Linguistics 111WAcademic Writing Workshop
S. Lee
Spring 2010
T, Th 2:00-3:15, IT 117
Instructor: Sandra Lee (Ph.D.) Office: PetersBuilding 411
E-mail:
Office hours:T, Th 11:30 -3:00; and by appointment
Linguistics Department Office: PB 383, open 8:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00
Course description
Linguistics 111W satisfies the upper-division writing requirement for graduation from CSUF. It is a writing workshop for students who wish to expand their ability to read academic texts actively, think critically about those texts, and express their thoughts in good academic writing style. This is a class for students who feel unsure about their writing skills, especially in the areas of grammar and vocabulary, but who are also interested in receiving feedback on style, coherence, and organization of academic compositions. Topics for reading and writing assignments will be drawn from issues in language and society, stimulating students’ awareness of language and its role in every facet of human life. Students must come to class prepared with assigned homework readings.
Primary Learning Outcomes
Students will
1)articulate the rudiments of good academic writing style and recognize such style in his/her ownwork and that of
others.
2) expand their vocabulary of high-frequency academic words and utilize this vocabulary in their writing.
3) read actively and critically.
4) demonstrate new rhetorical and grammar skills in original essays and a research paper.
5) develop collaborative writing skills and critique peers in a constructive manner.
6) cultivate an awareness and understanding of linguistic issues in society.
Prerequisites
Required Course Purchases
1). Eschholz, P., Rosa, A., and Clark, V. (Eds.). Language Awareness: Readings for College Writers. 10th ed.
Highly recommended materials
2). Hacker, Diana. A Pocket Style Manual. 5th ed.
3)Thesaurus, and collegiate dictionary.
E-mail account
5).A CSU Fresno e-mail account. This is the e-mail account you will use from within Blackboard (Bb). This account will provide you with Blackboard access. You will want to check Bb frequently, several times a week, becausethis is a web-enhanced course. Some course materials must be accessed through Blackboard. Also, you need to use Blackboard to track your grade and notify me of discrepancies in scores immediately. You will also need Microsoft Office Word, preferably 2007. Note: Digital Campus recommends the use of Mozilla Firefox (versions 2+ ONLY—NOT 3) as the web browser while using Blackboard; it is for your own benefit to avoid problemsrelated to the incompatibilities between Blackboard and Internet Explorer 7. Mac users may use Safari as their web browser. Additional technical requirements are listed below. Be sure to have a current email address in the Blackboard system or you may miss important information.
Please check Blackboard for updates. If you are new to Blackboard-mediated instruction, click on the Digital Campus orientation at Click on "User Guide" and take the student orientation. You should check your email or the Blackboard at least ONCE a day during the semester. Course documents may be in pdf format on Blackboard. Please make sure that you have Adobe Reader installed in your computer. You can download Adobe Reader free from If you encounter difficulties with on-line access or a software application, call the Help Desk at 278-7000 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Do not contact the instructor for technical support.If you encounter difficulties with Blackboard access or navigation, call Digital Campus at278-6892, M-F 8-5pm. Click here for more information:
If your problem cannot be resolved with a simple phone call, attempt to access the course on another personal or university computer. You are responsible for timely participation andassignment submission regardless.
On-line communication
- When you send an e-mail to me, please include your name, class, and brief subject (e.g., bobjones_ling111W_outclass essay 1) in the subject heading. Email only from your CSUF account.
Major Assignments
Out-of-class Essay: There will be ONE out-of-class essay (5-paragraph, 600- word,typed.) You will need to cite AT LEASTTWO sources which must be referred to in the essay text and listed at the end in the list of references.You will submit a draft for peer editing and one good final draft to me. It is important that you adhere to the due dates for peer editing and final draft. 1.0% will be deducted for each day for late drafts. You will lose 3% for a missing draft.Double-sided copies are fine. Plagiarism will be strictly dealt with.Grading for the essay will be as follows: (1X15%=15%)
Content: 6; Grammar, punctuation, style: 3; Theses and transitions: 3; References: 2; Organization: 1
You will be given ONE chance to rewrite. Rewriting is allowed only when I consider your essay off topic. Therefore, it is important to make sure your content and references are relevant and to edit your essay for grammar, stylistics, and mechanics The essays must be accompanied by an Essay Checklist.
In-class Timed Essays: There will be THREEin-class, timed essays (50 mins, 5-paragraph, 500-word)to be turned in at the end of class.Except for Out-of-Class Essay #3, you will be given the topic on the day of the assignment. You will peer edit the essay before it is turned in ON THE SAME DAY. You have the option of rewritingthe first two timed essays using my grading comments and receive 1% bonus for each of them.Grading for the essay will be as follows: (3X12%=36%)
Content: 5; Grammar, punctuation, style: 3.0 Theses and transitions: 2.5; Organization: 1.5
Research Project Paper: Your research project will include a library class, an outline, source summaries, and the paper (2,000-2,200 words) which must include citations of AT LEAST FOUR REFERENCES within the text of the paper and aLIST OF REFERENCES at the end of the essay. Citations and list of references must comply with accepted academic styles. This project paper will consist of MORE THAN 5 paragraphs.
You will submit THREE DRAFTS. I will check the first draft for general content, transitions, organization, and references (within essay text and list of references). I will check the second draft for grammar, punctuation and specific stylistics and mechanics. You will receive the final grade on the third and final draft. Each missed draft will mean 3% deduction for the Research Project Essay. 1% will be deducted for each day if you are late. Each draft must have a list of references and accompanied by an Essay Checklist. The Outline and Source Summaries are graded separately and have to be completed before you begin the first draft. Late outlines and source summaries will not be accepted.
Conferencing will be held AFTER you have worked on the second draft. This means it should be at the stage of a good well researched and well written paper. You grade will be based on the third draft turned in AFTER CONFERENCING. Grading for the Research Project Essay will be as follows: (1X20%=20%)
Content: 7; Grammar, punctuation, style: 4.0 Theses and transitions: 4 References: 3.0; Organization: 2.0
Quick responses:There will be EIGHT quick responses. You will work with a partner to write these responses to specific readings, or individually if assigned as Furlough Homework. Quick responses may be more specific tasks like making annotations and outlines of readings at the beginning of semester. Later, quick responses will require longer pieces of writing to specific questions on readings. If done in class, these are TIMED assignments, so you need to be prepared with the contents of the readings.
Editing:You will work with a partner on FIVE editing exercises and turn each one in at the end of class. You are responsible for printing your copy of each editing exercise and bringing it to class on the assigned day.
Attendance: Because this class will include discussion, peer pair-work, and in-class assignments, your attendance is valuable. You are NOT entitled to make up for missed IN-CLASS assignments or exam without a valid excuse.Excused absence includes your illness or illness of an immediate family member accompanied by a signed doctor’s note.Attendance will be bonus credit.You will get 3% bonus for perfect attendance, 2.5% if absent not more than ONCE, 2% for not more than TWICE, 1.0% for not more than THRICE. You will not receive any bonus credit if you are absent for more than three classes.
Assessment
Your course grade will be tallied according to the traditional grading scale:
90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79= C, 60-69 = D, and below 60 is an F. Components of course grade are:
15%Out of class essay (1X15%)
36%In class timed essays (3X12%)
27%Research project paper:
Outline (3.0%),Source summaries (4.0%), Essay (20%)
12% Quick responses(8X1.5%)
10% Editing (5 X 2%)
2% Attendance (BONUS)
2% Quick response during conferencing (BONUS)
If your grade is borderline, and attendance, participation, and general performance are higher than satisfactory, you will receive the next better letter grade. Bonus credits will also help you achieve a higher letter grade.
