An intensive, accelerated course satisfying concurrently the requirements of the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement and the first half of Reading and Composition. Readings will include imaginative, expository and argumentative texts representative of the range of those encountered in the undergraduate curriculum and will feature authors from diverse social and cultural backgrounds and perspectives. Instruction in writing a range of discourse forms and in the revision of papers.

Cross-cultural conversations are more important than ever. National radio journalist Celeste Headlee calls conversation "a survival skill" that requires exercise and intention (We Need To Talk 3). We practice listening actively and developing skills to understand those around us and their diverse cultural backgrounds. We watch TED Talks like "The Danger of a Single Story" by novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and we study how to engage with others whose cultures differ from our own, increasing our Cultural Intelligence (CQ). We also read amazing fiction like the novel Exit West by Mohsin Hamid. Shortlisted for the 2017 Booker prize, Exit West is an inventive and timely love story about two migrants who are forced to flee their homes and navigate utterly new terrains, geographical, cultural, and emotional. We also read amazing nonfiction like Reyna Grande's memoir The Distance Between Us that can help us understand an immigrant's perspective. Our course material also includes riveting documentaries and other credible, relevant, well-written articles that can help us recognize our own cultural biases. In short, we expand our worlds as we have respectful and excellent discussions and as we write excellent papers, too. Book List: REQUIRED TEXTS: Exit West by Mohsin Hamid; The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande; Online Reader of essays, articles, and excerpts from books such as from We Need To Talk: How To Have Conversations That Matter by Celeste Headlee; CultureGPS Lite (Geert Hofstede and itim International’s free smartphone app); “The Danger of a Single Story” (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie); Other online resources (documentaries, TED talks, Atlantic and other articles, etc.).

Open to students who have not fulfilled the Entry Level Writing Requirement.

Requisites

• Placement by UC Analytical Writing Placement Exam.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills