WR 122 English Composition

Readings and Assignments

Students in WR 122 will be required to complete four kinds of activities: weekly responsive writing ("practice essays"), one formal paper, a final essay exam, and participation in class discussions. (We may also have a quiz or two on topics to be announced.) It is assumed that you will complete all assigned readings of the text and instuctor notes.

All activities should be completed and submitted before or on the due date. Remember to check for spelling and grammar, as these will effect your grade.  Students may earn extra credit by revising assignments.  See Grading Criteria for more information.

Schedule of Readings and Assignments

Weekly Topic/Reading Instructor Notes Assignments
Week 1  Essay Composition (Review): The Quick and Easy Guide to Reading Essays, The Quick and Easy Guide to Writing Essays; What Is an Argument? (Lunsford Ch.1) Week 1 Notes Weekly Discussion/Writing
Week 2   Lines of Argument - Part I (Lunsford Ch. 2), Audience & Context (Lunsford Ch. 3), Evaluating Arguments (Lunsford Ch. 19 ), Computers for the World (The Seattle Times Editorial) Week 2 Notes Weekly Discussion/Writing
Week 3   Research & Citation Methods (Lunsford Ch. 21, 22), Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources, PCC Library Research Tools (Browse site), A Deconstructed Essay Sample Week 3 Notes Weekly Discussion/Writing
Week 4   Constructing Reasonable Arguments (Lunsford Ch. 8, 18), Intellectual Property (Lunsford Ch. 20), ElectionOnline Today (Browse site and read Election Commission: Voting problems widespread.) Week 4 Notes Weekly Discussion/Writing
Week 5   Lines of Argument  - Part II (Lunsford Ch. 4, Ch. 5) Week 5 Notes Weekly Discussion
(No Practice Essay)
Week 6   Lines of Argument - Part III (Lunsford Ch. 6, Ch. 7), The Quick and Easy Comma Guide Week 6 Notes Essay Paper
Week 7    Types of Arguments (Lunsford Ch. 9, Ch. 10, Ch. 11), Declaration of Independence Week 7 Notes Weekly Discussion/Writing
Week 8   Argumentative Styles (Lunsford Ch. 12, 13, 14). Week 8 Notes Essay Paper Revision
Week 9   Special Issues (Lunsford Ch. 15, 16, 17), Martin Luther King Jr. (Browse site and listen to "I Have a Dream" in mp3 or real format or in wav format) Week 9 Notes Weekly Discussion/Writing
Week 10   Review, The Quick and Easy Guide to the Argument, The Quick and Easy Guide to Writing Essays, Humanities: Documenting Sources Week 10 Notes Practice Exam (On-line)
Week 11   Final Essay Exam - Final Exam (On-line)
Extra credit due
Additional Readings and Guides: Web Resources for English Composition

Papers:

Format: Major papers should be submitted in proper essay form with appropriate documentation of citations (MLA).   Each paper must be 3 - 5 pages in length excluding front matter (cover, title page, etc.) and back matter (Works Cited, glossary, etc.).  Papers should be word processed, using standard size font and spacing (double or 1 1/2 spaced).  Graphics should only be used when appropriate.  Usually this means artwork (illustrations, clip art, etc.) is not acceptable.  Technical graphics, such as graphs, charts, etc., may be acceptable.  Spelling, grammar and punctuation will affect your grade.  Please submit assignments on or before the due date via e-mail or disk.  Drafts may be submitted early for critique.

Topics: Since "everything's an argument" in this class, almost any topic is acceptable. However, students must use external sources when discussing background on an issue and when providing most supports. (You may use some primary sources.) Also, it is usually easier to develop an argument in response to an existing problem or situation. Therefore, students may want to start with topics from reading or other sources in or out of class. Students are encouraged to discuss possible topics with the instuctor and with each other.

Instructor: George Knox Phone: 503-977-4475 E-mail: gknox@pcc.edu FAX: 503-977-8129

Copyright 2004, Portland Community College
An Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Institution.

Last Modified: 2004.