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:
1.) Tell me one thing you know for certain from the reading.
2.) Tell me one thing you’d like to know more about from the reading.
3.) 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.
Writing Center
The Writing Center is where students learn they are writers. As tutors, we 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. We listen because we believe that every student has something to say. Bring your writing projects in at any stage of the writing process and take advantage of this free service. We are open in the Writing Center in Braithwaite 204 Monday through Friday 8 am - 5pm, and in the Gerald R. Sherratt Library Monday through Thursday 7pm - 9pm. Sign up online for a session at our website:
suu.edu/hss/writingcenter/ Links to an external site.
Also, feel free to email us at
writingcenter@suu.edu, or call us at (435) 865-8176.