Missouri Western State
University, Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Journalism
Summer 2008
MTWR 10:30-1:15, MH 104
Office hours: 1:30-2:30 MTW Phone: 816-271-4316
Email: mthompson14@missouriwestern.edu Mailbox: Eder 222-A
Before the writing comes the thinking, before the thinking comes the curiosity, before the curiosity comes the opposite of apathy, and before that comes this class. We will work together in this class to think beyond what is written on the page, to ask questions, to know that sometimes asking questions is more important than answering them.
Handouts[1]
Jump/flash drive[2]
A reliable printer with a steady supply of ink cartridges
An open mind/ability to examine viewpoints dissimilar from your own
Assignment Overview/Grade Breakdown
You will be writing three main papers over the course of the semester. I will present a detailed assignment sheet at the start of each one.
Subculture study: 20%
Personal literacy narrative: 20%
Rhetorical analysis: 20%
In-class quizzes and informal writing: 20%
Class participation/contributions to the greater good: 20%[3]
Occasionally I hold conferences several days before a paper
is due in order to give you time to discuss it with me. Conferences are generally 15 minutes and held
in my office. You are expected to
prepare for these by having a full-length, rough draft or extensive
outline. Missing a scheduled
conference counts as an absence.
Attendance/Tardiness
During a summer session, when classes are condensed, not entirely unlike a can of Cream of Mushroom soup, we will be progressing at a quicker pace, day to day, so in missing class you will not only potentially be falling behind but also negatively affecting your participation grade.
Agenda: Class introduction, course outcomes
Homework: Read “Nacirema”
Agenda: Introduce first paper
Homework: Read “The Dude Manifesto,” and others
Agenda: Discussion of subcultures/countercultures, begin watching film
questions
Agenda: Finish watching film, address proposals
Homework: Compose a rough draft for in-class workshop
Agenda: Workshop, sign up for conferences
Homework: Prepare for your conference
Tuesday, 6.10
Class cancelled for conferences
Wednesday, 6.11
Agenda: First paper due, introduce second paper
Homework: Read past student’s essay as an example
Agenda: Reading discussion, bildungsroman
Homework: Draft a proposal
Agenda: Proposal discussion
Homework: Compose a rough draft for in-class workshop
Tuesday, 6.17
Agenda: Workshop, sign up for conferences
Homework: Prepare for your conference
Wednesday, 6.18
Class cancelled for conferences
Thursday, 6.19
Agenda: Second paper due, introduce final paper
Homework: Contemplate an example of rhetoric for your final paper
Agenda: Examining contemporary rhetoric
Homework: Compose a rough draft for in-class workshop
Tuesday, 6.24
Agenda: Workshop, sign up for conferences
Homework: Prepare for your conference
Wednesday, 6.25
Class cancelled for conferences
Thursday, 6.26
Agenda: Final paper due
[1] Since we will not be using one, official course text, we will be reading handouts, which I will distribute in class, which you will need to be present to attain.
[2] Back up your work.
[3] Includes your critical input to discussions, preparedness for class/conferences, attendance, general alertness (read: not sleeping. I reserve the right to mark you absent if you sleep through class), contributions to group work, paying attention to your peers/me, not interrupting, not texting, exercising civility, and asking questions which spark intelligent dialogue.