Welcome to the Rhetorical Inn!This class is designed as a multiplayer game. You are the players. I am the game master. Every player will create an avatar that will represent them in the game. I will serve as your guide through the Rhetorical Inn, but you are the narrator of your story. You will journey through three chapters (units), completing both quests and adventures (assignments), deal with random encounters (impromptu presentations), update your journey log (reading log), craft (multimodal components), conduct strategy sessions for raids (peer review), and fight five raid bosses (projects).
With the class being designed as a game, the player has agency to forge his/her own path to success. Adventures/quests, crafting, and raids will all have variations based on what class/specialization the player chooses. The first specialization will be chosen when the player’s avatar is created, but if the player wishes to respec during any chapter, it will cost a small fee (a 200 word rationale). The classes/specializations are as follows: Warrior, Mage, Bard, and Ranger. Will you rise to the challenge? |
Official Course Description
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This course focuses on writing and critical thinking by using an approach that teaches rhetorical strategies for reading and composing arguments in both print and digital environments. Students will learn to read texts critically and to recognize the different purposes and audiences for arguments. Students will compose five writing projects based on issues and research raised in the reading assignments and class discussions during the semester. The writing assignments will give students extensive practice in thinking critically and writing according to the rhetorical conventions of an argumentative essay using the full range of writing processes—invention, arrangement, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading—for multiple assignments. We will explore the uses of rhetoric as a tool of persuasion in written, visual, and multimodal texts. We will learn how rhetoric works through attention to persona, audience, and persuasive appeals (such as pathos, logos, ethos, kairos). Rhetoric teaches us how we might persuade others, and whether to be persuaded ourselves. To these ends, we will pay particular attention to cultural and individual assumptions, and how rhetoric and language work to provide effective arguments. These approaches build a foundation for learning strategies of writing about the world in which we all work and live.
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Learning Outcomes |
Rhetorical Knowledge
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What Type of Equipment is Required for this Course?
Envision in Depth: Reading, Writing, and Researching Arguments 4th Ed. By Christine L. Alfano and Alyssa J. O’Brien. Pearson Longman, 2014 (must be the 4th edition)
All players must also bring a laptop to class for note-taking, course navigation, and collaborative work. Other readings will be provided via this website in the form of PDF's. |
How are players graded?
You will begin on the first day of class as a Level One player with zero experience points (XP). Level Twenty is the highest level you can achieve. XP will be earned by signing into the game (attendance), completing quests/adventures, strategy sessions, raids, random encounters, and other tasks. The class letter grade will be based on the player's final level, as well as classroom etiquette, participation, and initiative. The player must be at least Level Fourteen to pass this course.
The player must create an avatar, complete all chapters, raids, and attend sessions in order to achieve at least Level Fourteen. Since each raid builds on the next, the player will not be allowed to progress further without completing all raids.
In addition to XP, some special quests, adventures, and raids will have digital currency which then can be spent at a merchant for buffs to help you on adventure (see merchant section).
In addition to XP, some special quests, adventures, and raids will have digital currency which then can be spent at a merchant for buffs to help you on adventure (see merchant section).
How do you Succeed in this Course?
In order to succeed, players must take the initiative to experiment and take risks. This is a course that will offer you chances to try out things you’ve never done before. I want to promote a culture of experimentation that does not punish risks. With this in mine, if you feel the desire to revise or modify work, talk to me about it. If you have an idea for a new project, course policy, or the game-based pedagogy, talk to me about it. As I am demonstrating with the pedagogy of this course, I encourage you to lead with your interests and passions. If you have an intriguing idea for a quest, raid, or chapter, please seek me out. I am your ally: I want you to come out of this class with a good grade, pride in completed projects, and the skills you need to continue writing and researching at the academic level.
Gamers deal with failure on a daily basis, but failure is only part of the journey to success. If a player approaches a difficult situation, they assess it, and take a risk on a strategy that may not succeed. If they fail, they reflect on their missed opportunity (metanoia) and reassess. If the opportunity (Kairos) is missed, they know they need to approach similar situations differently in the future. If they are given repeated opportunity to succeed, they do so without giving up (ultimate defeat).
The way this course is set up with the ability to buy items, choose what quests to complete, and what specialization the player desires, I strongly encourage you to take risks. Whatever form that may take on, is up to you, but venture out into uncharted territory. Try something difficult instead of taking the easy path. Try something new. If you don’t achieve your desired outcome, use an item, do another quest, or rework it to make up for lost points. Either way, your effort will be rewarded.
Gamers deal with failure on a daily basis, but failure is only part of the journey to success. If a player approaches a difficult situation, they assess it, and take a risk on a strategy that may not succeed. If they fail, they reflect on their missed opportunity (metanoia) and reassess. If the opportunity (Kairos) is missed, they know they need to approach similar situations differently in the future. If they are given repeated opportunity to succeed, they do so without giving up (ultimate defeat).
The way this course is set up with the ability to buy items, choose what quests to complete, and what specialization the player desires, I strongly encourage you to take risks. Whatever form that may take on, is up to you, but venture out into uncharted territory. Try something difficult instead of taking the easy path. Try something new. If you don’t achieve your desired outcome, use an item, do another quest, or rework it to make up for lost points. Either way, your effort will be rewarded.
