The Art Institute of Boston
at Lesley College
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Approaches to Academic Writing
Fall, 2000
About this Course
While the primary objective of this course is to familiarize you with the conventions of academic writing--focusing and structuring original ideas, supporting statements with evidence, and documenting when necessary researched sources--no small degree of attention will be given to the link between "creative" writing strategies and "critical" writing practices. Debunking the myth that writing is a "talent" that only the "gifted" can do well is a secondary objective of this course. Writing, like everything else, takes practice--and by actively engaging that practice you will see that effective written communication, like anything else approached with confidence, is well within your reach.
Course Structure
Before moving on to various essay forms, we will review some basic conventions of writing (with an emphasis on academic discourse) by examining instances of effective and ineffective styles, structures, and tones of voice. In the process, you will be encouraged to experiment with styles that you feel help convey your own "voice" in writing. Throughout the term, we will read and critically respond to a number of texts--many of which are concerned with relations between visual symbol systems and language--that will inform our discussion about verbal communication and, hopefully, help to inspire your own written work. The revision and refinement of that work will be displayed in a cumulative portfolio that you will pass in at the end of the course. This portfolio will serve as an example of your best potentials as a writer.
Course Requirements
It is extremely important that you come prepared to each class meeting. Please bring your course packet to each scheduled meeting unless otherwise indicated.
Attendance, and being prepared for each class, is extremely important. If you have more than two unexcused absences, or are consistently late or unprepared, your final grade will be impacted.
Plagiarism of any kind is unacceptable; if you submit work that is not originally yours, you risk failing this course.
Your final grade will be based on three essays with drafts (60%); a researched critical essay (20%); and a portfolio of all written work (including revisions of previous papers) at term's end (10%); and attendance and participation (10%).
About the Instructor
Kevin Cassell, B.A. (University of Maine, 1986), M.A. (Northeastern University, 1989)
email: kcassell@lynx.neu.edu / web site url: www.kevincassell.com