Assignment #1:

Purpose: We will work on invention techniques, thesis statements, introductions, conclusions and the writing process.

Schedule:

Tues. 8/29:	Syllabus Overview and Introductions
Thurs 8/31:	Diagnostic DUE Assignment #1 Discussion Writing Process Invention Ex.
Tues. 9/5:	Invention Ex. Advertising Ex.
Thurs. 9/7	Assign. #1 DRAFT DUE, Peer Review (Conferences Tues.-Wed. of next week)
Tues. 9/12:	Intro and Thesis
Thurs. 9/14:	Assign #1 DUE

As we will be seeing in the Sociology class, ideas about race have been part of our entertainment, material culture, etc. Sometimes stereotypes are perpetuated. This is true for many groups, not just African-Americans (which will be the focus of some of the sociology classes' discussion of this topic). In all aspects of what is known as popular culture, whether in magazine advertising, children's toys, films or television, you can see different images of racial groups being continued (both positive and negative). What is the significance of this? Is it important? What images can be found, even if not on the surface of something like magazine advertising, and do they affect people? Should or could anything be done, if these images/attitudes are negative?

Writing Task:
In a 5-6 page, thesis-driven, essay answer the following question:

What images of race are perpetuated by magazine advertisements and what, if any, is the significance of this?

You may want to consider how gender, sexual orientation, and other categories affect images of race. You should probably focus on one particular group and its portrayal in advertising and search for multiple ads that have thematic similarities in how they present that group. You must provide copies of all magazine ads discussed in your paper.

Assignment #2:

Purpose: We will work on critical reading, essay structure, purpose and audience, counterarguments, and support.

Schedule:

Thurs. 9/14:	Assignment #1 DUE Assignment #2 Discussion Critical Reading Ex.
Tues. 9/19:	Paragraphing, Essay Structure Purpose and Audience Ex.
Thurs. 9/21:	Logos, Ethos, Pathos Support Ex. Counterarguments
Tues. 9/26:	Class Canceled for Conferences Spectrum Series 7 pm Conferences Tues, Wed, and Thurs. (must have draft with you at conference)
Thurs. 9/28:	Peer Review (DRAFT DUE)
Tues 10/3:	Assignment #2 DUE

Readings:
Affirmative Action articles in handouts and on the web (www.keeline.com/writing140)
Course Book

Topic:

Proposition 209 in California ended many Affirmative Action programs in our state. Even before that the UC system was attempting to end most Affirmative Action in their colleges, particularly the quota system. The number of minorities enrolled in the UC system dropped dramatically, partly because of the end of quotas and partly in protest as minorities who were accepted refused to come to schools they felt had an unwelcoming atmosphere. This protest is thought by some to account for the corresponding increase in USC minority enrollment, since as a private school, USC is not obligated to end Affirmative Action under Proposition 209 and had not discussed doing so on its own. The issue of quotas, minority scholarships, outreach programs and other aspects of Affirmative Action has been a very controversial topic over the last few years particularly. You will read a number of articles arguing for and against Affirmative Action. What should be done in colleges? Should quotas or any other Affirmative Action programs be used in colleges?

Writing Task:
In a 5-6 page paper, answer the following in a well-thought out thesis-driven esay:

Should Affirmative Action be used in Colleges? Why or Why not?

Please note: You will need to define what programs are or are not acceptable under the title of Affirmative Action and why.

Assignment #3:

Purpose: We will begin working on MLA citations, research techniques, logical fallacies, and issues of support and transitions.

Schedule:

Tues Oct 3:	Assignment #2 DUE Assignment #3 given paradigms
Thurs. Oct 5:	citation transitions
Tues Oct 10:	Intro to the Library (tentative schedule) (conferences Tues-Thurs)
Thurs Oct 12:	Peer Review (Draft DUE)
Tues Oct 17:	Logical Fallacies
Thurs Oct 19:	Assignment #3 DUE

Readings:
Xeroxed articles, internet articles on the web page
Course book
Writing About Diversity
Your own research (must find and use a minimum of 3 outside sources, beyond however many you use of what I provide)

Topic:

Despite a lot of talk about how important various racial/ethnic groups are to the election ("Bush can't win without the Latino vote," etc.), and a very conscious attempt by both major parties to show diversity at their conventions, some people believe that issues of race are not a significant part of the election process. The emphasis seems to be, they argue, on healthcare (particularly prescription drugs for seniors), taxes, and education. Despite this apparent ignoring of issues relating to race/ethnicity/diversity, is the election actually ignoring these issues? Are there hidden agendas or ways that the discussion is being held that indicate that race is part of the argument? Is the way the election process is being conducted provoking or retarding a genuine change in regards to issues of race/ethnicity/diversity? What implications does the 2000 election hold for these issues? Do changes seem likely to come out of the process of the election (not who wins, but how things are discussed)? Your sociology class is discussing how protest comes about and how change can be made. How, if at all, does this relate to what we are seeing during the election process?

Writing Task:
In a 5-7 page, well written, thesis-driven essay, answer the following question:

What significance does race, diversity, and/or ethnicity hold for the current presidential election?

Note: You must avoid a paper that is a list. You could find 20 significant things but at 5 pages that doesn't lead for much room--you should pick some overriding significance to argue and develop that alone. Please also avoid the simplistic argument showing how your favorite candidate's election would be better for these issues; we are discussing the process of the election, which is, in effect, a national conversation about those things that matter to us most, as presented by politicians trying to get elected.

Assignment #4:

Readings from Writing About Diversity:
Bruce Nelan "Not Quite So Welcome" 248-253
Edward McGlynn Gaffney, Jr "Immigrant Bashing" 254-256
Richard Lamm "Truth, Like Roses, Often Comes With Thorns" 257-264
George Borjas "Know the Flow" 265-274
Readings on Web Page http://www.keeline.com/writing140/140research.html

No one will argue that people legally come to America in order to get a better living, flee oppression or poverty, or for any number of reasons. The "American Dream" draws many people to our shores (and many people in America now had ancestors who did the same thing years before). However, many people now believe that legal immigration is ruining the American Dream. The immigrants may find making a living here difficult. We have so many people coming to this country, according to some, that those who are here already need to be concentrated on, without pressure from new people coming here. Others point to the history of immigration restrictions and argue that many times this is racially based and discriminatory and, therefore, unfair. Even ignoring the somewhat related issue of illegal immigration, this is a very controversial issue.

Recently the Senate has been arguing over the so called High Tech Temporary Visas called H-1B. These allow workers to enter the US for six years to hold a job. Whether the number should be increased or decreased and how much the fee should be for the visas has been a hot debate.

Prompt:
In a 5-7 page thesis-driven essay, using at least 5 sources, answer the following question:

What should be done about H-1B visas? Why?

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