The focus of this class is on writing and on understanding writing as a tool for social action. Good writing does not occur in a vacuum, which is to say that it cannot be pulled off effectively without considering audience, social context, language, genre, and a whole host of other rhetorical concerns that we will address in this class. We will consider what it means to write effectively at all stages of the process, for different audiences and contexts, and in various genres. We will be concerned not only with rhetorical invention (how one comes up with something salient to write about in the first place), but also with polish, style, and the consequences of our writing. We will consider surface-level language choices, organization, use of evidence, and so on.

This summer, we will ground our work on writing within collective research we do on the upcoming U.S. Election. This work will include gaining a deeper understanding of the election process, the candidates, their positions, and public discourse on these candidates; investigating the hot button issues that drive and define the election; and analyzing the rhetoric surrounding salient contemporary social issues within public discourse, public policy, and the media as an entry way, content, and exigency for our writing projects. There will be ample room for students to explore issues key to their own interests, disciplines, career plans, etc.?? For example, there will be flexibility to dig into specific topics of interest or to explore electoral processes in other countries.

Students will do short, daily written responses and complete various writing assignments in different genres that build up to a larger project.

Prerequisites:

While 281 has no formal prerequisite, this is an intermediate writing course, and instructors expect entering students to know how to formulate claims, integrate evidence, demonstrate awareness of audience, and structure coherent sentences, paragraphs and essays. Thus we strongly encourage students to complete an introductory (100 level) writing course before enrolling in English 281.