| Home
Readings
Required Texts and Materials: The Writer’s Presence, McQuade and Atwain, eds.
Course Philosophy: 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, I Could Tell You Stories. Many of us approach writing with the misunderstanding that we have to know what it is we want to say before we begin. But as E.M. Forster said, "How do I know what I mean until I see what I say?" Writing is thinking. We use writing to express our ideas, to explain, give information, to offer a glimpse of our world, to figure out what we know, to discover, to make meaning. If we can truly express what it is that we think, we are less likely to fall under the influence of others and more likely to exert control over our own lives. Making meaning is essential to learning. Course Requirements: 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, I will ask each student to write essays based on personal experiences – in order to make meaning from them. Essay One will be strictly a "personal essay", and Essay Two will expand to include outside sources. Each draft must be word-processed and must include a writer’s memo. Please use 12 point font – Times, Times New Roman, or Palantino, 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. Late assignments will not be accepted. Daily Assignments: You will be given daily writing and reading assignments in addition to the work on your essays. Please keep all writing and reading assignments in a three-ringed binder, divided into two separate sections. Bring the 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 with the 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 assignments are designed to help develop your essay topics. Others will help you practice specific skills. Notebooks will be picked up periodically throughout the semester and will influence your final grade. Feedback: You 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 to me. Attendance Policy: Attendance in this class is mandatory. According to English Department 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. There are no excused absences, and missing classes will compromise the class participation portion of your grade. 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: 60% Final portfolio – two 10 – 12 page essays and Reflective Letter 20% Writing and Reading Assignments 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) Resources: 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. I will frequently keep in touch with students 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 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. 125-126 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.
Class Schedule, English 101 Week 1 9/ 2 Discuss Hughes. What writing lessons can we take away from this essay? What is
an essay? Week 2 9/7 Discuss White. 9/9 Discuss Momaday. Week 3 9/14 Discuss Craft of Revision. 9/16 Discuss Staples and Walker. Week 4 9/21 Draft 1.1 due (5 pages). Bring two copies. (please read syllabus to see
correct procedure for handing in
draft). 9/23 Workshop 1.1 Week 5 9/28 Draft 1.2 due (7 pages) Please bring enough copies for your workshop group
and for me 9/30 Workshop 1.2 Week 6 10/5 Discuss Craft of Revision 10/7 Draft 1.3 due (10 pages) Bring enough copies for workshop members only Week 7 10/12 Workshop 1.3 10/14 Discuss Cofer. Talk about form of essay – using italics. Other
techniques? Framing your
essay. Week 8 10/19 Discuss Beard and craft of essay. 10/21 No class – Mid-term conferences October 22nd is the last day to withdraw from class without penalty Week 9 10/26 Discuss Pollitt and Guide 10/28 Meet in Library to discuss Research techniques. Bring topics with you. Week 10 11/2 In-class writing 11/4 Discuss the use of outside sources and Craft of Revision Week 11 11/9 Draft 2.1 due today. (5 pages) Bring two copies 11/11 Discuss Williams – ways to broaden your perspective, use outside Week 12 11/15 Draft 2.2 due today. (7 pages) Bring enough copies for me and for
workshop members. 11/18 Workshop 2.2 Week 13 11/23 Discuss Wideman and Craft of Revision 11/25 No Class Thanksgiving Break Week 14 11/30 Draft 2.3 due. (10 pages) Bring enough copies for workshop members only 12/2 Workshop 2.3 Week 15 12/7 Draft 2.4 due today 12/9 Last Day of Classes Final Portfolios, including Reflective Letter, will be due by noon, Tuesday, December 14th. Please bring to my office. NO LATE PORTFOLIOS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Portfolios will be returned by the end of Finals Week.
|