Class Philosophy and Syllabus: Academic Reading and Writing (ARW) Winter
Dr. Paul Wadden Office: ILC 365-C email: waddenpaul@gmail.com Tel. 0422-33-3210
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 6th periods (and before and after our classes)
During the winter term, we will be engaged in thinking about some of the most important intellectual issues of our times; namely, bioethics and “the future.” What great topics to talk about, think about, and write about. Taken as a whole, the readings for this term directly connect with core issues in every ICU department and area of knowledge, from language to natural science to international studies to education to social science to humanities.
I personally view this course as (1) part of your introduction to intellectual life at ICU, (2) a chance for you to think about your own experience and opinions in relation to fascinating and crucial issues, and, (3) above all, a valuable opportunity for you to improve your English skills by allowing you to express your thoughts in both spoken and written English. My goal in teaching you is to “develop language and critical thinking abilities” (which is how the ICU College Bulletin describes the aims of this course [26]), and to try to fulfill the purpose of all liberal arts education at ICU, which is to cultivate “adventurous minds capable of critical thinking and sensitive to questions of meaning and value” (Bulletin 5).
Readings (from the ELA Reader):
“Introduction: What is Bioethics” and “Thematical Ethical Issues,” Thomas A. Shannon; “Bioethics and Japanese Culture, Masahiro Morioka
“The Next Three Futures,” W. Warren Wagar
“The Case Against Perfection: What's Wrong with Designer Children, Bionic Athletes, and Genetic Engineering” Michael J. Sandel (handout)
Writing
A research-based essay on a bioethical issue which uses reasoning, logic, and quotations and paraphrase from other sources to support its points. (Successful essays are usually 5-8 double-spaced pages with 5-10 works cited.)
Other Activities
P & D’s (presentation and discussion)
Small-group discussions
Large-group discussions
Winter Project: a presentation analyzing some aspect of the future or future technology
Possible quizzes and the writing of discussion questions
Writing activities such as brainstorming, organizing, and peer editing
To support your writing, we will use The Student Guide to Writing (SGW) and LBH.
Grading and Attendance
Your grade will be based on (1) the quality of your participation in class and the quality of your attention during class (which makes attendance particularly important since you cannot participate if you are not there), (2) your independent work such as the reading of assigned articles, writing study questions, taking quizzes, and completing writing assignments, and (3) your own self evaluation. Please don’t bother me for handouts and assignments if you are absent from class but rather make an agreement with at least one friend to collect handouts for you and to give you information about assignments if you’re not there. Also, you don’t need to telephone or email me if you are sick—just let me know when you return. Since much of this course centers around class activities and the intellectual community of the classroom, however, the more you attend class—and participate—the higher your grade will be; the more classes you miss, the lower your grade will be. Coming on time is also important: Twice late equals one absence.
Tutorials Tutorials will not be held every week but only for writing-related activities, particularly during the essay-writing process. You must leave that time free as we will sometimes use it. When writing tutorials are held, they will be in my office (ILC 365-C).
Tests (please check the ELA website for this information)