Rhetorical Inn Policies
Turning in Adventures, Quests, and Raids...
How do I Turn in Work?
Most work will be turned in electronically via GoogleDrive, but the player should make sure he/she checks the quest, adventure, and raid details before turning them in. All assigned work is due before the class gaming session starts unless otherwise stated. A missed gaming session or late sign in does not excuse the player from this rule.
Can I Turn Work in Late?
Quests/adventures may only be turned in for half the XP up to a week late, or until the end of the chapter (whichever one comes first) if the player purchases a “quest reset” buff at a merchant. After that point, no player may submit a quest/adventure for XP.
Raids may be turned in late, but at great cost. If a raid is turned in late, all digital currency is lost and the raid becomes tarnished. Once the raid is tarnished it is only worth ½ the XP, and it will decay within five (5) weekdays. Remember, once a raid is due to be turned in, no new quests/adventures may be taken on until the raid is submitted and cleared.
Most work will be turned in electronically via GoogleDrive, but the player should make sure he/she checks the quest, adventure, and raid details before turning them in. All assigned work is due before the class gaming session starts unless otherwise stated. A missed gaming session or late sign in does not excuse the player from this rule.
Can I Turn Work in Late?
Quests/adventures may only be turned in for half the XP up to a week late, or until the end of the chapter (whichever one comes first) if the player purchases a “quest reset” buff at a merchant. After that point, no player may submit a quest/adventure for XP.
Raids may be turned in late, but at great cost. If a raid is turned in late, all digital currency is lost and the raid becomes tarnished. Once the raid is tarnished it is only worth ½ the XP, and it will decay within five (5) weekdays. Remember, once a raid is due to be turned in, no new quests/adventures may be taken on until the raid is submitted and cleared.
"Attendance" and Participation
How Many Sessions Can I Miss?
This is a writing intensive course, so all players are expected to sign in on time and be prepared to work. Players are allotted two health points which will account for missed sessions. After both health points are gone, the player automatically purchases a single health point for 50 experience points.
As game master, I reserve the right to drop any players that exceed the two health points before the last “drop date.” I will also determine what to do in case of extended illness or personal crisis on a case-by-case basis. However, excessive absences are an adequate reason for being failed in first-year composition, even if players submit all work on time.
For each sign in, the player will receive one XP, and two XP for the final presentation. If the player signs in late, up to 10 minutes past the starting time, they will not receive XP. If a player signs in late twice, it will be counted as a loss of a health point. Players that sign in 10 minutes after the start will not be eligible for any XP and will lose a health point.
What are the Guidelines for Class Participation and Conduct?
I ask all players to be respectful. There will be times when players and guilds will be competing against one another, so trash talking in the spirit of the game is expected, but all players need to know the limits of their playful banter and when it becomes disrespectful. When a player is with her/his guild, s/he will be expected to fully participate and work as a team. Each player will be evaluated by her/his guild mates based on their active participation.
What if I Observe Religious Holidays?
I recognize the rights of students to observe religious holidays without penalty to the player. Students must provide advance notice to the game master in order to make up work, including examinations that they miss as a result of their absence from class due to observance of religious holidays.
This is a writing intensive course, so all players are expected to sign in on time and be prepared to work. Players are allotted two health points which will account for missed sessions. After both health points are gone, the player automatically purchases a single health point for 50 experience points.
As game master, I reserve the right to drop any players that exceed the two health points before the last “drop date.” I will also determine what to do in case of extended illness or personal crisis on a case-by-case basis. However, excessive absences are an adequate reason for being failed in first-year composition, even if players submit all work on time.
For each sign in, the player will receive one XP, and two XP for the final presentation. If the player signs in late, up to 10 minutes past the starting time, they will not receive XP. If a player signs in late twice, it will be counted as a loss of a health point. Players that sign in 10 minutes after the start will not be eligible for any XP and will lose a health point.
What are the Guidelines for Class Participation and Conduct?
I ask all players to be respectful. There will be times when players and guilds will be competing against one another, so trash talking in the spirit of the game is expected, but all players need to know the limits of their playful banter and when it becomes disrespectful. When a player is with her/his guild, s/he will be expected to fully participate and work as a team. Each player will be evaluated by her/his guild mates based on their active participation.
What if I Observe Religious Holidays?
I recognize the rights of students to observe religious holidays without penalty to the player. Students must provide advance notice to the game master in order to make up work, including examinations that they miss as a result of their absence from class due to observance of religious holidays.
Technology and Conduct Policies
Can I use Technology in the Classroom?Players will be interacting with a variety of sites and programs over the course of the semester. Please let the game master know if a player needs help using the internet or any computer program. When using a computer, save work frequently, always make backup copies by emailing drafts to yourself and/or using a thumb drive, and plan all projects with extra time allowed for unexpected technological difficulties. The use of GoogleDrive and other cloud based storage systems is always a good idea for saving work.
