Summer 2008 Course Info
Instructor: Mr. Christopher Berg
| Office: Tompkins G-116-A | Phone: 919.513.7967 | ||
| Office Hours: T: 11-12, W: 11-12, by appt. | Email:cbberg@ncsu.edu | ||
| Course Meetings: MTWHF - 9:50-10:50 | Room: Tompkins 125 | ||
| Download a copy of the syllabus as a PDF. | |||
Course Description
Intensive instruction in academic writing and research. Basic principles of rhetoric and strategies for academic inquiry and argument. Instruction and practice in critical reading, including the generative and responsible use of print and electronic sources for academic research. Exploration of literate practices across a range of academic domains, laying the foundation for further writing development in college. Continued attention to grammar and conventions of standard written English. Most sections meet in computer classrooms. Successful completion of ENG 101 requires a grade of C- or better. This course satisfies the first-year composition and rhetoric component of the General Education Requirements in Writing and Speaking. In order to enroll in ENG 101, students must achieve a C- or better in ENG 100, or be placed by department guidelines.
Required Materials
Books
- Chris Anson, Robert Schwegler, and Marcia Muth - The Longman Concise Companion, 1st ed., Pearson Education, 2007. ISBN: 0-321-43900-7 • Price: New $34.40 Used $25.80
- David Rosenwasser & Jill Stephen - Writing Analytically, With Readings, 1st ed., Thomson Wadsworth, 2008. ISBN: 1-4130-1349-X • Price: New $55.00, Used $41.25
Other Material
- A USB storage key
- Various materials on electronic reserve
- Five (5) two-pocket folders for projects
- A few dollars for copying, print quota, etc.
General Education Requirements
Writing and speaking are powerful ways of understanding ourselves and the world in which we live. It is through writing and speaking that the various disciplines and professions define the knowledge and methodologies that characterize them. And because effective writing and speaking in academic and professional settings often demand proficiency in the use of information technologies and resources, students must have a basic understanding of how information is identified and defined by experts, structured, organized, and accessed, in both the print and digital environments. Mastery of communication arts and information skills is central to engaging in the productive life of academic and professional communities.
Each course in the writing and speaking category of the General Education Requirements will provide instruction and guidance that help students to:
- Communicate effectively in specific writing or speaking situations, which may include various academic, professional, or civic situations.
- Understand and respond appropriately to the critical elements that shape communication situations, such as audience, purpose, and genre.
- Critique their own writing or speaking and provide effective and useful feedback to enable other students to improve their writing or speaking.
- Demonstrate critical and evaluative thinking skills in locating, analyzing, synthesizing, and using information in writing or speaking activities.
Learning Outcomes
To accomplish the rationale set forth by the NC State University General Education Requirements (GER), English 101 has the following objectives for all enrolled students:
- Learn basic principles of rhetoric and develop an understanding of written texts as arguments generated for particular purposes, audiences, and rhetorical contexts.
- Examine similarities and differences in forms of inquiry and writing across academic disciplines.
- Practice analytical reading strategies and hone the ability to summarize, paraphrase, draw evidence from, synthesize, and respond to the scholarship of others.
- Learn to find and evaluate print and electronic source materials appropriate for academic research projects.
- Learn to develop original arguments for a range of academic purposes.
- Practice critically evaluating their own and others' work and collaborating effectively with other writers throughout the writing process.
- Practice and refine technical skills in areas such as grammar, mechanics, and the documentation of source materials.
Projected Schedule & Major Assignments
The day-to-day schedule will fluctuate with our progress in the classroom, and will be posted to the course website. Below, I've posted the weekly schedule I plan to follow.
- Week 1 - Course Introduction - the analytical frame of mind, reading for detail, paraphrasing well, and an introduction to academic writing: analytical moves, introduction to "rhetoric."
- Weeks 2-3 - Writing in the Humanities - the public sphere, creativity, analysis in the humanities, how to read for analysis rather than summary, limiting interpretation, interpretive context, what readings do rather than say, linking evidence and claims. Project 1 due - Jun.2
- Weeks 4-5 - Writing in the sciences - recognizing scientific writing, reading scientific writing, public vs. academic scientific writing. Project 2 due - Jun. 23.
- Weeks 6-8 - Writing in the Social Sciences - Analysis in social science, defining social science, researching a paper, thesis statements, organization and development, what’s next. Project 3 due - Jul. 16
- Weeks 9-10 - Putting it all together - introductions and conclusions, revising for style, citation, error and revision. Project 4 and Presentations due - Final Exam Period - 5 August, 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Disability Services
Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653.
Learn more at: http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/offices/affirm_action/dss/