English 281: Intermediate Expository Writing
Instructor: Dr. Sarah Nickel Moore
Class Time and Place: T TH 9:30–12:20, PCAR 492
Office: Padelford A507
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 2:20–3:20, Tuesday and Thursday 11:30–1, and by appointment
Email: srmoore2@uw.edu
Weekly Modules: The modules page has all the assignments for the course organized by week. This is a great place to stay organized with what you need to do every week.
View and/or the entire syllabus here
View and/or download the grading policy here
Access Class Google Folder here
Overview
Welcome to English Intermediate Composition! This course engages with concepts of translation, monstrosity, and the medieval in a longitudinal study of the Old English Beowulf. Over the 10 weeks of this course, you will read this classic epic poem, along with several accompanying readings that explain and engage with the text. By the end of this course, you will know a little more about monsters—both medieval and modern. In so doing, you will sharpen your own ability to think critically about texts and your own writing.
Do not let the fact that we are reading Beowulf intimidate you! The translation we are using is very accessible and entertaining, and will make you think of this old poem in new ways.
Course Structure
This class is a ten-week course that covers a large amount of material in a short time. Over the course of the 10 weeks you will complete a total of four supporting projects and two major project. Each week you will also be assigned a number of short participation assignments.
All assignments and readings are designed to support the completion of the final project and promote critical engagement in reading literature.
Required Texts
Maria Dahvana Headley, translator, Beowulf (2020). We will be reading from this translation of Beowulf. A pdf scan will be available on Canvas, but I strongly encourage you to buy a copy.
Maria Dahvana Headley, The Mere Wife (2018). In the second half of the quarter, we will read Headley's adaptation of Beowulf. You will need to purchase your own copy by the end of week 4.
All other readings will be available on Canvas.