WRIT 150 AEST Syllabus F21 (14) syllabus PDF

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Summary

This is the course syllabus that outlines the work expected to be done throughout the year and what is expected of students...

Description

ISSUES IN AESTHETICS

Fall 2021

Instructor: Dr. Deborah Sims

Email: [email protected]

Office: JEF 252

Office hours: By appointment

Aesthetics 

The branch of philosophy studying the relationship between morality and art.

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Relating to perception by the senses.

WRITING 150 WRITING AND CRITICAL REASONING THEMATIC APPROACHES

The difference between the almost right word and the right word is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning. - Mark Twain

Course Description Writing 150 is an intensive writing course focused on developing critical thinking skills, creating academic arguments, communicating ideas in rhetorically effective ways, and revising written texts with regard for clarity and cogency. This course is designed to develop your ability to communicate your ideas thoughtfully and effectively while also adhering to the forms and conventions of the academic discourse community. In WRIT 150 we will focus on writing as a process; as such, you will learn strategies for invention, or generating ideas, for effectively arranging those ideas, and for developing your own unique style and techniques for revision. Furthermore, this course is designed to help you to critique arguments and develop your capacity for analysis and argumentation. To accomplish these goals we will focus our attention on a common theme that will serve as inspiration for our readings, discussions, and writing projects. Our course theme, Issues in Aesthetics, will be integrated into each assignment as we seek to grow as writers and hone our critical thinking skills.

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Required Texts: 

Writing 150 Course Book (available electronically). Purchase access code at USC campus bookstore or https://hmpublishing.redshelf.com/book/1871020/writing-150-course-book-1871020-9781533937490the-writing-program-university-of-southern-california. Used books okay, but nothing prior to 2018.

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Additional readings to be posted on Blackboard. You can access BlackBoard at https://blackboard.usc.edu/. Please check BB on a regular basis to keep up with all aspects of our course. I often use the Content & Announcements sections.

Course Writing Requirements: 

Essays: You are required to write four argumentative papers ranging from 4-8 pages each. You will have approximately three weeks to write each essay. Late papers are not permitted.

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Ancillary Writing Activities (AWAs): You will be asked to complete a number of in-class and at-home written exercises. Some of this work will directly feed into the writing of your papers, while some will have broader purposes for your training in the art of rhetoric. The acronym “AWA” includes homework assignments, prewriting activities, rough drafts, and reading responses.

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Final Portfolio: Your final portfolio will consist of unique ancillary writing tasks, a presentation, and an essay. Because essay #4 should embody the writing and thinking skills that you will have studied all semester, it follows that portfolios will be evaluated according to the most rigorous standards of the grading rubric. Another instructor and I will grade the portfolio collaboratively in order to ensure consistent grading procedures within the Writing Program. Also, bear in mind that in order to submit a portfolio, you must not be failing the class before portfolio week.

Format for Assignments Assignments must be typed, with one inch margins, double spaced, and in 12-pt font. Please don’t include a title page, instead center your title on the first page. Include your name, date, and assignment # (such as “Writing Project #1”) in the upper left corner. Your citations should conform to correct and current MLA style —see your course book for detailed information.

Paper Comments I recognize that this course is rigorous, and thus I treat the work you do with care that reflects the effort you’ve put forth. Because this course aims to improve your writing and foster skills that you can take with you into your university career, my comments on your essays will focus primarily on areas for further development and improvement. I will rely on the analytical terms used in our Course Rubric to articulate to you my advise regarding your rhetorical skills, so it is in your best interest to keep the rubric nearby when you review your graded essays. Also, while I will certainly make an effort to help you identify any patterns of grammatical errors in your work, I do not proofread student writing. My role is to evaluate essays and make suggestions for improvement regarding organization, use of evidence, rhetorical effectiveness, critical thinking, and style.

