A lecture/seminar satisfying the second half of the Reading & Composition requirement, R4B offers structured and sustained practice in the processes used in reading, critical analysis, and writing. Students engage with thematically-related materials from a range of genres and media. In response, they craft short pieces leading to longer expository and/or argumentative essays. Students develop a research question, draft a research essay, gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources. Elements of the research process--a proposal, an annotated bibliography, an abstract, a works cited list, etc.--are submitted with the final report in a research portfolio. Students write a minimum of 32 pages of prose.

The aim of this course is to develop your aptitude for critical thinking and inquiry, strengthening these practices through your writing. While we read and discuss specific subtopics related to the course theme, Immigration, we will keep broader questions at the forefront of our conversations: How is culture affected by migration? What do we learn when we explore our cultural, immigration, and personal histories? What does it mean to have a society made up of immigrants? What do we learn when we examine immigration through a race, class or gender lens? I leave the topic of the course broad so you’ll have flexibility when it comes time to develop your individual research project. The first unit focuses on several subtopics: race and immigration in US history; culture and immigration; language, accent, and identity; and climate migration. For the first part of the class, you'll choose readings from these and other areas as you broaden your understanding of immigration topics. In the following units, you’ll learn about and practice developing a research topic as you work on defining, developing, researching, and writing your own project. As you do, you’ll develop strategies for reading and evaluating sources, reflecting on your learning and writing, and, of course, drafting, developing, and revising your writing projects.

Enrollment is restricted to students who have satisfied the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement. This course satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement.

Requisites

• Previously passed an R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Previously passed an articulated R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Score a 4 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition. Score a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition. Score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills