FYP English 1: Science and Responsibility

The composition component of the Biology, Chemistry, and Composition FYP cluster, this class is intended for those students how are seriously interested in improving their writing skills this semester, and in laying the foundation for future improvement. We will pay a great deal of attention to the writing process, scientific argument, and the social context within which science takes place.

Papers: Five papers are required. Each will be at least 4 pgs. long, and will consider some aspect of our main topic: Science and Responsibility. The format of the paper should follow the format outlined in HWG, and several will incorporate properly cited sources. Late papers will be penalized by half a grade for every calendar late.

Reading journal. You will be required to keep an informal reading log (at least one paragraph per reading) , in which you can record your response to the assigned reading. These will be turned in at the middle and end of the course and will be graded according to completeness.

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. We will go over the plagiarism section of The Hofstra Writer's Guide early in the semester. An unintended plagiarism may result in a failure on a paper. And intended plagiarism--to be determined by the instructor--will result in a failure in the course.

Attendance and Participation: This is a workshop class and so your attendance is vital to its success. More than two unexcused absences will damage your grade.

Grades will be based on papers and reading journals.

The Hofstra Bulletin defines grading standards as the following: "A--Indicates that the student's academic performance in achieving the objectives of the course was of honors level. B--Indicates that the student's academic performance in achieving the objectives of the course was distinctly above that required by the course. C--Indicates that the the student's academic performance achieved the objectives of the course."

You must achieve at least a C- in English 1 to receive credit for the course. There is no possibility of extra credit.

Schedule:

Sept. 8: Syllabus and Introduction. For Monday, read The Mystery of Ticklish Laughter

Sept. 11:

Sept. 15: Human Embryonic Stem-Cell Research: Science and Ethics

Sept. 18:

Sept. 22: Workshop. Bring Draft of Paper #1

Sept. 25: Workshop

Sept. 29: Paper #1 Due: Scientific Argument. In a 4pg. paper, discuss what makes an effective scientific argument. You should consider in general what makes the articles we are examining effective pieces of writing. In addition, what makes these pieces particularly "scientific"?

Oct. 2:

Oct. 6:

Oct. 9: Classes not in session

Oct. 13:

Oct. 16:

Oct. 20: Paper #2 Due

Oct. 23:

Oct. 27:

Oct. 30

Nov. 3:

Nov. 6:

Nov. 10:

Nov. 13:

Nov. 17:

Nov. 20

Nov. 22-24: Thanksgiving Recess

Nov. 27:

Dec. 1:

Dec. 4:

Dec. 8:

Dec. 11: