Discussion Topic
As you learned in the Grading and Assessment content item under Course Information, your work this term will be evaluated using the following four categories:
FOCUS - Concerns the assertion of a discernable point that might be either defended or argued against. This is often called a thesis, although a focus, because it doesn't necessarily boil down to a single, reductive statement, can be written into an essay in many complex and interesting ways.
ORGANIZATION - Concerns the arrangement and sequencing of ideas, usually established through deliberate, logical paragraphing (rather than arbitrary paragraphing or no paragraphing at all)
DEVELOPMENT - Depth and breadth of coverage. A successfully developed essay reaches an appropriate depth of coverage, insight and research for the length of the essay. Development should demonstrate a balance between including too much and too little detail.
MECHANICS/DOCUMENTATION- This area includes grammar and syntax issues like run-on sentences, sentence fragments, incorrect use of apostrophes, word usage and so on. Some teachers call this area "conventions" - in fact, one of the core learning outcomes for EN106 is labeled conventions. Whatever you call it, this aspect of academic writing also includes the appropriate use of documentation to give credit to sources from which you borrow quoted and paraphrased material. In this course, I expect you to follow a common citation framework such as those recommended by the Modern Language Association (MLA) or the American Psychological Association (APA).
In this thread, I would like for you to begin thinking about your background with the forms of writing at the center of this course -- academic writing, informed by research. What do you already know about the writing you'll be asked to do in EN106? What biases or preconceptions do you have about the limitations or challenges involved with the work in the coming units? To what extent to you already practice the "habits of mind" of academic writers?
Post a detailed paragraph about your background with research and expository writing. Have you written an academic essay before? Under what circumstances? What did you create? How did you come up with your ideas? Have you been given any advice (such as never use "I" in an expository essay) that you would like us to talk more about? What else concerns you as you get started with this course? Are there specific questions you have about the work we will be doing? What are your expectations for the course?