Lake Superior State University
English 110: Science (M, W, F) / Fall 2007
Professor: Dr. Mary Been
Office: Library 320
Office Phone: 635- 2116
Office Hours: Monday: 11:00-12:00; Tuesday: 9:00-10:00 p.m. (please notice: Tuesday is p.m.!);
Wednesday: 11:00-12:00; 2:00-3:00; Friday: 2:00-3:00
E-mail: mbeen@lssu.edu
Texts
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The Best American Science and Nature Writing. Brian Greene, ed. Boston and New York: Houghton
Mifflin, 2006.
Rules for Writers. Fifth edition. Diana Hacker. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin’s, 2004.
Additional readings will occasionally be handed out in class or put on reserve. These readings will be
announced in class.
Optional recommended text: David Porush. A Short Guide to Writing About Science. We will be using
several readings from this text. If you prefer not to use the copies on reserve, you may buy your own text
at the bookstore.
Course Description
Catalog Description:
This course introduces students to the theory and methodology of literary study, focusing on three questions: What
is a literary text? How do we read a literary text? How do we write about a literary text? Addressing these
questions requires students to examine the social and cultural contexts of literature and its aesthetic, rhetorical, and
ideological aspects. These considerations will help students judge literary value and examine their own literary
assumptions. Requires one research project and critical essays using MLA style. Prerequisite: ENGL 111.
Dr. Been’s translation of the above:
The word "essay" comes from the French "essayer," which means "to try." Much of this course will involve
trying--or experimenting with--new modes of thinking and writing. In this way, we will begin to challenge the
boundaries of what we think we can and can not do. Some of the papers we write will be based on models of
"traditional" college writing; at other times we will try to bend (and maybe even break open) some of those
traditional models. The papers we write will be done in several stages; you will receive feedback on the various
stages and drafts from the class as a whole, from your groups or writing partner, and from me.
In this class, I stress the notion of writing as engaged process. Our goal is to take the writing process that most of
us have followed unconsciously and make that process conscious. When we become conscious of language, we are
in a much better position to gain control of how we employ language and of how it employs us.
Our theme in this course is nature and science. We will be doing the same types of writing as other writing classes
(learning to write effective description, narrative, comparison/contrast, and more), but the content of our writing
projects will reflect the nature/science theme.
English 110 Objectives
Rhetorical Knowledge
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Establish a clear purpose for writing and develop a strategy that sustains that purpose
Identify and respond to the needs of different audiences (including personal, public, and professional)
Adopt voice, tone, persuasive appeals, and level of formality appropriate to the rhetorical situation
Understand how expository modes shape reading and writing
Use at least four of the modes of discourse to develop a piece of writing
Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing
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Use writing and reading for inquiry, learning, and communicating
Analyze and synthesize primary and secondary sources in their writing
Recognize the ways language is often a reflection of and/or an appeal to constructions of power,
especially in race, class, and gender
Processes
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Work through multiple drafts to create and complete a successful multi-modal text
Develop flexible strategies for generating, revising, editing, and proof-reading
Practice writing as an ongoing process that uses later invention and re-thinking to revise a text
Critique their own and others' works
Employ the collaborative and social aspects of writing processes, i.e., learn to balance the advantages of
relying on others with the responsibility of doing their part
Knowledge of Conventions
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Employ and build on the conventions learned in previous English and Communication courses
Apply appropriate genre conventions to their writing, including
o Structure (sentence, paragraph, and essay levels)
o Tone
o Voice (personal, public, and professional)
o Mechanics
Integrate the voices and work of others into their writing and distinguish that thinking and material from
their own
Demonstrate academic integrity
Control surface features of syntax, grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Attendance
Since much of our writing and editing is done or at least started in class, it is crucial that you be here for all
classes. Your grade on your writing will not be as strong if you are not here to participate in all stages of building
each paper. If you have more than four unexcused absences during the term, I reserve the option of deducting
points (generally five points per absence) from your total class points for each additional absence. If you must be
absent, you are responsible for following the syllabus in order to keep up. You should also find out from a
classmate what happened and the details of the homework. Although I am always available to you during office
hours or by e-mail for assistance with your writing or other projects, I do not answer questions such as, "What
happened in class today?" or "What is the homework?" You may find out the answers to these questions by
consulting the syllabus and/or a classmate. I am here to teach the class at the assigned time; I expect you to be here
at that time too. I do not do one-on-one reviews of missed material except under extraordinary circumstances.
