays:

You will write two essays, approximately 10 – 12 pages each, through a series of several drafts. Since knowledge is the result of our ability to make meaning, you will be asked to write essays based on personal experiences – in order to make meaning from them. Essay One will be strictly a "personal essay" with two sources, and Essay Two will expand to include four outside sources with documentation.

Each draft must: be word-processed, include a writer’s memo, use 12 point font – Times or Times New Roman, with one inch margins on each side. Drafts should have pages numbered, should be either stapled or paper-clipped together, and should include your name, the date, and number of the draft.

ª Late assignments will not be accepted.ª

Daily Assignments:

You will be given daily writing and reading assignments in addition to the work on your essays. Please keep all writing exercises and reading assignments in a three-ringed binder, divided into respective sections. You will bring this binder with you to class.

Reading: The primary purpose of reading for this class is to learn to write and to think – to make meaning. You will be asked to read several essays closely, perhaps reading in a way that is very new to you, and to respond to the essays in writing, to explain your thinking. Written responses should be, at minimum, one full page, and could be longer. They may be either hand-written or word-processed. Please understand that the essays will require at least two close readings in order for you to do a good job in your written responses. Written responses are due the class following the assignment. I will pick up these responses periodically throughout the semester.

Writing: You will be expected to write several times a week, on topics of your own choosing or in response to class assignments. Certain writing exercises are designed to help develop your essay topics take shape and attain focus. Others will help you practice specific skills. Notebooks will be picked up periodically throughout the semester and will influence your final grade.

Feedback: All of us will be meeting in peer workshop groups in order to give each other feedback on essay drafts. You will be required to write a full page of feedback for each member of your group and to hand in a copy as well.

Attendance Policy: Attendance in this class is mandatory. According to University policy, more than six (6) absences will result in a failing grade. However, attendance in this class is crucial and I will expect you to be present and on time for each class. Should you miss more than two (2) classes, you can expect a drop in grade.

ª If you come to class without the necessary work, you will be considered absent.ª

Grading:

Individual drafts will not be graded, but you will receive feedback from me and/or your classmates on each draft. All drafts and assignments must be completed for you to pass this course. Your final grade will be determined as follows:

20% Class participation (includes attendance, preparation for and engagement in class discussions, compliance with rough draft schedule, responsible participation in peer writing groups, and written feedback to peers)

20% Writing exercises and reading assignments

60% Final portfolio – two 10–12 page essays and reflective letter

The Writing Center, Hibbs 330

The Writing Center is a valuable resource and tutors are available for any student to receive feedback on written work. You will be required to visit the Writing Center at least once during the drafting process of each essay. Help is given on a first come, first served basis, so be prepared to wait.

The Computer Center, Hibbs 331

Using a word processor is vital for this course. There are computer consultants on duty in the Computer Center to assist you if you need help. Printing costs nine (9) cents per page (you can use your VCU ID card). Plan on photocopying originals for workshop.

You must also get yourself an email account. This class will frequently keep in touch via email, so please get in the habit of checking your email regularly. A word of caution: while email may seem to provide a less formal means of communication, be aware that standard guidelines of appropriate behavior apply, as does common sense. You should treat email as you would any other means of communication and should not say in email what you would not say in person.

VCU Writing Center Web Site: http://www.has.vcu.edu/owl

This site houses a list of on-line resources such as dictionaries, thesauri, style manuals, etc. Access to this site is easily found through the VCU English Department web site (From the VCU home page, choose College of Humanities, Academic Programs, Undergraduate departments, English). Hours and other information for both the computer center and writing center are listed on the VCU English Department web site.

University Honor Code

Although we do encourage cooperative work in English 101, you are responsible for adhering to all other regulations in the University Honor Code (available in the VCU Resource Guide. See also pp. 152-153 in A Guide to Composition and Rhetoric). Be aware that plagiarizing (copying from a book or other source without documentation, or turning in someone else’s work as your own) is unacceptable and will bring an automatic failing grade.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Section 504 of the rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 require Virginia Commonwealth University to provide academic adjustments or accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Students who believe they might qualify for adjustments or accommodations must self-identify with the coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities. After meeting with the coordinator, students are encouraged to meet with their instructors to discuss their needs. Inquires should be directed to Dr. Shyla Ipsen (828-1139) sipsen@saturn.vcu.edu on the Academic Campus.

