Ann M. Johns

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Rhetoric & Writing Studies 101
An Integrated Curriculum (Freshman Success) "Package" Course
Linked with Communications 103
Fall 2002

Contact Information

Instructor: Dr. Ann Johns;
E-mail: johns@mail.sdsu.edu
Office: NH 221;
Office phone: (619) 594-0921
Office hours: TTh, 8:30-9:20;
T, 11:00-12:00, 3:00-3:50
Tutor: to be announced;
Tutor's e-mail: to be announced.

Overview
Because you scored at least 146 in the EPT objective section and achieved a minimum score of 8 on the essay, you have been able to register in this RW 101 class, which, if satisfactorily completed, will satisfy both your RW 100 and your developmental requirements. Essential to this course is out-of-class tutoring (98A). You will have to retake a "remedial" class if you score less than 75% in the tutoring component.*

You are also registered in Communication 103, another General Education requirement, taught by Kerk Fong Kee. These classes both focus on communication and the processes through which you go to produce effective written or spoken discourses. Kerk and I have designed a program that will help you to understand the similarities-and the differences-between the approaches in the two classes. In RW 101 in-class writing tests, and in essays for Com 103, you will be asked to compare and contrast course approaches as you develop your skills as effective communicators within a variety of contexts.

An unusual element of this Integrated Curriculum/Freshman Success class will be your interaction with the 9th grade ESL students from Hoover High. You will visit these students twice, and some of you will be selected to make speeches to the group. If the students are able to use e-mail, you will be asked to send them at least six messages during the semester.

Class Goals

In RW 101, you will:

  • Analyze a number of genres written in a variety of contexts.
  • Draft, peer review, and revise texts in these genres.
  • Become a much better editor of your own work and that of your peers.
  • Actively read and critique a number of texts.
  • Identify complex arguments (and counter-arguments) in the media, and elsewhere, relating to contemporary topics.
  • Reflect on your genre analyses, your writing strategies, and your critical reading in preparation for other academic classes and your chosen profession.
Required Texts
Raimes, Ann ( 2001) Keys for Writers (3rd edition) Houghton-Mifflin.
Johns, Ann (in press) Making the College Transition: Strategies for Using Genres to Write Rhetorically. (MCT: on reserve and electronic reserve) Other readings (on line), as assigned.
Copies of the San Diego Union, delivered to class. (To study genres and follow a topic for your Com103, 96, and RW 101 classes.)
Course Requirements
1
Class attendance, group and individual participation, reports on the news, and preparation, as well as short writing, editing, and discovery tasks. The two visits and other interactions with the Hoover students at Balboa Park will also be included in this score. 100pts.
2
Preparation and meetings with the tutor: 100 pts.*
3
Longer writing tasks, generally including peer review, editing and redrafting: 640 pts. [Note: Those relating to the topic for both classes,
followed in the San Diego Union, are marked with a ^. ]
Paper 1
Memo and reflection (Chapter 1) = 60 pts.
Paper 2
Friendly letter and reflection (Chapter 2) = 60 pts.
Paper 3
Group analysis of the Quinlen and Annan essays (Chapter 6) 30 pts.
Paper 4^
Issue-driven essay, research, bibliography, and reflection (Chapter 6 = 80 pts.)
Paper 5^
Critique and bibliography for websites related to the issue-driven paper (40 pts.)
Paper 6
Group analysis of the personal essays (Chapter 6) = 30 pts.
Paper 7
Personal essay (Chapter 6) = 80 pts.
Paper 8
Group analyses of news stories (Chapter 3) = 30 pts.
Paper 9^
A letter to the editor (Chapter 4) = 60 pts.
Paper10^
A signed editorial (Chapter 4) = 80 pts.
Paper 11
Group analyses of reviews and/or critiques (Chapter 5) = 30 pts.
Paper 12
Critique or review (Chapter 5) = 60 pts.
^ Attempt to follow the same general topic throughout these assignments. In most cases, you may be able to use this topic for your informational and persuasive speeches in Com 103. (Note: The topic must be approved by both instructors.)
4
Three, in-class, timed writing tests: 40 points each = 120 pts.
5
Completion of a final portfolio including five of the writing tasks listed above, task reflections and a semester reflection. 40 pts.
Grade Distribution
A = 900-1000; B = 800-899; C = 700 - 799; D = 600 - 699.
Plus and minus grades will be awarded. No incompletes will be possible for this class.
Schedule
Week
Date
Topic Readings
Assignments
1
9/3 & 9/5 Introductions and MCT. Chapter 1 If you do not have an e-mail please obtain one immediately. Register on our Blackboard site.
2
9/10 MCT Chapters 1 & 2 # Paper 1 due

9/12    
3
9/17 MCT Chapter 2
9/19     # Paper 2 due
4
9/24

  Chapter 6
9/25 First visit to the Hoover student program in Balboa Park
9/26     # Paper 3 due
5
10/1

WEB searches: A library orientation Chapter 6
10/3 # First in-class timed writing test  
6
10/8
Issue-driven essays Chapter 6
10/10 # Paper 4 due
7
10/15 Issue-driven and personal essays
Chapter 6 # Paper 5 due
10/17
8
10/22 Chapter 6 # Paper 6 due
10/24
9
10/29 Personal essays Chapter 6
10/30 Second visit to Balboa Park with the Hoover students
10/31 # Second in-class writing test

# Paper 7 due

10
11/5 Rews stories

Chapter 3
11/7 # Paper 8 due
11
11/12 Editorials and letters to the editor
Chapter 4
11/14 # Paper 9 due
12
11/19 Chapter 4
11/21 # Third in-class writing test # Paper 10 due
13
11/26 Conferences in both writing and university seminar classes
11/28 Thanksgiving Holiday
14
12/3 Reviews and critiques
Chapter 5
12/5 # Paper 11 due
15
12/10

Chapter 5
12/12 #Paper 12 due
Finals Week


# Portfolio due
Note: The dates for the in-class writings tests and final portfolio completion are fixed. Other dates may vary depending upon student need and revision and editing requirements. Please write the assignments and tests marked with a pound sign (#) in pencil in your weekly calendar.



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