FWIS 100: Introduction to Academic Writing Cultural Differences in the U.S. Borderlands What is FWIS 100? Topic-specific Cultural Differences U.S. Southwest Borderlands Academic Writing, Scholarly Conversations, Genres, Reading dense texts, Applying a critical lens or concept, transferable communication skills Assignments Pre-Work: Diagnostic Essay (Due this Friday 10PM) - very short A. Summary A1 Argument Map A2 700 word summary B. Analysis B1 Research Summary B2 Topic Paper (3-4 pages) B3 Revised Topic Paper (4-5 pages) Due outside of class by 10PM C. Process Work (3 categories) Due in class By 10 AM Never homework Due PRIOR to class By 8:59 AM ALWAYS homework C1 Class Participation C2 Reading Responses - On text we are reading that day - Public discussion post - Helps facilitate class discussions - Reading Workshops Writing Workshops Peer Review Brainstorming Cannot be revised or turned in late Cannot be revised or turned in late C3. Writing Coach Sessions Unique program to Rice Each session includes a prompt that can be Writing mentorship found on Canvas: Required 5 sessions ● Week 1-4: Reading Guide Always submit documentation of the session on Canvas - You will always submit in the module designated for the session/week you are in ● Week 5-7: Summary ● Week 8-10: Research Summary ● Week 11-13: Topic Paper ● Week 14-Study days: Revisions Once I meet with your writing coach: - You will be able to sign up for appointments by looking at Canvas > Calendar > Ensure your FWIS 100 Toggle is on in the right hand margin DO NOT schedule an appointment and then NO SHOW your writing coach !! Other important syllabus things Office Hours: Mondays 11:30-1:30 - These are super important to go to or if you are consistently busy then, email me to set up a Zoom appointment For some, O.H. mark a cultural shift from H.S. to College ADA accommodations Campus Resources - Writing Center (CAPC), Student Success Initiatives, Student Health Services, Fondren Library Changing FWIS sections - Two week window for “FWIS Movement” - by the 5th class of the MWF (so for us that’s Wednesday 8/31) Introductions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Preferred Name Preferred Pronouns College Major Sport — if you are an athlete Current obsession e.g. tv show/anime/hobby/etc Emerging Writers Self-Reflection, Part I Go to Canvas > Week 1 Module > Complete the Reflection and once you turn it in you can go I’ll stay until class time is finished to answer any questions :) Today’s goal: Start reading academic scholarship + learn about M.A. history/culture Wed, Aug 24: Intro to M.A. Diagnostic Essay - upcoming assignment What you need to do: 1. Read Tyina Steptoe’s article (it’s on Canvas) 2. Answer the 3 questions a. b. c. What is the author’s overarching claim or thesis? - Argument What are 2-3 cultural differences that Steptoe highlights to support her argument? - Evidence What are the stakes of the author’s argument? - Significance 3. Format your answers into an 1-2 page essay a. b. c. d. Introduction Body Paragraphs Conclusion Works Cited Reading & Deconstructing Luis Hernandez’s “Background of the Mexican American” Some context… Written in 1973 Published and supported by Anti-Defamation League ADL further context Use of racial slur Author’s Main Claim “[Mexican Americans] are culturally distinct from the dominant society as regards language, customs, heritage, attitudes, and values” page 7, paragraph 2 Author’s Sub Claims The list of 11 cultural differences that define Mexican American identity. page 13 Your assignment Step 1: You and your partner read the text together - Both can read all of it at once, or split the article in half so each person reads 3 pages and tells their partner about their half Step 2: List the evidence for each sub claim. For example 1. “Mexican Americans are a heterogenous group.” a. So your job is to figure out what historical facts, interpretations, or cultural attributes does Hernandez use to support this claim? 2. “Mexican Americans have a strong heritage that reflects Spanish influence” a. Okay, how? What statements, facts, or sentences does Hernandez use to show Spanish influence in Mexican American heritage?