Week 1

8/29 Introductions, overview of course and books

The Koans of Yogi Bera, Stroup & TV Addiction, Winn & Guide

Assignment: Hughes #19

Writing Exercise? Of your choice.

8/31 Discuss Hughes. What writing lessons can we take away from this essay?

What is writing?    What is an essay?

Assignment: Sedaris hand-out and GuideWriting Exercise # 1

Week 2

9/5 Discuss Sedaris & Guide

How do we read for meaning?

Identify "center of gravity"— POV

Share Writing Exercise # 1

Assignment: Didion #3 & Ruiz #32

Writing Exercise #2

9/7 Discuss Didion & Ruiz

In-class writing/listing and looping.

Assignment: Craft of Revision, Chapter 1

Writing Exercise # 3

Week 3

9/12 Discuss Craft of Revision.

What is "global" revision?

Ways to "re-see".

In-class writing

Reading Journal collected

Assignment: Craft of Revision, Chapter 2

9/14 Discuss Craft of Revision

Discuss Writer’s Memo.

Assignment: Draft 1.1

9/19 Draft 1.1 due (5 pages). Bring two copies. (please read syllabus to see correct procedure for handing in draft).

Discuss workshop techniques/ways to give feedback.

Assign Walker #128 & Carver #12

9/21 Workshop 1.1

Assignment: Draft 1.2

Week 5

9/26 Draft 1.2 due (7 pages) Please bring enough copies for your workshop group and for me.

Discuss revision process.

Assignment: Read and comment on student drafts. Bring two copies of written

responses.

9/28 Workshop 1.2

Assignment: Craft of Revision & Orwell #68 & Russell #107

Writing Exercise # 4

Week 6

10/3 Discuss Craft of Revision

Writing with specific information/details

Discuss Orwell & Russell

Reading Journal collected

10/5 Draft 1.3 due (10 pages) Bring enough copies for workshop members only

Assignment: Read and respond to student drafts. Bring two copies of written feedback.

*Visit the Writing Center before handing in draft 1.4

Week 7

10/10 Workshop 1.3

Assignment: Kincaid #122 & Updike #127

10/12 Discuss Talk about form of essay – stylistic techniques. Framing your essay.

Assignment: Mamet#25 & Dillard hand-out

Week 8

10/17 Discuss Mamet & Dillard and craft of essay.

Set up conferences

Draft 1.4 due (10 – 12 pages)

Make two copies; one with W.C. tutor initials

Begin to discuss Essay Two – listing and looping

Schedule conferences

10/19 No class – Mid-term conferences

Assignment: Research Exercise

Week 9

10/24 Discuss Partsch #7

In-class writing for Essay Two

Reading Journals collected

Read & respond to drafts

Assignment: Jefferson #99 & X #24 & King #103

10/26 Discuss research techniques; bring topics with you.

Essay one due

Writing Exercise #5

Week 10

10/31 In-class writing

Assignment: Craft of Revision

11/2 Discuss the use of outside sources and Craft of Revision

MLA Documentation

In-class writing

Essay One returned. Begin re-vision with an eye for final portfolio.

Assignment: Draft 2.1

Week 11

11/7 Draft 2.1 due (5 pages) Bring two copies

Workshop 2.1

Assignment: Gould #54

11/9 Discuss ways to broaden your perspective, use outside sources.

Reading journals collected

Assignment: research and draft 2.2

11/14 Draft 2.2 due (7 pages) Bring enough copies for me and for workshop members.

Read and respond to student drafts

11/16 Workshop 2.2

Assignment: Douglass #15 & Wright #41 & Craft of Revision

Week 13

11/21 Discuss Douglass & Wright & Craft of Revision

11/23 No Class Thanksgiving Break

Please read Zinn #120, Selzer #73, Vidal #115, Kakutani #101, & Orwell #28

Week 14

11/28 Draft 2.3 due (10 pages) Bring enough copies for workshop members only

Reading Journals collected

Assignment: Read and respond to student drafts

*Visit Writing Center before handing in draft 2.4

11/30 Workshop 2.3

Discuss the concept of a "deadline".

Week 15

12/5 Draft 2.4 due

Bring two copies

12/7 Last Day of Class

Draft 2.4 returned

In-class evaluations & reflective letter

Journals returned

ª NO LATE PORTFOLIOS WILL BE ACCEPTED; 

NOT EVEN YOURSª