Writing for the Social Sciences, section 2 (English 103), Fall 2008
T/R, 1:50-3:05, Knutti 113
Goals for this
course The purpose of Writing for the Social
Sciences is to help students develop critical reading, thinking, and writing
skills. Students will demonstrate an
understanding of the complexity of ethical dilemmas in education, economics,
cultural geography, political science, psychology, social work, and
sociology. Students will demonstrate the
ability to summarize the research on a topic; to construct an argument; to
locate and organize existing research data; and to generate original, empirical
data. Students will study and use the ethical and technical standards of the
American Psychological Association (APA).
Essential skills
and outcomes The student will demonstrate the ability
to:
render
close textual analysis;
synthesize
information from multiple texts;
generate
clear, cogent ideas;
structure
well-developed essays with thesis, textual support, and analysis;
employ
standard written English usage correctly;
locate and
evaluate scholarly materials through library and electronic research;
generate
and process data through field research;
utilize
basic technology to improve thinking, writing, speaking, and data processing skills.
The student will
demonstrate an understanding and respect for ethnic/cultural diversity.
Required texts
Vaughn, L.
(2008). Doing Ethics: Moral Reasoning and Contemporary Issues.
W.W. Norton.
Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association (5th
ed.). (2001).
Required
materials
A recent college
level dictionary
A
A notebook, pens,
3x5 cards, several rubber bands, a stapler, other materials of your choice
A
Course
requirements
In this course, we
are building toward an original research project and report that you will
design and complete in small groups.
Each assignment will develop the skills you need to successfully
complete this project. The required
assignments for English 103 are an in-class writing exercise, a literature
review, a written argument, a research paper, and the original research
project. In addition, there will be an
out-of-class assignment during the week that this year’s Writer in Residence is
on our campus.
Evaluation
Each assignment listed below will be weighed as indicated. Please note and remember: The midterm grade will be the weighted average of the first two assignments and, therefore, represent only 30% of the final grade.
Participation in class discussion and in small group/peer response activities, quizzes, and written exercises will be up to 50% of the grade for each assignment.
The in-class writing exercise 10%
The literature review 20%
The critical review
(argument) 20%
The research paper 20%
The research project
and report 20%
The assignment for
the Writer in Residence 10%
Grading scale
A 90-100% B 80-89% C 70-79% D 60-69%
Attendance is important and it is required. Your presence and active participation in each class session is your best opportunity to learn and rehearse the skills which are essential for success in this course. Unless you have an excuse from a doctor or from the health clinic on campus, there will be no make-up opportunity for work assigned in class, including the final presentation, or for home assignments checked in your absence.
Plagiarism is unacceptable. Consequences for plagiarism are stated in the Shepherd University Student Handbook and closely adhered to.
One letter grade (see values above) will be deducted from the paper for each day late. All papers are due at the beginning of the class session for which they are assigned.
Humor me here. Submit
each paper in a
Peer tutors are available by appointment at The Academic
Support Center, Knutti 114.
Course of Study (English 103) Please note: The syllabus is subject to change. Bring both textbooks to each class session.
August 19 August
21
Introductions and syllabus Introduction to moral positions
Guided analysis: Stephen Nathanson
“Can Terrorism Be Morally Justified?”
August 26 August 28
Nathanson In-class
writing exercise
Introduction to the APA style
September 2 September 4
Guided analysis: William F. Baxter, Guided analysis: Paul W. Taylor
“People or Penguins” “The Ethics of Respect for Nature”
September 9 September 11
Guided analysis: David Schmidtz Prompt and prospectus for the literature review
“Are All Species Equal?” Research assignment.
September 16 September
18
Orientation, Scarborough Library Independent research.
and guided research
Week Six
September 23 September 25
September 30 October 2
October 21 October
23
Please note: Conferences for the argument will be on
Wednesday, October22.
The argument is due. Guided research at Scarborough Library
Guided research at Scarborough Library The research paper prospectus is due.
November 4 November 6
Workshop for research paper.
Please note:
Conferences for the research paper will be on Thursday, November6.
Week Thirteen
November11 November
13
Peer edit of the research paper. The research paper
is due.
Prompt for the field project. Format and structure of the field project report.
Field project groups meet in class. Field project groups meet in class.
Field project groups
meet in class. Reporting
empirical results.
Thanksgiving break is November 23 through November 30.
December 2 December 4
Field research groups meet during class on both days. I will meet and confer with
each group as needed and once by appointment (required). Field groups present during the
exam period. Each group submits a written report of the empirical study.