Paper 1: Position Argument (200 pts) (5-7 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 2: Proposal Argument (250 pts) (5-10 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 pts each)
For each assigned reading, I would like you to post a response addressing the questions listed in the individual assignment.
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.
Participation (10-50 pts per Workshop):
There is no secret shortcut to good writing: it just takes time. This course and its due dates are paced to help you manage your time through a significant amount of writing while being as humane as possible. If you find yourself falling substantially behind the due dates in Canvas you should make an appointment to talk to me so we can strategize.
This is a long way of saying: I don't penalize late work, but it also will not receive written feedback.
However, if you fall more than two weeks behind, you have to meet with me via phone or Zoom before continuing. This is (1) so I can check in and offer help, and (2) so we can develop a clear plan to get you caught up OR a clear plan to get you withdrawn and in the best situation possible to try again.
Your Quill.org assignments will be part of your participation grade.