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Course Description (RHET 201:Research Writing)
This theme-based class in research writing emphasizes analytical reading and writing and the skills and knowledge to produce extended forms of academic essays and research papers, from the critical analysis of the issue, to the development of an effective research-based argument or question, through the process of finding and evaluating information representing diverse perspectives on the issue, to the correct and ethical use and documentation of sources, and the use of rhetorical strategies and conventions appropriate to the genre. Course Theme: How we Eat: the Ecology, Economy and Ethics of Food Food is an integral part of our everyday lives, and we can’t help but spend a certain amount of time each day on food related decisions and actions. But, apart from those moments when food makes the news because of an international e.coli outbreak, a famine, or some major policy issue, we may not think much about where the food we eat comes or its complex relationships with culture, economics, politics and even ethics. This semester we will use this theme to focus our reading, investigations and discussions. We will create a collaborative annotated bibliography of scholarly and popular sources on issues pertaining to this theme and each student will produce an individual research proposal, annotated bibliography, research paper and presentation, making an argument or investigating a question related to the course theme. Within the parameters of the theme students have a lot of latitude and are encouraged to select a topic that captures their particular interest.
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To fulfill the requirements of the course students will demonstrate their ability to:
■ Identify a researchable issue and analyze the rhetorical and other parameters of the existing “conversation” into which they wish to enter
■ Find, select, read and analyze scholarly and other appropriate sources for critical analysis of an issue
■ Identify and discuss the rhetorical situations out of which various pieces of writing emerge or to which they respond
■ Develop a research question or argument
■ Use effective research strategies involving library books, electronic databases, online resources, and other sources as appropriate
■ Evaluate credibility of source material
■ Select a mix of theoretical material, research-based articles, opinion pieces, news reports, interviews, official documents and other sources (as appropriate) representing diverse perspectives on the issue
■ Use source material and citations correctly, effectively and ethically
■ Design and present an effective and engaging research presentation
Grade Breakdown
- • Entry in a whole class Collaborative Annotated bibliography 5%
- • Research Proposal 20%
- • Annotated bibliography 15%
- •25% Multi-draft research paper with outline and abstract
- • Research presentation 15%
- •Final Portfolio with cover letter and checklist 5%
- • Peer review, reading presentations & other short assignments 10%
- • Participation, process 5%
Class Policies
- Attendance is important to this class, which will include a great deal of in-class activity focused on the achievement of important class goals. Attendance is expected and will improve your experience as well as contributing to the overall quality of the class community. You are allowed two unexcused absences during the semester. Additional absences will count against your final grade.
- Come to class prepared.
- Class will begin at the scheduled time. If you come after the start time, you will be marked late. If you are late three times this counts as an absence.
- Treat everyone in the classroom with the same high level of respect that you desire for yourself.
- Cell phones are turned off throughout the class period and should never be seen.
- Please read the University Academic Integrity policy at: http://www.aucegypt.edu/academics/resources/acadintegrity/code/Pages/Violation.aspx.Those are the University standards that also apply in this class. This class includes instruction and other forms of support to help you to understand and avoid plagiarism in your writing. Cases of plagiarism in the final draft of any paper or other violations of academic integrity may result in a failing grade on the paper or in the class as well as other possible consequences according to University policy.
- It is a departmental requirement that an electronic copy of each draft of all of your major assignments must be submitted on both Turnitin.com. Please use this tool to help you to identify and correct problems you may have with correctly summarizing, paraphrasing, quoting integrating and citing sources in your text. You will be allowed to view your ‘originality report’, and we will go over in class how to “read” this report and use it to identify issues in your text.
- All class work will be submitted electronically and included in your e-portfolio unless otherwise specified.
- If you have a documented learning disability or physical condition that affects your ability to achieve in this class, please notify the instructor so that we can discuss appropriate ways to support your learning and class success.