Instructor Availability
I encourage you to stop by or call during office hours if you have questions, problems, or even just want to chat for
a couple of minutes. If you want to talk with me but my posted office hours conflict with your class or work
schedule, let me know and we will work out an alternative meeting time. I am also available to you on e-mail
(mbeen@lssu.edu). Please see restrictions on e-mail questions under "attendance."
E-mail: The subject lines of all messages to me should say ENGL110 and your section number, along with a
brief description of your message's subject (for example: ENGL110/Your section number or time: Paper Two
question). Please always remember to give your full name and e-mail address at the end of your message. Keep in
mind that you will receive formal notification of college and class business ONLY at your lssu.edu e-mail address.
Class Protocol on Electronic Devices
Cell phones need to be turned off during class. If you have an emergency that requires you to have your cell
phone on, please see me. Computers may be used for taking class notes, but not for other uses unless that use is
part of a class project. Ipods, blackberries, etc., all need to be put away during class.
Reading
Along with making language conscious through writing and then reading our own writing, we will also be raising
our language consciousness by reading the work of other writers. Our readings will be close, textually-based
readings; I will expect you to read the essays assigned, your own work, and the work of the other writers in the
class in that manner.
Grading
Project
Points
Project One: Class Summary
100
Project Two: Individual Summary
100
Project Three: Interpreting and Contextualizing Visuals
100
Project Four: Lab Report First Draft
50
Project Four: Lab Report Final Draft
150
Project Five: Compare and Contrast Essay
100
Final Exam
100
Total:
700
Total points for each project include points for drafts and peer reviews. A first or second draft is always
due on the writing workshop day indicated on the syllabus. If you do not have it with you in class, you
will not be able to get class feedback. If you miss the class workshop session, you will need to make
your own arrangements for peer reviews with another member of the class; you may not receive full
points for these drafts. If you have a draft with you in class on the day it is due, and if it meets the
minimum requirements of the assignment, you get the five points automatically.
If you are absent on the day of a writing workshop/peer review, you can make up the points for the peer
review in either of two ways: grab one of your classmates outside of class and offer to do a peer review
WITHIN 24 hours of the class meeting (otherwise he or she will not have enough time to review and
respond to your comments) OR do an extra peer review at the next writing workshop session. You
usually will not have time to do two in class; you'll need to pick up an extra peer review sheet and make
your own arrangements with one of your classmates. Please note that you may not do more than one
extra peer review for any given assignment.
Finally: Do NOT throw away any of your papers, drafts or finals. You will have the opportunity to
submit a final OPTIONAL portfolio at the end of the term in which you may rewrite up to two papers of
your choice. In this portfolio, ALL previous drafts must be included to show your progress.
Distribution of Grading Points
98-100%
A+
686-700
93-97%
A
645-685
90-92%
A-
630-644
88-89%
B+
616-629
83-87%
B
575-615
80-82%
B-
560-574
78-79%
C+
546-559
73-77%
C
505-545
70-72%
C-
490-504
68-69%
D+
476-489
63-67%
D
435-475
60-62%
D-
420-434
Note: ALL writing projects must be completed in order to receive a passing grade in the course.
Calculating your own grade
You may figure out what your overall progress grade is at any given point in the term. Take the number of
POSSIBLE points for the papers finished thus far and divide that number into the ACTUAL points you've
received on those papers. So, let's say that you're at week six, and you've handed in projects one and two. The
total possible points for projects one and two is 200. If you have received 173 points thus far, you divide 173 into
200 and get .865. This puts you at 86/87, which is a B. Remember that within the 90 percentile range is an A, 80
percentile a B, etc.
Late Papers
All papers (early and final drafts) and assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day they are listed as
due in the syllabus. Unless you have made special arrangements with me before the work is due, any late work
will lose five points for each day it is late, including weekends. After two weeks, late work will not receive any
points, though it must still be handed in to pass the course.
