Sections 5021 and 6021
Professor Mace
Office: Sampson 204
Office Phone: 36215
e-mail: mace@usna.edu
Office Hours: Monday 10:20-1:15; 3:25-4:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 9:55-1:15; 3:25-4:00 p.m. Wednesday, 10:20-3:45 and by appointment.
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Sections 5021 and 6021 Professor Mace Office: Sampson 204 Office Phone: 36215 Office Hours: Monday 10:20-1:15; 3:25-4:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 9:55-1:15; 3:25-4:00 p.m. Wednesday, 10:20-3:45 and by appointment. |
Rhetoric may be defined
as the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.
----Aristotle
HE111W is designed to develop your rhetorical and critical skills. During the semester we will review the stages of the writing process---invention, organization, composition, and revision---and will apply what we have learned to a variety of rhetorical situations. The topics for your essays will come from your experiences and from the short stories and plays we will read and discuss in class. In these essays you will not only practice your writing skills, but you will also apply the techniques of literary criticism that you will study as we talk about your readings.
During the semester we will spend time working in The Everyday Writer and in various xeroxed materials I will give you In the other classes we will discuss the assigned plays and short stories and will learn about different approaches to literature. You should read each assignment carefully and come prepared to contribute actively to our discussions.
Texts
Lee Blessing. Fortinbras. Dramatists Play Service, 1992.
Dana Gioia and R. S. Gwynn, Eds. The Art of the Short Story: 52 Great Authors,
Their Best Short Fiction, and Their Insights on Writing. Pearson Longman, 2006.
Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say, I Say. The Moves that Matter
in Academic Writing. W.W. Norton, 2006.
Henrik Ibsen. Ibsen Four Major Plays: Volume I: A Doll House, The Wild Duck,
Hedda Gabler, The Master Builder (Revised Edition). Trans. Rolf Fjelde. Signet
Classics, 1992.
Andrea Lunsford. The Everyday Writer. Fourth Edition. Bedford St. Martin's, 2009.
Ricardo Quintana, ed. Eighteenth-Century Plays. McGraw-Hill, 1988.
William Shakespeare. Othello with Audio CD. Sourcebooks, 2005.
Sophocles II: Ajax, The Women of Trachis, Electra and Philoctetes Ed. David
Grene, Richmond Lattimore, John Moore, Michael Jameson. University of Chicago
Press, 1969.
Course Policies
Format of Papers: I expect you to type all paper proposals and final drafts. Other assignments (including rough drafts) may be handwritten. Please double space your papers, number the pages (learn how to turn on the automatic page numbering feature in Microsoft Word), and put approximately one-inch margins on all sides. I will not accept handwritten final drafts or proposals, nor will I make allowances for papers handed in late because of computer or printer problems. Be sure to back up all your files on at least two media (your hard drive and some permitted portable storage medium, for example).
Writing Assignments: You will write three papers in this class, ranging in length from two to five pages. In two cases, after you have decided on a topic, you will write a short proposal (not more than a page) in which you will briefly discuss your audience, your thesis, and your plan of organization. For certain assignments I may ask you additional questions that you must answer in your proposal. Before each first draft is due, we will have a rough draft session, when other students will read and respond to your paper. When I return graded drafts, I will ask that you rewrite so that you can practice those writing skills needing work. I will also ask each of you to write one two-page response paper during the semester; you will read this response at the beginning of the class for which it has been assigned. I will hand out the list of assignments on the second day of class. The first week of class, you will be taking some diagnostic tests designed to determine any problems with grammar and punctuation; I will ask you to complete TEN exercises from the personalized study plan generated when you finish these tests. Finally, I will give frequent quizzes on the reading; at the end of the semester I will drop the lowest quiz grade.
You must hand all papers in on time. I will deduct a grade for each class a paper is late. Note that the minimum requirement for passing the class is to hand in all the assigned essays.
Quiz Policy: Usually when you have a reading assignment, you can expect a short reading quiz at the beginning of the class for which the reading has been assigned. Over the semester you will have over twenty of these quizzes. When you have been absent from class, you will not need to take a makeup quiz; I will simply record no grade for the missed quiz. However, each of you must be present for two thirds of the quizzes. A student who misses more than one third of the quizzes for the semester will earn zeros on those quizzes given after he/she has missed more than the third. I will also drop the lowest quiz grade at the end of the semester.
Writing Materials: Please buy a manila folder or the equivalent. In this folder you will keep all notes, outlines, proposals, rough drafts, and final drafts. Bring this folder to class and to any appointments with me. You should make a backup of your computer files on some portable storage medium, which, if possible, you will bring to every class.
Use of Computers in the Classroom: The computers in our classrooms are provided for classwork only. Before class you are free to check email, search the internet, and do other appropriate computer business. During class, however, you should pay attention to class discussions and lectures; at those times you should use the computer only for taking class notes and doing in-class assignments requiring the computer (for example, in-class writings and peer review). Our classroom is equipped with the Altiris software program, which allows the instructor, in addition to other things, to monitor students' computer activities. Because we are in computer classrooms, you will not need to use your netbooks, so please do not use them or take them out before or during class.
CompClass: This semester we will be using a web-based classroom space called CompClass. Early on you will take three diagnostic tests on this site, and I will ask you to complete at least ten (10) exercises indicated by your personalized study plan. In addition, I will assign videos and animations related to our writing discussions and will ask you to upload various completed assignments. You will register for this class space in the first week of class.
Final Grade:
Essay
Essay One
FD (2 pp.) 10%
Essay
Essay Two
FD (4-5 pp.) 20%
Essay Three
(4-5 pp.) 20%
Response
(2 pp.)
5%
Quizzes
15%
Other Written
Work
5%
Participation
10%
Revision Policy: You may revise the first two papers you write this semester, even after the second and final draft has been graded. I will expect a thorough rewrite, which I will grade as a separate assignment. Then I will average the grade for the final draft and grade on the revised final draft together to obtain the grade that will appear in my records for the final paper. No new grade will be given for the first draft. All "F" papers must be completely redone.
Extra Instruction: I encourage you to seek extra instruction during office hours if you need help. To save you time, you should schedule an appointment in advance by sending me an e-mail message or checking with me before or after class; in that way, you will not have to wait if I am already busy with another student when you arrive. Please note my office hours at the beginning of this syllabus. Students receiving a grade of C- or lower on any essay are strongly encouraged to make an appointment for extra instruction as soon as possible after getting the essay back.
Tentative Schedule. Please note that I may assign additional readings periodically to supplement those in the syllabus; I may also assign additional materials in CompClass; please check the calendar in CompClass weekly to be sure you do not miss any assignments..
Monday, 24 August: Introduction to the course; discussion of writing
component and introduction to CompClass and Blackboard software. Registration
for CompClass.
Assignment for Tuesday, 25 August : Read Lunsford, The
Everyday Writer Section 5 ("Writing Situations," pp. 43-51) [check the
ebook in CompClass to see any additional notes or highlighting I have added]. In
addition, read in They Say, I Say (hereafter designated Graff), pp.
1-13. Be prepared for a short quiz. Read over the assignment for the
in-class writing and think about the assignment. If you did not do so in class,
register for CompClass.
Tuesday, 25 August: Writing Lab I: in-class writing. Discussion
of sample body paragraph assignment
Assignment for Thursday, 27August : Write a sample
body paragraph, following the instructions given in class. Take the following
diagnostic test in CompClass (be sure to complete by Thursday noon, or you will
be locked out by the program): Basic Grammar. When you are done, review your
individual study plan to identify areas in which you need work.
Thursday, 27 August: The rhetorical situation
The Rhetorical
Triangle
; the writing process; developing a thesis; begin discussion of paragraphs---introductions,
conclusions, body paragraphs.