The use of computers, tablets, and e-readers are strongly encouraged in the classroom. All in-session use of technology should be focused on the quest related activities, such as note-taking, research, and reading. As long as all players are respectfully attentive when another player is speaking, in-session technology use will not be a problem. That said, use of a cellphones in-session are discouraged, unless they are being used for session related activities. All phones are to be set to silent (not vibrate). The game master reserves the right to ask any player to put away their electronic device if it appears to be distracting other players. Abuse of this policy will result in XP penalization
The use of computers, tablets, and e-readers are strongly encouraged in the classroom. All in-session use of technology should be focused on the quest related activities, such as note-taking, research, and reading. As long as all players are respectfully attentive when another player is speaking, in-session technology use will not be a problem. That said, use of a cellphones in-session are discouraged, unless they are being used for session related activities. All phones are to be set to silent (not vibrate). The game master reserves the right to ask any player to put away their electronic device if it appears to be distracting other players. Abuse of this policy will result in XP penalization
Communication with the Game Master and Players
Communication out of session with the game master or other players should be conducted respectfully through the institution given email. Make arrangements with other players to get contact information, especially with your guild. If you ever have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact one of your peers or your instructor. With rare exceptions, I will always respond to all email inquiries within 48 hours.
What is the Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty?
The following is Clemson’s official statement on “Academic Integrity”: “As members of the Clemson University community, we have inherited Thomas Green Clemson’s vision of this institution as a 'high seminary of learning.’ Fundamental to this vision is a mutual commitment to truthfulness, honor, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of others. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of a Clemson degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form.”
A simple definition of plagiarism—one that we will expand upon this semester—is when someone presents another person’s words, visuals, or ideas as his/her own. The instructor will deal with plagiarism on a case-by-case basis. The most serious offense within this category occurs when a student copies text from the Internet or from a collective file. This type of academic dishonesty is a serious offense that will result in a failing grade for the course as well as the filing of a formal report to the university.
See the Clemson site below for information about Academic Integrity and procedures regarding the violation of Clemson policies on scholastic dishonesty: http://www.clemson.edu/academics/academic-integrity/
A simple definition of plagiarism—one that we will expand upon this semester—is when someone presents another person’s words, visuals, or ideas as his/her own. The instructor will deal with plagiarism on a case-by-case basis. The most serious offense within this category occurs when a student copies text from the Internet or from a collective file. This type of academic dishonesty is a serious offense that will result in a failing grade for the course as well as the filing of a formal report to the university.
See the Clemson site below for information about Academic Integrity and procedures regarding the violation of Clemson policies on scholastic dishonesty: http://www.clemson.edu/academics/academic-integrity/
University Resources
Accessibility
Clemson University values the diversity of our student body as a strength and a critical component of our dynamic community. Students with disabilities or temporary injuries/conditions may require accommodations due to barriers in the structure of facilities, course design, technology used for curricular purposes, or other campus resources. Students who experience a barrier to full access to this class should let the professor know, and make an appointment to meet with a staff member in Student Accessibility Services as soon as possible. You can make an appointment by calling 864-656-6848, by emailing [email protected], or by visiting Suite 239 in the Academic Success Center building. Appointments are strongly encouraged – drop-ins will be seen if at all possible, but there could be a significant wait due to scheduled appointments. Students who receive Academic Access Letters are strongly encouraged to request, obtain and present these to their professors as early in the semester as possible so that accommodations can be made in a timely manner. It is the student’s responsibility to follow this process each semester. You can access further information here: http://www.clemson.edu/campus-life/campus-services/sds/.
Also, this course will be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and affirms people of all gender expressions and identities. Please address me as Chris and my gender pronouns are he/him/his. I was provided with a class roster with your name as it appears in the iRoar system. However, if you prefer to be called a different name than what is on the roster, please let me know. You may also share your gender pronouns.
Also, this course will be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and affirms people of all gender expressions and identities. Please address me as Chris and my gender pronouns are he/him/his. I was provided with a class roster with your name as it appears in the iRoar system. However, if you prefer to be called a different name than what is on the roster, please let me know. You may also share your gender pronouns.
University Writing Center (307 Academic Success Center Building)
The Writing Center is a free tutoring service available to the entire student body, regardless of major or academic standing. It provides students opportunities to discuss questions or problems related to academic writing—from generating a topic and thesis to organizing a draft and integrating appropriate citations. The Writing Center’s goal is to help Clemson students become confident and effective writers. As an English 1030 student, you should feel free to utilize the Writing Center to receive additional help or feedback on any course assignments or projects. You can make an appointment with a tutor by visiting the Writing Center’s website (http://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/writing/), by calling them at 864-656-3280, or by simply stopping in.
Title IX (Sexual Harassment) Statement
Clemson University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information or protected activity (e.g., opposition to prohibited discrimination or participation in any complaint process, etc.) in employment, educational programs and activities, admissions and financial aid. This includes a prohibition against sexual harassment and sexual violence as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This policy is located at http://www.clemson.edu/campus-life/campus-services/access/title-ix/. Mr. Jerry Knighton is the Clemson University Title IX Coordinator and is also the Director of Access and Equity. His office is located at 111 Holtzendorrf Hall, 864.656.3181 (voice) or 864.565.0899 (TDD).