Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

English Composition 1 Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a course in writing academic prose; including various types of essays; arguments; and constructions. A writing-intensive course that covers the Arizona Standards required in 11th or 12th grade.

CREDITS
4 credits

PREREQUISITES AND CO-REQUISITES
None

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
• Mauk; J.; & Metz; J. (2009). The composition of everyday life: A guide to writing (Includes the 2009 MLA update). Boston; MA: Wadsworth. ISBN-13: 978-0-495-80204-4. (Available as eBook in Canyon Connect for online students only)
• Refer to individual modules for other specific required readings and resources.
• If you need help formatting assignments; go to the Writing Center in the Student Success Center; read the style guide; and use the templates for this course.

TOPICS; OBJECTIVES; AND ASSIGNMENTS

Module 1: Topic and Objectives
Rhetorical Triangle (Writer; Audience; Purpose); Critical Reading
• Explain how the rhetorical situation affects perceptions.
• Use critical reading skills to discuss the textual concepts.
• Recognize the importance of the audience when writing.
• Draft a paper using the outline.
Module 1: Assignments
Communication Essay
1) In Brent Staples’ essay; he discusses the negative perceptions a woman had of him based on his physical characteristics. Misconceptions based on outward appearance are one cause of miscommunication; but there are many others; and they are usually based on either the speaker or the audience not fully understanding the other party. Identifying the audience is a key component to successful communication.
2) Before starting the assignment; be sure to read “The Writing Process” resource and the “Transitions” resource located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
3) For this assignment; you will write an essay (250-500 words) that will analyze communication.
4) For complete assignment instructions; access and read the “Communication Essay Instructions;” located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
5) Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide located in the Student Success Center.
6) You can also find the GCU Style Guide and Template located in the Student Success Center.
7) This assignment uses a grading rubric that can be viewed at the assignment’s drop box.
8) Submit the assignment to the instructor by the end of Module 1.
Peer Review
ENG 105 is a writing-intensive course; therefore all students are required to peer review each other’s work throughout the course. Part of students’ responsibility is to provide quality feedback for revision purposes.
1) In order to assist you in providing this feedback; use the “Peer Review Worksheet;” located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect. Use this worksheet to complete the following assignment:
a) Access the “Sample Student Paper;” located in the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
b) Use the worksheet to peer review the Sample Student Paper.
2) Read the sample paper and complete the Peer Review Worksheet.
3) Submit the assignment to the instructor by the end of Module 1.
Discussion Forum
1) The discussion forum requirements will be provided by the instructor.
2) Participate in class discussion as indicated.

Module 2: Topic and Objectives
Narrative Invention and Practice
• Identify the significance of events that have been life-changing.
• Develop a solid thesis.
• Create an outline for narrative writing.
• Practice invention strategies.
Module 2: Assignments
Narrative Essay
1) Before starting the assignment; be sure to review “The Writing Process” resource and the “Transitions” resource located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
2) For this assignment; you will write a narrative paper (750-1;000 words) recounting an event from which you learned an important lesson.
3) For complete assignment instructions; access and read the “Narrative Essay Instructions” within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
4) The rough draft of this assignment should be submitted by the end of Module 2 to the peer review forum on the course main page. You should label your paper with your first name and last name (e.g.; Karen Palmer’s Paper).
5) Use the feedback from the Peer Review to edit/revise your essay.
6) Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide located in the Student Success Center.
7) This assignment uses a grading rubric that can be viewed at the assignment’s drop box.
8) Submit the rough draft of the Narrative Essay assignment to the Narrative Essay Peer Review Forum by the end of Day 4 of Module 3.
9) Use the feedback you receive on your essay to revise/edit your essay.
10) Submit the final draft of the Narrative Essay to the instructor by the end of Module 3.
Narrative Assignment: Invention
1) Invention is an important part of essay writing. At the end of each chapter in the textbook; you will notice an “Invention” section; which will guide you through the process of finding a topic; writing a thesis; considering your audience; and drafting your paper.
2) For this assignment; access and read the “Narrative Assignment: Invention Instructions;” located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
3) GCU style is not required; but solid academic writing is expected.
4) This assignment uses a grading rubric that can be viewed at the assignment’s drop box.
5) Submit the assignment to the instructor by the end of Module 2
Discussion Forum
1) The discussion forum requirements will be provided by the instructor.
2) Participate in class discussion as indicated.