Class Policies
This syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. Assignments/activities may be added as deemed necessary by the instructor. Please be mindful of your reading assignments. The dates listed are the dates they will be discussed or worked on. Give yourself ample time to read them AT HOME.
Please turn in all your assignments (essays, journals, project papers etc.) to the instructor AFTER you have received a grade on each of them and reviewed your work. You cannot contest your grade if you do not have all of your work from this class.
Make-up policy: It is your responsibility to ask for out-of-class assignments or announcements that you miss. You may leave assignments for me in the department office (PB 383) or my office (PB 411) before class if you cannot attend. In-class work cannot be made up, but out-of-class assignments may be made up if you have valid reasons. No assignment may be emailed unless you are specifically advised to do so. Late assignments or drafts of assignments will be assessed a 1% penalty per week day, not class day. Therefore, to receive full credit for each assignment, students need to submit their work in class on the due dates.
Students will work together in class, but out-of-class assignments are to be completed INDIVIDUALLY. All out-of-class work is to be typed, double-spaced in New Time Roman font 12. I consider “shared” homework cheating and will treat it as such. All work is due at the beginning of class. Any work turned in longer than one page must be stapled. Students will be responsible for knowing all material presented in class and in the readings. Be prepared to discuss or write responses on readings on the days they are assigned.If deemed necessary, you will need to submit all essays to Turnitin.com. for plagiarism detection and for no other purpose.
If you will be absent from class due to religious observance, you must provide mea written notice of the date(s) one week after receiving this syllabus.In consideration of your classmates and me, please turn off and put away all electronic devices during class. Be courteous and respectful of others, i.e., do not talk or interrupt when someone else has the floor. I encourage you to speak with your classmates during activities, but please refrain from talking when I am addressing the class.
Furlough days:
25 Mar (Th), 6 Apr (T), 8 Apr (Th), 13 Apr (Th).Suitable Homework will be assigned for these days.
University Policies
Students with Disabilities: Upon identifying themselves to the instructor and the university, students with disabilities will receive reasonable accommodation for learning and evaluation. For more information, contact Services to Students with Disabilities in Madden Library 1049 (278-2811).
Cheating and Plagiarism: "Cheating is the actual or attempted practice of fraudulent or deceptive acts for the purpose of improving one's grade or obtaining course credit; such acts also include assisting another student to do so. Typically, such acts occur in relation to examinations. However, it is the intent of this definition that the term 'cheating' not be limited to examination situations only, but that it include any and all actions by a student that are intended to gain an unearned academic advantage by fraudulent or deceptive means. Plagiarism is a specific form of cheating which consists of the misuse of the published and/or unpublished works of others by misrepresenting the material (i.e., their intellectual property) so used as one's own work." Penalties for cheating and plagiarism range from a 0 or F on a particular assignment, through an F for the course, to expulsion from the university. For more information on the University’s policy regarding cheating and plagiarism, refer to the Schedule of Courses (Legal Notices on Cheating and Plagiarism) or the University Catalog (Policies and Regulations).
Honor Code:“Members of the CSU Fresno academic community adhere to principles of academic integrity and mutual respect while engaged in university work and related activities.” You should:
a)understand or seek clarification about expectations for academic integrity in this course (including no cheating, plagiarism and inappropriate collaboration)
b) neither give nor receive unauthorized aid on examinations or other course work that is used by the instructor as the basis of grading.
c) take responsibility to monitor academic dishonesty in any form and to report it to the instructor or other appropriate official for action.
Computers: "At CaliforniaStateUniversity, Fresno, computers and communications links to remote resources are recognized as being integral to the education and research experience. Every student is required to have his/her own computer or have other personal access to a workstation (including a modem and a printer) with all the recommended software. The minimum and recommended standards for the workstations and software, which may vary by academic major, are updated periodically and are available from Information Technology Services ( or the University Bookstore. In the curriculum and class assignments, students are presumed to have 24-hour access to a computer workstation and the necessary communication links to the University’s information resources."
