Sarycuse University WRT 105 Syllabus

 

 

WRT 105, Practices of Academic Writing

Fall 2015

Teacher: Mrs. DeSimony

 

Course Description:

    In WRT 105 you will write, revise, edit and reflect on your writing with the help of your teacher and classmates in order to learn more about academic writing. By the end of the class, you should have a better understanding of how your writing affects you and your environment. There will be many opportunities for you to write, and reflect on your work. You will grow and develop as a writer while you engage in analysis and argument, skills important to professional and civic writing.

    Analysis is “a form of detective work that typically pursues something puzzling, something you are seeking to understand rather than something you believe you already have the answers to” according to Rosenwasser and Stephen, Writing Analytically 7th edition. You analyze in your day to day life without even realizing it. Conversations you have with your friends make you analyze their views and opinions. You analyze current events when you watch the news and hear about developing stories. Rosenwasser and Stephen say that analysis is “more than just a set of skills: it is a frame of mind, an attitude toward experience” , you have to look for questions that are not always obvious. Analysis is important to find patterns in your own work in order to improve your writing.

    Argument involves finding evidence to persuade your audience, sharing information, asking questions and raising consciousness about issues. Evidence can be found through analysis, discussions with other people, personal experience or research. Arguments may be structured differently depending on the audience, purpose, genre and context.

 

WRT 105 Learning Outcomes/Goals

1. Writing as Situated Process

You will practice various strategies of invention and revision for different writing situations.

2. Writing with Sources

You will be introduced to primary and secondary research, using various library resources and synthesizing and applying research in accordance with citation, genre and ethical standards.

3. Writing as Rhetorical Action

You will gain knowledge of rhetorical principles and practice with different audiences and situations.

4. Writing as Academic Practice

You will become more familiar with values, strategies, and conventions related to a range of academic contexts and disciplinary conversations.

5. Writing as Social Practice

You will analyze, reflect on and practice using language in diverse contexts and recognizing issues of power, difference and materiality.