HON 140 Writing & Research I
Fall 2004
TR 1:00-2:30
Hon. William Shaughnessy, Jr. | Prof. Brian O'Connell |
MS 205 | MS 205 |
TBA | 832-2718 |
email to be announced | oconnellb@ccsu.edu |
Office Hours: |
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TBA |
MW: 5:00 - 6:30 T: 3:30 - 4:30 |
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 Shaughnessy's Sections: | |
TBA | |
Professor O'Connell's Sections: | |
W |
Anthony Weston, A Rulebook for Arguments |
C |
John Casti, The Cambridge Quintet |
RO | Readings Online |
RC | Readings Collection |
Grading
15% | Addresses to Students Assignment |
20% |
Snow-Leavis Paper |
25% |
A.I. Debate & Paper |
25% | Judge Shaughnessy's Trial Advocacy Assignment |
15% |
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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 -- 11.28.04
Section |
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Introduction to Higher Education & Critical Thinking |
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I |
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Prof. O'Connell |
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assignment |
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Giamatti: The Earthly Use of a Liberal Education James: The Social Value of the College-Bred Weston: All Chapters Assignment Due on Thursday - 09/30 |
references |
Section |
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Criticism in Action: The Snow-Leavis Debate |
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II |
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Prof. O'Connell |
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assignment |
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RC: C.P. Snow - The Two Cultures RC: F.R. Leavis - Two Cultures? RC: L. Trilling - Science, Literature & Culture LINK: Download password-protected packet here LINK: Download free Adobe reader here LINK: Download Snow-Leavis Profile here Snow-Leavis Assignment Due on Tuesday -11/02 |
references |
n/a |
Section |
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Trial Advocacy |
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III |
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Prof. Shaughnessy |
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assignment |
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LINK: Bennett: Ethics, Zealous Advocacy and the Criminal Defense Attorney (pdf file) LINK: Iwan: Hey Litigator, Try This (pdf file) |
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references |
tba |
Section |
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Arguing A.I. |
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IV |
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Prof. O'Connell |
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assignment |
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C: All Chapters by 12/14 Debate Paper Due on Thursday, 12/06 at 2:00 |
references |