English 201 – The Research Paper	Instructor: Patricia Mesch
Spring Quarter 2011	e-mail: pat.mesch@bellevuecollege.edu
	Phone: 425-564-2341
	Office Location: R230 K
	Office Hours: Tues/Wed 9:30-10:15, and by appt.

COURSE INFORMATION:

COURSE OUTCOMES:

Write a humanities-style research paper which includes as part of the composition or process:

1) An objective summary of college-level material which identifies primary and supporting assertions.

2) An evaluation of different types of evidence (i.e., tone/diction, logical reasoning).

3) A synthesis of source material with own writing.

4) An original and clearly supported thesis.

5) Proper in-text citations and works cited page (MLA format).

6) A breadth of varied primary sources which demonstrates a familiarity with library skills.

HOW OUTCOMES WILL BE MET:

Outcomes will be met by writing short 2-5 page response essays to the readings assigned in class. A

personal reading/thinking journal will be used on a daily basis. Critical thinking and writing will be

emphasized and the essays and journal writings will help in documenting and summarizing student’s

thoughts and ideas. When writing essays MLA formatting will be required. Researching for a final paper

will focus on the use of the library as well as online searching.

GRADING:

Assignments for the research paper and the completed paper will comprise 50% of the course grade.

Writing/thinking journal, attendance and participation, homework and writing assignments will

comprise the remaining 50%. Students should download grading sheet on the first day of class so that

he/she may keep track of grades. (Grading sheet is posted online).

The link to the College Grading Policy is located on page 10 of the Course Catalog and also on the web

at: http://bellevuecollege.edu/policies/3/3000_grading.asp.

Books and Materials Required

REQUIRED TEXTS:

CURRENT ISSUES & ENDURING QUESTIONS , Eighth Edition, Sylven Barret, Hugo Bedau.

BARTLEBY, THE SCRIVENER, A Story of Wall Street (you may download this on Bartleby.comGreatBooks

online, http://www.bartleby.com/129/ or you may purchase hard copy at Amazon.com or pick up a copy

at BC library or KCLS).

SUGGESTED: A WRITER’S REFERENCE, Diane Hacker; THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE, Strunk and White.

INSTRUCTOR'S EXPECTATIONS:

This is a writing course which emphasizes critical analysis, research, argumentative writing and critical

thinking. I expect all students as well as myself to be respectful to others as varying ideas are revealed.

Respect, honesty and a focus on learning and expression is the focus of this class. Students will be

provided a safe atmosphere to express ideas and to formulate these ideas into written expression. It is

everyone’s responsibility to listen as well as to verbally express ideas. It is through the exchange of ideas

that one can learn.

AFFIRMATION OF INCLUSION:

Bellevue College is committed to maintaining an environment in which every member of the campus

community feels welcome to participate in the life of the college, free from harassment and