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Course Procedures & Expectations Grading For this course, we will be using a Grading Contract, which you will find at the end of the syllabus. Participation It is imperative that you participate in class by asking thoughtful questions, offering meaningful responses, and writing down important ideas. However, participation entails a range of activities, including (but not limited to) working productively in groups, engaging in peer review, and listening responsibly. Negative participation, such as texting in class, failure to bring/do required readings/work, and sleeping in class will also impact your grade. You are expected to participate in an open exchange of ideas and to treat others with courtesy. Attendance You will not be penalized for one week of absences (T/Th or M/W class = 2 absences, MWF class = 3 absences). Beyond that, penalties are outlined in the Grading Contract. Any student with three weeks of absences should not expect to pass this course. You should reserve your absences for unanticipated issues (illness, family emergencies, transportation failure); I cannot “excuse” absences except in cases of religious or administrative clearance. If you are an athlete or participate in another university–sponsored event that gives administrative clearance, you are personally responsible for informing me (at least one week prior to any event) that you will be absent. Conference Procedures (on Zoom for Fall 2021) One of the best aspects of Writing 150 is the chance to meet one-on-one several times throughout the semester to discuss your progress in the course and the specific paper on which you’re working. Generally, a class session will be cancelled to accommodate the time requirement and the more intense interaction required for a one-to-one conference. A sign-up sheet will be posted online. A missed conference counts as an absence. When you join your Zoom conference, there will likely be another student already meeting with me. When this happens, do not leave! Simply mute yourself and turn off your video; I will officially welcome you when your turn begins. I will use breakout rooms for privacy as needed. Office Hours & Email: In addition to conference meetings, you may also talk with me during Office Hours. Please speak with me if you are struggling with any aspect of this class. For Fall 2021, Office Hours will be on Zoom. I will post times and links to Blackboard. You may also email me to schedule an appointment. You may email me with any concerns or questions you have that cannot be answered by reviewing course materials. I do not read essay drafts via email, nor do I check email outside of business hours. COVID-19 Protocols: Masking indoors is required. For guidance on managing illness or exposure, please see USC’s web resources: https://coronavirus.usc.edu Academic Dishonesty Plagiarism, any form of unacknowledged and/or illegitimate academic assistance, is not tolerated in the academic community and will result in serious penalties at both the course and university levels. It is your responsibility to know the academic integrity policies in our Course Book and in USC’s Student Guidebook. Plagiarism includes:  unacknowledged and inappropriate use of ideas or wording of another writer  submitting a paper written or obtained from another; allowing another student to take credit for your work  using an essay in more than one class without the permission of the instructors involved If you have any questions about plagiarism or are feeling desperate enough to plagiarize, please contact me.

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Support Systems: Prevention . Self-Care . Advocacy USC Department of Public Safety: Call (213) 740-4321 for immediate assistance or to report a crime.

The Writing Center The Writing Center, located on the second floor of Taper Hall, is an incredibly valuable and free resource available to all students at USC. Experienced consultants will work with you on any stage of the writing process, from interpreting a prompt, to creating a rough plan, to polishing your final draft. The Writing Center consultants will not proofread or edit your paper for you, but they will help you to develop skills to revise your own work. For an appointment or more information, dornsife.usc.edu/writingcenter or call (213) 740-3691. Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS) Please see me if you require accommodations due to learning abilities, religious practices, physical requirements, medical needs, or any other reason. Any student requesting academic accommodations based on a disability is required to register with OSAS and obtain a letter of verification. (213) 740-3959. Counseling Services One of the most wonderful benefits of being a student at USC is that you have access to the Engemann Student Health Center that, among its many health services, offers counseling. While each of you is arriving here with a unique set of background experiences, for many students college presents a whole new array of challenges regarding life-balance. Talking with a trained health professional can alleviate stress, help us cope with troubling situations, give us the opportunity to articulate our fears and worries, and provide strategies for improving our overall well-being. Please take advantage of these services! (213) 740-7711 https://engemannshc.usc.edu/counseling. Student Health Center: (213) 740-5344

Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Services (RSVP) Free and confidential therapy services, workshops, and training for situations related to gender-based harm. Also a community of people working to build a safe campus and talk about healthy relationships through social events, book clubs, and workshops. (213) 740-4900 (24-7, on call) Additional Counseling Services for Remote Access   

Let’s Talk... On Zoom is an opportunity to talk one-on-one with a counselor. Each “Let’s Talk” is structured as a 30-minute drop-in for individual conversation. As an outreach activity, this is a good way to explore what talk therapy might be like. Appointments of Group Counseling are also available via TeleHealth (time details are announced on the student health.usc.edu website). Single-session Workshops for help with anxiety and sleep are available via Zoom if you sign up via mySHR or call 213-740-9355.

