Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - ENGL 114W D900

Language and Purpose (3)

Class Number: 1399

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 17, 2018
    Tue, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the relationships between writing and purpose, between the features of texts and their meaning and effects. May focus on one or more literary or non-literary genres, including (but not limited to) essays, oratory, autobiography, poetry, and journalism. Includes attention to writing skills. Students with credit for ENGL 104W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course teaches the argumentative essay from two directions. First, there will be direct lessons on basic essay writing: summary, exposition, illustration, comparison, sequence, arguments, sentence formation, quotation, and citation. I also teach grammar through a series of quizzes, ten in total, and format through direct lessons including sample papers and writing guides. Second, we study style and content through the course readings. The readings progress through several themes: pedagogy, knowledge, composition, racism/imperialism, and gender/feminism.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The ability to respond thoughtfully, logically, and eloquently to any argument that you encounter as well as the ability to take part responsibly in a scholarly debate.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Grammar Quizzes 10%
  • Reading Quizzes 10%
  • Essay #1: Ancient Appeals 10%
  • Essay #2: Figurative Language 15%
  • Essay #3: Logic and Fallacy 15%
  • Final Exam 25%

NOTES:

All course readings are available either online or as handouts. The course textbook contains information about basic essay structures, grammar, and citation formats.

REQUIREMENTS:

There are three essays on the course: the Ancient appeals (pathos, logos, and ethos), figurative language (metaphor, symbol, etc.), and logic/fallacy (deduction, circular reasoning, etc.). For every essay, you will submit a rough draft one week before the final due date. The final exam will require you to write on one of three essay topics and will be based on course readings from Weeks 9 through 13. There are also a series of graded reading quizzes, to make sure you are keeping up with the texts, and a series of grammar quizzes. You will receive credit for being present for grammar quizzes (i.e., they are not graded). The participation mark represents your presence not just in tutorial but in the conversations that take place there as well as/alternatively attending office hours or otherwise maintaining a dialogue with the instructor.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Babington, Doug, Don LePan, and Maureen Okun. The Broadview Pocket Guide to Writing, 4th Ed. Broadview Press. 2015. $18.95 print, $12.95 digital.
ISBN: 9781554812196

Department Undergraduate Notes:

IMPORTANT NOTE Re 300 and 400 level courses: 75% of spaces in 300 level English courses, and 100% of spaces in 400 level English courses, are reserved for declared English Major, Minor, Extended Minor, Joint Major, and Honours students only, until open enrollment begins.

For all On-Campus Courses, please note the following:
- To receive credit for the course, students must complete all requirements.
- Tutorials/Seminars WILL be held the first week of classes.
- When choosing your schedule, remember to check "Show lab/tutorial sections" to see all Lecture/Seminar/Tutorial times required.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS