FHS 301 Week 1 Monday

Course Overview

  • Students are expected to gain competencies through various activities:
    • Engaging with readings
    • Completing diverse assignments
    • Viewing lecture videos and attending in-person lectures
  • Discussion boards will not be part of this course to reduce workload; discussions will occur in class.

Approach to Writing

  • Writing is compared to sculpting:
    • Writers do not start with a perfect essay.
    • The process involves consistent effort rather than striving for perfection.
  • Emphasis on growth rather than perfection:
    • Students should submit drafts that reflect their current understanding for feedback.
    • Feedback is meant to help students refine their ideas and writing.
  • Interaction with feedback:
    • Students must determine the utility of feedback:
    • Do they agree with it?
    • Should they incorporate it in future drafts?

Writing Process

  • Importance of rewriting and revision:
    • First drafts are not expected to be perfect.
    • Regular exposure to new writing styles and forms is encouraged.
  • Writing as a form of communication:
    • Analyze and critique written materials critically.
  • Understanding others’ arguments:
    • Assess and articulate personal viewpoints, whether in agreement or disagreement.

Major Assignments and Structure

  • The course consists of two writing cycles with smaller assignments leading to larger projects.
  • First significant assignment:
    • Students will read a designated article and formulate their own thesis statement.
  • Competencies to be demonstrated by the end of the course include:
    • Understanding various types of writing.
    • Skill in providing and receiving constructive feedback.
    • Proficiency in professional writing (emails, position papers, funding requests) using correct APA references.

APA Style Emphasis

  • APA (American Psychological Association) format is critical:
    • Attention to detail is essential.
    • Students advised to spend extra time checking APA formatting.
  • Required texts:
    • Course-related book and APA manual will be provided in PDF on Canvas.

Assignment Due Dates

  • Professional email assignment due Friday.
  • Summary assignment due next week.
  • Position paper development includes:
    • Thesis statement and introductory paragraph assignments due in week six.

Grading and Submission Policies

  • Late submissions are acceptable:
    • It’s preferable to submit late than not at all, as students can still earn points.
    • Emphasis on completing assignments to avoid receiving zero points.
  • Common pitfalls that lead to point deductions include:
    • Incorrect citation format and non-systematic review articles.

Feedback and Improvement

  • High volume of feedback will be provided on drafts:
    • Important for enhancing writing skills.
  • Feedback is non-personal:
    • It is aimed at improving writing, not a judgment on the writer's ability.
  • Encourage students to ask for help and clarification on assignments and feedback.

Professional Email Assignment

  • Assignment details:
    • Write a professional email outlining career interests and why FVAS was chosen as the major.
    • Emails should be concise (5-10 sentences) and formatted correctly.
  • Importance of professional format:
    • Include subject lines, address recipients appropriately (using titles), and maintain professional sign-off.

Grammatical Conventions

  • Standard American English conventions must be used in all writing:
    • Resources available on Canvas for grammatical assistance.
    • Avoid overly casual language in professional settings.

Ethical Considerations in Writing and AI Usage

  • AI tools can be a double-edged sword:
    • While they can assist writing, reliance can hinder personal development as a writer.
    • Importance of personal voice and critical thinking in writing.
  • Discussion of AI performance:
    • AI can produce errors (hallucinations); it must not replace human input in writing.
  • Discussion on the ethical responsibilities of writers:
    • Need for proper citation and reference to avoid academic misconduct.

Course Policies and Expectations

  • Efforts will be made to ensure fairness in grading and feedback.
  • Engagement and proactive communication are encouraged:
    • Reach out for extensions or clarifications when needed.
    • Understand the importance of following instructions closely for assignments.
  • Continuous evaluation and improvement of writing skills are central to the course objectives.

Final Thoughts

  • Writing is an iterative process that requires patience and practice.
  • The course encourages developing strong, individual writing skills and critical thinking.
  • Open line of communication between students and instructors is vital for success throughout the course.