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Student Support and Advocacy – (213) 821-4710 Assists students and families in resolving complex issues adversely affecting their success as a student EX: personal, financial, and academic. You can call them at any time for any reason, and they will let you know what your options are, and direct you towards help. https://studentaffairs.usc.edu/ssa/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 Provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Services (RSVP) - (213) 740-4900 - 24/7 on call Free and confidential therapy services, workshops, and training for situations related to gender-based harm. https://engemannshc.usc.edu/rsvp/

Sexual Assault Resource Center For more information about how to get help or help a survivor, rights, reporting options, and additional resources, visit the website: http://sarc.usc.edu/

Office of Equity and Diversity (OED)/Title IX Compliance – (213) 740-5086 Works with faculty, staff, visitors, applicants, and students around issues of protected class. https://equity.usc.edu/

Bias Assessment Response and Support Incidents of bias, hate crimes and microaggressions need to be reported allowing for appropriate investigation and response. https://studentaffairs.usc.edu/bias-assessment-response-support/

Diversity at USC Information on events, programs and training, the Diversity Task Force (including representatives for each school), chronology, participation, and various resources for students. https://diversity.usc.edu/

Grading Contract for Writing 150

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THIS CONTRACT guarantees a semester grade of “B” for all students who meet the following conditions: 1. Attendance (absences and tardies): You can miss three classes without incurring a penalty. After that, penalties are applied. Joining class after the lesson has begun counts as a tardy; three tardies equals one absence.

2. Essays: You must complete all four of the major essays for class, they must meet the minimum assignment criteria as listed on the assignment sheet (pay particular attention to length requirements), and they must be handed in on time. Failing to meet any of these criteria will result in a penalty in this category. While you cannot receive multiple penalties for one assignment, bear in mind that you must hand in all the essays to pass the course. If any essays are missing by midnight on the last day of class, you will receive an “F” in the class. In very rare cases, I will allow an Extension on a Deadline: I will negotiate a new deadline with an individual students on a case-by-case basis, if there is a good reason to do so (such as a debilitating case of COVID-19). This shouldn’t happen very often. Any new due dates that you arrange with me must be agreed by me in writing or they will not count, and the original terms of our grading contract will apply.

3. Ancillary Work (process writing and homework): You will have a variety of tasks assigned to you over the course of the semester. Failing to complete them according to minimum criteria will result in a penalty.

4. Professionalism: Lapses of professionalism can include, but are not limited to: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Not completing required readings prior to class. Failing to follow classroom etiquette. Not signing up for conferences and similar required activities on time. Not demonstrating commitment to peer review sessions (prior-to and during class). Not committing to or staying focused on in-class workshops and group activities. Disrespectful behavior directed towards the members of the class. Not abiding by our policy for free and responsible expression.

Grading Breakdown Final Grades: Semester grades will be determined based on assessment of the Final Portfolio and the extent to which you’ve fulfilled the terms of the grading contract. ● If you’ve met the terms of the contract, and you earn a B, B+, A-, or A on your Portfolio, then that will be your semester grade. ● If you’ve met the terms of the contract, and you earn a B- or lower, you will still get a B as your semester grade. ● If you’ve violated the terms of the contract, then your final grade will be lowered by one step or more depending on how many violations you’ve accrued. See the table below for details.

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Contract Violations This table shows how your semester grade will be affected if you don’t meet the terms of the contract: Grade Step Deductions B or above, per the Portfolio 1 step lower 2 steps lower 3 steps lower 4 steps Lower 5 steps lower 6 steps lower Automatic F

Total Absences 3 or less (6 if excused) 4 5 6 7 8 8 9

Late Essays None

1 2 3 (1) 4 (2)

Late Ancillary Work 2 or less

Lapses in Professionalism 2 or less

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

About Grade Steps: If you’ve violated the contract, your final grade will be whatever your final portfolio grade is, minus the contract deductions. So, if Writing Project 4 is an A, but you have 4 unexcused absences, your semester grade will be lowered to an A- (1 Step, from A to A-). If you earn a B+ on the final portfolio, but you have 2 late essays, your final grade will be lowered 4 steps, down to a C (B, B-, C+, & C = 4 Steps Lower). Note that penalties are cumulative. So, if you have 5 lapses in professionalism, plus a late essay, your final grade will be lowered by 5 Steps. Or, if you have 4 absences (grade lowered one step), plus 4 late ancillary assignments (grade lowered two steps), your final grade will be lowered by 3 steps total. Numbers in parentheses in the “Late Essays” column refer to any essays that haven’t been submitted on the last day of class. “Second Chance”: Each student may have one “Second Chance” to use in the event that the terms of the contract are violated. You may use it at any time during the semester, but only once, and it may only be applied to the first infraction (meaning that, e.g., you cannot use it to erase 5 absences, or 3 late AWAs). Generally speaking, it’s best to save this in case you fail to turn one of your essays in on time....