To pass this course you must complete all the major assignments, fulfill all the weekly assignments, and submit all the writing assignments on time.
Grading
- Paper 1 Narrative Self-Portrait 20%
- Paper 2 Position Argument 20%
- Paper 3 Proposal Argument 25%
- Reading Responses 15%
- Participation 20%
Paper 1: Narrative Self-Portrait (15%) (3-5 pages)
Who are you? It is one of the most fundamental and important questions you will ever face. For this assignment, you will use narrative to craft an argument about who you are in 4-5 pages. That’s not a lot of room, so you’ll have to be strategic: what are the most important aspects of your identity, and how can you convey them clearly and succinctly while telling a good story?
Paper 2: Position Argument (20%) (4-6 pages)
Argue a point. Take a stand. Change a behavior. Correct a misconception. Refute an argument or belief. Launch a manifesto! In this paper, you will build on the skills learned in class to identify an interesting problem or issue that merits your taking a stand; translate your stand (or position) into a thesis statement; support the good reasons for your position with specific details and examples; and marshal your reasoning and appeals to persuade others to accept your position.
Paper 3: Proposal Argument (25%) (4-6 pages)
A proposal argument aims to identify a problematic situation that merits your taking a stand and then advocating a plan of action. For this assignment, you will build from your Position Argument to advocate for a solution to or way to address the problem (or problems) identified in the previous assignment. The Proposal Argument will require that you use credible sources (among other appeals) to supply the data and authority that often persuade contemporary audiences.
Reading Responses (10-15 pts)
For each assigned reading, I would like you to write a brief, half-page (single-spaced) response addressing the following:
- Tell me one thing you know for certain from the reading.
- Tell me one thing you’d like to know more about from the reading.
- Tell me one thing you didn’t understand from the reading.
Your questions might deal with any part of the reading—a confusing example, a term from the text that struck you, an essay that intrigued you, etc.
Format
Choosing a format is a rhetorical decision—it’s all about delivery. So keep in mind that your papers should typically be typed, printed in dark ink, and double-spaced, with one-inch margins. Place your name, the date, and the instructor’s name in the upper left-hand corner of the first page. Number all of the pages, except page 1. Fasten the pages with a paper clip or staple. Place the paper in a folder, and also include earlier drafts and peer review activities in the folder.