Unit One: Reading Material
About Unit One:
Given that this class seeks to make you stronger writers, we’ll begin by studying others’ writing processes: from concept through research through drafting and revision, and through to post-publication reception. Considering HOW a text is produced—both practically and rhetorically—will equip you to begin your own writing projects for the rest of the semester.
All readings handed out in class are available as digital back-up copies via the Past Daily Assignments page. The course pack will be available in the bookstore shortly.
Unit One: Major Writing Assignment
Sample Papers for Reference
*As you revise your drafts of this essay, you might find it helpful to look at these examples of strong first submissions. Each of these stands out for different reasons—you may notice especially creative thinking, impressive structure, robust and well-integrated examples, and/or elegant prose. The authors took different approaches to the assignment and made these essays their own. I hope that seeing a range of essays will give you a sense of what’s possible with this assignment, to help you see concrete examples without feeling like you have to follow any one narrow model.
Example 1: “Writing for a Writer’s Sake”
Example 2: “Abstract to Incandescent: How Oliver Sacks’ Manuscripts Translated to Awakenings”
Example 3: “Categories of Chaos: A review of the strategies of Oliver Sacks”
Example 4: “Generation Within the Writing Process”