EVERYDAYscholar
1302 :: self-directed research
This is a research studies class using an inquiry-based approach. What interests you? How do you make the processes of learning and discovery meaningful? Experiment, compose, evaluate; do it again.
syllabus
Everything from my teaching philosophy to the course goals to the grading policy is explained within its pages. You may need to refer to the syllabus during the semester: you can always find it here.
calendar
Print a copy of the calendar and keep track of your own work and any changes in our schedule. The calendar includes the tentative agenda for each class meeting, the homework and reading assignments, and deadlines and due dates. It's all on the calendar — follow it!
projects
1302 is a writing class. And so, we'll be writing often. Our writing projects are sequenced (that is, they build off each other). I suggest reading through the whole semester's sequence of projects to get a feel for what we'll be doing this term. Then reread the project descriptions as we begin each project.
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assigned reading
We have a few required texts, but no textbook. All readings are available to you as PDFs (all of which are for educational use only and may not be reproduced for profit).
further reading
These optional texts will add an even richer context to our class discussions and projects. Also, these texts may be used as sources for your own research.
class forms
Any forms or documents I create for you as resources (like a lesson plan template or calendar) are available to you as Microsoft Word documents. Feel free to modify the documents to suit your needs.
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WEEKLY SELF-ASSESSMENT (in the interactive notebook)
Every week you will do a quick assessment of your attitudes toward writing and thoughts about this class. (My plan is to do the self-assessments during the last 10 minutes or so of the last
class meeting of the week. BUT, if we run late, you may have to do these on your own.)
Each self-assessment will include:
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a rating of your attitude toward writing from 1 to 5 (1 = very negative, 2 = somewhat negative, 3 = neutral, 4 = somewhat positive, 5 = very positive);
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a rating of your engagement with the class from 1 to 5 (1 = very disengaged, 2 = somewhat disengaged, 3 = neutral, 4 = somewhat engaged, 5 = very engaged);
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an updated list of things to do in 1301
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one pressing question you have that is related to the class; and
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one substantial comment on the course readings, current project, or your developing writing process.
CPB YOUR CHOICE
Each week you should also write a one-page entry in your notebook (commonplace book) about pretty much anything that pops into your head. It doesn't necessarily have to be about our class or a project that you're working on. But it is one page of writing you do for our class that you come up with on your own.