FIGuring out ENG 112:

Redesigning Writing Assignments

with a Disciplinary Focus

Janel Mays Thompson, Robbi Muckenfuss, and Wilma Herndon

durhamtech.edu

Purpose of this FIG

English 112: Argument-Based ResearchCourse DescriptionThis course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and argumentative strategies. Emphasis is on analyzing data and incorporating research findings into documented argumentative essays and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to summarize, paraphrase, interpret, and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using standard research format and style. Students should also be able to present material orally in a clear and logical format.

English 112: Writing /Research in the DisciplinesCourse DescriptionThis course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and writing strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing information and ideas and incorporating research findings into documented writing and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using documentation appropriate to various disciplines. Students should also be able to present material orally in a clear and logical format.

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Strategies

Clarify the scope of the project

Identify the needs of other departments

Determine what 112 did or did not (could /

could not) do to meet those needs

Design new assignments

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Spring 2015

Fall 2015

durhamtech.edu

Disciplinary Focus

Disciplines:

> Social Sciences

> Humanities

> Natural / Physical

Sciences

> Applied Sciences

Common Conventions:

> Purpose for writing

> Audience

> Questions asked by

researchers

> Types of evidence used

> Language and writing

conventions

> Citation style

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Assignments

Literary Analysis

(MLA Format)

IMRaD Report (APA

Format)

Interdisciplinary

Argument (MLA or APA)

Literature Review (APA

Format)

Essays Skill Building Timed Writings

Summary and

Paraphrase

Quoting and Analysis

Comparative Rhetorical

Analysis

Survey Results

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Rate on a scale of 1 - 5 (5 being very confident), how confident do you

feel you would be able to complete a writing assignment in a course in

another discipline?

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4

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Fa15 Postcourse Sp15 Postcourse Fa15 Precourse

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With which task or tasks do you feel most

confident (Select all that apply)?

0 5 10 15 20 25

Summarizing

Paraphrasing

IMRaD

In-text Citation

APA Format

MLA Format

I feel confident with all of these

I need more practice with all of these

Fa15 Postcourse Fa15 Precourse Sp16 Postcourse

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Which of these skills / tasks will you need to use or have you had

to use in other courses either in your academic or professional

discipline or in prerequisite courses in your discipline?

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Summarizing

Paraphrasing

IMRaD

In-text Citation

APA Format

MLA Format

I feel confident with all of these

I need more practice with all of these

Fa15 Postcourse Fa15 Precourse Sp15 Postcourse

durhamtech.edu

On a scale of 1-5 (5 being most preferable) would you prefer to

enroll in a section with other students studying the same or

similar discipline or field to you so that all of the coursework

coincided with that field?

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4

6

8

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Fa15 Precourse Fa15 Postcourse Sp15 Postcourse

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durhamtech.edu

Impact on other Courses

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Handout for other

instructors

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Reflections

> Be deliberate about explaining the course’s and

assignments’ focus

> Know where the students are going

> Share with other disciplines

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