LSA Course Guide

< back	Printer Version

Class Detail:
FA 2009 English Language and Literature ENGLISH 124 - College Writing: Writing and Literature Section 004
Course Note:	This course studies the intersection between critical thinking and persuasive writing, and, using literary texts as the point of reference, takes as its goal the development of the student's skill at writing cogent expository and argumentative prose.
Credits:	4
Requirements & Distribution:	FYWR
Waitlist Capacity:	unlimited
Repeatability:	May not be repeated for credit.
Primary Instructor:	Kletter,Dana
	(real time availability for all sections)

The purpose of this course is to advance the writing, reading and critical thinking skills of students. In this class students can expect to read fiction and poetry, and write critical essays in response that chronicle intellectual and emotional reactions to readings. We will explore the elements of good academic prose: the basic structure of an essay, rhetoric, grammar, and style. Mastering the art of composition will be advantageous for your college career. However, good writing transcends the pragmatic objectives of this course. Rather, writing might be one of the best ways to figure out who you are, where you are and what you think. That is why it is imperative in this course that you write like yourself. Within the boundaries of essay requirements, there is ample room for self-expression. It isn’t necessary to take on a persona that uses words, turns of phrase and academic jargon to write a convincing argument or an essay. This class is dedicated to developing an authentic writing voice, and using that voice to establish a dialogue with our subject texts, with each other and ourselves. Students work closely with their peers and the instructor to develop their written prose. Required texts: 1) Literature: The Human Experience Shorter: Reading and Writing (eds. Abcarian and Klotz) 2) Writing About Literature: A Portable Guide (author Janet E. Gardner) 3) Jesus' Son: Stories (author Denis Johnson) 4) Home (author Marilynne Robinson) All these books can be purchased cheaply (and used) at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, abebooks.com, alibris.com, textbooks.com or any other site where books are sold. <! — EndFragment — >

Course Syllabi Syllabi are available to current LSA students. IMPORTANT: These syllabi are provided to give students a general idea about the courses, as offered by LSA departments and programs in prior academic terms. The syllabi do not necessarily reflect the assignments, sequence of course materials, and/or course expectations that the faculty and departments/programs have for these same courses in the current and/or future terms. Search for Syllabus

Textbooks/Other Materials (data maintained by department in Wolverine Access)

Note:	Check CTools site for textbook requirements