FIQWS Fall 2018: Phase 1, 2, and 3 Assignment Prompt
One of the best tools we have for learning is through reflection, as it helps us to reinforce our knowledge. If we consciously build a vocabulary for discussing our learning, our awareness of what we know grows and fortifies. On a practical level, frequent reflection this semester will also help you to prepare for the Final Self-Reflection Essay, which is due at the end of the semester. A major goal, then, of this FIQWS course is for you to reflect on your learning and writing practices. In addition to reflecting in class and through smaller homework assignments, you will write 3 cover letters this semester.
When you submit your three major assignments (Language and Literacy Narrative, Researched Exploratory Essay, and Researched Critical Analysis Essay), you will paste at the top of each document a short (1.5-2-page, double-spaced) cover letter. This cover letter can be written in essay or letter format (but not bulleted format). Language differences are welcome. Informality is welcome. The most important thing is that you are capturing your honest perspectives, experiences, and knowledge.
Specifically, your cover letter should include reflections on these questions:
- What are some of the most meaningful insights you’ve gained in this phase (and through writing this assignment) regarding language, rhetoric, and writing?
- What concepts/termshave most impacted your learning and your writing practices (e.g., rhetoric; rhetorical situation; context; exigence; purpose; author; audience; text; genre; argument; evidence; something else)? How so?
- In what ways has this phase’s assignment helped you to achieve (some/any of) the Course Learning Goals listed below? Please provide examples(of actual moments in/after class or through the completion of certain assignments) and actually name and quote the learning goals you reference.
- Recognize the role of language attitudes and standards in empowering, oppressing, and hierarchizing languages and their users
- Explore and analyze in their own and other’s writing a variety of genres and rhetorical situations
- Develop strategies for reading, drafting, revising, and editing
- Practice systematic application of citation conventions
- Recognize and practice key rhetorical terms and strategies when engaged in writing situations
- Develop and engage in the collaborative and social aspects of writing processes
- Understand and use print and digital technologies to address a range of audiences
- Locate research sources (including academic journal articles, magazine and newspaper articles) in the library’s databases or archives an on the internet and evaluate them for credibility, accuracy, and bias.
