Week One

Week 1 Introduction

In this first Unit (Week 1), you will select a topic for your Research project and write an Exploratory Draft outlining your initial ideas and opinions on the topic. Be sure to read the complete description of the Research project and related assignments and let the instructor know if you have any questions.

You will also begin practicing the critical reading skills you will need to successfully evaluate research sources and their arguments.

   Schedule of Assignments

Due on Tuesday by the end of class:

• Writing Assessment 
• Review the Syllabus 
• Make sure you have the book

Due on Thursday at the beginning of class:

• In The Structure of Argument (SA), read pp. 3-32 ("Approaches to Argument"); 35-37 ("Critical Reading"); 41-42, 48-56 ("Comprehension"), 76-77, 82-93 ("Analytical Writing"); and 393-397 ("Planning and Research")
• Thoroughly read the entire description of the Research Project (you will find this on the course blog); then re-read the section on selecting a topic.
• Using these suggestions, decide on a topic and two alternate topics and bring them to class.

During class you will:

• Do the Summary/Critique assignment. 
• Read (in SA) pp. 107-109 (Whitehead), 184-188 (Hayes) , and 331-332 (Grossman).  As you read these essays, take notes, annotate your text, etc. in preparation for the three paragraph summary/critique you will write for next Tuesday.