Composition and Rhetoric

Much of this course will draw on classical rhetoric as a foundation for how to read and write sound, persuasive arguments. Although not all writing is argument, per se, all writing can benefit from a study of argument; what makes a good argument is, in many ways, what makes good writing: a clear and well-supported thesis, focused paragraphs, and logical reasoning. Throughout the year, we will read arguments from sources as diverse as contemporary newspaper articles and historical American speeches. We will also read other nonfiction prose, as well as some literature. These readings will provide examples of good writing (and, sometimes, examples of ineffective writing!) and will serve as topics of our own writing. The goal of the course is for all students to write more clearly, more coherently, more creatively, and, as a result, more effectively. In addition, all students should have a better understanding of how to shape their writing for a particular assignment and audience and how to make a sound case for any thesis or topic about which they write.

Texts:

A Rhetoric of Argument: Text and Reader, 3rd edition, by Fahnestock and Secor. Published by McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0072938234. List price $39.75.

The Prose Reader: Essays for Thinking, Reading, and Writing, 7th or
8th edition, by Flachmann and Flachmann. Published by Pearson Prentice
Hall. ISBN 0131850164 (7th edition) or 0131577549 (8th edition).

All texts are available at both Barnes&Noble.com and Amazon.com. Used copies, if the correct edition, are fine.

Tutor: Megan Swartz

Mrs. Swartz's only prerequisite to this class is that students are at least 14 years old.

updated 3/17/08