Unit Plan
Unit IV - Evaluating Controversies (Composition I)
Here is a four-week unit plan for the Evaluating Controversies unit for Composition I, which includes the last four weeks of classes at Oklahoma State University. I created this unit plan with my colleagues Komal Nazir and Grant Currier. A PDF download is available here.
Day 1
Outcome(s):
To identify and analyze symbols as a means of rhetoric (cultural, corporate, etc…).
To understand and explore source validity and reliability.
To identify characteristics of trustworthy/untrustworthy sources.
Previous Day’s Homework: Students will come to class having read textbook Ch. 22 pp. 490-499, “Evaluating Sources.”
Convey to students: Today we are starting our Evaluating Controversies unit.
Procedure:
Distribute the assignment sheet and review with students; allow time for questions, asking students randomly what their “purpose” is for the essay. Make sure to note they are not persuading toward a controversy, but evaluating 3-4 sources that have written about a controversial topic. (7 minutes)
Review the characteristics listed on pages 493-95: Title, Authors, Publisher/Sponsor, URLs, publication date, academic look, genre, links/citations. (10 minutes)
Evaluation: Students will then be divided into pairs and directed to investigate the informative website about Dihydrogen Monoxide, and assess whether the site is a reliable one. Each group should be assigned one/two characteristics and prepare a verbal defense of whether the site is a reliable one based on their findings. (30 minutes)
Homework: N/A
Set-Up for Day 2: As an example of an internet source, students will have reference to the ease with which false/misleading information is dispersed online; moving toward Day 2, they will further practice source evaluation.