Disruptive Classroom Behavior: "The classroom is a special environment in which students and faculty come together to promote learning and growth. It is essential to this learning environment that respect for the rights of others seeking to learn, respect for the professionalism of the instructor, and the general goals of academic freedom are maintained. … Differences of viewpoint or concerns should be expressed in terms which are supportive of the learning process, creating an environment in which students and faculty may learn to reason with clarity and compassion, to share of themselves without losing their identities, and to develop and understanding of the community in which they live…Student conduct which disrupts the learning process shall not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from class."
Course Schedule
(Subject to change if need arises)
Week/Date / Assignments / DUE DATE
Week 1
1/21 / Introduction to course
In-class:
1.Pre-course questionnaire 2. Syllabus 3. Writing sample.
HW:
1.Read A) Roberts p. 84-93; ANDB) Malcom X p. 41-45; OR Marquez p. 542-544; OR Hwang p. 558-560
2. Note FOUR differences in the writing of A and B, including voice and style. / 1/21: 1.Writing sample
Week 2
1/26
1/28 / In-class:
1.Pair work – discuss Malcom X and Roberts homework.
2.Present differences between Malcom X and Roberts.
3.Differentiating academic, creative, and personal writing.
HW:
1. Read “Reading critically” p. 1-14, “Writing in college” p. 15-40.
In-class:
1.Discuss p. 1-40.
2.Differentiating audiences: writing for the public and writing an academic paper.
HW
1.Read Gates, p. 56-60; Raymond, p. 51-53 for in-class Annotation.
Week 3
2/2
2/4 / Coming to an awareness of language.
Annotation & language use
In-class:
1.Discuss annotation (p. 6-8)
2.Annotation of Gates AND Raymond
HW:Read Rosenberg, p. 61-64; MacNeil, p. 65-70
In-class:
1.Discuss Rosenberg, p. 63 #5, 6;
2.Quick response #1: MacNeil
HW:
1. Review “Thesis” p. 18-22.
Thesis, supporting statements, examples, vocabulary choice / 2/4:1.Quick response #1:
MacNeil
Week 4
2/9
2/11 / In-class:
1.Practice paragraph writing using “Thesis” organization.
2. Editing #1
HW:
1.Look up English vocabulary in TWO areas that are not used in the same way in normal everyday language, e.g. computer language, teenage slang, language of sports, and language of a particular cultural sub-group. You will use this information for Quick response # 2.
In-class:
1.Quick response #2: Paragraph writing with thesis organization, using information gathered in 2/9 HW assignment. (20 minutes)
HW: Read Hairston, p. 97-105; Flower, p. 107-111 / 2/9: Practice paragraph
2/9:Editing #1
2/11:1.Quick response #2:
Paragraph writing with
thesis organization
Week 5
2/16
2/18 / Writers on writing
Writing processes: Explanatory and exploratory essay
in-class:
1.Model paragraphs: Introduction and Conclusion on MacNeil
2. Write Intro and Conclusion paragraphs
In-class:
1. Discuss Lamott, p. 115-6 Language in Action; Murray, p. 121 #1 - 7
2. Discuss Finding, evaluating, and documenting sources: Appendix p. 607- 622.
3. Quick response #4: Documenting 8 sources from chapters in the book.
HW:
1. Prepare for Out- of-class Essay (Explanatory/exploratory essay): This is also practice for Research Project Essay.
Read p. 123 #2 – Select ONE controversial term listed and research some of the controversial people, situations, and events surrounding your term.
2. Read Zinsser, p. 129-134; Larson, p. 139-142. / 2/16: Quick response #3:
Intro and Conclusion paragraphs
2/18: Quick response #4:
Documenting 8 sources
Week 6
2/23
2/25 / Library class: preparation for Out-of-Class Essay
Look for research sources, select related and relevant information, and save information. Use your selected topic from your 2/18 Homework as a guide.
List AT LEAST TWO SOURCES with FULL information, i.e. Author, year, title, publisher. Refer to your textbook p. 607-622 for citation style. ONE of the sources has to be a book, and/or book chapter, and/or journal, i.e. not an online website.
In-class:
1.Discuss Zinsser, Language in action p. 133-134; Larson, Language in Action p. 142; p. 146 Language in Action.
2. Discuss organization of explanatory/exploratory essay (see p. 20-21 for an example).
3. Write an outline for your out-of-class essay by enumerating your points.
HW:
Work on your Out-of-Class Essay. DUE 11 March for peer editing. FINAL DRAFT DUE 16 March. / 2/23: LIST OF REFERENCES of Out-of-Class essay
2/25: OUTLINE of Out-of-Class essay
3/11: FULL DRAFT 1 of
Out-of-Class essay for PEER EDITING
3/16: FINAL DRAFT of Out-of-Class essay
2/25: OUTLINE of Out-of-Class Essay
Week 7 3/2
3/4 / In-class:
1.Write an in-class essay #1 on an explanatory and exploratory topic.
Peer edit and turn in.
HW:
1. Read Graff , p. 124-126; Lutz p. 177-188
Argumentative essays
In-class:
1.Academic vocabulary: Transitional links
2.Model argumentative essay (Oshima and Hogue).
3.Quick response #5:Apply Graff’s and Lutz’s ideas in argumentative writing. Writing sample paragraph for argumentative essay with transitional links.
HW:
1.Read Gore, p. 210-216. / 3/2:In-Class Essay #1
3/4: Quick Response #5: Paragraph of argumentative writing with transitional links
Week 8
3/9
3/11 / In class:
Language of politics and discrimination
1. Discuss Gore, p. 216 #1, 6, 8.
2. Quick Response #6: Gore
HW:
1. Read Staples, p. 309-314, Lorde p. 314-319
2. Prepare for Research Project Essay: Select ONE of the following:
p. 313 #2, OR p. 319 #1, OR p. 319 #2, OR p. 362 #1. For an alternative
topic, pls. clear it with me before you start Research Lab on 3/16.
In-class:
1. Peer editing of Out-of-class essay.
2.Discuss Staples, p.312 #5, 6; Lorde
3. Editing #2
HW:
1.Read Collins & Wyatt, p. 333-335, OR Lee, p. 337-340. / 3/9: Quick Response #6: Gore
3/11: FULL DRAFT 1 of
Out-of-Class Essay for
Peeer editing
3/16: FINAL DRAFT of Out-of-Class Essay
3/11: Editing #2
Week 9 3/16
3/18 / 1.Research lab in the library: Research Project Paper.
Select ONE of the following: p. 313 #2, OR p. 319 #1, OR p. 319 #2, OR p. 362 #1 or the topic you have cleared with me.
By the end of class, you should have:
AT LEAST FOUR REFERENCES, properly cited with Author, year, title, page numbers, publisher (including place of publication).
AT LEAST TWO sources from a book and/or book chapter and/or journal article, i.e. not an online website.
Summaries of each source: to contain the main ideas and some examples to support these ideas, 50-60 words in length.
HW:
1.Work on the source summaries for your Research Project Paper.
2.Work on the outline of your Research Project Paper.
In-class:
1. Discuss Collins & Wyatt, p. 336 #2, 6; Lee p. 340-341.
2. Editing #3
Language and Gender
HW:
1. Read Irvine, p. 369-372; OR Whorter, p. 373 380. / 3/16: FINAL DRAFT of Out-of-Class essay
3/23: LIST OF REFERENCES at least FOUR) ofResearch Project Paper
3/23: SOURCE SUMMARIES of the above
3/23: OUTLINE of
Research Project Paper
3/18: Editing #3
Week 10
3/23
3/25 / In class:
1. Library class: Writing definitions and citing sources.
FURLOUGH.
HW:
Work on Research Project Project Draft 1 – DUE 4/6 by 9.00 p.m. e-mail attachment.
