Outline

Overview

The persuasive power of the English language emerges from its richness and variation. This unit introduces students to rhetorical theory as a resource for the creative construction of meaning. Students will learn to discover topics, arrange ideas, and analyse the delivery of arguments across a variety of contexts. We examine print, visual media, political debates and engage in virtual exchanges with universities around the world.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	English and Writing
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Benjamin Miller, benjamin.miller@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Benjamin Miller, benjamin.miller@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kirk Dodd, kirk.dodd@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	Interactive Oral Assessment You will discuss an essay you have written one-on-one with a marker/tutor.	20%	Multiple weeks Due date: 23 Oct 2024 at 09:00 Closing date: 01 Nov 2024	1000 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Early Feedback Task Short Writing Task 1 is an online Canvas quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	10%	Week 03 Due date: 12 Aug 2024 at 23:00	500 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Short Writing Task 2: Essay Proposal SWT2 requires you to write a biographical essay proposal.	10%	Week 04 Due date: 23 Aug 2024 at 23:00	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Short Writing Task 3: Rhetorical Analysis SWT3 presents a written draft of a rhetorical analysis for your essay.	10%	Week 06 Due date: 06 Sep 2024 at 23:00	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Short Writing Task 4: Narrative Bibliography SWT4 requires a narrative engagement with research supporting your essay.	10%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Sep 2024 at 23:00	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Final Essay The Final Essay presents a long argument supported by rhetorical analysis.	40%	Week 11 Due date: 18 Oct 2024 at 23:00	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

The unit has a streamlined assessment design, with all assessments designed to support ongoing feedback and reflection on the writing process. The tasks can be thought of in three categories:

Early Feedback Task: This task will introdice core concepts for the final essay in a low-risk, easy-to-complete, online quiz. Simply completing the quiz will earn full marks (10% of the final grade for the unit)
Short Writing Tasks and the Final Essay: SWT2/3/4 include a proposal, draft and research notes for the Final Essay. You will receive feedback and support so that the Final Essay (40% of the final grade for the unit) will feel achievable with clear goals. The Final Essay is a hurdle task, by which we mean you must attempt it in order to pass the unit. You can still pass the unit if you attempt but fail the Final Essay. Past results show that no student who has attended all activities and handed in all assessments on timehas failed the unit.
Interactive Oral Assessment: In a one-on-one conversation with a marker/tutor, you will describe your writing process and how it led to your final essay. You will also respond to your marker's suggestions for different audiences who might be interested in your work. The Interactive Oral is a hurdle task, by which we mean you must attempt it in order to pass the unit. You can still pass the unit if you attempt but fail the Interactive Oral.

Assessment criteria

INTERPRETATION OF GRADES

Marking rubrics will be provided for each task and you will receive specific feedback on all assessments completed in WRIT1001. As a general rule, the following text describes the broad standards for work in each grade category:

85%+ (High Distinction)

a deep understanding of material; nuanced analysis of focal texts or issues;
indicates awareness of complexities and qualifications in argumentation;
demonstrates careful thought about an argument’s critical or historical context;
provides properly referenced evidence of wide-ranging scholarly reading.

The writing is characterized by creativity, clarity, and independent insight. A HD is distinguished from a D by an awareness of subtleties, nuances, and qualifications.

75-84% (Distinction)

an sophisticated understanding of material; analyses issues appositely;
presents a well-argued, coherent case;
careful thought about an argument’s critical or historical context;
provides referenced evidence of reading beyond what is strictly required for the task.

The writing is characterized by clarity and independent insight. A D is distinguished from a C by theoretical understanding and a range of intellectual enquiry.

65-74% (Credit)

evidence of independent reading and thinking about issues and their contexts;
clear understanding of relevant critical considerations and conceptual issues;
quotes and summarises to support analysis;
attempts a clear and referenced critical or theoretical argument.

A C is distinguished from a P by independent discussion, clarity of writing and an attempt at critical argument.

50-64% (Pass)

evidence of having read and thought about relevant texts or issues;
there may be errors, tangents, or a lack of clarity about the argument;
may present simplistic comment or unsubstantiated assertions;
may contain some referencing errors.

