Sarah Hochstetler

~WRIT 1E (Fall 07): Syllabus~

Home | Research | Curriculum Vitae

E-mail address: teachlit_00@yahoo.com | Office: South Hall 5432-D

Office hours: by appointment | Mailbox: South Hall 1519

Course Description

This course is the first of a three-quarter sequence of writing courses designed especially for students in the College of Engineering. In this segment of the sequence, we will discuss writing as a tool for thinking and communication. We will read and analyze a range of scientific and technical discourse, write formal, research-based documents, conduct collaborative research, and increase our understanding of technical writing formats. Through classroom exercises and outside assignments, we will further develop our ability to sustain a coherent argument and use revision for clarity and conciseness. In addition, this class is an opportunity to explore the relationships between reading, writing, and critical thinking and to use collaboration and revision as ways to improve writing.

Required Texts & Materials

Writing 1E Reader, Hochstetler (available at Associated Students)

A Writer's Reference, Hacker, D. (at campus bookstore)

2 Pocket folder (used to turn in assignments)

Internet & E-mail account (active and accessible)

College Dictionary & Mini-stapler (optional but recommended)

Guidelines for Paper Submission

•  Use twelve-point type font, in Times New Roman.

•  All assignments should be double-spaced, pages numbered.

•  Use the default margins in Microsoft Word: (top and bottom = 1"; left and right = 1.25")

•  Always staple papers prior to submission.

•  Include rough drafts and peer reviews with each final assignment.

•  Always proofread and edit before handing in work.

•  Students must be present in class to turn in assignments.

•  All work must be submitted on time - late papers will not be accepted.

Assignments and Grades

Detailed descriptions of your assignments are in your reader. Please note, late work is not accepted under any circumstance. Your final grade will be determined by the following:

• Summary: Engineering research often involves reading articles written on a specific topic and writing an objective summary of the findings. The project team uses this summary to evaluate available options and resources. To prepare you for this process, the first portion of the course will focus on summary. (15%)

• Critical Analysis: Analysis is a vital part of engineering. In this assignment, you will develop your critical thinking skills and analyze an article’s overall effectiveness. (20%)

• Synthesis: Once engineers have conducted a review of research, the project team is then required to evaluate available options and resources. Using critical analysis skills, you will identify connections and contradictions between two essays and analyze the significance of your findings. (30%)

• In-class writing: These exercises will prepare you for the Common Final. (10%)

• Common Final: This is your opportunity to apply your critical analysis and synthesis skills. (15%)

• Participation: Your participation affects your overall understanding of the material covered in this class and ultimately your performance. Class discussion, in class writing, peer group work and in class assignments are some of the ways your participation will be measured. For this reason, it is important for you to attend all class sessions, and to arrive on time. (10%)

Note: Grades will not be discussed via email nor will unclaimed work or the final assignment be saved or returned. Students wishing to keep their final graded assignment must provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the instructor by the final class meeting.

Important Information

EMail: I encourage communication via e-mail, but request that you use your name as your e-mail signature. Please check your e-mail daily for class bulletins such as assignment or lecture information.

Attendance: This is a workshop setting rather than a lecture; therefore, your attendance is mandatory. You are expected to come to class on time and prepared for the day. Coming to class late or leaving early is disruptive and will count as 1⁄2 of an absence. Your final grade may be lowered substantially if you are absent more than twice during the quarter. Even if you are absent, you are responsible for all readings, assignments and/or work done in class. Please see class schedule or a classmate for missed lecture material. There are no “excused” absences. Class begins, breaks and ends at the instructor’s discretion.

Office Hours: My office hours are before and after class and by appointment. Please do not leave any materials in or outside of my office.

Plagiarism: Do not plagiarize. Plagiarism may result in immediate failure on the assignment as well as disciplinary action by the University. Refer to Hacker's text or to any number of the academic websites devoted to the topic for correct citation techniques.

Students with Disabilities: If you are a student with a disability and would like to discuss special accommodations, please contact me via e-mail as soon as possible after the first class meeting.

A Final Note

Please feel free to contact me during the quarter if you have questions about assignments, readings, or other course related issues. I also ask that you do not use communication or entertainment devices during class time—this includes text messaging. We are professionals in a professional setting and must conduct ourselves as such. In addition, the services listed below are available to use as a resource for learning or personal assistance.

Campus Learning Assistance Service (CLAS): 893-3269 (www.clas.ucsb.edu) Helps students increase mastery of course material through tutoring and academic skills development.

Counseling and Career Services: 893-4411 (www.counseling.ucsb.edu) Counseling for personal and career concerns. Referrals to mental health professionals.

Disabled Students Program (DSP): 893-2668 (www.sa.ucsb.edu/dsp) Provides academic support to eligible students.

(Unofficial course syllabus--please see document handed out in class for updates)

Back to WRIT 1E...