Fall 2023 ENG 1101
OUTLINE of UNIT assignments with goals

UNIT 1: “Language, Learning, and Literacy” 

watchwords: awareness, adaptation, listening, methods of learning, respectful speech, learning in community

  1. A higher-level consciousness of how you currently and previously learn (What Kind of Learner Are You?) 
  2. Greater awareness of how language is structured, and also, how it functions within communities 
  3. Translating a self state or an external issue into linguistic communication — forging new pathways for connecting idea to word
  4. 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, specific lessons, 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

  1. Students gain familiarity with the CityTech Library and its resources — and appreciate why and when to use them.
  2. Students gain Online research skills and an awareness of speaker and agenda
  3. Students become fluent in lateral reading and other COR (Civic Online Reasoning) skills
  4. Students learn to document their sources — as well as to value integrity
  5. 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. date subject to revision

UNIT 3: “Reaching a New Audience: A Multi-Modal Composition”

watchwords: re-mix, transposition, creative solutions, outreach, artistic adaptation, rigorous “play”

  1. Students gain an understanding of how to reach a new audience
  2. Students understand what it means to compose in a new genre
  3. 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 — date subject to revision

UNIT 4: Final Portfolio and Reflection

watchwords: the journey, archetypes, pride in accomplishments

  1. Student looks back on their journey as a learner
  2. Student revises their major assignments, and shows their most professional effort of the year
  3. 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