Writing 2LK: Academic Writing Linked to Art History 6A
Fall 2007

Instructor: James Donelan
Email: donelan@writing.ucsb.edu
Office Phone: 893-8329; messages only, 893-2613
Office Location: 1319 Girvetz Hall
Office Hours: Monday 10-11, Tuesday 11-12 or by appointment.
Enroll Code: 48819
Class Meetings: TR, 9-10:50, Tuesdays, HSSB 1223; Thursdays, Phelps 1529
Lab Meetings: The class will meet in Phelps 1529 on all Thursdays after the first class.

Texts:
Hacker, A Writer’s Reference
Politt, Art and Experience in Classical Greece

A reader available at Grafikart in Isla Vista

Texts are available in the UCen Bookstore. Some additional readings will be on reserve at Davidson Library. Copies of the course books will not be on reserve; please purchase them as soon as possible. ConnectWeb, a computer program, is available online via E-commerce for $20. Purchase of the program is mandatory by the end of the third week of classes.

ConnectWeb Home Page: http://connectweb.com/ucsb.asp

Course Description:
The course will explore the fundamental forms and styles of academic related to the content of Art History 6B. Students will also improve their reading and critical thinking skills through class discussion and exercises.

Requirements: The course requires regular attendance, active participation in class discussion and activities, and timely completion of all assignments. Students must also complete all Art History 6A reading assignments for use in Writing 2LK.
You will write three in-class essays, a three-page paper, a five-page paper, and a seven-page paper. Your grade will be determined as follows:

1. First in-class essay—5%
2. Second in-class essay—10%
3. Third in-class essay—15%
4. First (three-page) paper—15%
5. Second (five-page) paper—20%
6. Third (seven-page) paper—25%
7. Participation and completion of homework assignments—10%

Course Outcomes:

Students who complete the course successfully should be able to:

• read, understand, and summarize academic texts, especially in art history
• write basic descriptive, comparative, and research essays
• take a large lecture class successfully
• conduct basic library research using electronic databases
• evaluate and document sources properly
• schedule research, writing, and editing time effectively
• plan and execute short writing projects with confidence

Requirements:
The course requires regular attendance, active participation in class discussion and activities, and timely completion of all assignments, including short on-line assignments and preliminary drafts as well as the final draft of each assignment .All written assignments after the first week are due on-line through ConnectWeb. In addition, please note:

• The drop deadline is Friday, October 5 through GOLD.
• On-line assignments are due by class time on the day assigned, unless otherwise indicated. Late assignments will result in grade reductions.
• Every assignment should be carefully edited and proofread.
• Your classmates and your instructor depend on your presence in class and your full participation. Attendance, participation in class discussion, and electronic exchanges therefore count for a substantial part of your grade.
• Plagiarism—the use of someone else’s writing or ideas without proper documentation—is a serious offense. University regulations regarding plagiarism will be strictly enforced; penalties for academic dishonesty include failure of the course and dismissal from the university.
• Chronic absenteeism or late assignments will result in failure of the course.
• Students with disabilities may contact me via email, during office hours, or after class to discuss special accommodations.
• All assignments must be completed in order for you to receive a passing grade.

Syllabus

Please note: Full descriptions of all writing assignments are posted on ConnectWeb. Both the assignments and their deadlines may change—be sure to check the syllabus posted on ConnectWeb as the class progresses.

I. Descriptive Analysis: Terminology and Sentence Structure

9/27
Introduction and Logistics: Academic Writing, Art History, and Lecture Courses

10/2
Reading: Hacker, C; Pollitt, Chapter 1
Writing: 250 words (1 page) statement of goals for Writing 2LK
In-class: Defining terms, systematic study habits.

10/4
Class meets in the lab, Phelps 1529.

Reading: Hacker, S; Pollitt, Chapter 2
Writing: 250 word (1 page) definition of early classical Greek artistic style. Please have the assignment available as a Microsoft Word or html file, if possible.
In-class: Introduction to ConnectWeb and its role in the writing process.

10/9
Reading: Pollitt, Chapter 3
Writing: One-page description of an art work.
In-class: Comparing descriptions; building better sentences.

10/11
Class meets in the lab, Phelps 1529.
Writing: Draft of descriptive analysis due
In-class: Effective summarizing; definitions; improving sentence style.

10/12 Final draft of descriptive analysis due by 5PM.

II. Paragraph Development: Comparative Interpretations of Visual Art Works

10/16
Reading: Pollitt, Chapter 4
Writing: Comparative analysis arguments
In-class: What makes a good comparison?

10/18
Class meets in the lab, Phelps 1529.
Reading: Pollitt, Chapter 5
Writing: Prospectus and outline of comparative analysis essay
In-class: Comparing outlines and arguments; planning an essay

10/23
Writing: My study strategy
In-class: Preparing for the midterm; first in-class essay.

10/25
Class meets in the lab, Phelps 1529.
Writing: First draft of comparative essay
In-class: Peer review

10/26 Comparative Essay Due

III. Thematic Essays

10/30
Reading: Review of Pollitt
Writing: Essay questions
In-class: Midterm strategies

11/1
Class meets in the lab, Phelps 1529.
Writing: Prospectus for thematic essay
In-class: Improving a prospectus; first steps

11/6

Library Visit

11/8
Class meets in the lab, Phelps 1529.
Writing: Final prospectus; basic research
In-class: Developing a source list

11/13
Writing: Outline of thematic essay—bring hard copy to class.
In-class: Working with sources; second in-class essay

11/15
Class meets in the lab, Phelps 1529.
Writing: From outline to draft
In-class: Additional research

11/20
Writing: First page of draft—bring hard copy to class.
In-class: Working on paper drafts

11/22 Happy Thanksgiving! No class today.

11/27
Writing: First half of thematic essay draft
In-class: More working with rough drafts

11/29
Class meets in the lab, Phelps 1529.
Reading:
Writing: Second half of draft
In-class: Peer review

11/30 Final draft of third essay due.

12/4

Writing: Final preparation
In-class: Third in-class essay

12/6
Class meets in the lab, Phelps 1529.

Writing: Final essay questions
In-class: Final thoughts
Last Day of Class