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ENG 499: Advanced Writing--Rhetoric and Style
Spring 2010

General Information

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I. Course Description

This course offers students the opportunity to learn and practice advanced principles of writing, such as clarity, cohesion, coherence, and emphasis, using their own previously produced work as primary texts. This study of advanced concepts of style is based in a foundation of rhetorical theory. «top

II. Purpose of the Course

This course teaches students advanced revision techniques through examination and revision of their own work. It is designed to raise students' awareness of the power of their writing and the importance of writing with precision. The ultimate goal for the course is to give students the theoretical tools to analyze writing closely and critically in order to revise effectively. This course is ideal for students who are preparing for graduate school, entering their profession after graduation, or who wish to improve their writing skills. «top

III. College Learning Outcomes

This course is designed to help students fulfill the Communication Competence and Critical Thinking outcomes through the achievement of the following learning objectives:

1a. Students can write analytical and persuasive essays
2a. Students can demonstrate an explicit understanding of principles of critical thought.
2b. Students can demonstrate the ability to reflect on issues and/or theories systematically.

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IV. Course Objectives

By the end of the semester, students should be able to

1. understand advanced principles of English language, composition, and style. (LO 1a)
2. apply rhetorical theory and advanced revision techniques to their own work. (LO 2a)
3. make and be able to explain the reasons for meaningful revision choices in terms of the theory, content, audience, and purpose of their writing. (LO 2a, 2b)

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V. Policies

1. Statement on Disabilities: If you have documented a disability with the Director of Disability Services, please discuss with me the adaptations or accommodations you require, emergency medical information, and/or special arrangements to be implemented if the building must be evacuated.

2. Statement of Emergency Response: In case of a tornado, your instructor will direct you to the nearest shelter in accordance with Lourdes College's Policy for Tornado Warnings and Tornado Warning Procedures. The nearest shelter for this course is _______________ in an area that is not exposed to windows.

In case of a fire, your instructor will help direct you to the nearest exit. Please evacuate in a calm and efficient manner. Do not use the elevator. Do not block building entrances once you are out. Also, refer to the Emergency Evacuation Procedure for Persons with Disabilities if this should apply to you.

3. Academic Honesty: Students are expected to do their own work and avoid plagiarism in any form. Turning in others' work or failing to cite source material properly will result in a zero on the assignment and may result in an F for the course. Please see the student handbook for more information (available on-line at: http://www.lourdes.edu/Portals/0/Files/StudentServ/StudentHandbook.pdf, page 10-11). If you are uncertain about how to properly cite your sources, contact me for assistance (before the assignment is due).

4. Academic Grievance: If students have complaints or concerns about the course, they should meet individually with the instructor to discuss them. If issues can't be readily resolved, they should obtain an academic grievance form and follow the indicated steps: 1. meet with the faculty member; 2. meet with the faculty member's chairperson; 3. meet with the Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, whose decision on the issue will be final.

5. Attendance: This class is conducted as an individual mentorship. It is the responsibility of the student to keep appointments made with the instructor and to complete course work in a timely manner. «top

VI. Assignments and Grading

*Participation includes attendance, in-class workshops, preparedness to discuss reading assignments, and class discussions.

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VII. Required Texts

Williams, Joseph M. Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace. 9th ed. New York: Longman, 2007.

Your writing from previous/current coursework or projects.

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© 2009 Susan Shelangoskie, Ph.D.