Online Reserves English 313w

This course not only examines how we articulate literacy, but how we think of language and how this affects our understandings of the user. We are affected by others' biases, and we affect others by own biases of how we believe language ought to be spoken, written, and expressed. There are 4 books to buy, and there will be online reserves. You are expected to apply the theories along with any personal insight. Please do not depend solely on your personal experiences. Please take advantage of the Cline librarians as they are far more knowledgeable about potential research sites than I am. Also, I cannot stress how important the Writing Center is for all writers. They are not only meant for English 105 or E.F.L. students. Tutors are trained to work with writing, and I can always tell when a student works with a writing tutor. You'll be happy you went. Make your appointments early and often.

Course Orientation

We will study how a historical perspective of literacy in the United States
We will use language critically and theories found in academic and professional communities
We will write papers which are revised not only at the language-level, but at the idea-level
We will conduct informed research and analysis of literate practices in different discourse communities
We will collaborate on various projects to practice working with others' ideas, and revising one's own.

Course Requirements
Active participation in class discussions (10 points)
Studying literacy and the consequences of it means studying ourselves, studying those around us, and studying texts. Because we are all part of the "debate" it is important to partake in that discussion. Therefore, I expect everybody to provide frequent input that will further our understanding of each other, of texts that we read, of literacy issues, and of the writing that we will do.

Informal writing  (20 points)
We'll do a lot of writing in this class. I'll ask you to bring in two 2 page papers on selected readings, and we'll write two papers in-class as well. Informal papers are worth 5 points each. Make sure your writing as a purpose statement and that you support your statement.

Discussion leader (10 points)
Understanding and learning takes place in all kinds of environments but especially when you are actively engaged in the process. To provide you with opportunities for active learning, and to emphasize the connections between oral and written language, you will lead a class discussion on one of the readings for class. Do not summarize the reading, do not read to the class. If you sign up the WebCT discussion, I'll need the prompt by Sunday afternoon.

Oral Presentation (10 points)
Reading, writing, and speaking are closely connected. It'll be important for you to be able to express yourself clearly and convincingly not only in writing, but also when you give a talk. Your oral presentation will be part of the learning and literacy process. It will be based on your research paper and project.

Project (15 points)
You'll create a project that correlates with your final research paper. You'll need to create one of the following: website, documentary-style powerpoint, kiosk with handouts. More on this later.

Paper based on field research (35 points)
For this paper, you'll need to do primary and secondary research. The topic of your paper will be closely connected to our course goals, and you'll need to choose your topic based on issues dealing with literate practices in a contextualized discourse community. This paper should be about 15-20 pages. You can present preliminary results of this project at the graduate student symposium. More this opportunity later.

Required Readings
Cook, Claire Kejrwald. MLA's Line by Line: How to Edit Your Own Writing.

Lippi-Green, Rosina. English with an Accent: Language, ideology, and discrimination in the United States.
  
Tyack, David and Larry Cuban. Tinkering Toward Utopia: A Century of Public School Reform.

Williams, Robin. The Non-Designer's Design Book. Peachpit Press, 2nd edition.

Grades

A: Outstanding work (90-100 )
B: Above average work (80-89)
C: Average work (70-79)
D: Below average work (60-69)
F: Failing Grade (0-59)
Attendance Policy — This class can only be successful if you participate and attend. For this reason, you are expected to be in class every time we meet. If you miss more than two classes, it will lower your grade by 5 points. For every final presentation you miss, you'll be lowered 5 points.Your classmates often put in a lot of time and work for their final presentation. A small audience is rude and disrespectful. If you need to miss a class, you are responsible for finding out about readings, assignments, etc. Do NOT, however, miss a final presentation.