Spring 2023 ENG 1121
OUTLINE of UNIT assignments with goals

UNIT 1: “Language and Literacy” 

watchwords: perception, creative adaptation, awareness

  1. A higher-level consciousness of how you previously, and currently, use language as a means of communication
  2. Awareness of with whom you are using language – “different kinds of English”; “discourse communities”
  3. Translating a self state or an external issue into linguistic communication

Weekly Assignments: Readings in writing theory, writing pedagogy, and discourse community; responses to writing prompts on a weekly basis 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: “Locating YourSelf by Your Name” a 1,000-word paper which creates an awareness of discourse community and how we find ourselves centered in various linguistic locations. Due date: TBA.

UNIT 2: “Research, Reliability, and Audience”

watchwords: opinion, assessment, going beyond to find truth

  1. Students become fluent in the concept of the Discourse Community and understand and can articulate the concept to themselves, each other.
  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

Weekly Assignments: Readings in writing theory and videos and reading on discourse community; 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 Personal Op-Ed.

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

watchwords: re-mix, transposition, creative solutions, outreach

  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: TBA

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: May 9 (unless extension was requested and approved)