Rearick 1
Freshman Expository Writing ENG1043 Sec. 4
The School of Arts and Humanities
Instructor: Anderson M. Rearick PhD.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Fall 2011, M-W-F / Credit: 3 Hours
MO 221: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Your Pearson MyComplab Course ID is Rearick293145C
Contact Info:
Dr. Rearick's Office: Founders Hall 219G (Within 219: School of Arts and Humanities Office)
Office Hours: M-W-F: 11:30a - 12:30p & 3:00p - 4:00p T-Thu 11:30a-12:30a & 2:00-3;00 or by
appointment 1
Office (740) 392-6868 Ext. 3508
Home (740) 392-3738 (please no calls after 9:00
Email: anderson.rearick@mvnu.edu
Course Description: ENG1043 is a study in the practice and process of expository writing.
Special emphasis is given to the writing process (pre-writing, drafting, proofreading, and
revising), the essay format, modes of expressive, and persuasion and referential (Seamans 3).
Texts:
Faigley, Lester. Writing: A Guide for College and Beyond. 2nd ed. New York: Longman, 2010.
(e-text version available on MyCompLab)
Seamans Arthur F. Writing for Growth. San Diego: Point Loma Nazarene College Press, 1980.
(PDF download available in Moodle and MyCompLab)
Class Objectives:







To encourage students toward the maximum development of communication skills and
abilities available within written word.
To enable students to improve written communications through directed experience.
To encourage students toward acquiring attitudes which stimulate awareness of self and
environment, enabling them to respond creatively and positively
To develop in students the ability to listen receptively, think critically, reason clearly,
evaluate objectively, and communicate clearly.
To promote within students the vision and ability to apply communication skills and
knowledge to enhance personal relationships, human society and God's kingdom.
To develop in students the skills needed to enjoy and evaluate writing without the
assistance of a critical history.
To acquire a knowledge of the assigned content matter.
1
Be aware that appointments will become more tight towards the end of the semester (Please note that in foul weather Prof. Rearick must
catch the 4:00 MOTA bus).
Expository Writing Sec 4
Rearick 2
Evaluation:
Each student will produce four essay packages made up of a first draft and revision. There will
be six quizzes throughout the semester, a mid-term and a final. Students will maintain an ongoing journal in which in-class writing exercises, notes and reading responses will be placed.
Also evaluated are students' attendance and participation.








Essays
Editing
Class Participation
Online Participation
Journals
Tests
Mid-term
Final
25%
20%
5%
10% (Threaded Discussions and MyCompLab)
10%
10%
10%
10%
100%
Essays: Four essays will be handed in this semester, each of which will be about three to four
pages long. Each essay will reflect a process. Thus, when a student hands in an assignment it will
actually be a packet which will include a first paragraph looked over by the instructor, a rough
draft—edited by a peer—any other evaluations, and a final copy. The essays will be done in the
MLA style required in Research Writing ENG1053. However, research will play a minor role in
this class. All work will be typed unless assigned as an “in-class” activity. All essays begin with
prewriting, followed by rough drafts and revisions. Students may expect their essays to be read
and discussed by a small group at the rough draft and proofreading stages. Every essay will be
graded using a standard rubric.
Editing: In spite of what they may think of their editing abilities, most students have much to
bring to help their classmates (or as they will be called from now on “their peers”) make a
stronger essay. The Faigley text, page 30-33, offer good guidelines to this activity. This will be
achieved with a peer editing sheet and comments on the actual text.
Class Participation: This grade will be based on attendance, class conversation, threaded
discussions, extra peer work and ways a student may find to improve this class’ online offerings.
Moodle: MVNU’s class platform is called Moodle. It will have an online
syllabus along with links to sites and documents you may download. It is also
where you will find the portals to enter “Turnitin.”
Turnitin MVNU uses the anti-plagiarism software called "Turnitin." This will
require you to submit an electric version of certain assignments (both papers and
some lead-in work) to be evaluated by the program. This system constantly scans the internet for
essays and data. MVNU takes plagiarism very seriously, sometimes even to the point of failing
the student who has handed in another's work.
Expository Writing Sec 4
Rearick 3
MyCompLab Once you are in the Pearson web site (MyCompLab) using
the code your purchased from the bookstore, be sure to enroll into our
class using this code as well: Rearick749282C. Besides Moodle and
class work, you will also access MyCompLab’s diagnostic tools and
exercises. Participation is required and will be used as part of your online grade. Although
listed on the Thursday assignments, your activities will be checked weekly by 5:00 Friday.
Furthermore students will have the ability to use the MyCompLab online tutoring for a fixed
number of exercises.
Threaded Discussions: On Moodle you will find cues for online, threaded discussions. You are
required to make one entry every two weeks of about 150 words per entry. You may either post
from the actual instructor’s cue or from a peer’s response. Doing more than the 7 required earns
extra credit.
Journals: The journals will be maintained in “Black Marble Cover
Composition Books.” No spirals three ring bounders, or folders please.
These will be collected and reviewed at different parts of the semester,
possible without warning. Bring to EVERY class.
Quizzes: There will be six quizzes during the semester, three before the
midterm and three after made up of true and false, multiple-choice, and
matching. They will be based on the readings, vocabulary and class
discussion.
Midterm and Final: The midterm and final will draw heavily from the quizzes: The midterm
will be on Wednesday Oct. 12th the final, meanwhile is on Thursday Dec. 8th at 1:00 to 2:50 am.
About Laptops: Laptop computers are a great tool, but like all
technology there is also a tendency to abuse them. Many of my peers
have banned laptops from the classroom entirely to avoid the back-row,
Facebook, email cyber-surfers. I would prefer not to do this. Therefore
laptops will be allowed but only in the front row and users of laptops
must be willing to respond to a clap-checks periodically. (I will
demonstrate) Those who cannot stay on task will have to leave these
remarkable tools in their rooms. Bring extension cords if you need
them.
Plagiarism: MVNU expects each student to avoid plagiarism in doing all assignments. Students
who cheat or represent other people’s work as their own will automatically fail that assignment
(homework, essay or exam) without recourse for makeup. Students who do this more than once
will automatically fail the class. All incidents of plagiarism will be documented and forwarded to
the office of the vice president for academic affairs.
Disability Needs: Students who qualify for and desire accommodations in this course due to a
disability, as defined by the American s with Disabilities Act of 1990, must follow the Disability
Service Policies and Procedures as put forth by the office of Academic Support. The guidelines
Expository Writing Sec 4
Rearick 4
can be accessed in electronic form at the web address
http://www.mvnu.edu/academics/services/dservices.html and in a hard copy at the Academic
Support office. Also on staff are English tutors Rebecca Hahn and Don Conrad to aid in
composition difficulties. The Extension for Academic Support is 4280.
On a personal note, I am disabled because of eyesight; my son is disabled by breathing
complications and mild Asperger's, my daughter has ADHD as also does my wife. Thus, I am
especially sensitive to the needs and challenges faced by otherwise qualified students who may
be struggling with physical challenges. I "toughed" it out when I was at ENC, but the world has
changed for the better, and there are many resources available to you I wish I had had, resources
I in fact presently use in my office—such as a close-circuit TV attached to the screen of my
computer as well as speaking programs which allow text to be read to me and talking books.
Pursue these things and see me if you have any such needs.
Please be aware that the schedule given below may change according to the discretion of
the instructor.
Fall 2011
Note: All readings and assignments are due on the day for which they are listed. Exercises associated with readings
are not required unless they are specifically assigned. The professor reserves the right to modify this schedule.


Writing for Growth by Seamans
Writing: A Guide by Faigley
Week One:
Wed. August 31
Introduction
Syllabus Explained
Moodle Explained
MyCompLab Explained
Tadbits PowerPoint
Elbow Video
Fri. Sept. 2
Read Writing for Growth “Introduction” and
“The Study of Writing at a Liberal Arts College” pp 1-8
MyCompLab Grammar Evaluation Due (All MyCompLab is checked at 5:00 Fridays)
Read Writing a Guide
Chap. 1 & 2
 “Making Discoveries” & “Reading to Explore” pp. 2-22
Discuss the writing process
Prewriting techniques
