Course Syllabus English 1a Reading And Composition

Course Syllabus English 1a Reading And Composition English 1A Reading and Composition A Journey of Exploration and Expression Course Syllabus Course English 1A is a foundational course designed to develop your critical reading and writing skills Throughout this semester we will engage with diverse texts and genres to explore various themes and arguments You will learn to analyze texts effectively craft well structured arguments and develop your voice as a writer Course Objectives By the end of this course you will be able to Analyze and interpret various literary texts This includes understanding the authors purpose identifying key themes and arguments and evaluating the effectiveness of the text Develop strong critical reading skills You will learn to actively engage with text ask questions and form your own interpretations Compose effective arguments and essays You will be able to formulate clear thesis statements provide supporting evidence and organize your ideas logically Develop your writing voice and style This involves exploring different rhetorical strategies and finding your own unique way of communicating Engage in respectful and productive discussions about texts You will learn to listen to different perspectives formulate thoughtful responses and contribute constructively to class discussions Course Readings Required Texts The Norton Anthology of American Literature Shorter 9th Edition They Say I Say The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing Other readings will be assigned throughout the semester and posted on the course website Course Requirements 2 Reading Responses Throughout the semester you will complete short focused responses to the assigned readings These responses will demonstrate your understanding of the text and your ability to analyze it critically Essays You will write four major essays each addressing a specific topic or argument These essays will require you to engage with multiple sources develop your own thesis and present a compelling argument Class Participation Active and respectful participation in class discussions is essential You should come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings and contribute your own insights Peer Review You will have the opportunity to provide constructive feedback to your classmates on their writing This will help you improve your own writing by learning from others Final Project A culminating project will allow you to explore a topic of your choice in depth and demonstrate your mastery of the courses core concepts Grading Reading Responses 20 Essays 50 Class Participation 10 Peer Review 10 Final Project 10 Attendance and Punctuality Regular attendance and punctuality are expected You are responsible for all material covered in class even if you are absent In case of illness or emergency please notify the instructor immediately Late Submissions Late submissions will be penalized Please speak to the instructor if you are experiencing difficulties that may impact your ability to submit work on time Academic Integrity All work submitted for this course must be your own Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action Please familiarize yourself with the universitys policies on academic integrity Disability Services 3 If you have a disability that may affect your ability to complete course requirements please contact the Disability Services office as soon as possible The office will work with you to provide appropriate accommodations Course Schedule This is a tentative schedule and may be subject to change Please check the course website for the most uptodate information Week 1 to the Course What is Reading and Writing Readings They Say I Say Chapters 13 Discussion What does it mean to read critically How can we approach texts in a way that allows us to engage with them intellectually Assignment Reading Response They Say I Say Chapters 13 Week 2 Exploring Genres and Forms of Writing Readings The Norton Anthology of American Literature selections Discussion How do different genres of writing shape our understanding of the world What are the key characteristics of each genre Assignment Reading Response The Norton Anthology selections Week 3 Argumentation and Persuasion Readings They Say I Say Chapters 46 Discussion What makes a strong argument How can we use rhetorical strategies to persuade our readers Assignment Essay 1 Analyzing an Argument Week 4 Research and Sources Readings They Say I Say Chapters 78 Discussion How do we use research effectively What are the different types of sources and how do we choose the right ones for our arguments Assignment Research Proposal for Essay 2 Week 5 Narrative and Storytelling Readings The Norton Anthology of American Literature selections Discussion What is the role of narrative in writing How can we use storytelling to engage our readers Assignment Reading Response The Norton Anthology selections 4 Week 6 Analyzing and Evaluating Language Readings They Say I Say Chapters 910 Discussion How does language shape our understanding of the world What are the different ways that language can be used to persuade and manipulate Assignment Essay 2 Analysis of a Text Week 7 Rhetoric and Style Readings They Say I Say Chapters 1112 Discussion How can we use rhetorical devices to enhance our writing What are the different elements of style and how do they impact the readers experience Assignment Peer Review Workshop Essay 2 Week 8 Developing Your Writing Voice Readings The Norton Anthology of American Literature selections Discussion What is writing voice How can we develop our own unique style Assignment Reading Response The Norton Anthology selections Week 9 The Importance of Revision Readings They Say I Say Chapter 13 Discussion What are the different stages of the writing process How can we revise our work effectively Assignment Essay 3 Personal Reflection Week 10 Creative and Innovative Writing Readings Studentled presentations on various writing forms Discussion How can we use our writing skills to explore different forms of expression Assignment Final Project Proposal Week 11 Public Speaking and Presentation Skills Readings They Say I Say Chapter 14 Discussion What are the key elements of effective public speaking How can we use our writing skills to create engaging presentations Assignment Preparation for Final Project Presentations Week 12 Final Project Presentations Assignment Final Project Presentation 5 Week 13 WrapUp and Reflections Discussion What have you learned in this course How will you apply these skills in your future endeavors Assignment Final Project Submission This syllabus serves as a guide for the course The instructor reserves the right to make changes as needed throughout the semester Please communicate any questions or concerns to the instructor promptly