English writing course

WR 121

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GERALD GRAFF & CATHY BIRKENSTEIN

“To make a difference as a writer, you need to do more than make statements that

are logical, well supported, and consistent. You must also find a way of entering a conversation with others’ views.”

WR 121 is designed to help you develop skills and confidence in analytical writing, and to foster your rhetorical awareness —your perception of where, how, and why persuasion is occurring. We envision this course as the beginning of and foundation for your writing development as an undergraduate at OSU. The skills learned in this course, however, will also help you write effectively for situations that extend beyond your university studies.

This course places emphasis on the process of writing, including acts of reading, researching, analytical thinking, freewriting, drafting, review, revision, and editing. Complementing this approach is our focus on the final product—quality compositions that demonstrate rhetorical awareness and evidence of critical thinking. Writing in WR 121, then, is approached as both process and product. It is not only a mode of expression, but also a mode of inquiry and exploration. Writing is an invitation to think and a way to think. With practice and a willing, open mind, we’re confident that you will leave this course a stronger writer and thinker.

Habits of the Creative Mind (custom Oregon State University WR 121 edition), by Richard Miller and Ann Jurecic, with additional materials by Lisa Ede, Jonathan Alexander, Elizabeth Losh, and Tim Jensen

They Say, I Say: Moves that Matter in Academic Writing, 3rd ed., by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein

OSU Subscription to Eli Review (directions for purchase located in Canvas)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

REQUIRED TEXTS

LEARNING OUTCOMES BACC CORE WR 1

At the end of this course, successful students should be able to:

• Analyze a range of rhetorical situations, audiences, and texts; present effective claims, evidence, and appeals; demonstrate appropriate tone, voice, and level of formality.

• Develop and reflect on flexible strategies for the writing process, including generating, revising, editing, and proofreading texts.

• Locate, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize appropriate print and online primary and secondary sources.

• Demonstrate knowledge of academic genre conventions, including MLA citation standards.

• Articulate and integrate personal ideas with those of others effectively and ethically through writing.

• Illustrate proficiency in syntax, grammar, and spelling.

This course fulfills OSU’s WR I Baccalaureate Core Requirement (3 credits), which states that after

this course, students should be able

to:

• Use multiple writing strategies in order to explore, clarify, and effectively communicate ideas to appropriate audiences.

• Demonstrate an understanding of language, form, and style.

• Incorporate critical thinking at all steps in their writing process.

ASSIGNMENTS

1 CompetenCy and Knowledge in multiple Fields – As an OSU graduate, you will show a depth of knowledge in one or more majors as it relates to its history, problems, strategic thinking processes and ways of knowing, and vocabulary. You will also show a breadth of knowledge across the disciplines, which include the humanities and arts, science, social science and mathematics, from both technical and critical orientations.

2 CritiCal thinKing – As an OSU graduate, you will evaluate and synthesize information from multiple sources and perspectives to make informed decisions and solve problems; you will exhibit intellectual curiosity, including the disposition and ability to engage in evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking.

3 pluralism and Cultural legaCies – As an OSU graduate, you will acquire knowledge and appreciation of the diversity of human cultural, historical and social experiences, and be able to reflect on how your individual life experience relates to the complex nature of human conditions in other places and times.

4 Collaboration – As an OSU graduate, you will develop the ability to be a positive contributor to situations requiring shared responsibility toward achieving a common goal.

5 soCial responsibility and sustainability – As an OSU graduate, you will develop the capacity to construct an engaged, contributing life, and to engage in actions that reflect an understanding of the values of service, citizenship, and social responsibility, and you will demonstrate global competence by understanding the interdependent nature of local and global communities.

6 CommuniCation – As an OSU graduate, you will be able to present and evaluate information, as well as to devise and exchange ideas clearly and effectively so that you can communicate with diverse audiences in a variety of situations.

7 selF-awareness and liFe-long learning – As an OSU graduate, you will develop awareness of and appreciation for your personal strengths, values, and challenges, and you will cultivate the ability to use that knowledge to guide your future learning and development.

LEARNING GOALS FOR GRADUATES (LGGS) OF OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

You will have the opportunity to write in a variety of genres, mediums, and styles this term—and for a variety of audiences. Each project is designed to target a specific set of skills needed to become a stronger writer, a more critical thinker, and a savvier rhetorician. For each project you will receive a separate prompt that will explicate its goals, components, and expectations.

WR 121 employs a thousand-point grading system. The Critical Analysis Project, for example, totals 500 points, making it 50% of your total grade. The letter grade distribution is to the right. Please note that it is school policy that a final grade of “C-“ is required in order to pass WR 121. Evaluation rubrics and guides for grading will be made available via Canvas.

Your assignments, unless otherwise indicated, will be turned in via Canvas, and in the format prescribed. Assignments will be marked down 1/3 of a letter grade for each day of lateness. For example, a B+ will become a B as a result of being one day late.

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C+

C

C-

LETTER GRADE DISTRIBUTION

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

1000 – 935

934 – 900

899 – 865

864 – 835

834 – 800

799 – 765

764 – 735

734 – 700

POINT BREAKDOWN

WEEKLY DISTRIBUTION

TOTAL

Initial Writer’s Inventory

Write365

Critical Analysis Project

The Exchange

Style Project

Final Writer’s Inventory

1000 PTS.

1 2 0 P T S .

5 0 0 P T S .

2 2 5 P T S .

5 0 P T S .

1 5 P T S .

1 5 P T S .