I will make general comments – thesis, transition, organization, references. / 3/23: LIST OF REFERENCES (at least FOUR) of Research Project Paper
3/23: SOURCESUMMARIES of the above
3/23: OUTLINE of Research
Project Paper
Week 11
3/30
4/1 / SPRING RECESS
Week 12
4/6
4/8 / FURLOUGH.
- Work on Quick response # 7: Irvine, p. 371 #2 AND Whorter p. 379 # 1,2
Project Paper (by 9.00 p.m.
Send e-mailattachment)
4/15: Peer editing of DRAFT 2 of Research Project Paper in class
5/4: FINAL GOOD DRAFT of Research Project Paper
4/8: Quick Response #7:Irvine and Whorter (by 9.00 p.m. Send e-mail attachment)
Week 13
4/13
4/15 / FURLOUGH.
HW:
1.Work on Draft 2 of Research Project Essay.DUE for peer editing in class 4/15
2.Review argumentative essay – structure and transitional links.
In class:
1.Peer editing of Draft 2 of Research Project Essay.
2.In-class essay # 2 on an argumentative topic.
HW:
1.Work further on Draft 2 of Research Project Paper using peer comments. Turn in for CONFERENCING 27 and 29 APRIL.
Final good draft of Research Project Essay DUE 6 May
2. Language and media
Readp. 387-388, Birk & Birk, p. 394-404; Klein, p. 473-479 / 4/15: Peer editing of DRAFT 2 of Research Project Paper in class
5/4: FINAL GOOD DRAFT of Research Project Paper
4/15: Peer editing of DRAFT 2 of Research Project Paper
4/27 and 4/29: CONFERENCING of Research Project Paper
5/4: FINAL GOOD DRAFT of Research Project Paper
Week 14
4/20
4/22 / In class:
1.Discuss Birk & Birk, Language in action p. 402 #2,4, 5, 6; Klein, p. 479 # 5, (work on definitions of words from the article), p. 480 # 1.
2.Editing #4
HW:
1.Language debate
Read p. 481-482; Taylor, p. 501-504
2.Work further on Draft 2 of Research Project Paper using peer comments. Turn in for CONFERENCING 27 and 29 APRIL.
Final good draft of Research Project Essay DUE 6 May
In-class:
1.Discuss Taylor p. 504-505, #2, 5,6.
HW:
1. ReadQuindlen, p. 519-522
2.Work further on Draft 2 of Research Project Paper using
peer comments. Turn in for CONFERENCING 27 and 29 APRIL.
Final good draft of Research Project Essay DUE 6 May. / 4/20: Editing #4
4/27 and 4/29: CONFERENCING of Research Project Paper
5/4: Final good draft of Research Project Paper
Week 15
4/27
4/29 / In-class:
Conferencing of Research Project Paper .
Quick response #8: Quindlen
HW:
1.Read Ch. 8 p. 527-528; Krauthammer, p. 539-541; Mellix, p. 548-557.
In-class:
Conferencing of Research Project Paper contd.
Quick response: Krauthammer p. 541 OR Mellix p. 557 (BONUS 2%)
HW:
1. Read: Ch. 9 p. 563-564; Pollan, p. 565-572 / 4/27: Conferencing of
Research Project Paper
5/4: FINAL GOOD DRAFT of
Research Project Paper
4/27: Quick response#8: Quindlen
4/29: Conferencing of
Research Project Paper
5/4: FINAL GOOD DRAFT of
Research Project Paper
4/29: Quick response (Bonus 2%)
Week 16 5/4
5/6 / In-class:
1.Final good draft of Research Project Essay DUE
2.Editing #5
In-class:
1.Library Class: Look up ideas and AT LEAST TWO references for In-Class Essay #3. / 5/4: FINAL GOOD DRAFT of Research Project Paper
5/4: Editing #5
Week 17
5/11 / In-class essay #3 / 5/11: In-class Essay #3
NOTE: