Course Syllabus

Our course syllabus includes course objectives and policies, a course schedule, major paper assignments, and other important information for our course. You need to read this all carefully and you should have a deep familiarity with the schedule and process of the course. A downloadable and printable version of the full syllabus is available via the link below.

Full Syllabus pdf: 701 Syllabus KLP Fall 25.pdf

ENG 0701: Introduction to Academic Discourse

Sections 12 & 19, Fall 2025

Days, times, and location:

  • Section 12: Mondays and Wednesdays 12:00 – 1:40pm, Mazur 1122
  • Section 19: Mondays and Wednesdays 2:00 – 3:40pm, Wachman 312

Instructor name, pronouns and e-mail:

Office hours:

  • Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00 – 11:30am or by appointment

Course Description

ENG 0701 develops the reading skills, writing skills, and self-awareness you need to understand and participate in academic discourse. Academic discourse is the system of institutions, scholars, texts, and arguments that creates, shapes, and perpetuates knowledge in the university. These are our specific course goals and objectives:

  • To read a variety of challenging texts and participate in academic discourse through college-level discussions and short writing assignments, both in-class and assigned as homework.
  • To learn to employ rhetorical terms and strategies and strengthen your ability to analyze rhetorical techniques in published essays and visual texts.
  • To learn to employ academic evidence and respect the conventions of academic writing.
  • To develop competent academic arguments over multiple drafts and collaborate with classmates in peer-review workshops. You will compile your final drafts into a portfolio that demonstrates your work throughout the semester and is graded by me and a committee of faculty in First Year Writing.
  • To meet with me for at least three one-on-one conferences for intensive, individualized support, and to reflect on the writing process and set goals for continual improvement.

Course Theme

The overall theme for our class is around rhetoric and how it functions in our society and lives. Our first unit focuses on basic rhetorical tools and how they show up in texts. Our second unit will focus on rhetorical appeals in advertising campaigns: what hidden messages are in play, what cultural assumptions are being made, and what techniques are being used to convince you to buy? Our third and final unit will focus on rhetoric in the media, particularly social media, AI, and fake news: how does what we have learned about rhetorical analysis help us identify and negotiate the ways rhetorical devices show up in politics, social media, and other discourses?

Required Course Materials

  1. There is no singular text for this class, but there are many readings. You are expected to read, annotate, and use all of the course readings on Canvas. Required readings are all accessible through links or pdfs on Canvas and/or the course schedule.
  2. Daily access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection: Using Canvas and your Temple email are crucial requirements for this course. Please check the technology specifications for using Canvas from computers and networks off campus. You will be submitting work online through Canvas for this course, and therefore, you will also need to have regular access to Microsoft Word. You can download a free copy of Office 365 through TU Portal, and it is also available on all TU-owned computers. If you use Google Docs, you will need to learn how to convert your document into Word to submit your papers. Feel free to consult Temple’s Information Technology Services for support: https://its.temple.edu/. You may need to occasionally use headphones or speakers in a private location for some course materials.
  3. Resources to assist with costs and technology: Temple wants you to know that limited resources are available for students who do not have the technology they need for class. Students with educational technology needs, including no computer or camera or insufficient Wifi-access, should submit a request outlining their needs using the Student Tech Assistance Fund. Also, on-campus computer labs are available for student use.
  4. An 8 ½ by 11-inch notebook or loose-leaf paper in a folder and pens, to be brought to every class. You will write for this class every day, and you will sometimes need to turn in that writing for review.

Components of the Semester Grade

  1. Final Portfolio of four polished writing assignments and all drafts [60%].
    1. I will provide written feedback for the first three essays so you can revise them for the final portfolio. We will also discuss them in one-on-one conferences.
    2. The 4th essay will not receive written feedback in draft form; instead, you may receive verbal feedback in class or conference.
  1. Drafts and Revision Process [20%]
    1. Peer Review Workshops:  All essays will go through peer review workshops to get feedback from your peers and to ensure that you are practicing critical reading and writing skills in responding to each other. Unless otherwise announced, peer review will be done in person in class, and it cannot be made up if you are absent. If you do not submit a draft for peer review, you will not be eligible to participate, and you will not get credit for the workshop. (10%)
    2. Instructor drafts and revisions: Your first three papers will receive in-process grade ranges and feedback, and they will all be revised throughout the semester. (10%)
  1. Shorter Assignments and Class Participation [20%]
    1. In-class work and/or homework will be part of every class and may not be made up or sent in if you are absent.
    2. Class participation: to be prepared for class, you must read and annotate all assigned readings before class, think deeply about our course topics, join in on all class activities and discussions, and listen respectfully to others.

Portfolio and Grading Policies

  1. You must receive a C- (= 70 points out of 100) or better as a final grade to go on to ENG 0802. A D+ and below will require you to retake ENG 0701. You must also receive a C- (= 70) or better on the final portfolio to go on to ENG 0802. In other words, if your portfolio is D+ or lower, you cannot pass this class even if you completed all the other elements of the course, including peer review, homework, and class participation. Likewise, a passing portfolio grade does not guarantee a passing course grade if you did not complete all the other elements of the course, such as revision process activities and class participation.
  2. An incomplete portfolio, or a portfolio that includes academic honesty violations, will always receive an F (= 0). A portfolio turned in with papers that you have never submitted in draft form may also receive an F (= 0) because you must show your work throughout the semester.
  3. You will receive a Midterm Progress Report at or before the eighth week of the semester, indicating any areas that need immediate improvement.
  4. “Incomplete” semester grades will not be granted except under extraordinary circumstances.
  5. The grading scheme for this course is as follows:

A          94.0% - 100%                            D+        67.0% - 69.9%

A-         90.0% - 93.9%                           D          64.0% - 66.9%

B+        87.0% - 89.9%                           D-         61.0% - 63.9%

B          84.0% - 86.9%                           F          00.0% - 60.9%

B-         80.0% - 83.9%

C+        77.0% - 79.9%

C          74.0% - 76.9%

C-         70.0% - 73.9%

Class Policies

  1. Attendance is required. You must be present at every regular class meeting. There are no “excused” or “unexcused” absences in this class. All absences are equal regardless of the reason they happen. If you have five (5) or more absences, you will receive an F for this class. The only exception to this policy will be for students who have DRS accommodations that allow a few extra absences or call for other modifications, and you must contact me early in the semester to work out the details of these accommodations. I will do my best to warn you after your 4th absence that you are at the limit, but it is your responsibility to keep track of your attendance. If you do not have a DRS accommodation, you will fail on the 5th absence whether I warned you or not. This policy exists because it is vital that you are present and engaged in this course to receive a passing grade. Missing more than four classes is equivalent to missing more than two full weeks of class, and that is more than enough to put you in unsatisfactory territory.
  2. Punctuality is required. If you are repeatedly late or have a habit of leaving class early your class participation grade will suffer. I will count 2 latenesses/early departures as equivalent to an absence. I will try to warn you when your latenesses convert to absences, but you are responsible for keeping track of your own attendance.
  3. Conferences are required. You will have a minimum of three scheduled, one-on-one meetings with me to discuss specific assignments. Missing these appointments or arriving unprepared counts as an absence. I will schedule make-up conferences if possible, but they do not erase the absence for the missed conference.
  4. Peer review is required. For all major assignments, you will read and comment on peers’ work. Arriving unprepared for peer review and/or missing peer review means zero credit for that activity. Missing peer review is also an absence.
  5. Basic computer competence is required. You are solely responsible for accessing course materials and using word-processing and other software successfully. The Tech Center may be able to help if you need it. If computer issues cause you to miss a deadline, it is on you. I suggest using Google Docs or other back-up systems so that you do not “lose” drafts.
  6. Laptops, phones, and other electronic devices will be allowed but they must never interrupt your classmates or our class work. If your devices distract you or others, your class participation grade will suffer.
  7. Civil behavior is expected at all times. Uncivil or disruptive behavior will incur a warning letter, and a copy of that letter will be filed with the First-Year Writing Program. Penalties against the final grade for subsequent violations will be at the instructor’s discretion, up to and including failure of the course.
  8. You are always encouraged to ask questions in office hours or via email. My office hours are on the first page of this syllabus. However, many students prefer to email, especially for short questions. Emails will generally be answered within 48 hours, and if you email after 5pm on a Friday you will likely not hear back until Monday morning.

University Policies

Academic Honesty

This course includes extensive consideration of many issues pertaining to academic honesty. We will discuss the meaning of the word “plagiarism,” in particular, as well as the rules professors and universities in the United States require their students to follow. Ultimately, however, you alone are responsible for understanding (1) Temple’s policies on academic honesty and (2) the definition of plagiarism. See the following for details:

http://www.temple.edu/bulletin/Responsibilities_rights/responsibilities/responsibilities.shtm#honesty

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT are exciting new technologies that you may find useful in this class. As such, I have not banned them outright, and we may even use them occasionally in class activities. But AI cannot replace real human thinking and writing, and you should never use AI generated writing in place of your own work. Even in its most updated forms, AI has been known to reproduce biases, generate fake research sources, provides ideas within incorrect contexts, and spread disinformation and other harmful ideas. Human writing is the purpose of English 802, and we expect to see your genuine, human writing in your final portfolios.

