Dr. Maggie Griffin

English 112

Requirements
English 112, College English, is an advanced course in writing for academic environments. To take English 112, a student must have passed English 111 with a C or better or the equivalent.

Description
Unlike many high school English classes that emphasize literature or grammar, English 112 focuses on rhetoric. "Rhetoric" is a slippery term that has been defined in many ways. For example, the language of politicians is often called "empty rhetoric." Indeed, people have been looking for a suitable definition of rhetoric since the days of Plato and Aristotle.

Aristotle defined rhetoric is "the art of persuasion." In addition, Aristotle distinguished science from rhetoric by noting that science deals with facts and immutable truths which exist independently of human intentions and emotions.

Rhetoric deals with interpreting, negotiating, and responding to situations that are not bound to the laws of science. In your course work and in your careers, you will be asked to interpret information and to make decisions. From the perspective of rhetoric, knowledge is constantly negotiated through a process which involves language.

Consequently, it becomes enormously important to study how we use language as a social tool to interpret the world and to act responsibly. Effective writing requires a purpose, a context, a sense of audience, and an awareness of the audience's needs.

Objectives

Students who complete English 112 should achieve these benchmarks:

Identify, analyze and evaluate the features of texts (including visual media) and synthesize ideas for discussion and writing
Practice flexible writing processes with attention to prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing
Recognize and avoid logical fallacies
Demonstrate mastery of the conventions of academic English
Clearly define a research problem and conduct efficient and ethical research
Maintain academic integrity in summarizing, paraphrasing, quoting, accurately representing and documenting sources
Organize logical, coherent arguments
Select rhetorical strategies that are appropriate to a particular audience, purpose, and situation
Incorporate opposing views into arguments in a respectful and critical fashion
Demonstrate why the argument should matter to the audience
Correctly and consistently document and cite source material in the appropriate format

Methods
Our studies in English 112 will include reading essays, watching video clips, engaging in discussions, and writing (short, long, formal, and informal) papers.

For most of the essay assignments, you will have an opportunity to revise your work. If you are used to seeing a surplus of red ink and numerous corrections on your essays, you may be surprised by the way that I grade.

When I look at your drafts, I will comment on content and make overall suggestions for revision. I may point out a few grammatical errors; however, my job is NOT to proofread or edit. I will look for patterns that may help you improve your writing, provide assistance for correcting errors, and then get out of your way. In addition to classroom instruction, you may use your handbook, utilize the resources on our website, visit the Writing Center, consult with me during my office hours, and work closely with your peers to revise your essays.

Grades

Policies

Participate fully in the class. Your participation grade depends on your attendance and contributions to class discussions and group activities. If you are a "big talker", please allow others an opportunity to participate. Good classrooom dyamics depend on the participation of all members.

Attend class. If you are absent more than six times during the semester, you may be dropped from the class or your grade will be significantly lowered. If you miss four consecutive classes, you may be dropped from the class. If you have an emergency, contact me as soon as possible.

Be respectful in class. Listen and speak politely. Allow others a chance to express an opinion. Do not use your cell phone in class to text, talk, or play games. If you are discourteous in class, you will be asked to leave. If the problem is severe, you will be asked to drop the class.

Submit assignments on time and in the requested form (ie: hardcopy, electronic form). If your paper is separated from the "flock" because you turned it in late or in a format other than the one specified, it may be lost, misplaced, and not graded in a timely fashion (if at all). Grades on late projects and major essay assignments will be docked 10% for each class period. In-class exercises (including peer editing) and minor assignments cannot be made up.

Be responsible for your work. Make a backup copy of all papers and assignments, and save all graded papers and assignments until you receive your final grade for the semester. If you need to receive an extension on an assignment for a legitimate reason (doctor's appointment, court, jury duty, family emergency), please provide the proper documentation.

Follow protocol for turning in papers. All papers should be typed in 12-point font size and double-spaced with standard (1") margins. They should be submitted for a grade in a pocket folder along with earlier drafts generated for class, any peer review sheets, and an electronic copy (if requested). Following protocol can be worth up to 15%of the grade (5% format; 10% draft and peer editing).