What is "culture"? Some would argue, like your textbook does, that culture is "ordinary", i.e. culture is all around us, in the everyday minutiae that infiltrate our lives. But what does it mean to study culture, and why study it in an english class? One reason is that in order to write well, you must learn more than the mechanics of paperwriting, you must learn (as corny as it sounds) a whole new way (or ways) of thinking about the things around you: the artifacts, the relationships, the "culture".

In this class, we will explore the many definitions of "culture" through reading and writing. We will also explore concepts of representation and discourse in the construction of cultural meaning. And finally, through constant writing and revision, we will help each other develop ways of seeing and thinking about our current culture.

This class is informed by the ASU Writing Program's Mission. Read it online (mandatory). You should become familiar with all the policies on that page, since you WILL be held responsible for what's written there.

The Text

George, Diana, and John Trimbur. Reading Culture: Contexts for Critical Reading and Writing. 5th ed. New York: Longman, 2002.

Internet access, specifically to this class website. I will have links to online readings in the schedule page. IF internet access will be a problem, please come talk to me BEFORE THE PROBLEM ARISES and we can work it out.

Supplies
You will need some notecards.

The Nature of Class Writings and Discussions
Part of becoming a good writer is learning to appreciate the ideas and criticisms of others, and in this course our purpose is to come together as a community of writers. Remember that you will often be expected to share your writing with others. Avoid writing about things that you may not be prepared to subject to public scrutiny or that you feel so strongly about that you are unwilling to listen to perspectives other than your own. This does not mean that you are not entitled to an opinion but that you adopt positions responsibly, contemplating the possible effects on others.

Participation
Participation counts! Your grade can fall (or rise) as much as two whole letter grades based on the level and quality of your participation. Participation implies doing the reading (come to class with notes or highlighted/ underlined texts), putting thought into what you've read, and speaking in class.

Attendance
If you miss more than 4 classes, you will receive an E (fail) for the class. This is mandated by the Writing Programs policy. No absence is "excused", except for extreme situations clarified by department, college and university policy. If you know you will miss more than 4 classes, please sign up for a different section where the class meeting times work better with your schedule.

Tardiness
If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will be considered absent.

Other Policies
Please turn cell phones to "vibrate" or "off" during class. Come to class prepared. This means you should bring your textbook, assignments, and other relevant material. This also means you should have completed all readings by the time class starts. Failure to be prepared will lower your participation grade.

Format
All assignments to be turned in MUST be typed. This is not to make your life harder, but to ensure that I can actually read it. All major papers should be typed, double spaced, and stapled.

Portfolio
KEEP ALL OF YOUR WRITING for this course. At the end of the semester, you will review your portfolio to analyze and evaluate your progress.

Late Papers
All papers and drafts are due at the beginning of class on the date specified. If not received by then, the grade for the paper will automatically go down 10%. For each additional class day late, the grade for the paper will go down an additional 10%. Papers will NOT be accepted if they are more than 2 class days late. Homework and in-class assignments will not be accepted late.

Plagiarism To plagiarize is to present as your own any work that is not exclusively your own. Plagiarism of all or a portion of any assignment will be strictly penalized according to university policies. For more information, read this.

Grading

• 4 Papers ................................ 40%
• Homework/Quizzes ...................30%
• Participation ............................ 20%
• Portfolio ................................. 10%

• Unrestricted Withdrawal Deadline (in person): September 17
• Unrestricted Withdrawal Deadline (SunDial and ASU Interactive): September 19
• Restricted Course Withdrawal Deadline: October 29**
• Restricted Complete Withdrawal Deadline: December 1