Kim Phuong Trinh
Expository writing based on materials presented in a specified humanities course. Assignments include drafts of papers to be submitted in the specified course, and other pieces of analytical prose. Concurrent registration in the specified course required. Offered: AWSpS.
English 297 is designed to accompany English 301, Introduction to English Language and Literature, a gateway course for students interested in pursuing the English major. In this class, we will learn and practice skills for analyzing texts, developing claims, organizing evidence, and presenting effective arguments in the manner expected of English majors. We will draw in part on the lectures and readings for English 301, paying close attention to primary texts and a few selected critical works.
Student learning goals
read texts carefully and critically, explicating on potential meanings and unraveling multiple levels of uncertainties and complexities.
write insightful, analytical, and contextualized arguments in response to the given texts, in a manner that is expected of undergraduate students of English.
practice the habits of a successful writer, drafting and revising frequently, responding critically and meaningfully to the writing of others, incorporating peer and instructor’s feedback into revisions, and evaluating and reflecting on your own writing.
General method of instruction
English 297 is taught in a writing workshop format, wherein students share ideas and support one another in their writing projects. As much as is possible, emphasis in this class will be placed on learning through thinking, writing, and revising—both individually and in groups. We will workshop papers extensively as we move through the processes of drafting and revising ideas, and significant class time will be set out for group work and conferences.
Although not a prerequisite for the class, prior completion of an expository writing class (English 109/110/111/121/131) will be immensely helpful in preparing you for the assignments you will encounter in English 297.
At the same time, you are not expected to come to this class already knowing how to write "the perfect paper." You are, however, expected to write and revise frequently. Your ability and willingness to take writing as a process requiring multiple stages and many revisions will enable you to make the most of this class.
Class assignments and grading
There are three major papers in this course, each one approximately 5-7 pages in length. Each major paper is embedded in its own sequence, which might include shorter writing assignments, in-class peer review, and writing conference—all of which are part of your participation grade and all of which are designed to help you write a better major paper.
Many activities in this writing link will reflect the importance of writing as a means of learning. You will write to think through interpretive and critical issues and problems. You will write to clarify and to complicate your interpretations of the given texts. There will be numerous homework assignments that include analyses of readings, development of short pieces leading to longer papers, reflections on past processes, off-the-cuff responses to new materials, and so forth.
Your grade in this course will be determined by two factors: 1. Major Papers (70%): As one of our emphases is on the process of writing rather than just the final product, you will have many opportunities to brainstorm ideas, develop your arguments, obtain oral and written feedback, and revise your papers. At the end of the quarter, the major paper with the highest grade will be weighted at 30%, and the remaining 2 papers will be weighted at 20% each. 1. Participation (30%): Participation, in this class, includes timely completion of homework assignments, in-class writing, peer reviews, writing conferences, and any other activity that supports or facilitates the writing process.