Cross-Cultural Writing for International Students

Galina Siarheichyk, Ph.D.

CROSS-CULTURAL WRITING FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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Galina Siarheichyk, Ph.D.

WRITING IN BUSINESS AND SOCIETY

WRTG 3020/3030/3040 sect. 800 & 801

Spring 2011

T/R

800: 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM

801: 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM

ROOMS:

MORNING SECTION 800 MEETS IN HELLEMS 145 on ALL DAYS

AFTERNOON SECTION 801 MEETS IN

UNIVERSITY CLUB 4 ON TUESDAYS AND IN HELLEMS 145 ON THURSDAYS

Instructor: Galina Siarheichyk, Ph.D.

Office: ENVD 1B50G

Hours: T/R 2:20 – 3:20PM AND by appointment

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Galina Siarheichyk, Ph.D.

Description

In an environment of constantly evolving academic, social and political discourses, basic knowledge of writing fundamentals may not suffice. In order to successfully navigate an American institution of higher education and a culturally pluralistic society beyond its walls, ESL students of this course will study advanced rhetorical strategies for successful written and oral communication. Throughout this course, scholars will engage in several multidisciplinary projects in such fields as rhetoric, linguistics, literature, international law and business, in order to learn and internalize the cultural norms and best practices of clear, eloquent and persuasive verbal communication. Students will write three research essays; read short stories authored by culturally diverse world-famous writers; prepare research presentations; and engage in critical discussions with guest speakers. Advanced knowledge of English grammar, syntax and punctuation is recommended.

In this course you will learn to engage in such modes of human communication as composition, reading and speaking, in order to analyze and implement the formulas of successful, clear and eloquent communication in your own verbal expressions. In this process, we will rely on the fundamentals of the science of rhetoric, so as to perceive the architecture behind composition and understanding of a written text; so as to evaluate the hierarchies and boundaries with a critical eye for logical fallacies; and so as to adopt the strategies of erudite, persuasive argumentation.

In this course we will read and discuss a wide variety of texts in specific disciplines such as business, international business communication, international law, political science, engineering, social sciences, literature and arts. By way of critical analysis and linguistic analysis of these texts we will learn to reconstruct the central formulas underlying the conventions of written and oral communication in these disciplines. In preparation for your research projects we will discuss a variety of primary and secondary texts, as well as incorporate and expand your digital literacy and use of technology in class.

Course Objectives:

The key focus of this course will be on the discipline specific written and oral communication. You will engage in the art of composition frequently, in the form of both short in-class free-writes and elaborate composing and editing of your own work as well as that of your colleagues. The essays you write will be thesis-driven, reflective and analytical, aiming for dynamic use of language, semantic precision and daring integration of your personal commitment and understanding of your civic responsibilities. You will chose your own topics for two of the four essays, something that truly sparks your curiosity or sense of justice. In the process we will explore a variety of rhetorical techniques to read, understand and write critically.

To best facilitate our exploration of various modes of written expression and further your personal growth as successful writers, class will often change styles of interaction (from small-groups, to individual to joint effort arrangements) and rhythm. Your progress in class will be directly proportionate to your effort, and will be evaluated in these terms. Ultimately, in this class you will acquire tools of critical importance to help you navigate the work you will do at the academia in a more efficient and personally rewarding way. You will be able to engage with various fields of study by means of competent, eloquent and persuasive dialogue.

Maximizing Your Success

WRTG 3020/30/40 is designed to hone your communication style, understanding of conventions and maximize your success in the academic writing specific to the disciplines that you engage with at the university. Taught as a rigorous writing workshop using advanced reading materials and writing techniques, the course emphasizes critical reading, analytical and argumentative writing, and writing for multiple contexts.

This course is labor-intensive and will demand extraordinary commitment and discipline in all areas of the required work: reading, researching, composing and revising (a minimum of 4 hours per day outside of classroom). Mastery of advanced reading techniques, proper use of proofreading and editing, willingness to openly discuss your work in a circle of your peers will be crucial to maximizing your time and effort during this rigorous class.

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Required Texts:

• Norgaard, Rolf. Composing Knowledge: Readings for College Writers. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2007.

E-sources:

• Further readings will be assigned in the form of online readings, e-mail and web postings, and occasional handouts. For some of the online readings see: and

Resources For Writing Conventions:

The Purdue University OWL (on-line writing lab):

The Colorado State University Writing Center:

The Oregon State Resource Center:

Recommended Texts On Rhetoric And Composition:

• Aristoteles, and George A. Kennedy. Aristotle on Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991.
• Austin, J. L. How to Do Things with Words. The William James lectures, 1955. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1962.
• Hauser, Gerard A. Introduction to Rhetorical Theory. Cambridge [Cambridgeshire]: Harper & Row, 1986.
• College level dictionary and thesaurus; for example: Dk Dictionary Thesaurus. Paw Prints, 2008.
• Lunsford, Andrea A., John J. Ruszkiewicz, and Keith Walters. Everything's an Argument: With Readings.4th edition, Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2007.
• Raimes, Ann. Keys for Writers. Houghton Mifflin College Div, 2006.
• Spilka, Rachel. Digital Literacy for Technical Communication: 21st Century Theory and Practice. New York: Routledge, 2010.

Writing Process and Workshop Format

1. A large portion of the course will take place in a collaborative revision through the re-working of multiple drafts incorporating the suggestions of others; peer review, where you will be asked to critique the work of others; and evaluation of sources, through the information literacy component of the course.

Your own writing will be the principal text; we will all work together as a team to improve each paper. We will adopt the attitude that each paper can be improved, and give constructive criticism to everyone. Your job will be to provide oral and written commentary on other students’ papers when assigned to do so. Commentaries will be evaluated and counted in to your final grade for each paper as part of the final paper portfolio that you will be asked to submit along with the final draft of your prose.

2. You will also write short in-class compositions on various subjects, in order to brainstorm your views on a given topic, solicit ideas from your peers, and shape your strategy for building your own essays. These short writing samples should also be included in your final essay portfolio with each of the essays.

3. Occasionally you will be asked to write quizzes without prior warning on the subject of readings assigned and/or the definitions and application of various rhetorical concepts. Quiz grades will account for 5% of your final grade.

4. All writing will be done in both digital and printed format. Your final portfolios will have to be submitted in printed (hard) copies, as well as partially (only the final draft of your essay) in an electronic format to a specified website and/or e-mail. All drafts are due when assigned. One grade point will be deducted from a late submission at a rate of each class time after the assigned due date. No exceptions will be made for late submissions, unless special circumstances are demonstrated and appropriately documented.

Innovative Technology and Writing Conventions

In this course we will employ printed texts, digital texts, the Internet, film, podcasts and other media. It is crucial to have full access to a computer (a laptop for workshops). Having these online resources at your fingertips will allow you to access the distinct writing formats for each assignment.

You may also utilize the course website and other course materials made available by the library to evaluate sources and apply genre conventions from structural to discourse analysis. We will apply stylistic and syntactic analysis throughout the course. However, if spotted web-surfing, chatting, face-booking or otherwise uninvolved in the class activity, the student will be asked to leave the classroom and the class will be marked as missed.

A major feature of this course is our collaboration with the University Libraries, which is designed to help you acquire skills in critical information literacy. Library assignments and web-based readings developed together with the University Libraries will be an integral feature of our work. Library on-line quizzes (RIOT) will account for 5% of your final grade. Please explore the website of the University Libraries to fully familiarize yourself with the content of the server and available search options at:

If you should have difficulty logging in, please e-mail

with your name, indentikey username, and section number.

COURSE POLICIES

1. Attendance:

Regular and punctual attendance is vital for your progress and success in this class. You are allowed to miss three classes during the whole semesterwithout a medical excuse. Each absence beyond those three will result in a one-increment drop of your final grade (For example, if you earn B+ for the course but miss five classes, your grade will be B-). More than six will result in an F for the course.

Absence on medical grounds must be documented. There will be NO make-ups of missed tests, quizzes or other assignments, unless special circumstances are demonstrated and documented. All homework corrections are due two weeks before the last day of classes on Thursday, April 14.

Constant late appearance to class will not be tolerated. Two late appearances will count as a class missed.

All deadlines are final. No exceptions will be made unless special circumstances are demonstrated in advance.

2. Assignments:

All homework assignments must be completed PRIOR to meeting in class. Unprepared students will be asked to leave the class, or will have such a class counted as missed, unless special circumstances are documented.

Required essays:

• Reflective Writing or Textual Analysis (1-3 pages) DUE January 18th

Compose an essay about the discipline you major in. Compositions may be based on influential texts or be a reflection on what inspired you to undertake this particular major. Please spend at least one paragraph on the analysis of the cultural differences between the conventions in your culture versus those of America. Please bring your completed and PRINTED out essay for submission to class.

• P1: Rhetorical Analysis of an argument (2 pages) – Asking “How” questions, analyze the structure of the argument and its form of delivery. DUE February 1st
• P2: Cultural Analysis (2-3 pages) - Asking “Why” questions, present a critical analysis of cultural practices and their verbal expression DUE February 22d
• P3: Research Project (4-5 pages) – an essay in which you present a research question, contextualize it in the field and in the existing scientific/public/social dialogue around it, investigate and cite relevant sources and argue for a particular position/point of view, drawing conclusions from the data you accrued. DUE March 17th

Assignments will count as follows:

Formal oral presentations (theme-based and weekly commentary on your peer’s

writing) – 5%

Short Assignments (including written responses to readings and thoughtful

peer editing) – 5%

Quizzes (Library/in-class pop-quizzes) – 10%

Blog entries - 5%

Class participation (including contributions to class discussion and workshops): 5%

Formal essays – 70%

1st paper 2 pp: Rhetorical Analysis – 15%

2nd paper 2-3 pp: Argument – 25%

3rd paper 4-5 pp: Analysis or Argument 30%

All papers must be typed, double-spaced. The only time you will need to print your work is when a final draft of it is due. All peer-reviews and drafts must be included in the printed out final portfolio and submitted together at the time of submitting your final drafts. Spelling and grammatical errors are unacceptable; see the recommended texts above if you have this problem.

3. Timing:

We will write a total of four essays and work on each (peer-review workshop) paper once a week. Detailed plan of class homework and workshop date will be announced a week in advance. Please not that your paper is due to be distributed in advance of the discussion on your paper. In addition, you will be required to give an oral and written commentary on another student’s paper once a week in your blog forum. Oral and written participation constitute 30% of your final grade. It is recommended to revise your paper nightly, though the submission is on the due date. I will not accept final papers that have not been reviewed at least five times in class. The “first draft” final versions are unacceptable and will not receive a grade.

4. Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is a crime and will result in an F for the course, as well as possible disciplinary action by the University. Always be sure to give credit for the words or ideas from another source and do not hand in work which is not your own.

5. Grading Scale:

A 92-100B 82-87C 72-77D 62-67

A- 90-91B- 80-81C- 70-71D- 60-61

B+ 88-89C+ 78-79D+ 68-69F 59

Standards for grading

A Exceptional in form, content and style. No mechanical errors. Presents original and relevant ideas to a clearly identified audience. Demonstrates the student’s expertise.

BA good, interesting paper. The student demonstrates control of the form and uses analytical or argumentative style as required by the assignment.

CAn adequate paper which has a form, but which may contain weaknesses. A descriptive paper would fall into this category.

DContains deficiencies in form, content, or mechanics.

FIncoherent, lacking form, or NOT turned in when DUE.

6. Conferences

During the course of the semester, if time permits, we may dedicate a class in order to conduct 15-minute-long individual conferences to discuss your writing. In these personal sessions I hope to best assist you as writers. You can help me be a of better service to you, if you think of questions and concerns ahead of time about your piece or your writing in general.

7. Writing Center

Additional free help with your writing can be obtained at the Writing Center in Norlin Library. For similar help with your research questions, please refer to the consultant Librarians at Norlin Library Research Center.

8. Classroom Order

-Respectful and focused environment is most efficient for this class.

-Please avoid any forms of distracting or disrespectful behavior: clothing (including hats, elaborate religious attires), unauthorized equipment usage (cell phones must be OFF), unauthorized conversations, early departures/late arrivals and value everyone’s right to feel comfortable in a public educational space.

-Any 2 late arrivals or early departures in a row will be treated as an absence.

-Any 2 failed quizzes in a row will be treated as an absence.

-NO cell phones or unauthorized use of computers will be tolerated. I may ask you to leave the classroom, if such use of technology is observed.

-Text-messaging is NOT allowed; following a first warning you will be asked to leave and marked as absent.

-No sleeping, eating or otherwise disruptive behavior will be tolerated.

-Packing up your belongings, using zippers, putting on clothes, etc. is only permissible upon instructors signal of class closure.

University Policies:

Students with specific physical or learning disabilities and require special accommodations) should discuss the options with me during the first two weeks of class. If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed.

Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322, and )

I will make every effort to reasonable and fairly deal with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. Please notify me of anticipated conflicts as early in the semester as possible so that there is adequate time to make necessary arrangements. Full details regarding campus policy can be found at CU-Boulder students is at

Proper classroom behavior is a required by the Honor Code of the University of Colorado, (for details see policy at ) failure to comply will inevitably cause unfavorable discipline procedures.

The University of Colorado at Boulder policy on Discrimination and Harassment (, the University of Colorado policy on Sexual Harassment and the University of Colorado policy on Amorous Relationships applies to all students, staff and faculty. Any student,
staff or faculty member who believes s/he has been the subject of discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status should contact the
Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-492-5550.

Information about the ODH and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding discrimination or
harassment can be obtained at

All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution.

Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior. All incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (; 303-725-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both academic sanctions
from the faculty member and non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Other information on the
Honor Code can be found at and at

Memento Audere Semper –Remember To Be Always Daring

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