Students will learn how to think critically, conduct research and effectively compose grammatically correct and cohesive argumentative essays. Long-form journalism, podcasts, films, peer-reviewed articles and other materials will be analyzed, discussed, and referenced in both in-class and out-of-class essays. Skills such as the components of an essay (introductions, conclusion, paragraph structure) as well as grammar, sentence structure, tone/style and MLA formatting will be practiced through application. Students will hone their skills through the revising their own and peer work.  

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

-Understand, summarize and synthesize academic and popular sources

-Read and think critically

-Conduct and reference research effectively and accurately

-Understand the writing and revision process

-Structure research questions and thesis statements

-Write grammatically correct and clear prose

-Structure arguments (on both a paragraph and essay level) using rhetorical strategies

-Structure an academic paper in MLA format.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed.

Attendance is crucial to student success and you are expected to attend every class meeting.

●      You will be allowed three, no-questions-asked absences. After the third absence, 5% will be deducted from the overall grade for each additional absence. After the sixth absence, you will be failed automatically from the course.

●      The only absences that will be excused are those that are approved by the Dean’s office.

●      You are responsible for the material covered and completing in-class assignments if you are absent. Ask a classmate, check the Moodle course page or email me.

●      Missed in-class writings must be submitted at the next class meeting.

●      If you must miss a lesson for religious reasons, please inform me in advance.

●      Absence does not excuse work from being graded as late.