Generative AI tools are permitted in this course for the following activities:

  • brainstorming and refining your ideas;
  • coming up with a variety of prompts for library research;
  • drafting outlines;
  • suggesting alternate perspectives or adjacent ideas;
  • organizing your thoughts.

If you use AI in any form, you must acknowledge having done so in writing on anything you submit for this course. This site gives directions for citing AI in your papers, and if you use it for small assignments, you must include a note at the end explaining how you used AI and why it was useful. Also, you are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws or contain misinformation or unethical content).

Generative AI tools are not permitted in this course for the following activities:

  • To complete assignments or other writing that requires self-reflection or personal experience.
  • To generate full sentences or paragraphs that you incorporate into your own writing without acknowledgement.
  • To do group work unless I have specifically directed you to do so.
  • To peer review a classmate’s draft.
  • To generate full drafts or revisions (even if the revision is on your own, original draft).

If you are found to have used AI without acknowledgement on a small assignment, the penalty will range from an Incomplete on the assignment to an F for the course depending on the severity of the situation. If you are found to have used AI without acknowledgement on a draft submitted for peer review or my feedback, you will have one week to revise and resubmit or you will receive an F for the course. If you are found to have used AI without acknowledgement in your final portfolio, the penalty will be an F for the course.

Penalties for academic dishonesty of any kind will result in failure of the course in all cases. Moreover, all instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the First-Year Writing Program. In serious cases, Temple’s Disciplinary Committee will also be asked to investigate the matter.

Temple University Statement on Accommodations for Disabilities

This course is open to all students who meet the academic requirements for participation. Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss the specific situation as soon as possible. Such students should also contact Disability Resources and Services at 215-204-1280 in 100 Ritter Annex to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

Accommodation for a documented disability is a right under Federal law. Instructors never discuss a student’s disability with other students, and only consult other Temple University faculty and staff at need. Further information is available at http://disabilityresources.temple.edu/ . If you are not sure whether you qualify for accommodations, go to DRS to get more information. DRS understands that some students may not arrive at Temple University with documentation for their accommodations, and they will work with you to figure out how best to proceed. It is up to you whether you want to send me your accommodations, but keep in mind that accommodations cannot be applied retroactively. 

Temple University Statement on Academic Freedom

Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy #03.70.02), that can be accessed through the following link: http://policies.temple.edu.

University Resources

Inclusive Learning and University Resources

All students learn in different ways. I will try to include a range of activities and learning strategies to make the course work for everyone, and your feedback will help enormously. If there are specific strategies that work for you—for example, if you would like help setting up voluntary deadlines to avoid last-minute panic—I encourage you to reach out to me.

Did you know Temple’s Student Success Center (SSC) offers tutoring for writing at the Writing Center? Writing Center tutors can help you understand and get started on your assignments, and they can also provide you with engaged, kind, and critical feedback on drafts of your work. The tutors are graduate and undergraduate students who are successful writers and experienced readers; all tutors have completed training in effective methods of coaching writers. Tutoring is free of charge and available by same-day session or pre-scheduled appointment. More information about the Writing Center, as well as other resources offered by the SSC, is available at https://studentsuccess.temple.edu/, by calling 215-204-0702, or visiting our “Front Desk” Zoom room via the Meeting ID at 929-916-654.

You can get help (even through live chat) with research from the Library: http://library.temple.edu.

There are other resources on campus that first year students may need, including Tuttleman Counseling Services (https://counseling.temple.edu). The first year at a new school can be stressful and challenging, and I want you to know you’re not alone and there are resources for you here at the university, many of which can be provided remotely.

The Dean of Students (https://deanofstudents.temple.edu) also offers a wide range of support for students who are facing challenges securing food or housing, students who need emergency student aid, students dealing with sexual assault, and other such problems. The Dean of Students also provides outreach and support for LGBTQIA students, international students, and veterans, among others. I strongly encourage you to seek out help from the Dean of Students if needed, and if you’re having trouble connecting to the proper resources, let me know and I’ll do my best to help.