Assignment for Monday, 31 August : Read in Lunsford
section 8 ("Developing Paragraphs" pp. 68-82) and in Graff pp. 14-26. Be
prepared for a quiz on the reading. View the "making a paragraph" animation in
CompClass (see under assignments). Take the following diagnostic quizzes in
CompClass, being sure to complete them by Monday noon: Punctuation and Sentence
Grammar. When you are done, review your individual study plan.
Monday, 31 August: More on paragraphs.
Assignment for Tuesday, 1 September : Complete
paragraph exercise by revising your paragraph. You should hand in a paragraph
outline with the hard copy of your completed revision.
Tuesday, 1 September : Writing Lab II: Paragraph Exercise
due. Introduction to the first writing assignment: analysis of the rhetorical
situation.
Assignment for Thursday, 3 September : Read "The
Russian Resolution" and write down notes about the audience, writer, and
purpose.
You will find the article and invention questions in the folder for Essay One
on Blackboard. Complete one of the exercises in your individual study plan; when
you have earned 80% or above, submit it to me.
Thursday, 3 September : Discussion of "The Russian Resolution."
Brief discussion of assigned article for essay.
Assignment for Tuesday, 8 September: Complete
invention questions for essay one (you will find them in the folder for essay
one on Blackboard). Complete two more of the exercises in your study plan,
and submit to me.
Monday, 7 September: Labor Day holiday. NO CLASS!
Tuesday, 8 September: Review of invention questions for
essay one. Introduction to the short story.
Assignment
for Thursday, 10 September: Read Charlotte Perkins Gilman, "The
Yellow Wallpaper," pp. 296-309 and 895-896 of the short-story anthology
(The Art of the Short Story )
and write down a question you have on the story (not the one on the study-question
handout). Be prepared for a quiz on the reading. Internet
Link: The
Yellow Wall-Paper
Thursday, 10 September: EARLY SCHEDULE. Discussion of "The
Yellow Wallpaper."
Assignment for Monday, 14 September : Work
on Essay One. Complete a fourth exercise from your study plan, and submit to
me.
Monday, 14 September: Writing Lab III: Peer review session
for essay one and brief questions for instructor. Fog
index and analysis of style.
Assignment for Tuesday, 15 September :
Read Edgar Allan Poe, "The Fall of the House
of Usher," pp. 707-721; 725;
write down one question you have about the story. Internet links:Hypertext
Version of the Story, Edgar Allan Poe Society
Page
Tuesday, 15 September: Discussion of "The Fall of
the House of Usher "
Assignment for Thursday, 17 September : Complete
Essay One. Read
over modernized version of "Little Red Riding Hood" and materials
on style. Read in Lunsford section 28 ("Conciseness" pp. 252-255). Be prepared for a quiz on the reading.
Thursday, 17 September: ***FIRST DRAFT OF ESSAY ONE DUE*** Writing
Lab IV: Discussion
of concise writing.
Assignment for Monday, 21 September : Complete
a fifth exercise from your study plan, and submit to me. Read
Bobbi Ann Mason, "
Monday, 21 September: Discussion of "Shiloh"
Assignment for Tuesday, 22 September : Read William
Faulkner, "Barn Burning, pp. 224-238; 245; 890-891; write down at least
one question that you have about the reading. Internet Link: William Faulkner
Site
Tuesday 22 September: First draft of essay one returned. Discussion
of "Barn Burning "
Assignment for Thursday, 24 September : Read Sections
9 ("Reviewing and Revising" pp. 82-94) and 10 ("Editing and Reflecting" pp.94-97)
in Lunsford. Be prepared for a quiz on the reading. Watch the following video
in CompClass: "Revising: Real World Writers" (you will find the link under
assignments).
Thursday, 24 September: Writing Lab V: discussion of revisions;
more on style; brief discussion of passive voice.