Expository Writing Sec 4
Rearick 5
Week Two:
Mon Sept. 5
Read Writing for Growth
 “An Approach to Writing” pp 9-12
 “Referential Writing” pp. 79-81
 “Theme Strategy: The Process Theme” pp 87-89
 “Steps to Greatness” pp. 89-92
Wed. Sept. 7
Read Writing a Guide,
Chap. 3 “Planning a Journey” pp 23-28
Chap. 4 “Returning and Revising” pp 29-34
Fri. Sept. 9
MyCompLab Work Due
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 9 “Writing Effectively in College” pp. 62-77
o Quiz One
Week Three:
Mon. Sept. 12
Read Writing A Guide
Chap 11. "Writing Observations"
Observations, Writing observations,
 Writing Observations pp 128-129
 An Effective Observation: Anni Dillard “Life on the Rocks: The
Galapagos” pp 130-138
 Exploring Current Issues “What Can Be Learned From Living As
Someone Else?” pp 139
 How to read observations pp 140
Wed. Sept. 14
Chap 5. Thinking Visually
 Communicate with visuals and words pp 35-43
Chap 11 "Writing Observations" (Continued)
 Mary Roach, “Monster in a Ryokan” pp 141-145
 Ansel Adams, “Photographs of Japanese-Americans at Manzanar” pp
146-150
Fri. Sept. 16
Expository Writing Sec 4
Rearick 6
 Exchange Rough Drafts of Process Paper
 Hand in typed first paragraph with MLA header to Dr. Rearick
MyCompLab Work Due
Read Writing A Guide
Chap 11 "Writing Observations" (Continued)
 Fred Strebeigh, “The Wheels of Freedom: Bicycles in China” pp 151161
 Salman Hameed, “The Travelogue of an Astronomer”
pp 162165
Week Four:
Mon. Sept. 19
 Rough Draft of “Process Theme” with Peer Review Returned to Writers
 Sit together and read over comments and ask for clarifications and
explanations
Read Writing for Growth
 “Expressive Writing” pp. 13-18
 “Theme Strategy: ‘The Satori Theme’” pp.33-38
 “The Den of Lions” pp. 39-40
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 11 “Writing Observations” (Continued)
 How to write an observation 166-179 Cuellar’s essay through the
process
Wed. Sept. 21
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 11 “Writing Observations” (Continued)
 Sarah Cuellar, (Student essay)“Playing in Traffic: How Parallel Play
Helps Preschool Children `Merge’ into Group Play” 180-185
 Projects pp 186-187
Fri. Sept. 23
 Folder with Final Draft of “Process Theme’ as well as early drafts and Dr.
Rearick’s paragraph Due
o MyCompLab Work Due
o Quiz 2
Week Five:
Expository Writing Sec 4
Rearick 7
Mon. Sept. 26
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 10 “Reflections”
 "Writing reflections," "An effective reflection" pp 80-81
 Sue Kunitomi Embrey, "Some Lines for a Younger Brother . . ." pp 82-85
Wed. Sept. 28
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 10 “Reflections”
 "Explore current issues" (Can a Memory Make an Argument?”) and "How
to read reflections" pp 86-87
Fri. Sept. 30
MyCompLab Work Due
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 10 “Reflections” (Continued)
 David Sedaris, "Let it Snow" pp 88-90
 Lee Conell, "My Dropout Boyfriend Kept Dropping In" 95-99
Week Six:
Mon. Oct. 3
 Rough Draft of “Satori Theme” with Peer Review Returned to Writers
 Sit together and read over comments and ask for clarifications and
explanations
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 10 “Reflections” (Continued)
 Jason Christopher Hartley, "Just Another Soldier" pp 91-94
Wed. Oct. 5
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 10 “Reflections” (Continued)
 Amy Tan, "Mother Tongue" pp 100-107
 How to Write a Reflection" pp 108-119
Fri. Oct. 7
 Folder with Final Draft of “Satori Theme’ as well as early drafts and Dr.
Rearick’s paragraph Due.
 Be sure to also submit into Moodle Turnitin portal within week six’s
assignment.
The rest of the assignment is on the next page.
MyCompLab Work Due
Expository Writing Sec 4
Rearick 8
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 10 “Reflections” (Continued)
 Janine Carter, (student essay) "The Miracle Quilt" pp 120-123
 Projects 124-125
o Quiz 3
Week Seven:
Mon. Oct. 10
Read Writing for Growth
 “Expressive Writing” (review) pp. 13-18
 “Theme Strategy: ‘The Zuihitsu Theme’” pp.41-46
 “The Summer Teaching Disaster” pp. 39-40
Wed. Oct. 12
Review for Midterm
Fri. Oct. 14 Midterm
No MyCompLab
Week Eight: Midterm Break from Sat. Oct. 15th-Tuesday Oct. 18th.
