ENG103: Discovering Composition
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Chapman University, Fall 2015
Instructor: Amanda Styron Meeting Time: T/Th TBD Instructor’s Email: [email protected] Office: Somewhere Office Hours: TBD COURSE DESCRIPTION: Welcome to Discovering Composition! This course is built around three fundamental activities: noticing, discovering, and composing. Ultimately, the “texts” we read each week will be determined by what you notice in the physical and digital worlds around you. For the purposes of this course, a “text” will be any composition or design object which influences, impacts, entertains or persuades its “reader.” We will consider these “texts” as cultural artifacts that function to produce or manipulate cultural values, which in turn produce ripple effects that manage to touch nearly every facet of life. While we will look to classic definitions of rhetoric in order to establish a foundation for understanding, we will ultimately look to the world around us to discover and learn to navigate the subtle rhetorics vying for our attention every day. From traditional examples such as advertising, film/television and literature, to non-traditional rhetoric we rarely think about as such, the goal of this course is to discover, excavate and intervene in the culture--essentially remaking the culture that makes us who we are. The internet will serve as a primary source for discovery, and much of what we read/consume/discuss each week will likely come from online. However, this course is designed to operate on two different yet interdependent tracks, which compliment and build upon each other. In order to more effectively filter, process and engage with media and cultural rhetoric, we will be using composition books to build a bridge linking your digital and physical worlds. THE COMPOSITION BOOK: Your composition book (yes, paper) will serve as an active creative and archival space for daily activities in and outside of class. As both a navigation and an expedition device, your composition books will contain the raw material from which your other major (often digital) projects will be built. You may think of them as "catch-alls," into which you put elements from the various aspects of your life, especially what you notice in the physical and digital worlds around you. As the pulse of this course and a key part of the process of developing logical, analytical, and argumentative positions, your compositions book will prove valuable in and of itself as a commonplace for ideas and questions, “noticings,” and reflections--not to mention unexpected juxtapositions or threads which become apparent over time. The discovery process is crucial to the practice of writing/composition, and these books will allow you to hone your skills in what Marilyn Frasca called “being present and seeing what’s there.” We will begin each class with a composition exercise, in which you draw/doodle/sketchnote/etc. as we watch or listen to some form of media.* We will discuss this course component further during our first class meeting, but please be aware that this is required and will count towards a considerable percentage of your overall grade (%25). You will be expected to fill at least 2-3 composition books by the end of the semester, and they will be periodically submitted for review. *This includes the first, so please make sure to bring them to our first meeting and every meeting thereafter. COURSE OBJECTIVES: By the end of this course, our goal should be the following:
In addition, this course will follow the WPA Learning Outcomes located at http://wpacouncil.org/positions/outcomes.html/ FORMAT: Due to the interdependent nature of this course, participation and communication are essential to success. The discussion material and in-class composition activities are born out of the rhetorical and cultural artifacts you discover in the world around you, so posting to the discovery archive is also imperative. Weekly “discovery archive” postings on the class Tumblr/blog will be 15% of your overall grade. We will discuss this in detail during the first week of class, but basically you will be on the lookout for IDEAS, IMAGES, CHANGES, VALUES, TRANSFORMATIONS, MOVEMENTS -- in books, on television, online in publications or social media. Post what you discover in the media you consume. Everyone will be subscribing to three (3) email newsletters of their choice during the first week of classes. These newsletters, along with RSS feeds, Twitter and Pocket, will prove very helpful in helping you sift through the all that is available online. You may also post links to videos or audio recordings (musical or otherwise), images, literary or philosophical quotes, inspiring lyrics, moments... The point is to discover--something about yourself, your culture, your world. Assignment Breakdown: Discovery Archive Weekly Posts 15% Composition Book 25% Assignment 1 - Essay 15% Assignment 2 - Open Letter 15% Assignment 3 - Email Newsletter 30% Your composition books will comprise 25% of your grade. You are expected to write/doodle/note in your composition book daily--even outside of class. Your attendance grade is combined with the composition book; each class will begin with a composition activity, and these activities serve as your attendance records. We will be using other digital platforms, such as TinyLetter and the online writing community Medium for your other major assignments. We will go over setting up the necessary accounts in class as the need arises. REQUIRED TEXTS: As I prefaced, each of you will play an active part in determining the material we apply to this course, which means few (if any) required texts will be necessary. In addition to the material you discover each week and post to our “Discovery Archive” in the class blog for discussion, I will also be assigning various articles, essays, videos, and excerpts throughout the semester—all of which will be posted on the course website. At some point in the semester each student will be responsible for providing material based on their noticings. We will discuss and schedule in more detail during the first week of class. THE "TEXTS" WE WILL CONSIDER:
Selected “texts”/excerpts provided via Blackboard (additional selections TBD):
Film/TV/Video: Godin, Seth. “The Art of Noticing, and then Creating.” On Being with Krista Tippett. Interview. The School of Life (selected "Lessons") Print Publications: The Hedgehog Review Scientific American Online Publications: BrainPickings (weekly newsletter, website, and blog) Nautilus The School of Life (videos) |
Image via Brainpickings.org
Barry, Lynda. Syllabus: Notes From an Accidental Professor. (2014)
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Policies & Procedures
COURSE POLICIES:
Grading Scale
A = 1000-930 4.0 (exceptional)
A- = 929-900 3.7
B+ = 899-870 3.3
B = 869-830 3.0 (very good)
B- = 829-800 2.7
C+ = 799-770 2.3
C = 769-730 2.0 (satisfactory)
C- = 729-700 1.7
D+ = 699-670 1.3 (unsatisfactory)
D = 669-630 1.0
D- = 629-600 0.7 (minimum passing)
F = 599-0 0.0 (failing)
Technology Requirements
Attendance
Attendance is required. Because of the interdependent nature of this course, participation in discussions, and thus attendance, are essential. Also, in-class activities make-up a large proportion of your CompBook writing, so it is important to be in class to complete them. Missing more than three class meetings will impact your participation grade significantly.
