1
English 124: Critical Reasoning and Writing
Instructor: Sydney Brown / sydney.brown@gcccd.edu
sydbrown.net / 619.644.7523
Advanced Composition:
COURSE CALENDAR
The following is a tentative schedule of readings and course activities subject to
change at the discretion of the instructor—or unforeseen changes in collective
linguistic weather (the best way to stay “in the loop” is to attend class regularly). If I
am absent, be sure to check e-mail or message left on official notice on classroom
door. If you miss class, you are responsible for arranging to pick up handouts
before the next class meets. Absence is not an excuse for being unprepared for the
following session. Those who show up for class unprepared drain our collective
energy…so please be present in body AND mind. Please turn off laptops and cell
phones (in fact, do not place them on your desk!) while in the classroom—we do it
“old school.” Besides, texting during class is just plain uncool.
Readings and all written work should be completed FOR the day they are assigned.
In other words, come to class having prepared and/or completed what is listed that date. (A gentle reminder: please do not e-mail or
place work in my school mailbox; it will not be read.) Bring appropriate books/handouts on days you have assignments from them.
Any questions? Just ask.
CHANGE TO SYLLABUS: Remove one Essay (100), one Reflection (20), and one Peer Workshop (25) from the syllabus. The course
is now worth 855 points. Scale: A=769-855; B=684-768; C=598-683; D=513-597; F=512-below
WEEK FIVE
Wednesday, February 23
 Read: Chapter 3 “Critical Reading: Getting Deeper into Arguments” (73-114)
 Due: Using the “Checklist for Analyzing an Argument” (103), reread Stanley Fish’s “When Identity Politics is Rational” (111114), then write three paragraphs in response to each category (1. Claim / 2. Support / 3. Fairness), rephrasing the question in
each paragraph and taking into account what each of the three sections prompts you to “Ask Yourself.” Use MLA format and
style. (30 points)
 Class Activity: Discuss analysis of Fish’s essay
 Handout: “Loot or Find: Fact or Frame?” by Cheryl I. Harris and Devon W. Carbado. An essay reprinted from After the Storm:
Black Intellectuals Explore the Meaning of Hurricane Katrina, edited by David Dante Troutt. New York: The New Press, 2007.
Friday 2/25: Last day to apply for Pass/No Pass.
WEEK SIX
Monday, February 28
 Lecture & Discussion: The Structure of Argument: Key Terms and Concepts
Wednesday, March 2
 Lecture and Discussion: The Structure of Argument: Key Terms and Concepts
 Return/discuss: Essay 1
WEEK SEVEN
Monday, March 7
 Read: Chapter 5 “Writing an Analysis of an Argument” (177-192)
 Class Activity: Evaluating student rhetorical analysis of argument, “Tracking Kristof” (188-190)
Wednesday, March 9
 Read: “Fallacies” (368-381)
 Class Activity: “Name that Fallacy”
 Return: Paragraphs in response to Fish’s “When Identity Politics is Rational”
2
WEEK EIGHT
Monday, March 14
 Class Activity: “Name that Fallacy,” continued…
 Due: Optional Revision of Essay 1. Staple graded paper behind revision.
Wednesday, March 16
 Fallacy Exam (100 points): Definition match and fallacy identification.
 Return: Optional Revision of Essay 1
WEEK NINE
Monday, March 21
 Due: Respond to each of the questions on “A Checklist for Analyzing and Argument” (103), for “Loot or Find: Fact or Frame?”
by Cheryl I. Harris and Devon W. Carbado. Use MLA format and style. Be sure to rephrase question in each answer—in other
words, use the language of the prompt. Use MLA format and style. (30 points)
 Class Activity: Small group discussion of analysis of “Loot or Find: Fact or Frame?”
Wednesday, March 23
 Class Activity: Discussion of analysis of “Loot or Find: Fact or Frame?”
 Also Prep for Midterm: In-class Essay #2
 Return: Fallacy Exam
WEEK TEN
Monday, March 28
 Midterm: In-class Essay #2 (100 points). Bring marked copy of “Loot or Find: Fact or Frame?” by Cheryl I. Harris and Devon
W. Carbado, a large blue book, and pen or pencil. No additional notes or resources. You have two class periods to complete
this essay. Blue books will be left with me at the end of class today and distributed at the beginning of class on Wednesday.
 Return: Questions in Response to “Loot or Find: Fact or Frame?”
Wednesday, March 30
 Midterm: In-class Essay #2 continued.
WEEK ELEVEN
Monday, April 4
 Film: Hurricane Katrina: The Storm that Drowned a City. Directed and produced by Caroline Penry-Davey and Peter Chinn.
