BIRZEIT UNIVERSITYDepartment of English Language and Literature

ENGL233 Writing IFall Semester 2014/2015

COURSE OUTLINE

Instructor: XXXXXXX Office: English Department XXXENGL 233 - Section XX Office Hours: XXXXClass time XX and Room XX Course descriptionWriting I is a general, core academic writing course. It emphasizes writing skills needed in the study of literature and language, with attention to basic grammatical structures and rhetorical modes. Close reading and critical analysis are used to generate ideas and logical organization.

Course objectivesBy the end of the course, students will be expected to: o Read and identify the basic characteristics of common essay genreso Understand and use a variety of rhetorical methods for developing ideasto

develop their ideaso Develop and organize ideas effectively and logically in paragraphs and

essayso Develop effective, logical,well-structured and well-supported argumentso Strengthen paragraphs and essaystheir writing through a process of

continuous revisiono Demonstrate progress in writing Write paragraphs and essays free of

common grammatical errors and basic stylistic weaknesseso Understand academic requirements related to documentation and avoiding

plagiarism

TextbookCompiled material (to be bought at the bookstore).Handouts and materials distributed in class and/or on Ritaj.

Course basicsDevelopment of writing skills will be pursued through a series of progressive in-class and homework writing assignments working from the paragraph to various essay forms, culminating with a final argumentative essay involving literary analysis. Writing assignments will be designed to engage students in personal reflection and close reading of selected texts. Revision and peer review will also contribute to strengthening student writing. The final course project will allow students to explore the full writing process from drafting to revising and editing.

This course will depend heavily on your participation; all students are expected to actively engage in class discussions and activities. Make sure you always read and

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BIRZEIT UNIVERSITYDepartment of English Language and Literature

think about the material assigned for each session, do your assignments, and prepare yourself fully for a class that combines the theoretical aspects of regarding the act of writing and a consequent corresponding application and practice. Throughout the term all students are expected to read and write English on a daily basis both inside and outside of class; each student is required to keep a daily journal.

Academic integrity and plagiarismEven though you all probably know this, a reminder is necessary: plagiarism is commonly defined as copying, without the use of a proper form of academic documentation, the ideas or words of another.

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There are essentially two kinds of plagiarism; deliberate plagiarism and accidental plagiarism. One may sound more acceptable than the other, but the fact is that both are equally serious academic offences. In this class, accidental and deliberate plagiarism will be treated the same. You will be given a 0 for the first assignment found to contain plagiarism. A second offence will result in a failing grade for the course.

The most common acts of deliberate plagiarism involve copying another person's work and passing it as your own. The most common acts of accidental plagiarism involve failing to place quotation marks around another writer's words and failing to provide the proper citation when you rely on another person's ideas.

Ritaj (Birzeit Academic Portal)Class updates, assignments and handouts will be posted to Ritaj on a regular basis; students should check Ritaj daily to be sure that they are keeping up with course assignments and requirements. Students can also communicate with the instructor through Ritaj.

Attendance It is crucial that you attend all classes. University policy stipulates that any student with absences double the number of weekly class sessions risks failing the course. If you must be absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed in terms of notes and handouts, as well as what you need to prepare for the next class. This can be done through the aid of a classmate or by paying a short visit to my office for information. In all cases, do not allow yourself to lose track of course work (both in and out of class) as this will hinder your learning progress and, consequently, your ability to succeed in the course.

Late work and make-up work All course work should be submitted on time; late work will not generally be accepted for this class. That said, when absolutely necessary and in accordance with university policy, arrangements for late work and make-up exams will be made on an individual basis. Responsibility for arrangements lies with the student. All late work will be downgraded.

Format for papersAll outside of class assignments/essays must be typed and submitted in hard copy. Save each essay/rough draft electronically before you print. It is your responsibility to foresee the possibility of computer problems and formulate a plan before disaster overtakes you.

Information obtained from all sources (on-line as well as printed) must be cited using MLA format as instructed.

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Assessment of learningGrades are an evaluation tool used to help you gage your academic progress. As such, they are essentially a tool for helping you to learn better. Grades are not given by the instructor; they are earned by the student. Assessment for this course will be based on the following guidelines:

Participation & assignments 10% Writer’s journal & writer’s portfolio (demonstrated improvement - 5% + 5%)

10% Student writings (descriptive paragraph, expository essay I, expository essay II, argumentative essay) 70% Final project 10%

Tentative Course Schedule

Weeks 1-2: Introduction to courseThe writing and reading processes Student baseline writingParagraph structureGrammar check

Weeks 3-4: Descriptive and narrative essaysSubjective and objective descriptionDirection and support Form and structure (objects, places, characters, events, stories)Student writing 1Introducing revision and peer reviewGrammar check

Weeks 5-6: Comparison and contrast essayExpository essays IFrom paragraph to essay Unity and coherenceForm and structure (process, definition, example, classification)Supporting details Response paper 2Student writing 2Revision and peer review Grammar check

Weeks 7-8: Expository essays IIUsing outside sourcesForm and structure (comparison and contrast, cause and effect)Student writing 3 Revision and peer reviewGrammar check

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Weeks 7-8-9-109-12: Persuasive and argumentative essaysCritical positionIdentifying and critiquing arguments and counter-argumentsDeveloping, supporting and refuting argumentsForm and structure (persuasion, academic argument, literary analysis?)Forms and structureResponse paper 3 Revision and peer reviewGrammar check

Weeks 11-12-13: Analytical essayCritical reading and writingCritical theory Response paperStudent writing 4Revision and peer reviewGrammar check

Weeks 13-14: Final projectFinal writer’s projectPortfolio editing and assembly

NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to change topics or the order in which they are listed in the course outline at her discretion.

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