Assignment for Monday, 28 September : Complete
a sixth exercise in your study plan, and submit to me. Read Frank O'Connor, "Guests
of the Nation," (pdf posted on our Blackboard site) and write down one
question that you have about the story. Internet link: Frank O'Connor
Monday, 28 September: Discussion of "Guests of the Nation"
Assignment for Tuesday, 29 September : Read Tim O'Brien,
"The Things They Carried," which you will find on the Blackboard
site in pdf format. Write down a question you have about the story. Internet
link: Tim O'Brien Website
Tuesday, 29 September: Discussion of "The Things They Carried."
Assignment for Thursday, 1 October : Complete Revision
of Essay One.
Thursday, 1 October: ***FINAL DRAFT OF ESSAY ONE DUE*** Writing
Lab VI: Introduction
to Essay Two--a comparison/contrast. Brief exercise on comparison/contrast.
Assignment for Monday, 5 October : Read material
on comparison and contrast posted on the Blackboard site. Watch in CompClass
the following video: Comparison and Contrast (you will find a link to the video
under assignments). Be prepared for a quiz.
Monday, 5 October: More on comparison and contrast.
Assignment for Tuesday, 6 October : Read Lunsford,
sections 20 ("Language that Builds Common Ground" pp. 206-211; 22 ("Word Choice
and Spelling" pp. 214-223); Graff, pp. 28-47. Be
prepared for a quiz on the reading.
Tuesday, 6 October: Sample comparison/contrast essay. The art of quoting.
Assignment for Tuesday, 13 October : Read
Sophocles, Philoctetes in Sophocles II, pp. 190-254. Prepare
one comment or question about the reading. Related Website: Didaskalia:
Ancient Theatre Website. Complete
two more exercises (seven and eight) from your individualized study plan.
Thursday, 8 October: NO CLASS.
Monday, 12 October:
Tuesday, 13 October: Introduction to drama; discussion of Philoctetes.
Assignment for Thursday, 15 October : Complete the
invention exercises for essay two, which you will find in the folder for essay
two in Blackboard. Read in Graff, pp. 51-96; be prepared for a quiz
on the reading.
Wednesday, 14 October (Battalions 1-3) and Thursday, 15 October (Battalions 4-6): Brady Series Presentation in Mahan of Theatre of War (Attendance required of all plebes). Mahan Auditorium, Evening.
Thursday, 15 October: Writing Lab VII: Invention questions
for essay two due. Proposal for essay two; more on style and outlining.
Assignment for Monday, 19 October: Complete proposal
for essay two. Do two more exercises from your study plan (numbers 9 and 10),
and submit to me.
Monday, 19 October: Turn in paper proposals; finish discussion of Philoctetes.
Assignment for Tuesday, 20 October: Read
Shakespeare, Othello Act I . Write down a question about the reading,
and be prepared for a quiz.
Tuesday, 20 October:
Introduction to Othello.
Assignment for Thursday, 22 October : Read Othello Act
II. Write down one comment or question about the reading. Listen to parts of
play on the CD included with your book. Related Internet Site: Shakespeare
Web
Thursday, 22 October: Discussion of Othello .
Assignment for Monday, 26 October : Write the first draft
of essay two.
Monday, 26 October: Writing Lab VIII: Peer review session essay
two.
Assignment for Tuesday, 27 October : Read
Tuesday, 27 October: Continue discussion of Othello.
Assignment for Thursday, 29 November :
Complete the first draft of essay two.
Thursday, 29 October: ***FIRST DRAFT ESSAY TWO DUE***
Continue discussion of Othello
Assignment for Monday, 2 November: Read Othello, Act
IV and write down one question about the reading.
Monday, 2 November :More discussion
of Othello.
Assignment for Tuesday, 3 November : Read Othello,
Act V .
Write down a comment or question on the reading and be prepared for a quiz.