NOVA. 2005. (56 minutes). Discuss issues presented in film.
Wednesday, April 6:
 Read: Chapter 4: “Visual Rhetoric: Images as Arguments” (137-159)
 Class Activity: Analyzing Images
WEEK TWELVE
Monday, April 11
 Read: Chapter 6, “Developing an Argument of Your Own” (226-253)
and “A Psychologist’s View: Rogerian Argument” (455-466)
 Lecture: The Rogerian Argument
 Review: Grossmont College Databases
 Handout/discuss: Assignment for Rogerian Argument &
Presentation, Sample Student Rogerian Argument, Informal Outline
for Rogerian Argument
3
Wednesday, 13
 Read/review: “Using Sources” (262-290) and “MLA Format” (290-305)
 Research: Go to the Grossmont College Library Home Page / select “Databases” / enter password information/ select
“Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center” from the list / search “Hurricane Katrina” and then list as many issues as you can
with regards to the event. Print or save any articles of special interest to you.
 Continued Lecture and Discussion: The Rogerian Argument and Database Findings
 Discuss: Literary Arts Festival Extra Credit Opportunities. For more on the festival, check out:
http://www.grossmont.edu/english/Festival/
 Return: Midterm
Friday 4/15: Last day to drop class.
WEEK THIRTEEN, APRIL 18-23: SPRING BREAK—ENJOY!
WEEK FOURTEEN
Monday, April 25
 Read: Sample Student Rogerian Argument (handed out 4/11). Read this paper and using the “Evaluative Criteria” on the
Assignment for Rogerian Argument, assign the paper a grade.
 Class Activity: Articulate Evaluation of Sample Student Rogerian Argument
Literary Arts Festival begins tonight!
Wednesday, April 27
 Film Excerpt: Spike Lee’s When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts. HBO (2006)
Dorothy Allison’s reading is tonight at 7 p.m. in room 220!
WEEK FIFTEEN
Monday, May 2
 Read: Patricia Smith’s Blood Dazzler
 Class Activity: Discuss/read aloud sections of Patricia Smith’s Blood Dazzler
Wednesday, May 4
 Due: Critical Response to Blood Dazzler (50 points)*—typed, MLA format and style. Choose five poems in the collection and
respond to each of the following (for each poem):
1. Identify the speaker
2. Explicate the poem
3. What issue does this poem indict/explore and is it effective? Explain your answer.
4. What type of evidence does the poem offer?
5. What is your response to the poem?
 Class Activity: Share critical responses to Blood Dazzler
*Late responses to this assignment will not
be accepted.
Do not miss Patricia Smith’s reading tomorrow night 5/5 at 7 p.m. in room 220! Bring your books!
4
WEEK SIXTEEN
Monday, May 9
 Due: Informal Outline of Rogerian Argument (handed out 4/11—25 points) AND Extra Credit
 Class Activity: Presentations of Informal Outlines
 Discuss: Literary Arts Festival
Wednesday, May 11
 Continue: Presentations of Informal Outlines (25 points)
Special Office Hours: Friday, May 13 from 11-2
WEEK SEVENTEEN
Monday, May 16
 Due: 3 copies of Rogerian Argument for Peer Workshop (25 points—no make-up). Drafts must be a minimum of six-eight
pages with six sources. A Works Cited page is also required today (5 of the 25 points). Just for the peer workshop, you may
print on both sides of the page.
 Return: Critical Response to Blood Dazzler
Special Office Hours: Tuesday, May 17 from 10-12 and 1-3
Wednesday, May 18
 Due: Rogerian Argument with Reflection (220 points). For details on how to turn paper in, follow instructions on assignment.
No extensions on this final due date.
 Review: Final Exam—Rhetorical Analysis and Response to Short Argument
WEEK EIGHTEEN: FINAL EXAM WEEK
If course meets MW 12:30-1:45: Final is on Monday, May 23 from 11:35-1:25
If course meets MW 2:00-3:15: Final is on Wednesday, May 25 from 1:35-3:25

Final Exam / Essay #3 (100 points): Rhetorical Analysis, Evaluation, and Response to a Short Argument. Unlike the
midterm, you will not have the opportunity to read the essay with which you are working beforehand. In addition, you
are asked to respond with your position, making at least one concession and one refutation. Bring 8 ½ x 11 collegeruled paper and pen or pencil. No notes, electronic devices, or dictionary…just you, your brilliant brain, some paper
and a writing utensil. Final exams are not returned. E-mail me if you would like to know your score.

Return: Rogerian Argument
Have an amazing summer!