CSK 095 A The Craft of Prose: the Foundation of Basic Writing
Professor:Seder
Time: Tu Fr 9:00 am - 10:10 am Olin
303
CRN:92667
All writers know the terror of facing the blank
page
(or screen) knowing that they must fill it with words, and that once the pages are filled, the hard
work begins. This writers' workshop cannot
promise to make the work easy, but it does give students a chance to tame the anxiety by
developing
craft and refining their prose style. Examination of the structure and organization of
argumentative
and personal essays will accompany detailed attention to paragraphs, sentences, and diction. We
will
discuss development of ideas, research, revision, personal voice, grammar, and punctuation, all
with
an eye toward expressing critical thought with clarity and precision. Each week students will
present
a new or revised essay for class appreciation and criticism. No issue will be too basic for
discussion,
from pencils to participles, criticism to comma faults. There is a "laboratory" component to this
course. Students will be expected to put in at least one two-hour session at the writing lab pre
week
(see the description of the Writing Lab above).
Professor:Field
Time: Wed Fri 11:00 am - 12:00 am Olin
101
CRN:92668
(Two credits)
Do you see a pile of rocks where others see a "fieldstone wall"? Can you find the forest in all
those trees? Do words on a page have a hard time being called anything but poetry? As Emerson
wrote, "the inmost, in due time, becomes outmost." This workshop-style course examines
assumptions about "good" and "bad" writing, with the premise that any writing, no matter how
personal, radical or off-center, can become virtuosic and persuasive if rigorously pursued.
From argument, structure, paragraph form and the personality of a semi-colon, to love letters,
eviction notices and essays--we will take a critical look at the conventions and inventions latent in
all aspects of written communication. If your desire is to be more fluent in expressing ideas or to
enhance your powers of rhetoric--this course is for you. Readings will range through a wide
variety of thinkers whose writings have made unique contributions. A weekly writing work will
culminate in a final "published" project.
Professor:Burns
Time: Mon Wed 2:50 pm - 4:10 pm LC
208
CRN:92664
(Two credits)This course is designed for students in need of improving their
quantitative skills before entering a Q-course. The goal of this course is to improve students'
confidence and abilities, as well as increase their interest, in mathematics. Understanding of
mathematical concepts will be emphasized. Study will include review of operations, proportions,
percents, geometry and algebra. The class will experience how these mathematical concepts occur
in nature, music, art and other disciplines through readings, nature walks, and group discussions.
Each student will complete a project of their own design relating mathematics to their major or
personal interest. Students who successfully complete this course will be eligible to enroll in a Q-course. To register for this course see Tambra Burns in Hegeman 106 on registration
day.