Tuesday, 3 November :Complete discussion of Othello
Assignment for Thursday, 5 November : Read
Oliver Goldsmith, She Stoops to Conquer Acts I and II in Quintana, Eighteenth-Century
Plays .
Write down a comment or question about the reading, and be prepared for a quiz
Thursday, 5 November : Introduction to She Stoops to Conquer.
Assignment for Monday, 9 November : Read She
Stoops to Conquer, Acts III, IV and V . Write
down a question about the reading.
Monday, 9 November
: Discussion of She Stoops to Conquer.
Assignment for Tuesday, 10 November : Read Lee Blessing,
Fortinbras, pp. 4-30 . Write down a comment or question about the
reading and be prepared for a quiz.
Tuesday, 10 November: Discussion of She Stoops to Conquer.
Introduction to Fortinbras.
Assignment for Thursday, 12 November: Read Fortinbras,
pp. 30-67 .
Write down a question or comment about the reading and be prepared for a quiz.
Thursday, 12 November: Discussion of Fortinbras.
Assignment for Monday, 16 November: Read in Lunsford
section 31 ("Verbs" pp. 285-291) and
Graff, pp. 101-132. Be prepared for a quiz on the reading.
Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14: Performances of the Masqueraders' Production of Fortinbras in Mahan auditorium at 8:00 p.m. [you should attend a performance of this play either this weekend or the next one]
Monday, 16 November: Writing Lab IX: First draft of essay
two returned (if not earlier); discussion of revisions; style exercise.
Assignment for Tuesday, 17 November: Read
Henry Fielding, The Tragedy of Tragedies (to be found in Eighteenth-Century
Plays, pp. 239-285). Skip the footnotes at the bottom of the pages. Write
down one question that you have about the reading. Related Site: Henry Fielding Page Be
prepared for a quiz on the reading, and write down a comment or question about
the assignment.
Tuesday, 17 November: Dramatic reading and discussion of The
Tragedy of Tragedies.
Assignment for Thursday, 19 November: Work
on your revision of essay two, due on Monday.
Thursday, 19 November: Further discussion of The Tragedy
of Tragedies
Assignment for Monday, 23 November : complete your
revision of essay two.
Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21: Performances of the Masqueraders' Production of Fortinbras in Mahan auditorium at 8:00 p.m. [You should attend one performance of this play either this weekend or the previous one]
Monday, 23 November: Writing Lab X***FINAL DRAFT ESSAY TWO
DUE*** Essay three assigned---an evaluation. Sample proposal
for essay three. Exercise in evaluation.
Assignment for Tuesday, 24 November : Select a magazine
for your final essay; write a one-paragraph description of the audience; start
working on the invention questions.
Tuesday, 24 November: More on the evaluation essay. Last day to hand
in extra-credit exercises from your individualized study plan.
Assignment for Monday 30 November :Complete the invention
questions and write a proposal for the final essay; be sure to list the criteria
you will use in your evaluation.
Thursday, 26 November: THANKSGIVING
Monday, 30 November: Writing Lab XI:
Proposals and invention questions for the final essay due; more on the final
essay
Assignment for Tuesday, 1 December : Read Henrik Ibsen,
A Doll House, in Four Major Plays, pp.42-71. Write down
a question or comment about the play, and be prepared for a quiz.
Tuesday, 1 December: Proposals returned. Discussion of A
Doll House .
Assignment for Thursday, 3 December : Write a rough draft
of essay three. Be sure to print out a hard copy for class.
Thursday, 3 December: Peer review session for essay three.
Assignment for Monday, 7 December : Read A
Doll House, pp. 72-114. Write down
a question or comment about the play, and be prepared for a quiz.
Monday, 7 December: Discussion of A Doll House.
Assignment for Tuesday, 8 December : Complete
the final essay
Tuesday, 8 December: ***FINAL ESSAY DUE*** video
Assignment for Thursday, 10 December : Work on revisions.
Thursday, 10 December: ****LAST CLASS FOR REVISIONS*** Course evalution.