LITT06006 2017 Introduction to Writing

General Details

Full Title
Introduction to Writing
Transcript Title
Introduction to Writing
Code
LITT06006
Attendance
80 %
Subject Area
LITT - 0232 Literature
Department
COMP - Computing & Creative Practices
Level
06 - Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Stage
Fee
Start Term
2017 - Full Academic Year 2017-18
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Mr. John Kelleher, Tom Weir, Rhona Trench, Una Mannion
Programme Membership
SG_HWRIT_H08 201700 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Writing and Literature SG_HWRIT_H08 201900 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Writing and Literature SG_HWLIT_H08 202000 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Writing and Literature SG_HWLIT_H08 202300 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Writing and Literature SG_HWRIT_H08 202300 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Writing and Literature
Description

This module focuses on developing essential writing skills for expository, analytical and academic writing including how to read carefully, summarise, write effective arguments, understand the writing process, engage with others' ideas, cite accurately, and craft effective prose. Learners will develop and sharpen the interpretive and analytical skills necessary to evaluate the soundness and appropriateness of sources for their written work. Reading across disciplines will be integral to this module as learners sample different writing modes in multiple contexts.

 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Write coherent, well-organized essays with appropriate conventions applying effective writing mechanics such as sentence structure and paragraphing

2.

Understand and demonstrate an awareness of basic rhetorical strategies through various forms of writing

3.

Write documents applying composing process (prewriting, drafting, revision, editing)

4.

Write with awareness of audience in relation to style and tone

5.

Demonstrate techniques of giving feedback and critically assessing own work (not merely “copy editing”)

6.

Access information through library resources and incorporate that information in an organized and coherent manner in writing applying MLA standards of presentation and citation

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The primary mode of instruction will be instructor-led class discussion along with a limited amount of lecturing to address specific content issues. The overall success of this course depends on active student participation, which in turn requires adequate student preparation of the reading assignments.

 

Module Assessment Strategies

This class emphasises writing as a process. Learners will submit a series of small assignments to develop technique and craft (30%) as well as an op-ed piece demonstrating both expository and persuasive writing skills (30%) and a researched piece of writing including research and documentation according to MLA style to prepare students for academic writing (40%)

 

Repeat Assessments

project

Indicative Syllabus

Introduction to Writing

Prewriting Activities

Clarity

Structure

effective mechanics: paragraphing, punctuation, spelling.

Differentiating between key ideas and supporting details in reading

Rhetorical modes

Respond to various demands of audience (organization, focus, voice).

Expository

Persuasive

Personal narrative – from private to public writing

Revision

Analytic Writing

Research and Using the Institute databases and resources

Academic writing

MLA and academic conventions

Avoiding plagiarism

Op-ed writing

Applying writing to other contexts

Editing

 

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Small writing assignments Coursework Assessment Assignment 30 % OnGoing 1,2,3,4,5
2 Op-ed piece Coursework Assessment Assignment 30 % Week 8 1,2,3,4,5
3 Research essay Coursework Assessment Essay 40 % End of Semester 1,2,4,5,6

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Flat Classroom lecture 3 Weekly 3.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

Baldwin, James, Notes of a Native Son, 1955.

Foster Wallace, David. Infinite Jest, 1996

O'Connor, Flannery. A Good Man is Hard to Find ,1953.

Smith, Zadie. The May Anthologies.

Sullivan, John Jeremiah, Pulphead: Essays, 2011 

Warburton, Nigel. The Basics of Essay Writing. Routledge, 2007.

Wilhoit, Stephen, A Brief Guide to Writing from readings, 5th edition 2003

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 4th edition. Modern Language Association, 2016.

 

URL Resources

Purdue Online Writing Lab

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

 

Other Resources

Books and online resources