FRESHMAN RHETORIC 101 SPRING
2007
Class: Rhetoric 101
Instructor: Lee R. McGinnis
Office: L102 H
Phone: (708) 456-0300 ext. 3237
E-mail: lmcginni@triton.edu
Text: The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing. 7th ed. Axelrod & Cooper
Additional material: 3 ˝” blank computer disk for work done in the computer lab
The purpose of this course is for you to become confident in writing different kinds of nonfiction prose appropriate for your audience and purpose, practice the conventions of standard written English, and engage in the kinds of thinking, reading, and writing that college-level work demands. This course is primarily discussion and writing, which means you will read and write frequently, share your oral and written responses with your classmates, and comment on their work as well.
Assignments:
Attendance:
Students are expected to attend every class. Repeated absences will affect your grade. If you miss more than 2 times, you MAY be terminated from the course. If there are extenuating circumstances, you must reach an agreement with me about fulfilling your classroom responsibilities.
Coming to class on time is important. If you are later than five minutes, a tardy will be marked, and 3 tardies will equal an absence. If you come in late, it is your responsibility to check to make sure that you were marked present.
Evaluation:
You must hand in all assignments in order to complete the course. No late work will be accepted. For final versions of essays, the general criteria are: appropriateness of expression to purpose and audience; thought; development; coherence; organization; style; and care in proofreading. These concepts will be explained in class.
Grading:
| Research Paper | 20% |
| Essays | 40% |
| Quizzes | 20% |
| Attend./Part. | 10% |
| Final Exam | 10% |
| Final Grade | 100% |
| A 100 point grading scale is used |
|
| A | =90-100 |
| B | =80-89 |
| C | =70-79 |
| D | =60-69 |
| F | =59 and below |
Because of the quantity of assignments, there is no opportunity for extra-credit work. Therefore, spend time on all assignments to assure success in the course.
Other class policies:
a) Be attentive, curious and mature. Ask questions, participate, and show that you have completed your homework. Do not talk while I am taking the roll or while I am giving information to the class.
b) No beepers/pagers or phones should be used in class.
Note:
a) All drafts of essays must be word processed or typed, double spaced, and must follow the MLA format. No essays will be accepted without copies of all sources used (only copies, no books)
b) All students are held to a code of academic honesty, as described in the student handbook
c) All student conference dates and times that are scheduled must be fulfilled
WEEK 1
Introduction to the course: Writing Assessment : In class Essay
HW: Read 83-135
WEEK 2
Discussion of Ch. 3: begin invention
HW: Read pages 109-118 doing italicized invention on those pages
Review for quiz on the stories assigned
Quiz: Chapter 3 stories
Discuss Ch. 6 and 19
HW: Read 261-293 and 677-692
WEEK 4
Essay #1 due on Remembering People
Quiz : Chapter 6 and 19 stories
Discuss the Research Paper and all of its components
Handout to accompany research section
MLA Internal Citations
HW: Read 747-790 Chapter 22
Discussion: ongoing in class preparation
WEEK 7
Discuss Ch. 7 Proposing a solution
HW: Read 329-389
Class 8
Essay #2 due on Arguing a Position
Quiz: Chapter 7 stories
WEEK 9
Outside assignment: Narrative Essay – Topic of your choice
Essay #3 due on Proposing a Solution (on return to class)
WEEK 10
Chapter 8
HW: 391-447
Spring Recess - no Classes
Research Paper Due – Must meet the criteria discussed in class
NO LATE PAPERS ARE ACCEPTED!
Essay #4 Narrative Essay Due
Quiz: Chapter 8 stories
Conferences
Discussion: Chapter 10
Interpreting Stories
HW: 507-564
Final Exam: Stories in Chapter
10 Pages 509-537
NOTE: This syllabus and day-by-day class schedule may be altered/adjusted at the discretion of the instructor.