Sample English Department Curriculum

Each year, English department teaching assistants create learning sequences based on the current Lobo Reading Experience book selection. Although the sequences are designed specifically to be adapted to instructors teaching first year writing, they can also serve as inspiration for a variety of academic contexts. One of the benefits to the sample sequences provided is that they model how to scaffold lower-stakes writing assignments (labelled SWAs) and classroom activities in order to arrive at a higher-stakes writing assignment (MWAs).  These examples were created by Sofya Tarabrina and Elizabeth Barnett.
 
Just Mercy Sequence 1 provides a series of activities and assignments that culminate in an argumentative paper. This sequence includes an annotated bibliography assignment, an assignment on identifying counter arguments, and two activities related to viewing and reflecting on YouTube video clips of Just Mercy author Bryan Stevenson.
 
Just Mercy Sequence 2 has at its core a high stakes memoir writing assignment. In this sequence more focused on personal writing, students are asked to reflect on a time when they have experienced an injustice.
 
Just Mercy Sequence 3 is a sequence designed to conclude with students’ creation of a profile on an organization that serves either current or former prisoners or their families locally. It includes shorter writing assignments that include an interview component, as well as an assignment that calls for students to critically analyze their chosen organization’s website.
 
Just Mercy Sequence 4 culminates in a high stakes proposal, with an annotated bibliography and argument as the shorter, scaffolded writing assignments.
 
Each sample sequence includes sample class calendars, writing assignment prompts, and grading rubrics, as well as activities for class activities and discussions.