Module 3: Topic and Objectives
Narrative: Revision and Writing
• Use description and dialogue to inform the audience.
• Peer review an essay by reading critically and providing constructive feedback using the grading rubric for guidance.
• Revise your narrative essay based on the peer review.
Module 3: Assignments
Narrative Peer Review
1) In this assignment; you will peer review your classmates’ papers using quality feedback.
2) In order to assist you in providing this quality feedback; use the “Peer Review Worksheet;” located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
3) For complete assignment instructions; access and read the “Peer Review Instructions;” located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
4) Post your review as a reply to the original thread.
5) You will use the feedback on your rough draft to edit/revise your essay.
6) Submit the peer review of the assignment to the instructor by the end of Day 4 of Module 3.
7) Submit the final draft of the Narrative Essay assignment by the end of Module 3.
Narrative Essay: Now I Remember
1) Complete this assignment according to the guidelines presented in Module 2.
2) Submit the assignment to the instructor by the end of Module 3.
Discussion Forum
1) The discussion forum requirements will be provided by the instructor.
2) Participate in class discussion as indicated.

Module 4: Topic and Objectives
Observation Invention and Practice
• Observe a person; place; or animal and discover something unique or surprising about that subject.
• Incorporate analysis into writing.
• Conduct primary research and take observational notes.
• Draft an observation essay.
Module 4: Assignments
Primary Research/Observation Field Notes
1) For the Observation Essay; you will need to observe a person/place/animal for at least 45 minutes. You should observe your chosen subject three times for a minimum of 15 minutes in each session.
2) Following the guidelines on pages 448-449 in the textbook; keep careful field notes. You will type up these notes and submit them to your instructor.
3) GCU style is not required; but solid academic writing is expected.
4) Submit the assignment to the instructor by the end of Module 4.
Observation Essay
1) Using the field notes you completed in the previous assignment; write an essay (500-750 words) that illustrates through description what you observed. Use the “invention” section of chapter 4 in the textbook along with the grading rubric to assist you in completing the assignment.
2) For the complete assignment instructions; access and read the “Observation Essay Instructions” located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
3) Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide located in the Student Success Center.
4) This assignment uses a grading rubric that can be viewed at the assignment’s drop box.
5) Submit the rough draft of this assignment to the Observation Peer Review Forum by the end of Module 4.
6) Submit the final draft of this assignment to the instructor by the end of Module 5.
Discussion Forum
1) The discussion forum requirements will be provided by the instructor.
2) Participate in class discussion as indicated.

Module 5: Topic and Objectives
Observation: Revision and Writing
• Analyze primary research findings to inform an audience.
• Peer review an essay by reading critically and providing constructive feedback using the grading rubric for guidance.
• Revise your observation essay based on peer review.
Module 5: Assignments
Observation Essay Peer Review
1) In this assignment; you will peer review your classmates’ papers using quality feedback.
a) In order to assist you in providing this quality feedback; use the “Peer Review Worksheet;” located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon connect.
2) For complete assignment instructions; access and read the “Peer Review Instructions;” located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
3) Post your review as a reply to the original thread.
4) Submit the peer review of the assignment to the instructor by the end of Day 4 of Module 5.
5) You will use the feedback you receive on your rough draft to edit/revise your essay.
6) Submit the final draft of the Observation Essay assignment to the instructor by the end of Module 5.
Observation Essay
1) Complete this assignment according to the guidelines presented in Module 4.
2) Submit the assignment to the instructor by the end of Module 5.
Discussion Forum
1) The discussion forum requirements will be provided by the instructor.
2) Participate in class discussion as indicated.

Module 6: Topic and Objectives
Analyzing a Concept Invention and Practice
• Explore and identify the connection between concrete experience and an abstract concept.
• Correctly cite at least one outside source using GCU formatting.
• Draft an analyzing concept essay.
Module 6: Assignments
Analyzing a Concept Essay
1) For this assignment; you will choose a concept in language and/or culture that interests you enough to study further.
2) In an essay of 1;000-1;250 words; explain the selected concept to your classmates.
3) For complete assignment instructions; access and read the “Analyzing a Concept Essay Instructions” located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
4) Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide; located in the Student Success Center.
5) This assignment uses a grading rubric that can be viewed at the assignment’s drop box.
6) Submit the rough draft of the assignment to the Analyzing Concepts Peer Review Forum by the end of Module 6.
7) Submit the final draft of the assignment to the instructor by the end of Module 7.
References Page
1) To complete this assignment; use the GCU Style Guide located in the Student Success Center. Use the guide to create a References page for your “Analyzing a Concept Essay.”
2) Your References page should be correctly formatted and include each source you will use for the essay.
3) Submit the assignment to the instructor by the end of Module 6.
Discussion Forum
1) The discussion forum requirements will be provided by the instructor.
2) Participate in class discussion as indicated.

