Research Writing in Australia
English
Composition
Location
Australia
Description
This class will focus on how narrative
can present and shape research. Students will read compelling
texts that use researched materials to make an argument or
explore a question or series of questions for a general audience.
Students who are generally interested in the social and political
impact of tourism and urban and suburban development, the
challenges a community faces in dealing with these changes,
and issues of conservation and preservation are encouraged
to apply, as are students who are interested in issues of
writing for the public.
We will study methods for outlining, gathering sources, and
drafting and rewriting. Students will consider the challenges
other writers face when working with research: how to avoid
plagiarism, for example, or how to integrate library research
and live interviews. We will also discuss specific stylistic
and rhetorical strategies writers use to shape their work.
Part of class time will be spent reading and discussing student
writing.
While in Australia, students will write every day. On site,
students will take notes, conduct interviews, and keep a journal.
Students will be expected to write a 12-15 page essay by the
end of term. They are encouraged to use their own interests
and disciplines to direct and shape the course of their research.
We will be serving on a community farm that is part of a
larger organization dedicated to preserving Aboriginal culture.
There are several ongoing developmental projects on the farm
that students can work on, including a community center, an
interpretative trail, an organic garden and a tree nursery.
These are all designed to provide the community with small
business opportunities that will allow members to participate
in the larger culture while preserving their own cultural
heritage.
Before traveling to Australia, some coursework will be done
electronically. This includes some reading and two short writing
assignments. Students will choose an area of interest and
design a plan for their research before leaving through regular
email correspondence with the instructor. Students will complete
final course research and writing upon return to the US.
This course counts toward the certificate in Public and Professional
Writing and satisfies a writing requirement at the University
of Pittsburgh.
Prerequisite:
Seminar in Composition or a similar introductory or advanced
composition course
Australia
The
Amizade program in Australia is located in beautiful Hervey
Bay in partnership with the Korrawinga Community Farm. As
the Aborigines continue to live within and alongside the larger
Australian culture, there are continuous efforts to preserve
their traditional culture, including their music, art, and
livelihood. The Korrawinga Organization is dedicated to promoting
Aboriginal culture by providing opportunities for economic
self-sufficiency. The Korrawinga is a nonprofit organization
that was created to preserve aboriginal culture and give aboriginal
people a chance to become self-sufficient. The
service project takes place on the Scrub Hill Community Farm
located 15 miles outside of Hervey Bay.
Details
Instructor: Christopher Boettcher
Credits: 6
Service-Learning Abroad: May
14 - June 4, 2004
Credits Awarded:
Credits are awarded for this course through the University
of Pittsburgh.
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