ENGL 151-09, The Making of Identity, Fall 2008

Abstract

From the organizations we choose to join to our carefully constructed online profiles, we put on many different faces or identities each day. This course asks you to consider how people use the forces of inclusion and exclusion to craft identities at various levels, from the personal to the global. We will look at identity from historical and sociological perspectives, and we will evaluate mainstream and fringe groups and their interactions. Given the 2008 election this November, we will spend some time discussing how identity shapes voting and perceptions of voters. As with any 151 class, you will be required to think, read, and write critically and with a well-defined audience in mind, whether it be me, the class, or a person or group outside the class. You will learn rhetorical terminology and approaches that will be of use to you in academic, professional, and public writing. We will also spend a lot of time on the structure of sentences, essays, and arguments along with developing a thesis statement so that you will gain more confidence in and understanding of the writing process. You will be required to complete a substantial revision of each of your essays in response to peer review, instructor comments, and your own insights into the writing process.