Module 7: Topic and Objectives
Analyzing a Concept: Revision and Writing
• Explain a concept to an audience.
• Peer review an essay by reading critically and providing constructive feedback using the grading rubric for guidance.
• Revise your Analyzing a Concept Essay based on the peer review.
Module 7: Assignments
Analyzing a Concept Peer Review
1) In this assignment; you will peer review your classmates’ papers using quality feedback.
2) In order to assist you in providing this quality feedback; use the “Peer Review Worksheet;” located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
3) For complete assignment instructions; access and read the “Peer Review Instructions;” located within the Additional Resources folder in Canyon Connect.
4) Post your review as a reply to the original thread.
5) You will use the feedback you receive on your rough draft to edit/revise your essay.
6) Submit the peer review of the assignment to the instructor by the end of Day 4 of Module 7.
7) Submit the final draft of the Analyze a Concept essay assignment by the end of Module 7.
Analyzing a Concept Essay
1) Complete this assignment according to the guidelines presented in Module 6.
2) Submit the assignment to the instructor by the end of Module 7.
Discussion Forum
1) The discussion forum requirements will be provided by the instructor.
2) Participate in class discussion as indicated.

Semester 2

TOPICS; OBJECTIVES; AND ASSIGNMENTS

Module 1 Topic and Objectives (Module 1)
Introduction to Argumentation
Explain strategies of argumentation as forms of inquiry. (1.1)
Construct enthymemes to focus argumentation on a purpose. (1.2)
Analyze how writers influence audience through implicit and explicit arguments. (1.3)
Use claim types (definition; causal; resemblance; evaluation; proposal; etc.) as a vehicle of invention/inquiry. (1.4)
Module 1 Readings
Read chapters 1-4 and 10 in the textbook.
Any additional readings; as directed by your instructor.
Discussion Questions
• Throughout this course; you will be researching; discussing; and writing about the donation and sales of human organs. To assist you in the research; the Lecture Notes and Supplemental Readings include lists of web sites that provide different perspectives on this complex and controversial topic. Please use the following link to find and read an article about kidney sales: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119490273908090431.html
Identify and discuss in 100-125 words one cause for this phenomenon.
• Your text and Lecture Notes discuss the importance of enthymemes in the writing of arguments. Create enthymemes (Claims and Reasons) that are appropriate for each of the essay genres (i.e.; Causal Argument; Ethical Argument; and Proposal Argument) you will use in this course. Here is an example of an enthymeme:
Proposal Essay: Should school cafeterias be required to offer only nutritionally balanced meals?
CLAIM: School cafeterias should exclusively serve nutritionally balanced meals
REASON: because obesity rates among school age children are increasing.
Causal Argument Essay: What is one cause of the sale of human organs?
CLAIM:
REASON:
Ethical Argument: What is one consequence of the sale of human organs?
CLAIM:
REASON:
Proposal Argument: Should the sale and purchase of human organs be made legal?
CLAIM:
REASON:
•
According to your textbook; a “warrant is the value; belief; or principle that the audience has to hold if the soundness of the argument is to be guaranteed or warranted” (Ramage; Bean & Johnson; 2012; p. 76). What are the warrants for the enthymemes that you created in your reply to DQ #1? Please re-state your enthymemes in your response.
• Your textbook and Lecture Notes define two types of argument: explicit and implicit. Find an ad; political cartoon; or commercial and analyze the argument being made. Is the argument explicit or implicit? Why?
Please be sure to include an attachment of or the link to your selection so that it can be viewed by all. An example of a powerful implicit argument can be seen in a 2010 Nissan Leaf commercial; which may be viewed by following this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyX7HuaP7cc

Module 2 Topic and Objectives (Modules 2-3)
Definitional / categorical / resemblance Arguments: Invention and Research
Use strategies for definitional argumentation as a means of inquiry and invention (criteria/match strategy and resemblance arguments.). (2.1)
Develop a claim and evidence (enthymeme) suitable for a definitional argument. (2.2)
Use appropriate conventions for making definitional arguments. (2.3)
Choose appropriate supporting sources; based on the purpose and audience for an argument. (2.4)

