Read the course description. Print a copy to bring to class.

Print and complete the course worksheet.

Start reading "Doomsday Fears and Modern Life" (now available for download for those who are trying to add).

Answer the questions on the questionaire page in an email to amills@ccsf.edu.

Read and annotate "Doomsday Fears and Modern Life" by Norman Podhoretz. Read the summary assignment and start working on the summary.

Use your access code to log on to CompClass. Your blog has been automatically created.  Click on the assignment link above and then click on your name to access it.  I encourage you to upload a picture to help us create community as a class.  To add a photo, click on the "profile" link.

For your first blog post, choose one complex and perhaps confusing sentence from "Doomsday Fears." Quote the sentence and then analyze it in depth in your own words. Discuss its probable meaning and any questions that remain in your mind about it. If the sentence includes a historical reference, look it up (Wikipedia is all right for this purpose) and explain it. You do not need to understand everything about the sentence to write a good blog post, but you need to show thoughtful, careful attention to sentence structure, vocabulary, and the sentence's context. Feel free to discuss your reactions or questions about "Doomsday Fears" more generally once you have analyzed your sentence.

Class Introductions

Review of MLA format

Final Draft: Summary of "Doomsday Fears"

Grammar version of "Doomsday Fears"

Watch "The Story of Stuff" with Annie Leonard

Bring Rhetoric to class

Read pages 3-29, Chapter One and the first half of Chapter Two of The Rhetoric of Argument. Stop right before the section "Building Arguments with Other Positions in Mind."

Read the "Claims, Reasons, and Warrants" handout.

Pick up the course reader for $20 at CopyEdge, 1508 Ocean Avenue. The script and footnotes for "The Story of Stuff" are on pages 2-17 of the course reader.

In a CompClass blog post, apply the ideas in the Rhetoric reading to "The Story of Stuff" or the "Doomsday Fears" essay. Identify at least two key claims, along with their reasons and implicit or explicit warrants. You may also want to discuss context, audience, and exigence.  The script and footnotes for "The Story of Stuff" are on pages 2-17 of the course reader and online.

Discussion of climate change basics

Annotation

Assessing the credibility of sources

Read "Climate Change: A Primer," pages 18-27 in the course reader.

Read the second half of Chapter Two, pages 29-37 in Rhetoric.

Comment on three classmates' blogs on CompClass.

Discussion of Kolbert and The Rough Guide

Read section 46a on annotation in Rules for Writers.

Read and annotate for homework credit the preface and first chapter from Elizabeth Kolbert's book Field Notes from a Catastrophe on pages 29-50 in the course reader.

Mon 2/8

Ethos

Fixing word choice and preposition errors

Read 48-60 on ethos in Rhetoric.

Blog post on the Kolbert reading. How does Kolbert attempt to gain our trust and establish her own credibility and that of the scientists she references? Does she succeed in gaining your trust? Which of the strategies mentioned in the Rhetoric reading does she employ? What is your impression of your writing style so far? Do you find it engaging? Quote at least twice.

Bring Rules for Writers

Next essay assignment: the Definition Analysis Essay

Kolbert and pathos

The concept of nature in Byron's "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods"

First error log: Error logs count as homework and they are also graded. All of your error logs together count as 10% of your semester grade.

Look at the grammar codes on the grammar version of the summary that you just got back. Download and fill out one error log worksheet on each of the numbers found on your paper. Your error logs must be typed.

**For each numbered error, look up the code in Rules for Writers. Write the number and the name of the error in the blank at the top of one error log page.

**Read the Rules for Writers section on the error and then explain what the error is and how to fix it in your own words at the top of the error log page. 

**Next, find all of the places in your essay where you see that grammar code. For each of those places, fill out one row in your error log. For each one, first copy the entire sentence with the error exactly as it was. Then, in the second column, write a corrected version that fixes the error without changing the meaning. In the third column, explain in your own words how you corrected the error and why the new version is better. Include any remaining questions you have about the error. If you disagree with the error code, explain why.

Holiday -- No class

Read the Definition Analysis Essay assignment.

Read 60-64 on pathos in Rhetoric

Read and annotate for credit the selection from Bill McKibben’s The End of Nature, pages 78-105 in the course reader.

Blog post on the reading.  What seems to be McKibben’s central claim?  Do you find it convincing?  Why or why not?  Discuss his use of ethos, pathos, and logos.   What questions does his essay raise for you?  What do you find confusing or ambiguous?  Write at least 200 words and integrate at least two quotations into your post.

Read Chapter 6: Definition in Rhetoric

Complete the worksheet on McKibben's definition argument

Read section 46d (including the sample essay) on analyzing texts in Rules for Writers.

Read the sample analysis essay "A 'Question of Ethics' Left Unanswered" on CompClass (on the right after you log in).