One note of grace: Because you all have responsibilities outside of class, and because life happens, each of you is
allowed ONE freebie on a final draft late paper, as long as it is handed in within 72 hours (three calendar days) of
the time it is due. Any late paper on which you are asking for your freebie MUST be clearly marked as such.
Academic Honesty
Academic dishonesty, or plagiarism, is not just copying; it can also be a reference--without attribution--to another
person's ideas, even if that reference is entirely in your own words. The penalties for plagiarism are severe, from
failure in a course to expulsion from the college. We will be reviewing academic standards of appropriate use of
other people’s work. MAKE SURE you are in class on those days. You are responsible for understanding and
applying the guidelines of appropriate use of sources in all of your written work, in this class and in other classes.
Protect yourself! In addition to being in class on the days we review these guidelines, you need to be able to
understand and apply the guidelines Hacker lays out in Rules for Writers on pages 344-347; 418-421.
Student Accommodation and Support Services
In compliance with Lake Superior State University policies and equal access laws, disability related
accommodations or services are available to students with documented disabilities.
If you are a student with a disability and you think you may require accommodations you must register with
Disability Services (DS), which is located in the KJS Library, Room147, (906)635-2355 or x2355 on campus. DS
will provide you with a letter of confirmation of your verified Disability and authorize recommended
accommodations. This authorization must be presented to your instructor before any accommodations can be
made.
Students who desire such services should meet with instructors in a timely manner, preferably during the first
week of class, to discuss individual disability-related needs. Any student who feels that an accommodation is
needed–based on the impact of a disability–should meet with instructors privately to discuss specific needs.
IPASS/ Student First
If at midterm your grades reflect that you are at risk for failing some or all of your classes, you will be contacted
by a representative of IPASS/Student First. The IPASS/Student First programs are designed to help you gain
control over your learning through proactive communication and goal setting, the development of intentional
learning skills and study habits, and personal accountability.
If you have questions about the IPASS/Student First programs, please contact Carolyn Rajewski (ext.2294) or
Jillena Rose (ext.2228). They will be happy to answer your questions.
COURSE CALENDAR
This syllabus is subject to modification; the needs of the class will determine additions, deletions, or changes. Any
changes in scheduling or assignment requirements will be announced in class.
"Best" = Reading listed is in The Best American Science and Nature Writing (please always bring your Best book
with you on days that indicate a reading due for that book)
"Hacker" = Reading listed is in Rules for Writers (Please always bring your copy of Rules with you on Writing
Workshop days)
"Porush" = Reading listed is in David Porush’s A Short Guide to Writing About Science. This is not a required
text, but it is a recommended text for this class. Copies of the book are also on reserve at the library if you prefer
not to purchase this text.
Topic
Week
One
W. 9/5
F. 9/7
Week
Two
Reading Due
Overview
Intro to the course
Review of syllabus
Extra-credit possibility
Spoken Word Artist Shihan:
8:00-9:00 PM. Cisler Center.
Student Activities 635-2236
Know your syllabus
Extra-credit possibility
Guidelines for reading Chorost
Syllabus extra-credit quiz
Reading Critically
Writing a Summary
Discussion of Chorost
M. 9/10
Writing Due/
Quizzes
Critical reading: Identifying the
cultural references
“My Bionic Quest for
Bolero”
Michael Chorost
In Best (29-38)
Please bring Best to class
Guidelines for summarizing
W. 9/12
Critical reading: Identifying main
ideas
NOTE: LAST DAY to
drop and add classes at
100% refund
Please bring Best to class
Paraphrase and quotation
F. 9/14
Critical reading: Identifying
supporting materials; identifying
Please bring Hacker to class
Please bring Best to class
analogies
Academic Honesty
Week
Three
9/17
Front and Back Matter
Editing
Writing Workshop
Project One
Rough draft one due
Please bring Hacker to class
Introductions and conclusions
Please bring Hacker to class
9/19
Parallelism
Editing strategies
Please bring Hacker to class
9/21
Constructing a references page
Week
Four
Formatting and Finalizing
Summarizing on Your
Own
9/24
Writing Workshop
9/26
Formatting a formal paper in APA
9/28
Group discussions of reading by
author
Project One
Rough draft two due
Please bring Hacker to class
Please bring Hacker to class
Scan through the essays by
these authors and decide
which you’d like to use for
your individual summary:
Project One
De Waal, Dobbs, Dowie,
Final and two rough drafts due
Hockenberry, Roth, Sachs,
Zouali
Please bring Best to class
Week
Five
Editing
Why Grammar?
