Fall,
2001
Mr. R. Sanders, Instructor
The liberally educated person must be able to discover ideas and express them clearly and effectively in writing. As creative art, writing shapes experience into knowledge and is, therefore, essential to the development of the person and to the health of free institutions. As a facet of effective communication, writing is also a practical art, one that society respects and regards as necessary for success in all careers and professions.
Objectives: As a consequence of taking this course, the student should be able to:
1. use creative strategies to discover ideas for writing;
2. narrow a general subject to a specific one;
3. translate a topic into a thesis statement;
4. develop and support that thesis by using specific evidence and concrete detail;
5. use techniques of drafting and editing in the writing process;
6. outline or plan a logically clear and rhetorically effective development of the thesis;
7. recognize and use methods of development such as definition, example, comparison/contrast, cause/effect, process analysis.
8.understand and use library and other information sources in the preparation of a paper.
Goals:
1. describe objects or events accurately;
2. understand and use organizing principles;
3. use a variety of sources to discover information;
4. compile and rank information;
5. synthesize facts, concepts, and principles;
6. develop a broad vocabulary and sensitivity to language;
7. use conventions of standard English in spelling, grammar and usage;
8. develop a respect for ideas supported by evidence and logical argumentation;
9. appreciate the vital connection between good reading and good writing;
10. develop ideas and write clear and forceful prose for a variety of purposes and audiences;
11. present an authentic individual voice in writing.
Procedures
Students are expected to complete all required readings and assigned drafts and to participate in classroom activities and exercises. These include editing exercises, peer-editing sessions, tutorials with the instructor, and in-class writing. Students will write rough drafts of all assigned papers, edit those drafts, and complete a revised, final draft. All drafts, including the final graded paper, are to be kept by the student in a folder. This portfolio will be handed in at the end of the semester. Students will also keep a journal with a minimum of two ten-minute entries a week. Attached is a tentative list of activities, writing assignments and readings. This schedule may change, depending on the pace of our classes.
Grading
For each paper students will receive a grade based on the grading pyramid developed by the department. In addition, students will be graded on class participation and editing quizzes. Papers are 80% of final grade, participation, 10%, and quizzes, 10%.
Textbook
King’s expects perfect attendance unless an emergency arises. Since our meetings are limited, students with more than two unexcused absences will receive a grade of F for the course.
Office Hours
I am in my office Tuesday and Thursday 7:30-8:00 a.m. and Thursday 6:00-6:30 p.m. In addition, I will meet with you at any time by appointment. My home phone number is 825-5305.