Help Desk: TECH Center

The Help Desk helps with software, hardware and connectivity issues. Drop in, call (215) 204-8000, or make a request online: https://computerservices.temple.edu/#request-help.

Computer Recycling Center: 152 Pearson Hall

Purchase used computers, monitors, printers, and miscellaneous equipment at nominal prices. Only Diamond Dollars are accepted as payment. See website for inventory: https://atlas.ocis.temple.edu/crc_dev/new/webstore/default.asp

701 Course Schedule Fall 2025

Pay close attention to this schedule, especially the assigned readings and other activities. This schedule is subject to change according to the needs of the class, but I will try to keep changes to a minimum. I will notify you of changes in email, on Canvas, and (if possible) in class.

Week 1 (August 25-31)

Week 2 (Sept 1 – 7) No class Monday 9/1 for Labor Day

 

Week 3 (Sept 8 – 14)

Week 4 (Sept 15 – 21)

  • Paper 1 Peer Review (Monday)
  • Paper 1 Instructor Draft due on Canvas (Wednesday)
  • In-class reflections and conference sign-ups

Week 5 (Sept 22 – 28)

  • Conferences! Instead of coming to class, you will meet with me one-on-one via Zoom to discuss your draft of Paper 1 and any other concerns
  • Luntz “The Ten Rules of Effective Language” (pdf on Canvas)
  • Vos, “Semiotics In Marketing: What it Means for Your Brand and Messaging” https://cxl.com/blog/semiotics-marketing/

 

Week 6 (Sept 29 – Oct 5)

  • Review assignment for Paper 2
  • “Rhetorical Analysis of P&G’s Super Bowl Commercial ‘Like a Girl’ – 2015” (Video)
  • “Purdue OWL: Visual Rhetoric” (Video)
  • Halloran, “Romance and the Brand” (pdf on Canvas)
  • Millman, “How symbols and brands shape our humanity” (TED talk)

Week 7 (Oct 6 – 12)

  • Ad campaign analysis groupwork for Paper 2
  • Paper 2 development
  • Paper 1 revision work

Week 8 (Oct 13 – 19)

  • Paper 2 Peer Review (Monday)
  • Paper 2 Instructor Draft due on Canvas (Wednesday)
  • Paper 1 Revision due on Canvas (Friday)
  • In-class reflections and conference sign-ups

Week 9 (Oct 20 – 26)

  • Conferences! Instead of coming to class, you will meet with me one-on-one on Zoom to talk about your draft of Paper 2 as well as your revision of Paper 1. You will receive a Midterm Progress Report during conference
  • Shaffer, “Education in the (Dis)information Age” https://hybridpedagogy.org/education-disinformation/
  • Hill, “They Asked an A.I. Chatbot Questions. The Answers Sent Them Spiraling.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/technology/chatgpt-ai-chatbots-conspiracies.html?unlocked_article_code=1.dU8.twHb.AkGGQ9nqayCs&smid=url-share

 

Week 10 (Oct 27 – Nov 2)

Week 11 (Nov 3 – 9)

  • Paper 2 revision work
  • Paper 3 development and outline

Week 12 (Nov 10 – 16)

  • Paper 3 Peer Review (Monday)
  • Paper 3 Instructor Draft due on Canvas (Wednesday)
  • Paper 2 Revision due on Canvas (Friday)
  • In-class reflections and conference sign-ups

Week 13 (Nov 17 – 23)

  • Review assignment for Paper 4 (Portfolio Reflection), including in-class self-reflective activity
  • Review requirements for the Final Portfolio
  • Conferences! Instead of coming to class, you will meet with me one-on-one in my office or on Zoom to talk about your draft of Paper 3 as well as your revision of Paper 2

Week 14 (Nov 24 – 30) – FALL BREAK

Week 15 (Dec 1 – 7)

  • In-class editing/revising workshop for Final Portfolio
  • Peer Review workshop on Papers 1, 2, 3, or 4 (your choice)

Final Portfolios Due Wednesday, December 10th

There is no final exam for this course. Once you submit the final portfolio, you have completed your work for English 0701. I will grade your final portfolio and calculate your final grade off Canvas, and then I will enter final grades on Banner before the end of the grading period.

Please note that I do not upload comments on final portfolios because you will have already gotten plenty of feedback from me throughout the semester, and usually students can anticipate their final portfolio grade on their own. If you want some brief feedback on your final portfolio after the end of Finals or if you have any questions about your final grade, you may contact me via email. I will do my best to respond to you in a timely manner.