Writing 50: Writing and the Research Process

Work and the Twenty-First Century

Instructor: James Donelan
Time: TR 1-2:50
Room: Tuesday: Girvetz 2115; Thursday, Mesa Lab, Phelps 1525 (except 1/16).
Section: 4
Enroll Code: 46706
Office Hours: Monday, 1-2 PM; Tuesday, 10-11 AM
Lab Meetings: The class will meet in Mesa Lab, Phelps 1525, on all Thursdays.

Texts:Writing Essentials and ConnectWeb (available at the UCen Bookstore)
Gig: Americans Talk About Their Jobs, ed. Bowe, Bowe, and Streeter

Course Description: The course will explore writing and research methods in relation to the subject of work, allowing for approaches from a variety of disciplines and viewpoints. Students will research and write a series of exercises and a research paper concerning an aspect of this topic. In addition, students will use networked computers to conduct research, to exchange ideas, and to compose assignments.

Requirements: An interview proposal, an interview report, a résumé, a cover letter, and a bibliography, brief electronic discussion exercises, and an oral presentation, all leading to a 10-12 page paper. Please observe the following rules:

• Papers should be no longer or shorter than the length assigned and submitted on time.
• Use twelve point type, in Times New Roman or CG Times.
• Assignments should be delivered electronically on the date due. Late papers will result in grade reductions.
• Never submit an assignment without proofreading it carefully.
• Your classmates and your instructor depend on your presence in class and your full participation. Participation therefore counts for a substantial part of your grade. Do not miss class or fail to engage in electronic exchanges and discussions.
• University regulations regarding plagiarism will be strictly enforced.
• The DROP DEADLINE is FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 by 4:45PM.
• Your final grade will be calculated as follows:
• Completeness and Punctuality of Connect Assignments, 10%
• Class Participation, 10%
• Interview, 15%
• Cover Letter and Résumé, 15%
• Annotated Bibliography, 15%
• Final Project, 35%.

1/7
Handout: Excerpt from Gig: Rose Collins, Executive Recruiter, 10-15.
In-class exercise: Writing sample: personal goals for the course.

1/9
Class meets in Mesa Lab, Phelps 1525.
Reading: Tracy Jensen, Sales Rep., 138-147.
Homework: Interview proposal.
In-class assignment: Group discussion of interview proposals.

1/14
Reading: William K., High School Teacher, 484-489; WE, Chapters 16-17.
Homework: Interview questions.
In-class: Group feedback. Practice interview exercise.

1/16
Class meets in MIRAMAR lab, Phelps 1526.
Reading: WE, Chapters 18-20.
Homework: Interview draft.
In-class: Preliminary interview work.

II. Career Opportunities: Applications and Resumes

1/21
Reading: Kate G., College Professor, 490-495; WE, Chapters 26-28.
Homework: Job advertisement analysis.
In-class: Conducting and editing an interview.

1/23
Class meets in Mesa Lab, Phelps 1525.
Reading: WE, Chapters 29-31.
Homework: Cover letter and resumé draft.
In-class: Peer review of applications.

1/28
Reading: William Rosario, UPS Driver, 5-9; John Hart, Securities Lawyer, 505-510.
Homework: Cover Letter and Resumé Final Draft.
In-class: Mock job interviews.

III: Basic Research: Annotated Bibliography 

1/30
Class meets in Mesa Lab, Phelps 1525.
Homework: Topic development exercise.
In-class: Finding basic sources; topic development discussion.

2/4
Reading: Jonathan Brown, Psychiatric Rehab. Therapist, 643-647. WE , Chapters 1-3
Homework: Final project topic due.
In-class: Planning a large-scale project.

2/6
Library visit. Bring a notebook and pen!

2/11
Readings: James R., Basketball Coach, 389-398; WE, Chapters 6-8.
Homework: Working bibliography.
In-class: Finding what you need; outlining.

2/13
Class meets in Mesa Lab, Phelps 1525.
Reading: WE, Chapters 9-10.
Homework: Annotated bibliography draft.
In-class: Peer review of annotated bibliographies.

2/18
Reading: WE, Chapter 11.
Homework: Annotated Bibliography Due.
In-class: Discussion of projects; formation of work groups.

IV: Analysis and Critique of the Working World

2/25
Reading: Reich, "Why the Rich..." (handout)
Homework: Preliminary outline and working thesis.
In-class: From outline to draft—working methods.

2/27
Class meets in Mesa Lab, Phelps 1525.
Homework: Revised outline and working thesis.
In-class: Time management; discussion of progress.

3/4
Homework: First page of rough draft.
In-class: Editing techniques.

3/6
Class meets in Mesa Lab, Phelps 1525.
Homework: Half of rough draft due.
In-class: Putting it all together.

3/11
Homework:Full rough draft due.
In-class: Oral Presentations.

3/13
Class meets in Mesa Lab, Phelps 1525. Final Class.

3/14
Final Project Due.