COMPOSITION 3140

Writing 3160

Advanced Writing: Social Sciences

Summer, 2009

Independent Study Section

Instructor: Robin Fuller (rkfuller@d.umn.edu)

Webpage Link: http://umn.edu/home/rkfuller

Phone: 726-8663

Office: Hum 422

Materials Required:

Hansen, K. (2007). Writing in the social sciences: a rhetoric with readings (2^nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing.
Suggested text: Perrin, R. (2009). Pocket guide to APA style (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. Not in bookstore.
Note: All readings, assignments, and due dates are located on this syllabus and accessible at the above listed Webpage Link.

Course Objectives:

Writing 3160 is a writing course designed to prepare you to function effectively in a world where readers generally expect you to control Edited Standard Written English. Basic communication skills are not enough if you wish to secure, hold, and advance in a job. This course does not assume you have a great deal of experience as a writer, but it does assume two other things:

1) that you are willing to learn, and

2) that you are interested enough in your career to realize the importance of strong oral and written communication skills.

During this term you will accomplish the following objectives:

· You will learn advanced methods of writing in a variety of formats.

· You will learn that the process of writing, extensive editing, and careful rewriting enables the writer to gain a detailed knowledge of both subject and audience, and that this is the only way to produce professional texts.

· You will review and strengthen your grasp of basic grammar concepts, understanding the critical role this can play in how other people view your professionalism and abilities.

· You will produce professional documents that you will be proud to display in a portfolio as an example of your writing expertise.

Class Policies:

Note: I am willing to discuss these policies at any time, but if you feel you cannot meet them, you would probably be wise to find an alternative way to fulfill your senior writing requirement.

1) There are very specific “due dates” in this course, and you would be wise to adhere to the schedule provided herein. Doing this will ensure that you complete the class in a timely manner, meet the requirements of the course, and learn the skills that will take you into the work world. If you object to “due dates,” then you are not ready for real life professional assignments.

2) All due dates are on Friday, by midnight, of the week they are due. Therefore, for example, the first assignment, the Chapter 2 Questions, is due on Friday, week 2 of the semester you are registered for.

3) All assignments will be sent as an attachment to email.

4) Late assignments will be docked 10% of their possible value per day. Think of yourself as a professional with your job on the line!

5) Failure to write any paper means failing the course.

6) Two points (or 20%) of every paper are editing points. For this reason, you should proofread carefully before handing in any assignment.

7) Papers may be rewritten to correct major errors; however, it is more difficult to gain points from a revision than to do it correctly the first time. Always consult with me first before attempting to do a revision, so I can give you specific guidelines.

8) The University’s Academic Integrity Policy will be strictly enforced. For more information, please visit http://www.d.umn.edu/catalogs/current/umd/gen/regis.html.

Your final grade will be determined as follows: Points

1. Revised Journal Article ............................................. 10 ________

2. Chapter 2 Questions.................................................. 05 ________

3. Interview.................................................................... 10 ________

4. Newsletter.................................................................. 10 ________

5. Observational Study ................................................. 15 ________

6. Proposal for Independent Study Documents............ 10 ________

7. Independent Study Documents................................. 30 ________

8. Position Paper............................................................ 10 ________

Total..................................... 100

Procrastination leads not to inspiration, but desperation

Special Needs: If you have a disability that may affect your performance in this class, please inform me at the start of the semester. Methods, materials, or testing will be adapted as required for equitable participation.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

This schedule is designed to help you plan activities and assignments

Assigned readings and assignments due are in bold.

Week

Reading Due and Assignment Given

Assignment Due

Read Chapter 1: Rhetoric…

Read Chapter 2: The Individual…

· Assignment: Chapter 2 Questions-- Wordprocess the answers to questions 1-7 on page 40-41 of the Suggestions for Discussion section. Be as descriptive and informative as you can.

Read Chapter 3: Research Methods…

Read Chapter 15: Letters and Memos

· Assignment: Journal Article Revision

· Example of Journal Article Revision

Chapter 2 Questions

Due: June 12

Read Chapter 5: Interviewing

· Assignment: Interview

· Read “Multilevel Revising”

APA/MLA documentation Take time this week to refresh your memory on either APA or MLA documentation. It doesn't matter which style you use, as long as you are CONSISTENT! You may use an online style guide; there are many. Check these out: