English 2010 Intermediate Writing, taken after successful completion of English 1010, continues English 1010’s emphasis on critical thinking and research-based argument, while adding a focus on inquiry and analysis. This course reinforces strategies that foster careful reasoning, argumentation, and rhetorical awareness of purpose, audience, and genre. The course emphasizes critically evaluating, effectively integrating, and properly documenting sources. A major research project is required. Subtopics in English 2010 may vary.

This section of English 2010 will focus on popular culture. We will discuss and analyze cultural products and activities that are targeted towards — and appeal to — the masses. As we think critically about popular culture, we will examine our relationship to the products we consume and what that says about ourselves and our culture overall. Each student will conduct an in-depth research project and use persuasive techniques to create their own research-based argument.

• In lieu of a textbook, I have selected readings for the class that are available on Canvas. You are required to print hard copies of these readings — preferably bound together — and bring them to class on the day they are assigned.
• Bring a pen and paper to class every day.

• Sources and Evidence: Locate, evaluate, and integrate credible and relevant sources to achieve various writing purposes.
• Genre Awareness: Demonstrate critical and conceptual awareness of genre in reading and writing—including organization, content, presentation, formatting, and stylistic choices.
• Context and Purpose: Analyze rhetorical situations and adapt to the audience, purpose, modalities, and the circumstances surrounding a range of reading and writing tasks.
• Language Awareness and Usage: Recognize and make intentional, critical, and contextually-informed language choices across a range of rhetorical contexts/situations.
• Recursive Writing Processes: Develop flexible, iterative, and reflective processes for invention, drafting, workshopping, and revision.

Research Project & Final Research Paper: The bulk of the semester and thirty percent of your total grade will be devoted to a long research paper, which you will write on an pop-culture topic of your choice. This paper will be the culmination of our course’s learning outcomes. Failure to submit the final draft will result in an automatic course fail. (Length: 10-12 pages, +1 page for works cited, 11-13 pages total.)

• Preparatory Research Assignments and Rough Drafts (250 points, 25%): You will complete several assignments throughout the unit as you write and revise your paper, including a topic proposal, source evaluations, synthesis matrix, detailed outline, and rough drafts.
• Writing Workshops & Writing Center (100 points, 10%): Your participation in these opportunities is required for your success in this class. Throughout the research paper unit there will be three days set aside for in-class workshops. Participation in these three days is mandatory and cannot be made up afterwards. You will also be required to attend the Writing Center (Braithwaite Center 101) for at least one hour at some point in the semester (you can either attend a one-hour appointment or two 30-minute appointments). Make an appointment here: https://www.suu.edu/writingcenter/
• Research Paper Final Draft (300 points, 30%)

Short Essays & Reading Responses (200 points, 20%): You will complete three short essays that will allow you to practice and showcase the skills you will need for your final research project. Additionally, you will write responses papers accompanying most of the reading assignments.

Class Participation (8%): This course is designed around your active participation. First, you should prepare for class by completing the readings carefully (well enough that you can easily recall and discuss information from the material). Because the concepts we discuss in class are directly connected to assignments, you should also take good notes in class.

In addition to preparing for class and taking notes, you are required to participate regularly in discussions and other class activities, like group work and in-class writing. Remaining attentive and asking questions also help show your engagement in class. Demonstrate respect for others by listening when other people are speaking. Avoid distracting, disruptive behaviors such as doing outside work, sleeping, and improper technology usage (see technology policy below).

Grading Scale: A=93 to 100%; A-=92.9 to 90%; B+=87 to 89.9%; B=83 to 86.9%; B-=80 to 82.9%; C+=77 to 79.9%; C=73 to 76.9%; C-= 70 to 72.9%; D+=67 to 69.9%; D=63 to 66.9%; D-=60 to 62.9%; F=0 to 59.

Note: I may adjust assignments and point totals during the semester, but I will announce any changes in class and make corresponding adjustments on Canvas.