Module 2 Readings
Read chapter 11 in the textbook.
Read the unit on “Women in Math and Science” in Part 6 of the textbook; as directed by your instructor.
Read chapters 15; 16; and 17 in the textbook.
Read chapter 5 in the textbook.
Any additional readings; as directed by your instructor
Module 2 Assignments
Definitional Argument Assignment (Objectives 2.1; 2.3; 2.3; 2.4; 3.1; 3.3; 3.4)
(This assignment is adapted from Chapter 11 of the textbook Writing Arguments.)
Write an essay in which you argue that a borderline or contested case fits (or does not fit) within a given category. To do so; first you must select a controversial case (which you might find in the news). Then you must decide what category you think your case belongs to; with the understanding that others may disagree with you about the definition of your category and/or whether your chosen case matches your category.
In the opening of your essay; introduce the borderline case you will examine and pose your definition question. To support your argument; you must first define the boundaries of your category (criteria) by reporting a definition used by others or by developing your own extended definition. In the second part of your argument (the match); show how your borderline case meets (or doesn’t meet) your definition criteria. As necessary; use resemblance arguments (perhaps by comparing your controversial case to other cases) to develop your argument.
Follow one of the organization plans for definition arguments in chapter 11 of the textbook.
Discussion Questions
• After reading Christian Longo’s essay in Chapter 14; please consider the following:
A potential definitional argument centers on whether a prisoner’s opportunity to donate organs is voluntary. Prisoners and human rights advocates might disagree about what “voluntary” donation means: is organ donation “voluntary” if prisoners receive the same counseling as donors outside of the prison system; or is it only “voluntary” if a person is not facing death (in this case; not on death row)? If someone were to develop this argument; they would define “voluntary” and then explain how a particular case (like Christian Longo’s or other instances of organ donation) match their definition of voluntary. What do you think about this issue? What does “voluntary” mean to you; and under what circumstances would inmates in our prison system be voluntarily offering to donate their organs? At what point do you think they would be involuntarily signing up to donate organs?
• As noted in Peter Ritter’s (2008) “Legalizing the Organ Trade?” Singapore’s health minister; Khaw Boon Wan; argued that “We may be able to find an acceptable way to allow a meaningful compensation for some living; unrelated kidney donors without breaching ethical principles or hurting the sensitivities of others” (qtd. in Ritter; 2008). You might ask yourself: What constitutes “meaningful compensation” for an organ donor; especially if the donor is poor and the recipient is wealthy? What examples of organ sales can you find that match up with (or do not match) your definition of “meaningful compensation”?
• On another side of the debate outlined in Ritter’s Time.com article; Professor A. Vathsala argued that “It is not a good idea to legalize payment for organ donors as such payment institutionalizes the belief that the wealthy ill have property rights to the body parts of the poor.” You might ask yourself: What constitutes “property”? Can a human organ be purchased or owned in the same way as a car? What specific instances of organ sales can you find that match (or do not match) your definition of “property”?
• For a resemblance argument; Christian Longo (in Chapter 14 of Writing Arguments) compares the relative health of prisoners to that of regular organ donors in paragraph 5 and explains that; in some cases; it is more beneficial to use organs from prisoners than from victims of car accidents. Do you think Longo makes a sound comparison? Why or why not?
Module 3 Topic and Objectives (Modules 4-5)
Definitional; categorical; and resemblance arguments: Research and Writing
Develop an argument using appropriate strategies for definitional argumentation (using criteria/match strategies and strategies for categorical and resemblance arguments. (3.1)
Identify and revise weaknesses in definitional; categorical; and resemblance arguments. (3.2)
Choose appropriate supporting sources; based on the purpose and audience for the argument. (3.3)
Document sources appropriately. (3.4)
Conduct a peer review of a definitional argument. (3.5)
Module 3 Readings
Read chapter 16 in the textbook.
Any additional readings; as directed by your instructor.
Module 3 Assignment
Peer Review Inventory Assignment for the Definitional Argument (Objectives 3.2; 3.5)
Instructions: Submit two documents to the dropbox for the Peer Review Inventory Assignment: 1) A draft of your Definitional Argument assignment and 2) a copy of the peer review you conduct for a classmate. Use the questions below to guide your review of a classmate’s paper. Your instructor will provide a due date for the draft of your paper that will enable you and your classmates to complete the peer review.
Evaluate both surface issues and structural features (e.g.; logic; organization; elements of style).
1. Does the essay demonstrate the necessary structure and content required by the particular assignment?
2. Is the title sufficiently descriptive of the topic and/or does it set the tone for the essay?
3. Does the introduction engage interest and appropriately contextualize the subject?
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of word choice and sentence structure.
5. Evaluate the author’s voice and “presence” in the paper.
6. Where is the writing clear or unclear?
7. Review conventions; such as grammar; spelling; and punctuation.
8. Review the GCU-style formatting of in-text citations as well as the formatting of the References page (as applicable).
9. Assess whether the author provides a sense of the broader significance of the subject in the conclusion beyond mere recapitulation.

