Fall 2002: CSUN English 155cmp Syllabus

CSUN: Composing Cyberspace

Spring 2002

In what follows we shall be questioning concerning technology. Questioning builds a way. We would be advised, therefore, above all to pay heed to the way, and not to fix our attention on isolated sentences and topics. The way is a way of thinking. All ways of thinking, more or less perceptibly, lead through language in a manner that is extraordinary. We shall be questioning concerning technology, and in so doing, we should like to prepare a free relationship to it. The relationship will be free if it opens our human existence to the essence of technology. When we can respond to the essence, we shall be able to experience the technology within its own bounds.

--Martin Heidegger "The Question Concerning Technology"
"Die Technik und die Kehre" (Pfullingen: Gunter Neske, 1962)

Course Objectives

English 155, a course in expository writing, aims to help students express ideas and convey information in writing (1) with logical reasoning and adequate factual support and (2) with clarity of purpose, organization, and language. Beyond these fundamental concerns, the course encourages and assists students to develop a degree of grace and style which will make their writing not only clear and convincing, but interesting and readable. The course also aims to help students analyze student and professional writing, including writing which reflects cultural diversity.

Course Description and Format

This course focuses on all aspects of the writing process: pre-writing, drafting, revising. Much of class time will be spent discussing, writing, and working in small groups. Although this course focuses on internet issues, particularly how we negotiate cultural differences in online/offline communities, no knowledge or experience of the Internet is presumed or necessary. However, students must complete assigned web projects which will require work in any of the open labs on campus, the LRC, or personal access to the Internet.

Course Requirements

Three in-class, timed essays (30%):
- Timed Writing (SAMPLE)
- Timed Writing (RESPONSE TO A TEXT)
- Timed Writing (REFLECTION)
Three papers (30%): All papers will include initial rough drafts, work shop drafts, peer responses as well as self evaluations. All drafts must be completed by due dates.
- Representations of Online Communities
  Students will practice interpreting how the internet is represented in advertisements, music, art, film, or popular press. They should be mindful of dividing their object of study into analytical components and constructing an interpretation that critiques, challenges, or questions commonly purveyed attitudes about the net (3-4 pages).
- Comparing Realities
  Students will locate, examine and evaluate claims made about the nature of identity in cyberspace or the relationship between "real life' and "virtual reality." Students will write a position paper in which they discuss some controversial or constructive aspect of online evironments, such as their potential for abuse or their potential as an expressive or educational medium (5-6 pages).
- Constructing Online Communities
  Students will practice developing a line of inquiry about the benefits and drawbacks of using online sources for education. They should be mindful of analyzing and drawing up a variety of relevant sources, substantiating a position, and accommodating other points of view. This final research paper will draw from readings, journal entries, and interviews over the course of the semester (9-10 pages).
Online Journal (30%): consists of posting summaries and responses to all readings, reading and replying to others on the publicly readable list.
Annotated Bibliographies (5%): students will research two separate topics and construct annotated bibliographies documenting and evaluating their findings, using Janice Walker's online MLA Style formating. Both bibliographies will be posted to the web. The second bibliography will reflect the research for the final paper.
Short Write: Response to Media (5%): students will describe, or summarize, and evaluate a particular media resource, an advertisement, movie or article from newspaper or popular journal such as Time or Newsweek.
Portfolio (25%):
- Two revised papers
- One in-class essay
- One cover letter
- One submission to Wings
Last Revised 22 Nov 02