Winter 2010: English 212, section 03: Introduction to African American Rhetoric

NOTE: This syllabus may change as class needs dictate.

General information

Course information

Overview/Objectives

Homework schedule

Assignments & Grading

Course policies

Assignments

If you need to contact me by e-mail at "fidallas@svsu.edu," the subject line should contain your last name, course and section number to prevent your e-mail from being misplaced as possible spam. All responses and work for the course will be burned to CD (course portfolio) and turned in at the final examination period. This CD will not be returned, so you may wish to make a copy for yourself. You may turn in your assignment early if you know you are going to miss a class. I do not accept assignments via e-mail. For each day (or portion thereof) that your assignment is late, two (2) points will be deducted. Lost flash drives, M drive problems, incompatible software versions, or 'homework on computer at home' are not legitimate excuses for late work.

Written assignment format and details

Class Discussions, Group Discussion and Facilitation, & Audio Critiques or Interpretations -- 10 points:
Class discussions are to analyze, critique, and supplement reading assignments. Each student is expected to come to class prepared to discuss reading assignments, provide other perspectives on the material, and offer constructive analysis on the material. Students are expected to engage this material from an Afrocentric perspective, using rhetorical terms and claims for analysis.

Andinkra groups are expected to respond or react to the readings through group discussion at VSpace. Each group will have an opportunity to lead or facilitate a class discussion. These discussions should be supplemented by three to five terms from Black Talk. Students are expected to engage this material from an Afrocentric perspective, using rhetorical terms and claims for analysis.

Reaction and response to audio (oral) material will offer an opportunity to discuss and understand the African American rhetorical tradition through the spoken word. Students are expected to engage this material from an Afrocentric perspective, using rhetorical terms and claims for analysis.

Analysis paper and three drafts -- 50 points:
This paper should reflect your engagement with African American rhetoric and academic writing. The first three drafts will enable you to analyze the specific area, while the fourth draft enables you to tie all aspects together. You will then revise and edit that draft for a completed final analysis paper. These drafts and the final paper should follow an academic discourse model, using a topic, thesis, and topic sentences. You may also do some library research on an area of interest that is connected to course material.

Rough draft one: A (full) two-page, single-spaced rough draft critical analysis paper will examine an aspect of African American rhetoric, using the philosophical, cultural, or language theme. You may extend the discussion on a theme from a Reflecting Black chapter or assigned class reading. Your discussion topic should focus on this area:

Philosophy: In the thesis statement, identify the ideology to be used. The philosophy should be defined and then its meaning explained (what it means to you). As you discuss how the idea is used, offer the historical perspective (put the idea in a context) and then show how it has evolved into contemporary situations. Use examples from readings which justifies or supports your analysis. You may use in-text references as needed.

This rough draft with at least five academic sources or references (which may include material covered in the course) in APA style is worth 10 points and is due week 4.

Rough draft two: A (full) two-page, single-spaced rough draft critical analysis paper will examine an aspect of African American rhetoric, using the philosophical, cultural, or language theme. You may extend the discussion on a theme from a Reflecting Black chapter or assigned class reading. Your discussion topic should focus on this area:

Culture: In the thesis statement, identify the epic themes to be used. The theme or proverb should be explained (what they mean to you), and then discussed or analyzed in your response by citing examples from the reading and explaining them. As you discuss how the epic theme or proverb is used, offer the historical perspective (put the them in a context) and then show how it has evolved into a contemporary usage. You may use in-text references as needed.

This rough draft with at least five academic sources or references (which may include material covered in the course) in APA style is worth 10 points and is due week 8.

Rough draft three: A (full) two-page, single-spaced rough draft critical analysis paper will examine an aspect of African American rhetoric, using the philosophical, cultural, or language theme. You may extend the discussion on a theme from a Reflecting Black chapter or assigned class reading. Your discussion topic should focus on this area:

Language: In the thesis statement, identify the rhetorical term to be used. The term should be defined and then explained (what it means to you). As you discuss how the rhetorical term is used, offer language examples from Black Talk and other sources, again explaining what they mean and how they help your analysis. You may use in-text references as needed.

This rough draft with at least five academic sources or references (which may include material covered in the course) in APA style is worth 10 points and is due week 13.

Final version: A seven-page, single-spaced critical analysis paper will complete your examination of African American rhetoric, using the philosophical, cultural, and language themes. This paper will cite at least fifteen academic references, which may include material covered in the course.

The final version with fifteen sources or references (which may include material covered in the course) in APA style is worth 20 points and is due week 15.

Course project -- 10 points:
This project is an individual assignment that interprets your analysis paper for class presentation, and reflects an application of an African American rhetoric theme of philosophy, culture, or language. There will be in-class meetings to work on projects.

The project presentation will be from five to seven minutes in length. The course project is worth 15 points, will be presented in class, and is due week 15.

The course project should be a Powerpoint presentation that follows this format and structure:

• Consist of seven slides
• Use two to three images
• Include a total of thirty-five words
• font types -- use no more than two different font types, and no decorative font types
• color contrast and scheme -- use light color lettering on dark backgrounds, or dark color lettering on light backgrounds
• minimal text on slides -- highlight main points on slides, while you share some detail with the class.

This project allows you to share your analysis paper information with the class by presenting the main points of your analysis paper. Attention should be given to the following presentation format:

• slide 1: title of paper and your name
• slide 2: abbreviated (shortened version of) thesis statement
• slides 3-5: briefly list main points examined in paper (use phrases)
• slide 6: an important quote that summarizes your understanding of the topic (cite source)
• slide 7: overall assessment of topic (the main point you want your peers to understand)

Course Portfolio -- 10 points:
Your course assignments will be saved as .RTF files and burned to CD. This item is due at the final exam period. This CD should be burned before the final examination period, and you should verfiy the readability of the contents by checking on a computer other than the one used to burn your files--if you can't read it, neither can I. You may wish to make a copy for yourself, as this item will not be returned. The assignments and corresponding file names are as follows:

Analysis paper rough draft 1-- aprd1.rtf
Analysis paper rough draft 2-- aprd2.rtf
Analysis paper rough draft 3-- aprd3.rtf
Analysis paper final -- apf.rtf
Course project -- cp.pdf (Dr. Dallas will assist with converting this assignment as needed)

Final exam -- 20 points:
The final exam will cover rhetorical terms and claims, APA style, and a critical analysis response to a given article. The article will be turned in at the end of the final exam period. Follow the assignment format above for preparing your response. Check your print balance before the final examination to ensure that you will be able to print and turn in the final response.