10/1
10/3
(Reading John Donne and watching
“Wit”)
Editing strategies (looking at
difficulties in project one)
Introduction to narration
10/5
Plot (the “how,” “what,” and “why”)
Please bring Hacker to class
“Out of Time”
Raffaele in Best, 189-200
Week
Six
Narratives in Nature
10/8
Setting (the “where” and “when”)
Characters (the “who”)
10/10
Writing Workshop
10/12
Week
Seven
Project Two
Rough draft due
Please bring Hacker to class
Burroway (please bring
your copy of Burroway or
your Burroway notes to
class)
Effective description
Description in Nature and
Science
Metaphor
10/15
Guest speakers: Description in
science
Please bring Best to class
Structure and function of metaphor
10/17
10/19
Metaphor in narrative and
description
Avoiding mixed metaphors and
clichés
Metaphor and Science
Week
Eight
Project Two
Final and rough draft due
Lakoff and Johnson (on
reserve). Please bring your
copy or your notes to class
Please bring Best to class
Porush: 197-198 (on
reserve)
Visuals
Visual rhetoric
10/22
FEMA and Visual rhetoric
10/24
Reading a visual
10/26
Constructing an effective visual
Porush: 137-149 (on
reserve)
Week
Nine
Visuals in Writing
10/29
Titles and captions
10/31
Writing Workshop
11/2
What is a lab report?
The hard and soft versions
Week
Ten
NOTE: October 30 is
the last day to drop
classes
Project Three
Rough draft due
The Lab Report
Parts of the lab report
Forming a question and hypothesis
11/5
Dependent and independent
variables
Project Three
Final and rough draft due
Porush: 48-62 (on reserve)
Group discussion: Forming a
question and a hypothesis
11/7
Designing an experiment
Troubleshooting the hypothesis
11/9
Week
Eleven
Guest speakers: Lab reports in
science
More on
The Lab Report
Conducting and documenting an
experiment
11/12
Group time to construct plans for
conducting experiment
11/14
Reports on plans for/progress of
experiments
11/16
Drafting the Materials and Methods
section
Oral Reports on plans for
experiments
Porush 121-130 (on
reserve)
Week
Twelve
More on
The Lab Report
11/19
Drafting the Results section
Porush: 131-135; 150-163
(on reserve)
11/21
NO CLASS
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving recess begins
at 10 pm, Tuesday Nov. 20
11/23
NO CLASS
Happy Thanksgiving!
Week
Thirteen
11/26
More on
The Lab Report
Titles
Abstracts
11/28
Writing Workshop
11/30
Introduction
Conclusion
Week
Fourteen
12/3
Porush: 71-74; 75-84 (on
reserve)
Project Four
Rough draft due
(Please bring three copies: one
to turn in to Dr. Been and two
for peer review)
Porush: 85-97; 164-173 (on
reserve)
Comparison and Contrast
Compare and contrast structures
Project Four
Final and rough draft due
“Buried Answers”
Dobbs in Best, 55-66;
“The Mummy Doctor”
Krajick in Best, 124-142
Please bring Best to class
12/5
Two views of an issue: Class
discussion of Dobbs and Krajick
Please bring Best to class
Please bring Best to class
12/7
Week
Fifteen
Transitions between points
Larry Cahill
“His Brain, Her Brain”
In Best (19-28)
Wrapping It Up
12/10
Writing Worksheet
12/12
Effective Introductions and
Conclusions
Project Five
Rough draft due
12/14
FINAL EXAM
PERIOD
Dec 17-21
Review for final
Project Five
Final and rough draft due
9:00 am class final exam
Wednesday, Dec. 19
7:30-9:30 am
10:00 am class final exam
Monday, Dec. 17
10:00 am to noon
Portfolios due no later than
Thursday, Dec. 20 at noon
(you may also turn them in
earlier if you like)