Below 50% (Fail)

Work may fail for any of the following reasons:

no evidence of having read course material or assessment instruction closely;
sloppy, inconsistent presentation; excessive generality in answering a question;
inappropriate expression; writing style that is difficult to understand; incoherent general structure; inadequate referencing.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In the event you have attempted to apply for a simple extension, special consideration or an academic plan, and you have found the process difficult or you are awaiting an outcome, you can contact one of the Unit Coordinators to discuss a late penalty waiver. Only Unit of Study Coordinators (Ben Miller or Kirk Dodd) can approve penalty waivers on compassionate grounds.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Week 4 (Online): The Branches of Rhetoric	Independent study (1 hr)
Week 01	Week 1 (In-person): Welcome, Intro to Rhetoric	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Week 1 (Online): Our Journeys to Sydney	Independent study (1 hr)
Week 02	Week 2 (In-person): Classical Rhetoric	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 2 (Online): Introduction to rhetoric	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 2 (Online): Rhetorical Traditions	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 2 (In-person): Introductions, SWT1 Practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Week 3 (In-person): Cultural Rhetorics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 3 (Online): Proposing a Topic	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 3 (Online): AI and Digital Rhetoric	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 3 (In-person): Connecting with Research, SWT2 Practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Week 4 (In-person): Rhetorical Analysis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 4 (Online): Rhetorical Canons	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 4 (In-person): Defining Rhetoric	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Week 5 (In-person): Critical Thinkins	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 5 (Online): Rhetorical Fallacies	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 5 (Online): Practising Rhetorical Analysis	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 5 (In-person): Analysing Rhetoric, SWT3 Practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Week 6 (In-person): Finding Sources	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 6 (Online): Evaluating Sources (using rhetoric)	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 6 (In-person): Critiquing Research	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Week 7 (In-person): Politics of Citation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 7 (Online): Narrative Bibliographies	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 7 (In-person): Writing Narrative Bibliographies, SWT4 Practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Week 8 (In-person): Argument Statements	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 8 (Online): Toulminian and Rogerian Arguments	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 8 (In-person): Writing a Thesis Statement	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Week 9 (In-person): Outlining Essays	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 9 (Online): Paragraphing	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 9 (In-person): Structuring an Essay, Essay Practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Week 10 (In-person): Rhetorical Style	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 10 (Online): Ethical Writing	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 10: Re/writing a Paragraph, Essay Practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Week 11 (In-person): Interactive Oral Assessments	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 11 (Online): Rewriting for Diverse Audiences	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 11 (In-person): Practising Conversations, Oral Assessment Practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Week 12 (In-person): Interactive Oral Assessment	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Week 13 (In-person): Interactive Oral Assessment	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance/Participation: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to participate in 90% of their classes. If you participate in less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recordings: All lectures in WRIT1001 will be delivered live on campus. Recordings will be made available to students on the LMS (Canvas) by Wednesday morning. Recordings provide a study resource and a backup for rare occasions students cannot attend lectures. Assignments and tutorials proceed on the understanding that students have attended or reveiwed lecture content.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately two hours study and attendance for each credit point a unit accredits. Eg, for a 6cp unit, students should spend approximately 12 hours working on content and assignments each week of semester. For this unit, the best preparation for each week’s tutorial, in addition to completing lectures and online activities, is completing readings from the reading list.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed via Canvas.

You must complete one reading per week. You will also need to refer to scholarly articles about rhetoric (from the reading list and your own independent research) to complete the assessments in this unit.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. communicate competently and confidently in writing across a range of modalities and contexts
LO2. demonstrate an increased awareness of how to produce effective arguments
LO3. understand more about essay conventions in academic contexts
LO4. construct written arguments appropriate for multicultural audiences
LO5. edit your own work and the work of others effectively and consistently.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The unit of study has been redesigned in 2024. New material on artificial intelligence and academic integrity has been incorporated. To allow for a quality in-person presentation assessment, online material will be available earlier in the unit to free time up in the final weeks of semester. This also improves flexibility and will allow for important content (rhetorical concepts, etc) for the final essay to be available early in the unit. Unit material and activities have been designed to show students the importance of their own contributions to academic rhetoric and communication.

Additional information

As a writing unit student, you will find excellent support via the Writing Studies Drop-in Service. You can book free, one-on-one sessions with a student writing mentor via the following site:

https://sydney.edu.au/students/arts-and-social-sciences-writing-support.html

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

WRIT1001: Writing and Rhetoric: Academic Essays

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect