102 is second semester Freshman English (or Sophomore or Junior English depending on when/if they passed 101) with a focus on argument. The main goal is to develop their analytical thinking and writing skills to the point where they can accurately discern and implement the rhetorical conventions of their discourse communities.
The readings are all from this book called 'Everything's an Argument' which I think is written on a 9th grade reading level. My students also have no opinions on anything controversial--well, except marijuana. I brought in some speeches from Shakespeare once... no response. I had them read the Tyger poem by Blake... they didn't get what it was about.
So really, I just count myself lucky if they understand that an Analysis of Perspectives paper shouldn't begin with "In my paper I have chosen the topic of abortion because killing babies is wrong." And then when I get a student who is bright and a good writer, I can't decide if I should be happy that there's hope for mankind... or despair that the poor individual is stuck in an ultimately useless and dumbed down rhet comp intro.
no subject
The readings are all from this book called 'Everything's an Argument' which I think is written on a 9th grade reading level. My students also have no opinions on anything controversial--well, except marijuana. I brought in some speeches from Shakespeare once... no response. I had them read the Tyger poem by Blake... they didn't get what it was about.
So really, I just count myself lucky if they understand that an Analysis of Perspectives paper shouldn't begin with "In my paper I have chosen the topic of abortion because killing babies is wrong." And then when I get a student who is bright and a good writer, I can't decide if I should be happy that there's hope for mankind... or despair that the poor individual is stuck in an ultimately useless and dumbed down rhet comp intro.