Rhetoric and Writing Studies 305W
Fall, 2012
COURSE INFORMATION
Class Days: TTH
Class Times: 1100-1215
Class Location: CSQ 202
Professor: Borgen
Contact Information: lcborg@aol.com
Office Hours Days: TTH
Office Hours Times (and by appointment): 0815-0915
Office Hours Location: AH3128
Course Overview

RWS 305W challenges students to engage in a variety of genres and rhetorical contexts by employing skills and
abilities of rhetorical knowledge, critical thinking, critical reading, writing processes, and knowledge of conventions.
This course highlights the skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Combined, these abilities provide a tool for
developing attitudes and values in preparation for life beyond the university. To this end, all class members will
encourage themselves and others to seize this opportunity to further develop productive habits, such as
∆ working cooperatively with others to achieve mutually defined goals;
∆ respecting the diverse voices and perspectives that characterize life in a multi-cultural
classroom community and society;
∆ applying critical reading strategies to a variety of publicly and individually produced texts;
∆ participating confidently in public discussion on issues of importance to the
workplace and community;
∆ addressing issues in writing.

RWS 305W students will complete assignments designed for analysis of writing in different contexts in rhetorical
situations: the complex interplay among writer, audience, subject, and context. Four types of writing projects will be
used to engage the various settings: Personal, Academic Analysis, Public Discourse, and Work/Career/Future.

Students will be able to engage:
Rhetorical knowledge; critical thinking and reading; writing processes; and knowledge of conventions.
Enrollment Information

Prerequisites: computerized placement or successful completion of RWS280.

Contact instructor in person for add code.
Course Materials

Required Materials: Course Reading Packet and Keys for Writers by Ann Raimes (any edition).

Additional Course Materials are available in Course Reserves at the SDSU Library.
Course Structure and Conduct

Style of the Course: Lecture-Discussion, Activity, on-line work.

Individual and group activities and tasks are required.

Technology Utilized in the Course: Blackboard.
Course Assessment and Grading
Please explain how the course will be assessed and graded by including, but not limited to:

Due dates for major writing projects are approximately every 4 weeks.

Assignments/in-class work (110); Reading quizzes (30); Writing Projects (10-35 each); Workshops (40).

Excused absence make-ups treated on a case-by-case basis.
Other Course Policies

Submit some work to Blackboard and other work in class as assigned. No late work is accepted. Regular attendance is
highly recommended because work is done in class and as part of interactive learning. Working in groups is also
required but not mandatory. Students should be respectful and courteous at all time. Students with disabilities are
fully accommodated.