COMM 395—Critical Thinking & Writing
W.A. Hume
(UMUC ONLINE CLASS)
TEXT: Miller, Robert K. The Informed Argument. New York: Harcourt Brace
College Publishers, 1998.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
COMM 395 emphasizes interpretation and evaluation of facts and opinions
from a variety of sources. Particular attention is given to establishing
appropriate criteria for evaluation of the source's style, validity, and
reliability. This course includes writing assignments totaling 6,000 words
and may be applied to the Communications general education requirements. (Prerequisite:
ENGL101, plus one additional 3 s.h. writing course.)
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
-
Each student will be able to
interpret data, analyze persuasive tactics, and understand classic
arguments.
-
Each student will be able to
identify logical fallacies and clearly explain why these fallacies damage
an argument.
Each student will be able to
plan, organize, write, and edit an argumentative paper, including developing
a thesis, outlining writing plans, and logically organizing effective
details.
-
Each student will be able to
locate relevant academic sources, incorporate those sources into an
independent paper, and use appropriate MLA documentation to cite
borrowed information.
REQUIREMENTS:
This is a writing course based on analysis and
persuasion. We will begin with small writing assignments and work in
stages to develop an independent in-depth argument.
| Student
Responsibilities: |
| Students
are required to read all assigned text material, web-based lectures, and
all WebTycho postings from the instructor and other students. Students
should access WebTycho at least every three days in order
to stay up-to-date in this course. |
| Participation:
Students
are required to actively participate in class discussions on WebTycho,
display a solid understanding of the assigned reading material, and
express themselves well in English. Simply
reading the posted material does not demonstrate class participation.
You must submit thoughtful responses;
otherwise, you are simply lurking in the back of the classroom. |
| Late
submissions will only be accepted at the discretion of the lecturer, and will be returned with fewer or no detailed comments and a reduced
grade. If your excuse seems valid, and I do accept your late submission,
the grades on assignments submitted after the due date will be reduced
by 20%. Late
submissions to class discussions will not be accepted. |
| Absences:
Absence for more than two weeks (whether all at once or cumulative)
may require withdrawal. You need to get my permission in advance to be
absent from class discussions. No exceptions, please. |
x A MID-TERM and FINAL exam is
required. We may also have various quizzes relating to reading
assignments, writing processes, critical thinking analyses, and
vocabulary.
x FINAL GRADE. Your final grade
will be based on the following criteria:
20% Online Exercises & Participation
20% Homework Assignments
20% Mid-Term and Final Exams
40% Writing Projects
 Click
here for a COMM395 outlined scheduled.
Click
here for initial WebTycho information.
to e-mail instructor 
W.A. Hume
return to my home page
Disclaimer: Information
contained in this syllabus, to the best of the knowledge of the
instructor, was considered correct and complete when distributed for use
at the beginning of the semester. However,
this syllabus should not be considered a contract between the University
of Maryland and any student. The
instructor reserves the right, acting within the policies and procedures
of UMUC, to make changes in course content or instructional technique
without prior notice or obligation.
Return
to top of page
|