Prewriting for the definition analysis essay: Do an outline, a brainstorm, a chart, or any other type of prewriting that fits the way you think and write. It should be at least two pages in length, handwritten or typed. Optional: If you want a template for an outline, download this outline worksheet.

Grammar workshop

Introduction to fallacies

Grammar version of the definition analysis essay

Read 65-71 on fallacies in Rhetoric.

Read "A Convenient Untruth" in the course reader, pages 151-161.

Complete the Name That Fallacy worksheet.

Blog post on fallacies: Choose three statements that you consider to be fallacies. For each one, quote the statement, and explain what it means in the context of the text it comes from. Then state which type of fallacy you consider it to be (from among the types enumerated in Rhetoric) and explain why the label applies and what is wrong with the logic of the statement.

Option 1: Choose your statements from "A Convenient Untruth." You might choose statements by Myron Ebell or by the author of the article.

Option 2: Choose statements from the guide “How to Talk to a Climate Skeptic” by Coby Beck. (This guide was endorsed by RealClimate.org, a clearinghouse for climate science.)

Option 3: Choose your statements from any one outside source of your choice. It doesn't necessarily have to relate to environmental themes.

Comment on at least 3 of your classmates' blogs. Can you add to their discussion of a particular statement that they have labeled a fallacy? Maybe you can give a different explanation of why it is a fallacy or attach a different label to it and explain why. Maybe you can defend it and explain why you don't consider it a fallacy.

Read the selections from Kolbert on pages 51-75 of the course reader

Blog post on Kolbert's causal analysis:
1. First, what are the main causal claims that Kolbert makes in these three chapters?  List as many as you can in your own words.
2. Then choose one that seems controversial and that is crucial to her argument in the book.  How does she attempt to convince us of this particular claim?  What strategies does she use?
3. Next, identify at least one of the frames for causal analysis from Rhetoric and at least one of Mill’s methods in these chapters by Kolbert.  Discuss how the Rhetoric concepts apply and are reflected in her argument.

Meet in Cyberia (Art Extension 265)

Midterm part one: Reading quiz

Comment on 3 classmates' blog posts

Study for the reading quiz by reviewing "A Convenient Untruth," the Kolbert reading on pages 51-75, the Rhetoric sections on fallacies and causal analysis, and your class notes.

Discussion of Friedman

The midterm blog topic

The solutions paper

Read the midterm blog topic

Read the solutions paper instructions

Read the Friedman selection on 120-133 of the course reader

Meet in Cyberia (Art Extension 265)

Midterm part two: In-class blog entry

Optional but recommended: do an outline of your blog post. You will turn in your outline, and it is alright to write topic sentences and supporting details in advance as long as you do not have two sentences in a row that appear in the blog post.

Error logs for the definition analysis paper (see directions)

Discussion of the reading: Solutions to global warming?

Those going to the March on Sacramento will be excused since this is an official CCSF event. Sign up here.

Read the selection from The Rough Guide to Climate Change on pages 162-188 of the course reader.

Complete Library Workshop B online either either onlineor by attending a workshop in the library computer lab. You'll need to stop by the library and get the assignment checked and signed by a librarian. If you already completed this workshop, just bring the proof of completion from a previous semester. The library keeps records, so if you have lost the proof you can obtain another.

Proposal arguments

"Discussion of "Holy Water"

Read and annotate the Rhetoric chapter on proposal arguments (283-313).

Read "Holy Water" by Joan Didion (134-138 in the course reader)

Choosing a solutions paper topic

Discussion of "The Great Thirst"

Focused solutions paper topics (read the handout if you missed class)

Blog post: Read the solutions paper instructions and list of possible topics. Do a little research on topics that interest you, either on the web or in the library periodicals databases. Then write a blog post in which you explore at least three possible topics that interest you. Discuss why each topic interests you, what you found out about it so far. Describe and link to at least one reputable source for each possible topic.

Read "The Great Thirst" (139-150 in the course reader)

Bring proof of any extra credit visits to the Writing Lab or the Reading Tutors.

Research topic discussion

1. Go through this Research 101 lesson and complete the Bedford tutorial "How do I refine my research question?" online.
2. Do some more research and investigation into your possible research topics. You may also want to look over your classmates' blog posts for more ideas. Refer back to the solutions paper instructions.
3. Notes: Once you decide on your solution paper topic, continue to research it and develop at least one page of notes (for homework credit) on your specific topic. Your notes might list questions you will ask about your topic, subtopics to cover, possible ways to narrow or broaden your topic, and possible search terms. You may want to get ahead by completing Library Workshop W online (due Friday 4/9).
4. Blog post: Write a 200-word paragraph describing your topic and the material you will cover in your solutions paper. Make sure your topic is sufficiently narrow to cover in a 10-12 page paper. Make sure it is broad enough to have relevance and interest for your audience.