Comprised of 5 components:

1. Initial Artifact Analysis: (100)

2. Annotated Bibliography (25)

3. Initial Research Integration (100)

4. Research Conference (25)

5. Critical Analysis Essay (250)

Comprised of 3 components:

1. Workshop Review (75)

2. Editorial Review (75)

3. Exchange Manuscript (75)

365 words, three days a week, from

Week 2 through Week 7. 20 points

earned for each week where 365 is

reached a minimum of 3 days.

Instructor’s discretion

Reading Responses

7 5 P T S .

EXTRA CREDIT AVAILABLE: Earn extra credit points

equal to your longest

streak of writing days

(max of 30 pts.)

Active engagement—asking questions, participating in discussion, contributing to group activities, respecting classmates, arriving prepared for class, and critical listening, for example—is central to your success in WR 121 and your development as a writer. Because engagement with the course topics, texts, and assignments is critical, missing more than the equivalent of 1 week of class (3 days on a MWF schedule, 2 days on a TR schedule, or 1 evening class) will negatively impact your grade. For each additional absence beyond a week’s worth of class— whether caused by illness, travel delay, etc.—points will be deducted on the following equivalency scale: 30 pts. for MWF, 45 pts. for TR, and 90 pts. for an evening class. For example, missing a total of three classes on a TR schedule will result in a 45 point deduction. Three (3) tardies equal one absence. Please also note that because of the participatory nature of WR 121, late adds (i.e. enrolling after the first week of the term) cannot be granted.

Excused absences are for religious observance or OSU-sanctioned travel for inter-collegiate athletics only, and will not affect one’s grade. In these instances, is your responsibility to contact me as soon as possible if you miss or anticipate missing class, provide proper documentation for the absence, and consult with me on making up missed assignments or activities. Again, other absences—whether caused by illness, travel delay, etc.—that extend beyond the equivalency of one week’s worth of class are not considered excused. If you think you may miss too many classes due to illness or personal issues, please consult with me and with your advisor as soon as possible, because there is no option for assigning an “Incomplete” in WR 121.

The Student Conduct Code defines Academic Dishonesty as “an act of deception in which a Student seeks to claim credit for the work or effort of another person, or uses unauthorized materials or fabricated information in any academic work or research, either through the Student’s own efforts or the efforts of another.” Academic misconduct includes all forms of student academic misconduct wherever committed; it is illustrated by, but not limited to, cases of plagiarism. Academic misconduct is a serious offense that will not be tolerated in any form at Oregon State University. All instructors of WR 121 are required to report all instances of alleged misconduct so that the matter can be properly and thoroughly investigated. Students found to be in breach of code will be subject to significant disciplinary action.

As part of a Plagiarism Prevention pilot project, you may be asked to submit one or more of your drafts to Canvas’s Turnitin service. Your assignment content may be checked against Internet sources, academic journal articles, and the papers of other OSU students. A report will be generated, allowing you to ensure all source material is properly cited.

The classroom is a unique environment in which students and faculty collaborate to promote learning and growth. In order to foster and maintain this learning environment, it is essential that you respect the rights of others seeking to learn and those facilitating the course. Differences of perspective should be expressed in terms that are supportive of the learning process, and which help create an environment where communication occurs with clarity and compassion. Behavior that is disruptive to this learning environment will not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from the class. Please refer to the Student Conduct Relations for additional information. Questions regarding classroom conduct may be directed to the Director of Writing, and/or the Student Conduct and Community Standards Office.

Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Disability Access Services (DAS). Students with accommodations approved through DAS are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through DAS should contact DAS immediately at 541-737-4098.

ATTENDANCE & ENGAGEMENT

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

STUDENT CONDUCT

DISABILITY ACCESS SERVICES

The Writing Center, located in Waldo 123 and in the Valley Library on weekends, offers free help with any writing task at any stage of the writing process and is open to all OSU students. Trained writing assistants are available to help with all aspects of your writing, from brainstorming and organization to questions of grammar and usage. To make an appointment, call 541-737-5640 or visit them online: cwl.oregonstate.edu/making-appointment. You may also submit drafts online for comments, though this process may take longer.

All WR 121 students are required to visit the Writing Center at least once during the Critical Analysis Project. I will inform you of which stage of the project is designated for attending. When you meet with a writing assistant, please make sure to ask for a consultation slip or print the OWL email reply to show me that you attended.

I will be making extensive use of Canvas, the University’s online course management system. Please familiarize yourself with the site if you have not already, as we will use it for organizing our reading materials, as well as for turning in assignments. Also, I will rely heavily on email to communicate with you. Please be sure to check your ONID email and our Canvas site with regularity.

THE WRITING CENTER

ONLINE COMMUNICATION & RESOURCES

Assistant Professor | Director of Writing

204B Moreland Hall [email protected]

Assistant Director of Writing

208 Moreland Hall [email protected]

TIM JENSEN, PH.D. KRISTY KELLY

Through its collaborative focus and student-centered approach, the Academic Success Center (ASC) advocates for students and supports them in developing their individual strengths and negotiating the challenges they encounter in realizing their potential as educated members of society. The ASC fulfills this mission by offering dynamic services including advising, course work, academic coaching, information and referral, writing assistance, bridge experiences, and supplemental instruction.

If you are interested in learning more about the services provided by the Academic Success Center, I encourage you to visit them in 102 Waldo Hall, or call 541-737-2272.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER

For questions regarding WR 121 or the Writing Program at OSU more generally, please feel welcome to write [email protected], or contact the administration personnel directly:

WRITING PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

1. TERM & YEAR (ALL CAPS): FALL 2016
2. meeting time: MWF 9:00-9:50
3. meeting location: 261 Strand
4. CRN: 10099
5. Instuctor Name (ALL CAPS): RANDY MAGNUSON
6. ONID email address: [email protected]
7. office hours: T 3-5, W 10-11
8. office location: 116 Moreland