Course Overview

Much of the writing that you will do as an adult—both as a student and as a professional—will be persuasive.  Persuading others of the accuracy of your ideas, solutions, innovations and ventures,

policies or policy changes are part of being an active citizen, leader, and thinker in the world.  In this

course, you will write a range of different types of persuasive essays as well as a formal, classical

argument containing research.  Ideally, you will develop a reliable strategy for dealing with different

writing tasks, situations, and problems so that regardless of those variables, you can produce clear, effective, and thoughtful writing that allows you to express your own ideas.  Part of this process will be critically evaluating your own and others’ writing and ideas and improving your own critical thinking

skills and use of logical reasoning. 

• Use the steps in the writing process to compose well-reasoned, informed arguments.

• Identify and use developmental and organizational strategies for effective thesis-focused writing.

• Write college-level essays characterized by appropriate word choice and diction, standard usage, spelling, and mechanics.

• Practice effective critical and close reading strategies in nonfiction essays.
   

 Reading  Read the material indicated on the syllabus ahead of time. Come to class prepared to discuss the material, and ask and answer questions. Most of the reading material will come from Good Reasons With Contemporary Arguments and from occasional handouts.

 Essays  Most of your graded work will consist of writing one shorter and four major essays and a final portfolio review; other writing will include idea-generating exercises, prospectuses, drafts, and other in-class writing assignments (e.g., portfolios). Like final papers, drafts and other parts of the writing process are required, not optional. Failure to turn in drafts will cause your final essay grade to drop a letter grade. Any student who does not submit all final essays will receive an F for the course.

 Informal writing  You will write informally regularly, responding to readings, preparing for other writing assignments, and completing in-class assignments.

 Seminar Participation  The class will consist largely of group discussions and writing workshops for which your active and thoughtful participation is essential.

 

  Rhetorical analysis (2-3 pages)                       5

Evaluation essay (3-4 pages)                         10

Proposal essay (3-4 pages)                            12.5

Position essay (3-4 pages)                              12.5

Sourced position essay (5-6 pages)                20

Portfolio and Review                                      10

Final exam                                                       15

Participation/ quizzes/ informal writing           15  

Learning Disabilities If you have a learning disability that necessitates accommodations, please let me know so that we can address your needs in accordance with the ADA.  If you have not yet discussed your documented learning disability with anyone at Monmouth College, please contact Associate Dean Marta Tucker at extension 2357.

Attendance and Late Papers

Attendance is essential to this course and as such, is required. Because of the emphasis on discussion and workshops, your presence is essential to the success of this course. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of the hour. You may miss up to four class periods for illnesses, emergencies, or college-approved absences; for each absences after four, your final grade will be lowered a letter grade. Note that this policy does not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences except for extended medical emergencies such as hospitalizations; therefore, you are responsible for deciding when an absence is necessary. Please contact me or get the number of a reliable classmate so that if you miss a day, you will be prepared for the next class period. You may submit work in advance. Please contact me regarding extended medical absences.

Individual conferences and writing workshops with me will be scheduled as part of the regular work of the term to provide help with your papers and to discuss your progress. Always bring your writing with you to conferences. I also encourage you to schedule appointments or to drop in during my office hours. If I anticipate that you will have difficulty passing the course, additional conferences may be required.

The Mellinger Writing Center is available for all students: strong as well as inexperienced writers can benefit from suggestions and help from others. Even professional writers get feedback from colleagues, friends, and editors. Our writing fellows provide confidential help with any stage of the writing process: generating ideas; organizing paragraphs; writing introductions, conclusions, or transitions; or developing an analysis or topic. It is not, however, a proofreading center. Located on the top floor of Mellinger, our writing tutors are excellent resources for addressing your needs as an improving writer. If I am concerned that you may not pass the course, you may be required to visit the tutoring center.

 Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism

The Monmouth College policy on academic dishonesty is as follows:

Academic dishonesty may result not only in failure in the course, but in dismissal or expulsion from the College.

Within the College and within the Department of English, academic dishonesty is taken very seriously. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to the use of published or unpublished work of another person by paraphrase or direct quotation without full and clear acknowledgment, unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in selling or otherwise providing term papers or other academic materials, or unacknowledged collaboration with others. Plagiarism is a serious offense that involves presenting others’ words or ideas as your own. Remember that we will not be using research in this class other than the class text except for the final research paper. If you are unclear about whether you are plagiarizing or not, ask. If a final paper submitted for a grade includes uncited words or ideas from a source, you will fail the course and the incident will be recorded on your permanent college record. As a precaution, all work submitted for a grade must also be submitted electronically through Turnitin.com.