1. Today we will: Learn about the content and goals of this course; Briefly go over the syllabus; Get to know each other.

2. Experimental Course Design Keeps the three-unit design of a conventional ENGL 101 class (6 feeders and 3 unit projects) All assignments build up to the final project at the end of unit 3: scholarly research paper Learn about conventions of multiple genres: YOU will be in charge! Collaboration with PIT Journal: “People, Ideas, and Things” Strong focus on group work and peersourcing: writing is collaborative and public Partnership with another ENGL 101 class

3. Course Policies: Attendance Avoid tardies and unexcused absences (two tardies = one absence) 3 unexcused absences without penalty (fail course at 7) absences are handled on an individual basis: contact instructor if you know that you will be absent

4. Course Policies: Contract Grading Students contract for a B regardless of the quality of their work and agree to the rules outlined in the contract At the end of the semester, best work is collected in a portfolio: quality determines any grade higher than a B

5. Getting to know each other Open out your wallets and survey what you’ve brought to class today. Consider what those items say about your personality, identity, and interests. Present your wallet artifacts to a partner. Create a portrait of your partner that you will use to introduce him or her to the class. You should talk for 30-60 seconds to the class.

6. Homework for Friday Organizational 1. Read the syllabus thoroughly and prepare questions. 2. Fill out the student profile form. 3. Think about goals you want to set for the course–what do you want to get out of it? 4. Purchase course materials listed in the syllabus by Friday and bring your computer to class. Getting started with your writing 5. Freewrite for 5 minutes. Compile an open list of the most interesting things you’ve encountered in the last year and that are loosely associated with social justice. 6. Make a “top ten” list. 7. Collect information about the three best ideas. 8. Gather at least five sources and bring them to class.