FCWR 151 F01
Writing II: Foundations of Research Writing: Writing New York
Spring 2024, Online
Instructor: Dr. Amanda Golden
Office Hours: W 10am-12pm, and by appointment
Email: [email protected]
Course Website writingnewyork.weebly.com; Canvas
Course Materials
Elizabeth Losh, et al, Understanding Rhetoric: A Graphic Guide to Writing 2nd Edition,
Bedford/St. Martin's, 2017. ISBN: 1319042139
Gerald Graff, et al, "They Say / I Say": The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd
Edition. New York: Norton, 2014. ISBN: 0393935841
Additional readings will be available on Canvas.
Course Overview
This section of Foundations of Research Writing investigates representations of New York City in poetry, prose, and fiction from the early twentieth century to the present. We will begin with Edith Wharton’s Old New York (1924) and E. B. White’s Here is New York (1949). Later, we will read more contemporary responses to New York, including the poetry of Cornelius Eady, Mong-Lan, Terrance Hayes, and Natalie Diaz. Students in this class will complete essays, discussion board postings, and digital projects, becoming more innovative thinkers able to articulate complex critical ideas.
Catalog Description
Further development of the following skills introduced in Writing I: academic writing, critical thinking, analytical reading, and critical analysis of multiple perspectives. This course covers the process of academic research writing, from project proposal, to library research, to finished research paper, and teaches document citation using the MLA format. Prerequisite: Writing I.
Course Objectives
This course is the second in the sequence of foundation writing courses, and its main purpose is to introduce students to the sequential process of academic research writing. Throughout the semester, students will choose and narrow a research topic, submit a formal research proposal, develop an outline and annotated bibliography, and write, revise, and submit a properly documented research paper. Students will also develop their reading and interpretive skills by analyzing various print and visual texts (essays, stories, poems, film, etc.). Moreover, students will further develop critical thinking skills and will learn how to research and engage other voices and points of view as they explore, develop, and present their own ideas and intellectual formations. Finally, students will gain experience in formal academic presentation in group and/or individual presentation situations.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, students will be able to
1. Read and analyze visual media and print and electronic texts. (Core outcomes: Literacy,
Critical Thinking)
2. Use the writing process that was introduced in Writing 1 to respond to visual media, print
and electronic texts, and other forms of artistic expression. (Core Outcomes:
Communication)
3. Synthesize a coherent response to diverse perspectives on a particular topic. (Core
Outcomes: Literacy, Critical Thinking)
4. Identify figurative language and its purpose in a variety of writing genres. (Core
Outcomes: Literacy)
5. Formulate a research plan that includes asking appropriate questions about a proposed
topic. (Core Outcomes: Literacy, Communication, Critical Thinking)
6. Locate a variety of sources in traditional print and electronic formats, based on a research
plan. (Core Outcomes: Literacy)
7. Evaluate evidence used by writers and researchers to support a thesis. (Core Outcomes:
Literacy, Critical Thinking)
8. Incorporate primary and secondary sources to support a thesis and address counterpoints.
(Core Outcomes: Literacy, Critical Thinking, Communication)
9. Document sources properly to avoid plagiarism. (Core Outcomes: Literacy)
10. Collaborate with peers in writing, research, and presentation activities. (Core Outcomes:
Communication)
Methods of Assessment Include
Analytical/interpretive essay: You will draft and revise an analytical essay.
Research project proposal: Students will write a 500-word proposal for the script and podcast project. The proposal should outline the general topic, state key research questions to be investigated, discuss why these questions are important, and discuss the types of research methods to be used.
Annotated bibliography: Students will develop a working thesis and create an annotated bibliography of five sources for the research project.
Research project: Draft and revise a script for a podcast that uses at least five primary and secondary sources. MLA in-text citations and Works Cited must be included.
Discussion Board Postings and Comments: Throughout the term, you will submit discussion board postings on the dates indicated on the syllabus.
Writing Center Visit Reflection: Over the course of the term, you are required to visit the English Department Writing Center online at least once, bringing an assignment from this course (such as a blog posting, project, rationale, essay rough draft, or final draft) that you are writing or revising. You can visit the Writing Center at any stage in the writing process, from brainstorming to editing. You can also visit the writing center to strengthen a particular skill, such as commas, introductions, or any aspect of writing or communication. Following your visit, complete a 250-word response reflecting on your visit. This reflection should include a description of the task or assignment that you brought to the Center, the feedback you received, and your plans for moving forward. These reflections will be graded using the blog assessment rubric, and for quotations you should analyze the language of your writing and the tutor’s feedback you receive. Your reflection must also contemplate your growth as a writer and critical thinker. Reflections are due on Canvas no later than the date indicated on the syllabus but can be uploaded earlier.
Grading
Grade Scale:
100-94 A 79-77 C+
93-90 A- 76-74 C
89-87 B+ 73-70 C-
86-84 B 69-67 D+
83-80 B- 66-60 D
59-below F
Assessment Breakdown
Analytical Essay: 20%
Discussion Board Postings, Online Assignments, and Writing Center Reflection (averaged together): 40%
Open Group Discussions: 10%
Podcast: 10%
Script: 20%
Papers must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font and double-spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides. Students must use MLA format.
Course Policies
Make Your Deadlines
Late assignments will not be accepted. Know and keep your deadlines. All due dates are posted in this syllabus.
Withdrawal Policy
See the Withdrawal From a Course under “Academic Policies and Rules” in the New York Tech Academic Catalogs.
The decision to withdraw from a course should be made only after consulting with the course instructor and advisor, as withdrawing from a course may affect visa status (for international students) and/or financial aid eligibility, as well as result in financial obligation to New York Institute of Technology. Consult with the Office of International Education, the Office of Financial Aid and the Bursar's Office for more information.
Statement on Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the appropriation of all or part of someone else’s works (such as but not limited to writing, coding, programs, images, etc.) and offering it as one’s own. Cheating is using false pretenses, tricks, devices, artifices, or deception to obtain credit on an examination or in a college course. Copying material from a source and then running it through a paraphrasing tool and presenting it as your own writing is also plagiarism. Using ChatGPT or similar programs to produce your work is plagiarism.
Each student enrolled in a course at New York Tech agrees that, by taking such a course, they consent to the submission of all required papers for textual similarity review to any commercial service engaged by New York Tech to detect plagiarism: please note that all major writing assignments and many smaller assignments will be submitted through SafeAssign, Turnitin, GPTZero, or other textual similarity review and chatbot detection services. Each student also agrees that all papers submitted to any such service may be included as source documents in the service’s database, solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers.
If a faculty member determines that a student has violated the Academic Integrity Policy and committed academic dishonesty by plagiarism, cheating, or in any other manner, the faculty has the academic right to 1) fail the student for the paper, assignment, project and/or exam, and/or 2) fail the student for the course and/or 3) bring the student up on disciplinary charges, pursuant to Article VI, Academic Conduct Proceedings, of the Student Code of Conduct.
For help understanding citation and paraphrasing, make an appointment in the Writing Center or go to the New York Tech Library Research Assistance Writing & Citing page.
If you are tempted by time constraints or other reasons to plagiarize or to cheat or if you are confused about an assignment, contact your professor and discuss the work you are having trouble with OR contact the Wellness Center and talk about your problems with a counselor.
Original Work
All assignments and other work must be created for the course for which you are enrolled. Work submitted for other courses or work created before the start of the course may not be submitted without the express consent of the instructor.
Netiquette
For email and online discussions:
- Write clearly and succinctly.
- In email, provide a descriptive subject, provide a greeting at the beginning and your name at the end.
- Never write in all-caps.
- Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm. Use a civil tone and avoid offensive language.
- Proofread!!
Computer Access
According to university policy, all students are required to own or have access to a computer system off campus with connectivity to the Internet, a functioning web camera, and a current version of Microsoft Office. NOTE: Microsoft Works is not compatible with Microsoft Office. Students may download Office 365 Pro Plus (PC or Mac) through the NYIT Service Central software downloads.
Coursework Copyright
All lectures and course materials, including power point presentations, exams, quizzes, outlines, assignments, instructions and similar materials, are protected by copyright. The instructor is the exclusive owner of copyright for the materials he/she creates. Students may take notes and make copies of course materials for their own use, but may not reproduce or distribute (or allow to be reproduced or distributed) lecture notes and/or other course materials publicly, whether or not a fee is charged, without express written consent from the instructor. Students may not present as their own work any protected course material (answers to quizzes or tests, essays, papers, etc.) on a “note sharing” service. Doing so constitutes a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy.
Library Resources
All students can access New York Tech’s virtual library from both on and off campus at www.nyit.edu/library. The same login you use to access NYIT email and NYITConnect will also give you access to the library’s resources from off campus.
On the upper left side of the library’s home page, select links for “Find Resources,” “Innovation Labs,” “Research Assistance,” “Services,” For Faculty,” “Library e-News” and “Contact.” Using the search boxes in the middle of the library homepage will also assist you in navigating the library’s web pages. Should you have any questions, please select “Contact” on the left side to submit an “Ask-A-Librarian” form or to Live Chat with a Librarian.
Support for Canvas, Zoom, and Other Technologies
Support for Canvas, Zoom, and other technologies is available through Information Technology Services. You may also email [email protected] or call 516.686.1400.
Additional Resources for Further Learning
If you would like additional help in the course, please contact your instructor for guidance. You are also encouraged use New York Tech’s academic support services: the Learning Center, the Writing Center, and Brainfuse (online tutoring, 24/7). For more information and links to the individual centers, see www.nyit.edu/tutoring.
Support for Students with Disabilities
The Office of Accessibility Services works with students to make sure disability-related accommodations are implemented. In addition to monitoring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws, the OAS actively supports students on the Long Island and New York City campuses in the pursuit of their academic goals and a barrier-free educational environment. Identification of oneself as an individual with disability is voluntary and confidential. Students interested in registering for accommodations are encouraged to contact Maureen Holahan, Assistant Director of Accessibility Services, at any point during their NYIT career.
Bear Bytes
The Bear Bytes initiative provides all students on our New York campuses with access to healthy, nutritious food as well as health and wellness resources. The Grizzly Cupboard, a food pantry located on each NY campus, is open on each New York campus. For the Grizzly Cupboard's hours of operations, and details regarding local food pantries and other resources, please visit the Bear Bytes web page.
First-Generation Student Resources
A first-generation student is defined as someone who is the first in their family to earn a college degree. New York Tech’s definition is any student who is the first in their family to work toward and earn a college degree in the United States. We also include students whose parents have college degrees that were earned at institutions outside of the U.S. New York Tech strives to recognize, serve, empower, and celebrate our first-generation students when they join our New York Tech community and progress through their respective academic programs. Please visit our online First Generation Resources and Events for helpful university information and resources.
Wellness Center
College students often experience difficulties that can interfere with academic success, from academic stress to relationship concerns. If you are struggling, or if you know someone who is, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Visit the Wellness Center to find out about the many resources that are available to New York Tech students.
The Writing Center
The New York Tech Writing Center helps students with writing and reading assignments. Anyone with an assignment from any NYIT class may visit. While the Writing Center can assist you with grammar and punctuation, it is not primarily an editing service. Rather, you can work with writing instructors to address specific writing concerns or issues. Please make an appointment using My NYIT to receive additional support at any stage of the writing process. Click “Academics,” then “Tutoring.”
Weekly Schedule (Subject to Change)
Week 1: 1.22-1.28: Read Understanding Rhetoric Introduction and Issue 4
Due Online by Sunday 1/28 at 11pm: Complete Introduction and Syllabus Confirmation posting, Academic Integrity Quiz, and Discussion Board Posting 1.
Week 2: 1.29-2.4: Read E. B. White, Here is New York, audio recording
Review MLA format for in-text citations, works cited pages and entries.
Due Online by Sunday 2.4 at 11pm: Open Group Discussion Posting.
Week 3: 2.5-2.11: Read Edith Wharton, excerpt from Old New York and Review Sample Essay.
Due Online by Sunday 2.11 at 11pm: Discussion Board Posting 2 and Open Group Discussion Posting.
Week 4: 2.12-2.18: Due Online by Sunday 2.18 at 11pm: Analytical Essay Rough Draft.
Week 5: 2.19-2.25: Due Online by Sunday 2.25 at 11pm: Analytical Essay Final Draft.
Week 6: 2.26-3.3: Cornelius Eady poems, “A Small Moment,” “Charlie Chaplin Impersonates a Poet,” “Poet Dances with Inanimate Object,” “The Cab Driver Who Ripped Me Off,” “The Empty Dance Shoes,” and “Victims of the Latest Dance Craze.”
Due Online by Sunday 3.3 at 11pm: Discussion Board Posting 3.
Week 7: 3.4-3.10: Read They Say/I Say Preface, Introduction, and Chapter 1.
Due Online by Sunday 3.10 at 11pm: Open Group Discussion Posting.
Week 8: 3.11-3.17: Read Roland Barthes, excerpt from Mythologies.
Due Online by Sunday 3.17 at 11pm: Discussion Board Posting 4.
Spring Break
Week 9: 3.25-3.31: View How to Print Like Warhol, Khan Academy Video, Warhol Documentary
Due Online by Sunday 3.31 at 11pm: Discussion Board Posting 5.
Week 10: 4.1-4.7: Read William Carlos Williams, "The Great Figure" (1921) and Barbara Guest, "20." View "On Grappling with Barbara Guest's '20.'"
Due Online by Sunday 4.7 at 11pm: Open Group Discussion Posting.
Week 11: 4.8-4.14: Read Mong-Lan, "O New York!," Natalie Diaz, "Manhattan is a Lenape Word," and Terrance Hayes, "New York Poem."
Due Online by Sunday 4.14 at 11pm: Discussion Board Posting 6.
Week 12: 4.15-4.21: Read They Say/I Say, Chapters 8-10.
Due Online by Sunday 4.21 at 11pm: Open Group Discussion Posting.
Week 13: 4.22-4.28: Due Online by Sunday 4.28 at 11pm: Proposal and Annotated Bibliography.
Week 14: 4.29-5.5: Due Online by Sunday 5.5 at 11pm: Script Rough Draft.
Week 15: 5.6-5.12: Due Online by Sunday 5.12 at 11pm: Script and Podcast Recording Final Draft due by Sunday 5.11.
Week 16: 5.12-5.17: Due Online by Friday 5.17 at 11pm End of Term Reflection and Writing Center Reflection.