Mon. Oct. 17 Mid-Semester Break
Wed. Oct. 19
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 14. Causal Analysis
 Writing to analyze causes pp 333-337
 An effective causal analysis
Fri. Oct. 21
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 14. Causal Analyses (Continued)
 Stentor Danielson, “Pesticides, Parasite May Cause Frog Deformities”
pp 338-341
 Explore current issues "Is Fast Food Marketing Contributing to Childhood
Obesity?" pp 342
MyCompLab Second Evaluation Due
Week Nine
Expository Writing Sec 4
Rearick 9
Mon. Oct 24
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 14. Causal Analyses (Continued)
 How to read causal analyses pp 343
 Stephanie Coontz, “The Future of Marriage" 344-352
Wed. Oct. 26
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 14. Causal Analyses (Continued)
 Hannah Fairfield, “Pushing Paper Out the Door” pp 353-356
 Emily Raine, “Why Should I Be Nice To You? Coffee Shops and the
Politics of Good Service” pp 357-365
Fri. Oct. 28
 Exchange Rough Drafts of Zuihitsu Paper
 Hand in typed first paragraph with MLA header to Dr. Rearick
MyCompLab Work Due
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 14. Causal Analyses (Continued)
 Daniel Akst, “Strive We Must” pp 366-374
Week Ten:
Mon. Oct. 31
 Rough Draft of “Zuihitsu Theme” with Peer Review Returned to Writers
 Sit together and read over comments and ask for clarifications and
explanations
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 14. Causal Analyses (Continued)
 Kay S. Hymowitz, “The New Girl Order” pp 375-385
Wed. Nov. 2
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 14. Causal Analyses (Continued)
 Operation Iraqi Freedom Leaflets pp 386-387
 How to write a causal analysis pp 388-403
Fri. Nov. 4
 Folder with Final Draft of “Satori Theme’ as well as early drafts and Dr.
Rearick’s paragraph Due.
 Be sure to also submit into Moodle Turnitin portal within week ten’s
assignment.
Assignment continued on next page.
MyCompLab Work Due
Expository Writing Sec 4
Rearick 10
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 14. Causal Analyses (Continued)
 Sean Booker, Borrowing (student essay) “Bling: The Appeal of Hip-hop
to Young White Men” pp 404-407
 Projects pp 408-409
o Quiz 4
Week Eleven:
Mon. Nov. 7
Read Writing for Growth
“Persuasive Writing” pp. 53-55
“Theme Strategy: The Empathy Letter Theme” pp. 56-58
“Letter to Ed” pp 59
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 16. Arguments for a Position
 Writing a position argument pp 468 471
 An effective position argument
Wed. Nov. 9
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 16. Arguments for a Position (Continued)
 Ted Koppel, “Take My Privacy, Please! pp 472-476
 Explore current issues ("Can Pennies Really Solve the World's Problems?"
pp 477
Fri. Nov. 11
MyCompLab Work Due
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 16. Arguments for a Position (Continued)
 How to read position arguments pp 478
 Frederick Douglass, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” pp 479-487
Week Twelve:
Mon. Nov. 14
Read Writing for Growth
 “Persuasive Writing” pp. 53-55 (Review)
 “Theme Strategy: The Irony Theme” pp 60-68
 “Strangers in the Night” pp 69-71
Wed. Nov. 16
Expository Writing Sec 4
Rearick 11
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 16. Arguments for a Position (Continued)
 Mark Winne, “When Handouts Keep Coming, the Food Line Never Ends”
pp 488-492
 Michel Marriott, “The Color of Mayhem” pp 493-496
Fri. Nov. 18
MyCompLab Work Due
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 16. Arguments for a Position (Continued)
 Steven Johnson, Hillary vs., “Grand Theft Auto” pp 497-499
o Quiz 5
Week Thirteen:
Mon. Nov. 21
 Exchange Rough Drafts of Empathy or Irony Paper
 Hand in typed first paragraph with MLA header to Dr. Rearick
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 16. Arguments for a Position (Continued)
 Mae M. Ngai, “No Human Being Is Illegal” pp 500-506
 “Buff Daddy; Food Cops Bust Cookie Monster” pp 507509
Wed. Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Break
Fri. Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Break
Week Fourteen:
Mon. Nov. 28
 Rough Draft of “Empathy or Irony Theme” with Peer Review Returned to Writers
 Sit together and read over comments and ask for clarifications and explanations
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 16. Arguments for a Position (Continued)
 How to write a position argument pp 510-525
Wed. Nov. 30
Read Writing a Guide
Chap 16. Arguments for a Position (Continued)
 Chris Nguyen, (student essay) “Speech Doesn’t Have to be Pretty to be
Protected 526-531
 Projects 532-533
o Quiz 6
Expository Writing Sec 4
Rearick 12
Fri. Dec. 2
 Folder with Final Draft of “Empathy or Irony Theme’ as well as early drafts and Dr.
Rearick’s paragraph Due.
 Be sure to also submit into Moodle Turnitin portal within week fourteen’s
assignment.
Week Fifteen:
Mon. Dec. 5
Review for Final
Last day of regularly scheduled classes
Final Exam

Thursday Dec. 8th at 1:00 to 2:50pm, regular classroom.
Have a Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years!
Expository Writing Sec 4