Writing 222

General Information:

WR 222/Research and Composition is a course designed to acquaint students with general research methods, both online and other sources, and with how to use research material in a variety of written forms. The textbook focuses on a critical approach to research materials and evaluating the reliability and usefulness of those materials. The course assumes (in fact, requires) students will have completed freshman composition (WR 121 or WR 135, most commonly) and will possess basic essay and peer review skills.
Along with the English instructor, students will be working with the reference librarian, Janeanne Rockwell-Kincanon. We plan to assess how library-savvy the class is and adjust the library instructional needs accordingly; some of you may spend more time learning basic library skills than others, depending on your current skills and knowledge. All of you will complete a series of library assignments as well as the writing and textbook work. These assignments will help you gather necessary research materials as you learn or practice the library skills; we have made a special attempt to avoid the "busywork" syndrome.

Research Focus: Each student will choose some controversial aspect of The Arts to focus their research on. The topic must be broad enough to enable you to work with material before 1970 (especially print sources) as well as material after 1990 (especially electronic sources). Ideas include, but are not limited to, censorship, obscenity, ethics, race or gender bias. We will interpret The Arts broadly as well: if you think of something offbeat, just talk to us about it.

Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations, who have any emergency medical information the instructor should be aware of, or who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, should inform the instructor during the first week of the term. Class materials will be made available in accessible format upon request. Any student who feels that she or he may need an accommodation for any type of disability should first contact the Office of Disability Services (838-8250v/tty) in APS 405.