English 250: Advanced Oral and Written Communication
Professor: Matt King (he, him, his; more on pronouns here and here)
Email: mrking@sbu.edu
Phone: 716.375.2457
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10:00-11:15 and by appointment
Office Location: Plassmann 318 (also available on Zoom during office hours)
Class Websites: https://mattrking.com/courses/e250 and Moodle
Class texts will be made available online as needed.
English Major Outcomes
Students successfully completing the English major will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate critical reading practices of literary and rhetorical texts, with attention to contexts such as history, culture, race, gender, class, intersectionality, genre, period, production, and theory.
- Produce effective written, oral, and digital communication necessary for literary and rhetorical criticism, creative writing, social advocacy, and professional success.
- Identify and address ethical concerns related to literature and language, including diversity, equity, justice, and social oppression.
Writing Intensive Course
This course satisfies the Writing Intensive requirement for the general education curriculum and thus addresses the University Learning Goal and Objectives on writing and communication:
Students will develop competence in multimodal communication with special emphasis on oral, written, and digital communication, including an understanding of key issues relating to their use.
Learning Objectives
1. Students identify and respond to contexts using appropriate processes and modes of delivery.
2. Students use effective content and approaches to organization, style, and design that are appropriate for the discipline and genre of communication.
3. Students demonstrate control of syntax and mechanics by using language that communicates with clarity, fluency, and minimal errors.
Course Description
A course grounded in the practical application of principles of effective oral and written communication in various rhetorical situations. Course assignments emphasize professional and advanced academic writing and presentations with an emphasis on disciplinary analysis and conventions. (Prerequisite: ENG 102 or equivalent; 3 credits)
Course goals:
- Develop a productive and effective composing process that focuses on the production of text and presentations across multiple drafts as well as strategies for research, invention, revision, editing, peer review, and reflection;
- Produce writing and presentations that effectively address concerns of audience and purpose, both in terms of the conventions of academic and professional communication and in terms of framing writing as a force for social change and social action;
- Attend to concerns of delivery so that you can effectively communicate in written, visual, oral, and digital texts and platforms;
- Study and analyze significant events and debates in a community relevant to you drawing on terms and concepts from rhetorical theory and literacy studies.
Grading Policy
Read my statement on grading here and our specific grading policy here. The grading statement also includes the policies for late work and attendance.
Student Success Center
Revising and responding to feedback will be an invaluable and necessary part of your development as a writer this semester. All students working on writing projects are encouraged to seek help from the SBU Writing Lab. Writing Lab tutors are available for both in-person and remote sessions (via Zoom). Even if you do not have a draft to share, a tutor can help you brainstorm or work through an outline for an upcoming project.
To meet with a writing tutor, stop by the Student Success Center in Plassmann 100 or email the Writing Lab at writinglab@sbu.edu with your request. You may either schedule a tutoring session in advance or simply attend drop-in hours. The Writing Lab’s schedule can be found on the Student Success Center page within the Academics section on MySBU.
Academic Honesty
The writing you submit for our class should be your own; when you draw on the work of others (including AI tools), you should acknowledge it and include appropriate citations. Instances of plagiarism can result in failed assignments and potentially failure of the course. A list of unacceptable practices and procedures to be followed in prosecuting cases of alleged academic dishonesty can be found here.
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who need academic accommodations should contact the Accessibility Services and Accommodations office at asa@sbu.edu or at 716-375-2115. Additional information about accommodations can be found here. Please reach out early in the semester so that we can assist you as soon as possible. Documentation from the Accessibility Services Office is required before the instructor can make accommodations.
Email
Email will serve as an official means of communication for this class, and you should check the email account you have registered with the university regularly. Feel free to email me with your questions and concerns.
Title IX
Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are Civil Rights offenses subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, etc. If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you can find the appropriate resources at the Health and Wellness Center or at the Campus Safety Office. For on-campus reporting, see the Title IX Coordinator (Katie O’Brien, Vice President for Student Affairs) and Residence Life Staff (RAs, RDs, and other professional staff). The University’s policy and procedures regarding gender-based and sexual misconduct can be found online.
In the event of an emergency, call Campus Safety (716-375-2525) or contact Rob DeFazio (Student Conduct, 716-375-2190, rdefazio@sbu.edu). Be aware that most university employees are mandated reporters.
Counseling Center and Crisis Services
Students who are full-time and currently enrolled in any of our on-campus undergraduate or graduate programs are eligible to see our counselors for crisis, individual, or group therapy. Services are generally provided throughout the academic year, excluding winter and summer break. An exception is when students are on-campus and enrolled in classes during the summer sessions. Students do not need a diagnosis or have to be in crisis to receive help. Services can be brief and are tailored to your needs and goals. To schedule an appointment or learn more about free and confidential services available to you, you can complete the Counseling Request Form here or call 716-375-2310, option 1.
Alongside our on-campus counseling services, SBU offers students free teletherapy sessions with our online therapy partner, BetterMynd. BetterMynd serves as an alternative for students who may prefer teletherapy instead of in-person counseling with our SBU counselors. To register for the BetterMynd platform, visit the site and use your SBU email address. BetterMynd also offers 24/7 crisis and support services that are free to you. If you are in crisis or have a safety concern for you or a friend after hours, you may contact the following resources: 716-375-2525 (Campus Safety and Security; BetterMynd 24/7 Support Line: 1-844-BTR-MYND (287-6963); or the National Crisis Support: Text “HOME” to 741741 or call 988.
For those students who are looking for an additional mental health resource to counseling, St. Bonaventure University’s Counseling Center has partnered with Togetherall — an anonymous, 24/7 online peer-to-peer community where students can connect with others and even get connected to individuals in your field of interest. You may use your university email to register and access the platform for free.
Other Concerns
If you have any other concerns that affect your ability to succeed in this course – for example, affording costs related to the class, dealing with mental health issues, having regular shelter and food, etc. – please let me know, and I will do what I can to help.
Matt King 