Because this course fulfills both the Liberal Studies and Writing requirements, it is necessarily demanding. Weekly writing assignments in this writing intensive course enable you to "read" illustrations and texts much like their Victorian audience once did and to write in different modes of exposition.
The four writing projects introduce rhetorical modes of increasing difficulty; each will enable you to present and support your own thesis in writing. Special emphasis will be placed on heuristics for invention, outlining strategies, prewriting, and revision. An ungraded written exercise precedes each paper and prepares you for the increasingly complex rhetorical tasks. The readings, illustrated texts, and papers often demand critical thinking and prewriting. It is unreasonable to expect yourself to be able to write a polished first draft about these works. Plan to cross out words, rearrange paragraphs, and even begin again from the start. You may find that word processing facilitates your revision; the English Department's Lanzit Center for Computers and Writing is available for your own use (PMH 302). A completed draft of each formal paper is required two class periods prior to the day the paper is due (See Syllabus and Paper Policy). One or two of your classmates will critique your draft during regularly scheduled class time; peer suggestions for revision will help you to create a stronger essay (format to be elaborated). Bring a xerox of your draft to peer group meetings (designated on the syllabus); a number of coin operated xerox machines are located in the library.
I prefer that writing projects (papers) and exercises be typed. Length for papers may vary roughly a page either way; a concise paper is preferable to a padded or rambling one. One minor pet peeve: make sure that the paper has a cover page, a well-chosen title, and a staple or clip in the upper left-hand corner to tie down pages. Please attach xerox copies of any illustrations discussed in detail.
**For more information on ways to help improve your writing, check out Skidmore's Writing Center Home Page. It includes information on the center itself (hours, tutors, etc) and it also contains links to various pertinent web resources, which are designed to assist you in improving your composition skills.**