Writing 109SS
Writing in the Social Sciences
 


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Course Description
The purpose of this course is to improve your research and writing skills by focusing your attention on the social sciences as a set of intellectual and rhetorical practices. You will be asked to analyze social science writing as well as to write in various genres common in the social sciences. This section of Writing 109SS focuses on "social technologies"--that is, technologies that enable or constrain communication, relationships, and community. Prime examples of such technologies are social networking software (e.g., Facebook, MySpace) and cell phones.
The major assignment for the course involves conducting and reporting on original research on a topic of your choice within this broad theme; most of the assignments in the course are oriented around this major research project.

You will be expected to do a significant amount of reading, writing, and research for this course. Please be prepared to work both steadily and independently throughout the quarter. If you fall behind on assignments, it will be difficult to catch up.

The syllabus and assignments for the course are available at http://sorapure.net/109ss/.


Required Texts
Writing 109SS Reader (available at Grafikart in Isla Vista)


Grading
Your grade for the course will be based on the written work you do, as well as on your participation in class discussion and activities. The final grade breaks down (roughly) as follows:

Research Project Proposal (5-7 pages): 20%
Project Report (12-15 pages): 40%
Presentation: 10%
Résumé: 10%
Participation in Class Activities: 20%


Important Information
Because much of the work of the course will be done during class time, your attendance and participation are very important. You are allowed to have two absences; each additional absence will lower your grade by 1/3 (i.e., from a B- to a C+ for one extra absence). If you are late to class, I'll count that as half an absence.

Remember that even if you are absent you are responsible for any work that is done during class and for any assignments that are given or are due during class. Send me an email, or come by my office during my office hours to find out what you missed. I don’t accept late assignments.

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. If you plagiarize on any of the assignments you will fail the class and will be subject to disciplinary action by the University.

Please don’t hesitate to see me in office hours or to make an appointment if you have any questions about the course.

I am most easily contacted via email: sorapure@writing.ucsb.edu.