Spring 2025 - ENGL 199W D100
Writing to Persuade (3)
Class Number: 3942
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Sean Zwagerman
szwagerm@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
12 units.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to reading and writing from a rhetorical perspective. The course treats reading and writing as activities that take place in particular circumstances and situations, in contrast to the traditional emphasis on decontextualized, formal features of texts. It prepares students for reading and writing challenges they are likely to encounter within and beyond the classroom. Students with credit for ENGL 199 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
COURSE DETAILS:
The Greek philosopher and rhetorician Aristotle defines rhetoric as "the faculty of observing, in any given case, the available means of persuasion." Since the available means of persuasion will be different with different audiences, in different settings, and for different purposes, we will analyze a wide variety of examples to discover how writers attempt to write effectively for both academic and non-academic purposes. Students will have the opportunity to analyze the persuasive writing that is typical in their chosen or intended major here at SFU.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- developing a thoughtful and productive approach to the writing process
- becoming a more effective and confident reader and writer
Grading
- draft of a piece of persuasive writing for a non-academic audience on a topic of public interest 10%
- revised version of the above 25%
- draft of a piece of persuasive writing for an academic audience 10%
- revised version of the above 25%
- two brief rhetorical analyses of academic essays from two different disciplines 20%
- participation 10%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
All readings will be available online or on Canvas
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
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:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.