Critique the main lines of the argument and the quality of the supporting evidence.
1) Summarize the main idea and evaluate the effectiveness of the thesis.
2) Evaluate the sufficiency of evidence and/or examples used as support as well as the quality of discussion.
3) Assess whether the author makes any generalizations that require further backing; and/or commits any logical fallacies.
4) Identify the audience-based reasons used to support the main idea and to enhance public resonance.
5) Identify where the author summarizes and responds to opposing points of view.
6) Identify where the author projects a sense of credibility.
7) Identify where the author appeals to emotion.

Provide a summary of recommendations.
1) Identify two or three of the greatest strengths of the draft.
2) Identify two or three of the most significant changes that you recommend the author should make in order to revise for submission.
Discussion Questions
• Dr. Francis Delmonico believes that even a regulated organ trade would be exploitative because “It’s the poor person who sells” (qtd. in Meckler; 2007). Do you agree that allowing a poor person to sell an organ is an exploitative practice? Why or why not? What examples from real-life organ donors can you provide that help you demonstrate how a regulated organ trade would be (or not be) exploitative?
• Do you think the organ trade should be legal or illegal; depending on your perspective? How do organs compare (or not compare) with other types of commodities (especially those that have some degree of legal restrictions) such as prescription medicine?

Module 4 Topic and Objectives (Modules 6-7)
Causal Arguments: Invention and Research
Use strategies for developing causal arguments (causal chains and inductive reasoning) as methods of inquiry and invention. (4.1)
Choose appropriate supporting sources based on the purpose and audience of a causal argument. (4.2)
Module 4 Readings
Read chapter 11 in the textbook.
Read the section “Video Games and Their Influence” in part 6 of the textbook; as directed by your instructor.
Any additional readings; as directed by your instructor.
Module 4 Assignment
Causal Argument Assignment (Objectives 4.1; 4.2; 5.1; 5.2; 5.3; 5.5)
Choose an issue about the causes or consequences of a trend; event; or other phenomenon related to the sale or trade of human organs. Write an argument that persuades an audience to accept your explanation of the causes or consequences of your chosen phenomenon. Within your essay; be sure to include the following:
1. Examine alternative hypotheses or opposing views and explain your reasons for rejecting them.
2. Imagine your issue either as a puzzle or as a disagreement. If a puzzle; your task will be to create a convincing case for an audience that doesn’t have an answer to your causal question already in mind. If a disagreement; your task will be more overtly persuasive because your goal will be to change your audience’s views.
3. Use the structure for a causal argument to write your essay. Some outlines for this type of argument can be found in chapter 12 of the textbook.
This assignment uses a grading rubric that can be viewed at the assignment’s drop box. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore; students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide; located in the Student Success Center.
You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center. Only Word documents can be submitted to Tunitin.
Submit the assessment according to the directions provided by the instructor.
Discussion Questions
• As you have learned in the lectures for Modules 1 and 4; a causal claim argues that one thing leads to another (e.g.; “Increasing levels of acidity in sea water are harming the oceans’ coral reefs.”). A “causal chain” links causal claims together as links in a chain. There is an excellent example of how to use direct explanation in the creation of a causal chain on page 262 in your textbook.
Please follow the link below and read this article from The New York Times. Please summarize the causal chain used by the writer. Was the argument persuasive? Why or why not?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/29/world/europe/black-market-for-body-par...
What are the causes of the growth of the business of organ sales; a concept unthinkable 100 years ago? What are the causes of the growth of the black market sales of organs?
What are the causes that you will write about in your draft?
• As the Lecture Notes for this module indicate; there are two ways to argue effectively that one phenomenon causes or influences another: causal chains and inductive reasoning. The most common and persuasive approach is the former; in which each step in the cause-and-effect process; from first to last; is itemized and explained. There is an excellent example of how to use direct explanation in the creation of a causal chain on page 262 in your textbook.
Develop a causal chain showing how “the invention of the automobile” led to “changes in sexual mores” (Ramage; Bean

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• ENGL
• 4 years of English

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