Late Assignments and Make Ups
Late submission of major assignments is permitted with prior notification and approval.
Electronic Devices
Laptops and tablets may only be used during designated “discovery browsing” times. Outside of those times all electronic devices should be turned off and put away. Additional uses may be permitted depending on class activities TBD. All notes (sketchnotes, collage, doodling, drawing) taken during viewings/readings/discussions will be done in your CompBooks, which are collected four (4) times throughout the semester. You are expected to bring your composition book to every class.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES/PROCEDURES:
Chapman University Academic Integrity Policy:
Emergency Response Message
Take note of the safety features in and around the classroom. Also, please study the posted evacuation routes. The most direct rout of egress may not be the safest. Running out of the building during earthquakes may be dangerous. During strong earthquakes, it is recommended to duck, cover, and hold until the quaking stops. Follow the guidance of your instructor. Your cooperation during emergencies can minimize the possibility of injury to yourself and others.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
In compliance with ADA guidelines, students who have any condition, either permanent or temporary, that might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to contact the Disability Services Office. The Disability Services Office will work with the appropriate faculty member who is asked to provide the accommodations for a student based on the documentation and the individual student needs. The granting of any accommodation will not be retroactive and cannot jeopardize the academic standards or integrity of the course.
Equity and Diversity
Chapman University is committed to ensuring equality and valuing diversity. Students and professors are reminded to show respect at all times as outlined in Chapman’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy: http://tinyurl.com/CUHarassment-Discrimination. Any violations of this policy should be discussed with the professor, the Dean of Students and/or otherwise reported in accordance with this policy.
Grading Scale
A = 1000-930 4.0 (exceptional)
A- = 929-900 3.7
B+ = 899-870 3.3
B = 869-830 3.0 (very good)
B- = 829-800 2.7
C+ = 799-770 2.3
C = 769-730 2.0 (satisfactory)
C- = 729-700 1.7
D+ = 699-670 1.3 (unsatisfactory)
D = 669-630 1.0
D- = 629-600 0.7 (minimum passing)
F = 599-0 0.0 (failing)
Technology Requirements
- Paper composition book(s) - up to four per semester
- Regular access to a computer and the internet; TinyUrl and Medium accounts.
- A Chapman email account. I will conduct all class e-mail communication on your official Chapman account.
- Access to Blackboard for syllabus, ongoing course schedule and readings, and blackboard reflection posts.
Attendance
Attendance is required. Because of the interdependent nature of this course, participation in discussions, and thus attendance, are essential. Also, in-class activities make-up a large proportion of your CompBook writing, so it is important to be in class to complete them. Missing more than three class meetings will impact your participation grade significantly.
Late Assignments and Make Ups
Late submission of major assignments is permitted with prior notification and approval.
Electronic Devices
Laptops and tablets may only be used during designated “discovery browsing” times. Outside of those times all electronic devices should be turned off and put away. Additional uses may be permitted depending on class activities TBD. All notes (sketchnotes, collage, doodling, drawing) taken during viewings/readings/discussions will be done in your CompBooks, which are collected four (4) times throughout the semester. You are expected to bring your composition book to every class.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES/PROCEDURES:
Chapman University Academic Integrity Policy:
- Chapman University is a community of scholars which emphasizes the mutual responsibility of all members to seek knowledge honestly and in good faith. Students are responsible for doing their own work, and academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated anywhere in the university.
- Students are expected to abide by ethical standards in preparing and presenting material which demonstrates their level of knowledge and which is used to determine grades. Such standards are founded on basic concepts of integrity and honesty. These include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
- Students shall not plagiarize, which is defined as:
- Stealing or passing off as one’s own ideas or words of another;
- Using a creative production without crediting the source.
- Students shall not cheat, which is defined as:
- Using notes, aids, or the help of other students on texts or exams in ways other than those expressly permitted by the teacher;
- Misreporting or altering the date in laboratory or research projects involving the collection of data.
- Students shall not furnish materials or information in order to enable another student to plagiarize or cheat.
- If you are caught at any time plagiarizing an assignment or cheating on a quiz or exam, I will determine the severity of the situation, and will inform you of the consequences. You may be given a warning, you may receive an F on an assignment, or you may receive an F in the course.
Emergency Response Message
Take note of the safety features in and around the classroom. Also, please study the posted evacuation routes. The most direct rout of egress may not be the safest. Running out of the building during earthquakes may be dangerous. During strong earthquakes, it is recommended to duck, cover, and hold until the quaking stops. Follow the guidance of your instructor. Your cooperation during emergencies can minimize the possibility of injury to yourself and others.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
In compliance with ADA guidelines, students who have any condition, either permanent or temporary, that might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to contact the Disability Services Office. The Disability Services Office will work with the appropriate faculty member who is asked to provide the accommodations for a student based on the documentation and the individual student needs. The granting of any accommodation will not be retroactive and cannot jeopardize the academic standards or integrity of the course.
Equity and Diversity
Chapman University is committed to ensuring equality and valuing diversity. Students and professors are reminded to show respect at all times as outlined in Chapman’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy: http://tinyurl.com/CUHarassment-Discrimination. Any violations of this policy should be discussed with the professor, the Dean of Students and/or otherwise reported in accordance with this policy.