Comment on three of your classmates' blog posts. Choose different classmates than those you worked with in groups on Monday. What is interesting to you about their topics? What questions would you encourage them to ask as they research? What will you hope to learn from their presentations?

Read and annotate the Evaluation chapter of Rhetoric.

Come up with your own list of at least five criteria for evaluating any proposed solution to global warming. Rank them in order of importance in your mind and come to class prepared to explain your ranking.

Read your classmates' comments on your blog and continue researching.

Blog post: Refer back to your list of criteria and modify it if you wish. Then reread pages 176-188 in the reader (plus the additional page I handed out that completes the chapter) and consider the technological solutions discussed. Choose two solutions that seem the most promising according to your weighted criteria. Justify your selections based on the information in the reading. Then discuss how you will apply your criteria to the solution you are writing about in your research paper.

Complete Library Workshop W either online or byattending a workshop in the library computer lab. You'll need to stop by the library and get the assignment checked and signed by a librarian. If you already completed this workshop, just bring the proof of completion from a previous semester. The library keeps records, so if you have lost the proof you can obtain another.

Read the excerpts from Walden by Henry David Thoreau on 202-204 of the reader.

Read "Are We Happy Yet?" and "Turning to Earth" on pages 207-219 of the course reader.

In a blog post, respond in any way you wish to these readings. Quote at least twice.

Meet in Library 414 on Monday for a research workshop.

Blog post on your research paper sources: List and link to at least 5 sources you intend to use in your research paper, including 3 that come from print publications (but which you may have found through online databases). For each source, write a couple of sentences summarizing its content and relevance to your paper. Use the ideas about ethos from Rhetoric to explain why you think it is a credible source.

How to combine the elements of argument

Discussion of the reading

Grammar version of the research paper

Friday's guest speaker, Avinash Kar, is a lawyer with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), where he works in the health program. He is familiar with global perspectives on environmental issues. As an attorney with a nonprofit, he can speak to the ways in which American organizations work with the legal system and government bureaucracy to push for environmental change.

Blog post: In preparation for his talk, explore the NRDC website to familiarize yourself with the organization's work. In your post, answer one or more of the following questions: Which of its endeavours is most interesting to you? What kinds of rhetorical techniques do you notice on the site? What assumptions does the site make about NRDC's target audience? Which parts of the site were most effective at reaching you? What strategies does the organization use to effect change? What questions do you have for Avinash Kar?

Comment on three of your classmates' blogs, incorporating notes from Avinash Kar's presentation.

Read and annotate the preface, the foreword, and 3-23 in Cool It: The Skeptical Environmentalist's Guide to Global Warming

Presentations

Read and annotate 88-112 in Cool It

Blog post on Cool It: Apply concepts from Rhetoric to help you analyze his argumentative strategies.

Blog post on your classmates' presentations. Summarize the main ideas of one presentation in a full paragraph. Then reflect on what was memorable, controversial, or striking to you in the presentation.

Read and annotate 113-148 in Cool It

Read and annotate 149-164 in Cool It

Comment on three of your classmates' blogs.

Read the final exam assignment

Read annotate the critical reviews of Lomborg on 220-232 of the course reader.

Second blog post on Lomborg: which of the objections to Lomborg's arguments do you find most compelling? Explain the objection(s) in your own words, citing the critics and adding further support as it occurs to you. How would Lomborg respond to this objection? In your opinion, does it significantly undermine his argument?

Comment on three of your classmates' blogs.

Research paper error logs (see directions)

Optional: Start brainstorming for the final exam

Fri 5/21

1-3 PM

Meet in Cyberia (Art Extension 265)

English 1C Final Exam

Revise your outline and prepare for the exam. You can bring the following:

• Cool It and the course reader
• Printed copies of any additional sources you plan to use such as critiques of Lomborg.
• Your outline (topic sentences, thesis, and quotations or other supporting details)
• Your notes (no 3 sentences in a row that end up in the essay)
• A print card and/or some change in order to print the exam at the end. 
• A dictionary (optional)
• Rules for Writers (optional)

Final homework credit: Download and fill out the anonymous 1C evaluation form. You will turn it in (folded) and I will check off that you did it. I never read the evaluations until well after I have turned in the final grades.

Bring any extra credit sheets.

Optional: If you would like to try to improve the grade on one of your essays from the semester, download and fill out a revision plan and bring it to the final exam in a folder with the graded essay and grade sheet with all my comments. I will look over your plan while you take the final and give it back to you. The revised essay must then be turned in to my office (Batmale 560) by 12:00 noon on Thursday, May 27. You can slip it under my door at any time.

If you would like feedback on your final exam and/or revision and/or last error logs, I would be happy to give it. Turn in a self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage for me to mail the papers to you. Enclose a note to me explaining what kind of feedback would be useful to you. Otherwise, you can pick up your final exam and revision and final error logs with the grades on them at the beginning of Spring semester.

Have a great break!