HON 140 Fall 2003

HON 140 Writing & Research I

Fall 2003

TR 1:00-2:30

The sifting of human creations! ---- Nothing less than this is what we ought to mean

by the humanities. William James, 1907

I don't just write to tell what I think. I write to find out what I think. George F. Will, 2003

Course Description & Goals

This course concentrates upon the development and evaluation of thought and expression in

its many forms, including writing, speech and discussion. As a foundation for future courses within

the Honors Program, and hopefully, beyond, it will focus on the acquisition of critical skills within a

variety of contexts. Among the topics covered will be: issue identification, the evaluation of factual

and rhetorical assertions, research, organizational and presentation techniques.

Required Texts

	Professor Craine's Sections:
W	Anthony Weston, A Rulebook for Arguments

	Professor O'Connell's Sections:
A	Isaac Asimov, I Robot
C	John Casti, The Cambridge Quintet

RO	Readings Online
RC	Readings Collection

Grading

30%	Prof. Craine's Assignments
15%	Snow-Leavis Paper
20%	Debate & Paper
25%	Trial & Brief
10%	Participation (including attendance)

Evaluation

Written assignments will be evaluated on the following factors. Weighting will be determined by

assignment:

Accuracy

Clarity

Organization

Originality

Standards

Prior to course commencement, students will agree in writing to the following course standards:

1.	Class attendance is presumed.
	Students choosing to enroll in this class must clearly understand that complete attendance is expected & agree to honor this commitment.
	Three or more unexcused absences will result in loss of participation score.
	Excused absences must be arranged at least two days prior to absence date unless a medical emergency exists. A medical letter will be required in this case within one week of return to class.
	Cell phones and beepers must be turned off at all times while in class.

2.	All work must be submitted on due date.
	Unexcused late work will receive a full letter grade reduction if handed in up to one week after the deadline and a zero if submitted thereafter.
	For excused late work, permission must be obtained prior to assignment due date or in medical emergencies, a medical letter will be required.
	Regardless of lateness, all assignments must be completed in order to receive a course grade.
	All assignments must be printed and stapled. No emails will be accepted.

3.	Students must regularly check the online course schedule (listed below) at this site.

4.	Students must attend course activities scheduled beyond class time.
	This includes group meetings and any extra research activities. Your additional course credit is
	based on the presumption that individual outside work and group meetings will be necessary.

Schedule

Subject to Change -- Check here often

Last Modified -- 10.14.03

Section		Criticism in Action: The Snow-Leavis Debate
II		Prof. O'Connell
	assignment	RC: C.P. Snow - The Two Cultures RC: F.R. Leavis - Two Cultures? RC: L. Trilling - Science, Literature & Culture Snow-Leavis Assignment Due on -10/21-
	references	n/a

Section		Arguing A.I.
III		Prof. O'Connell
	assignment	C: Chapters 1-5 & Afterward Debate Paper Due on -?-
	references	English Speaking Union: British Debate The Oxford Union