• Week 1: Class Intro
• Week 2: Introduction to Rhetoric
• Week 3: Introduction to Research Papers & Topic Development
• Week 4: Research
• Week 5: Research & Source Evaluation
• Week 6: Citations & Bibliographies
• Week 7: Source Blending
• Week 8: Source Blending
• Week 9: Paper Development — Thesis Statements, Introductions, and Body Paragraphs
• Week 10: Source Response
• Week 11: Counterarguments
• Week 12: Feedback and Revision
• Week 13: Peer Feedback and Revision
• Week 14: Format and Mechanics

Late Work

Late work may be submitted up to two weeks after the original assignment due date; however, they will receive a 20% deduction. After two weeks, assignments will be locked. If you are struggling or experiencing extenuating circumstances and need an extension on a particular assignment (including DRC accommodations), contact me before the assignment is due and we will set an alternate deadline. Also, note that I do not give feedback on late assignments.

Technology

As previously mentioned, you must bring a pen and paper to class with you every day for note taking. Devices like laptops and tablets will be allowed for in-class writing and research; however, during small group and whole class discussions I will often ask that laptops be closed. Other devices, like cell phones, headphones, and earbuds are not welcome in class and should stay in your bag. Consistent technological disruptions will negatively affect your overall participation grade.

Formatting

Every paper and assignment submitted for this course must be typed with 1-inch margins in Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced. They must also adhere to current MLA (Modern Language Association) style guidelines.

Page Length Requirements

Each paper you turn in for this class will have a required page length, a requirement that refers to full pages, not sheets of paper. For example, a four-page assignment must be four FULL pages, not three and a half pages.

Schedule

The course schedule is available on Canvas, including all readings, assignments, and discussions. You are responsible for keeping up to date on reading and assignment due dates / times. If I make changes to the schedule, I will announce the changes in class and make the changes to the Canvas schedule.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Within this course, all submitted assignments should be written, developed, created, or inspired by you. If any work is created by artificial intelligence (AI) it will be considered plagiarized work and a violation of SUU Policy 6.33: Academic Misconduct. This could result in a failing grade to disciplinary action through the Dean of Students’ Office. AI is an evolving technology and will impact our academic, professional, and personal lives. It is important that as part of your education, you learn to critically think, create, and evaluate products/assignments.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and BingAI, are not allowed to be used in this class. Although the use of these types of tools may be allowed in other classes or are used professionally, this class will focus on learning foundations without the aid of generative AI. Any perceived use of generative AI will be investigated for possible submission to the university as cheating.

I run every assignment through AI detection software and look for common AI markers. If any of your assignments is flagged as AI generated, we will meet to discuss the assignment. I recommend downloading the Google Chrome extension Draftback to use alongside Google Docs, which shows revision history and can help provide proof that you completed the assignment without using AI.

Attendance (7%): Attendance counts as five percent of your final grade, with the attendance grade dropping for every class missed. Official University-excused absences for academic events are the only exceptions to this. Academic events include competitions (related to a major or an academic department), fine arts performances, course-related field trips, and conferences associated with professional organizations and honor societies. If you want your absences "excused," I need to be notified directly from your coach or advisor prior to your absence(s).

Arriving late to class will negatively impact your attendance grade, counting as 80% of a regular attendance point. Also note that being over 20 minutes late counts as an absence.

• NOTE: If your attendance is below 60%, you will fail the class; in other words, you cannot stop coming to class and expect to still pass by continuing to submit assignments.
• NOTE: You will receive five "free" absences, which will be applied at the end of the semester.

Missing Class

• If you are absent for any reason, you are still responsible for the material covered and assignments due during those missed classes. Arrange to get notes from a classmate to fill you in on any information you missed. If you have questions about the class material after getting notes from a classmate, email me or stop by during office hours.
• If you have any medical, psychological, or learning disability condition that might prevent you from regular attendance, you must go through the SUU Disability Resource Center to receive accommodations. If you are experiencing symptoms related to your condition, you must email me before class to notify me of your absence per DRC accommodations.
• If you are experiencing a major conflict preventing you from attending class regularly, like extended illness or family obligations, please keep me informed and updated. Also be aware that you should not take classes that conflict with your work schedule, this one included.

Writing Center: Writing Center tutors guide students through the process of tackling the unique challenge of each writing situation by creating a safe space to practice, experiment, make mistakes, and find a voice. Visit the website for information on scheduling appointments: https://www.suu.edu/writingcenter/

SUU Mental Health: Mental health is essential for a student's academic success. SUU provides resources, support, and services to address mental health issues at every level of concern. Visit the website to learn more: https://www.suu.edu/mentalhealth/.

Other campus resources: https://www.suu.edu/studentaffairs/pdf/campus-resources-and-services.pdf