ENGL 1001: Introduction to Rhetoric & Composition
Reading & Writing Rhetorical Spaces
Fall 2020
Plans, Structure, & Procedures
Fall 2020 probably feels like a world away from how you expected it to feel, and you're not alone in that.
Various elements of ENGL1001 and my methods of teaching it must now change because of the ongoing health crisis caused by the coronavirus and current pandemic ways-of-life. My priorities are your health and safety, our class community, and your success in my course.
Below are structures to ensure active engagement in learning as well as prioritized safety for students and myself.
(This page may be updated as the pandemic creates fluid situations for us all).
OUTDOOR CLOSE-READINGS ON CAMPUS:
I've decided to host outdoor classes once a week on Fridays. [I believe this is the safest way to be in the same space as one another AND to actively learn together.] These class meetings will occur at our scheduled class time at a designated location on campus (announcements will be made). Our aim will be to use the concepts we're learning about (rhetoric, writing, ecology, close-reading, etc.) to "read" structures, spaces, and objects across campus. There are many facets of campus that we can read and interpret, and we'll hit as many of them as we can. WEATHER: If the weather isn't conducive to being outside together, we'll try to walk somewhere together and still complete our close readings.
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Students learning remotely will have various options for performing close-readings in their own places and spaces.
QUIP DISCUSSIONS:
Since our typical small-group conversations will have to take place online and outside, I'm incorporating the program, Quip, in order to facilitate ongoing and regular connection among students. From Tuesdays through Fridays, students will discuss parts of their Rhetor Reflections with members of their Reading Groups. From Fridays through Tuesdays, students will discuss their on-campus close-readings (from that Friday) with all of their classmates. I expect all students to participate on a weekly basis; however, there will not be a strict expectations for the number of comments/words required. [Remote students will be fully included in these discussions, hopefully with much opportunity for peer-learning.]
OFFICE HOURS:
As much as I'd love to invite all students to come by my office at anytime (which is my usual practice), I have to shift the ways in which I create safe spaces for conversations with students. My Office Hours will occur via Zoom as well as during scheduled times for 1x1 meetings outside, and I hope we can talk often. If you're mobile, we can walk around together (and close-read a few campus spots, too). If you're not mobile, we can find a bench or step or a patch of grass. I'm committed to your success in my class AND to your safety.
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Specific availability and instructions to connect will be announced.
