Why People Do What They Do Spring 2012

College Now College Reading Mondays & Wednesdays Room 215

Syllabus

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Class Name: WPDWTD Spring 2012

Your Class Key: 2328603W79

CN072  Why Do People Do What They Do?
Meets Mondays 3-4:15; Wednesdays 7:30-8:10  Room 215

This course is an invitation to college reading and writing. The course is based on college textbook readings that address the question “Why do people do what they do?” These theories from psychology will be applied to autobiographical essays and students’ own experience. Development of essay-writing skills will lead to an essay appropriate for college application.

Readings                      
 “Another Ali Enters the Ring,” New York Times
Theories of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation from multiple college textbooks
“Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,” Pettersen
“Saved,” Malcolm X
“Raising Delia,” Ugw-Oju
“Beauty: When the Other Dancer is the Self,” Alice Walker
“Reflections on a Broken Zipper,” Geoffrey Canada

Handout #1 :Expanding your Vocabulary through Associations (EVA)

Calendar

Week 1: Structure of reading and writing. Preliminary essay.
Week 2: Linguistic theory. Brain Chemicals. Homework: First draft of essay.
Week 3: Vocabulary homework. Maslow article.
Week 4: Psychology and Maslow continued. Vocabulary homework. Second draft of essay
Week 5: Laila Ali. Vocabulary homework. Final draft of essay.
Week 6: Grammar and Writing Techniques. Vocabulary homework
Week 7: Saved. Roots and etymologies homework.
Week 8: Comparing Saved and Laila with Maslow’s theories. Homework: Use the ideas in class to evaluate your own theories and motivations as shown in your initial essay.
Week 9: Raising Delia. Roots and etymologies homework.
Week 10: Reading Techniques: Structure of sentences and of written works. Roots and etymologies homework.
Week 11: Beauty. Roots and etymologies homework.
Week 12: Reflections. HW: Outline of structure of Laila, Saved.
Week 13: Analysis of short story using concepts learned of structure and motivation. HW: Analysis of three characters’ motivations.
Week 14: More style and grammar techniques. Grammar homework.
Week 15: Final essay: Using Maslow to analyze one of the handouts. Re-examine initial essay.

Homework, Grading, and Absence Policies
All homework must be handed in complete and on time (usually by the first class day of the subsequent week, unless otherwise noted). Work may usually be revised for a higher grade, within a time frame to be announced in class.

Students are expected to come to class every day, on time. Eight or more absences may result in failure.

Homework and class assignments will be averaged together. Class participation will also be factored into the grade.