Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus: English 15 Course Syllabus

ENGLISH 15: RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION

Summer Session Two 2013: T/R 6:00pm — 9:30pm

Location: 005 Business Bldg

Instructor: Connie Bubash
Office: 129 Burrowes Bldg
Office Hours: By appointment only
Email: ckb5081@psu.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

Development, skills, and expertise in reading and writing can never be separated; therefore, English 15 is an intensive, rhetorically based course in reading and writing.  In this course, we will focus specifically on recognizing and analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing and using such texts (our writing and speaking)—always in terms of traditional rhetorical principles.

Even if the term rhetoric isn’t familiar to you, the practice of rhetoric is. In fact, you bring a good deal of rhetorical skill to this class: you already know how to gauge the way you perceive and produce language according to the speaker, the intended audience, and the purpose. You may not always gauge perfectly, your perception may not always be accurate, and your production may not always be successful—but you often think to interpret and choose language in ways that are appropriate to the rhetorical situation. You already know how to use language to make knowledge.

The goal of English 15, then, is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a stronger, more confident, and more flexible reader and writer. We imagine that you will become more attuned to your goals as a writer (as well as the goals of other writers) in terms of any exigence (or reason) for writing about a particular topic in a particular way, the on-going conversation surrounding the topic, the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience.

In this course you will have the opportunity to:

-develop your communication skills through writing assignments and classroom discussions
-increase your awareness of the arguments around you, and become equipped to analyze these arguments
-expand your ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from different sources

By the end of the semester, you will have the increased capacity to:

-read and think critically
-write concisely and persuasively
-produce effective arguments that respond definitively to opposing viewpoints, while demonstrating an understanding of those viewpoints

REQUIRED TEXTS

Bullock, Richard, and Maureen D. Goggin. Norton Field Guide to Writing, with Readings. 3rd ed. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2013. ISBN 9780393919578

Penn Statements, Vol. 32 (Spring 2013 edition)

ASSIGNMENTS, ATTENDANCE, AND PARTICIPATION

Five formal assignments are required to pass the course. A complete rough draft for each major assignment will be due the day before the final draft. In order to participate in the peer review, you must bring a complete rough draft with you to class; your participation in the peer review is worth 10 pts of your final assignment grade. You will also be graded based on the frequency and quality of your class participation, and the consistency of your attendance.

Attendance at all classes is mandatory. Your unanticipated and therefore unexcused absences reflect poor classroom citizenship. Therefore, absences not excused for valid reasons and in advance may result in a lower grade for the course. In the event of illness or emergency, students should contact me as soon as possible and well in advance, and provide either an official doctor’s note or some other relevant documentation. Just as in your professional life, punctuality matters: late to class equals an absence for that entire class.

For similar reasons, and to ensure the fairness with which our evaluative criteria are applied in each instance, all assignments must be handed in on time. When there is a legitimate reason, and arrangements are made significantly in advance, a student may negotiate an official extension. In all other cases a late paper will receive a lower grade in the following manner: one full letter grade for each calendar day, an “F” yielding not a “60” but a “0” percentile.

Paper 1  Memoir  (3-4 pages 10%)
Paper 2  Rhetorical Analysis (3-4 pages 15%)
Paper 3  Annotated Bibliography (4-5 pages 15%)
Paper 4  Report (4-5 pages 15%)
Paper 5  Literary Analysis (4-5 pages 15%)
Six Blog Posts/Reflections (300 words 15%)
**Participation, Presentations, Quizzes, Attendance (15%)

**A NOTE ON TECHNOLOGY. This class meets for an extended period (3.5 hours). In light of this, you can expect to get two breaks during each class to go to the restroom, eat a snack, and check your phone/email. If you have your cell phone out during class, your participation grade will suffer significantly. I will not take time out of class to tell you to put your phone away; simply understand that I will be taking  note of those who have their phones out during class.

GRADING

Outstanding performance. Superior command of subject matter and exemplary performance on all project requirements.

A well-developed command of subject matter. Conforms to the performance standards of the course but lacks some consistency in execution of effectiveness. Demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the theoretical aspects of the course.

C Moderate success and effectiveness in the activity. Meets some of the performance standards, but lacks consistency. Does not excel in any one aspect.

D Meets only minimal standards. Poor and inconsistent performance and achievement. Rarely executes skills correctly. Evidences poor or extremely low degree of knowledge concerning the activity.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

In accordance with common sense and article 10 of PSU’s Code of Conduct, cheating, including plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty, are illegal. A suspected case of academic dishonesty will be referred to the College Committee on Academic Integrity, which may recommend academic probation, suspension, or expulsion.  Whenever you refer to another person’s ideas or use their words, you must use proper citation.

DISABILITY ACCESS STATEMENT

The Pennsylvania State University encourages people with documented disabilities to participate in its programs and activities and is committed to the policy that all people shall have equal access to programs, facilities, and admissions. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation in this course, please tell me as soon as possible.