Fall 2023 ENG 1101
OUTLINE of UNIT assignments with goals
Contents
UNIT 1: “Language, Learning, and Literacy”
watchwords: awareness, adaptation, listening, methods of learning, respectful speech, learning in community
- A higher-level consciousness of how you currently and previously learn (What Kind of Learner Are You?)
- Greater awareness of how language is structured, and also, how it functions within communities
- Translating a self state or an external issue into linguistic communication — forging new pathways for connecting idea to word
- Making reading more “visible” on the path to improving our writing
Weekly Assignments: Readings in reading and writing theory, reading and writing pedagogy, and the structure of the Literacy Narrative genre; responses to writing prompts on a weekly basis — prompts that generate new pathways for language use and encourage vocabulary development; short quizzes and in-class activities that create dialogue and lay the basis for a safe community of writers and responders. Length range: various (app. 150–400 words each)
Capstone Assignment: “How I:… My Personal Literacy Narrative.” A 900-word paper on the students’ journey into literacy, in which they chart their path in learning to read (or write), the people/characters/mentors/teachers who helped then along the way, the challenges, the triumphs, the awareness of what it all means now.
Due date: Sept 27
UNIT 2: “Research, Citation, and Integrity”
watchwords: curiosity, question-finding, doubt, documentation, dissatisfaction, discomfort, going beyond to find truth
- Students gain familiarity with the CityTech Library and its resources — and appreciate why and when to use them.
- Students gain Online research skills and an awareness of speaker and agenda
- Students become fluent in lateral reading and other COR (Civic Online Reasoning) skills
- Students learn to document their sources — as well as to value integrity
- Students gain comfort with “not-knowing” on their journey to knowing
Weekly Assignments: Readings in writing theory and videos and readings on integrity and critical thinking; responses to writing prompts on a weekly basis; small group activities in research that engage COR standards. Length range: various (app. 150–400 words each)
Capstone Assignment: A Reflective Annotated Bibliography (or “RefAnBib” for short).
Note: For formatting help with this assignment, here is a downloadable format example document in WORD
Due Date: Nov 6
UNIT 3: “Reaching a New Audience: A Multi-Modal Composition”
watchwords: re-mix, transposition, creative solutions, outreach, artistic adaptation, rigorous “play”
- Students gain an understanding of how to reach a new audience
- Students understand what it means to compose in a new genre
- Modal Composition–a helpful video explaining it, link here.
Examples of mulit-modal genres include: Podcast, travel video, colorful and illustrated brochure or poster, original song, rap, Twitter thread, Instagram bio and feed…the list is almost endless, but does NOT include PowerPoint.
Weekly Assignments: Readings in writing theory and videos on multi-modal composition; responses to writing prompts on a weekly basis that will increase genre awareness; small group activities. Note: there is more independent student work in this Unit. “Lab” time may be given during class periods. Length range: various (app. 150–400 words each)
Capstone Assignment: “Multi-Modal Composition.” Word limit is N/A with regards to the actual project; students must also submit an “Artist Statement” along with the project of 750 words. Due date: Nov 16
UNIT 4: Final Portfolio and Reflection
watchwords: the journey, archetypes, pride in accomplishments
- Student looks back on their journey as a learner
- Student revises their major assignments, and shows their most professional effort of the year
- Student explains their challenges and how they faced them
Resource: Here is a video demonstrating what a Final Portfolio looks like — link here.
Capstone Assignment: A “Final Reflection” of 1,000 words that is integrated into A Final Portfolio due: Dec 7
Note: the above is subject to revision