Outline

Overview

The persuasive power of the English language emerges from its richness and variation. This unit introduces students to rhetorical theory as a resource for the creative construction of meaning. Students will learn to discover topics, arrange ideas, and analyse the delivery of arguments across a variety of contexts. We examine print, visual media, political debates and engage in virtual exchanges with universities around the world.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	English and Writing
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Benjamin Miller, benjamin.miller@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Benjamin Miller, benjamin.miller@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kirk Dodd, kirk.dodd@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Daniel Dixon, daniel.dixon@sydney.edu.au
	Hamish Wood, hamish.wood@sydney.edu.au
	Kim Novick, kim.novick@sydney.edu.au
	Jiva Lamsal, jiva.lamsal@sydney.edu.au
	Anastasia Nicephore, anastasia.nicephore@sydney.edu.au
	Liqian Yang, liqian.yang@sydney.edu.au
	Boren Zhang, boren.zhang@sydney.edu.au
	Juan Wu, juan.wu1@sydney.edu.au
	Zeina Taleb, zeina.taleb@sydney.edu.au
	Sathsara Radaliyagoda, sathsara.radaliyagoda@sydney.edu.au
	Jessica Page, jessica.page@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Interactive oral	Interactive Oral Assessment You will discuss an essay you have written one-on-one with a marker/tutor.	20%	Multiple weeks Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:00	1000 words equivalent	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Early Feedback Task Short Writing Task 1 is an in-class writing assignment #earlyfeedbacktask	10%	Week 02 Due date: 15 Aug 2025 at 23:00	500 words equivalent	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Short Writing Task 2: Essay Proposal SWT2 requires you to write a biographical essay proposal.	10%	Week 04 Due date: 25 Aug 2025 at 23:00	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Short Writing Task 3: Rhetorical Analysis SWT3 presents a written draft of a rhetorical analysis for your essay.	10%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:00	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Short Writing Task 4: Narrative Bibliography SWT4 requires a narrative engagement with research supporting your essay.	10%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:00	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Final Essay The Final Essay presents a long argument supported by rhetorical analysis.	40%	Week 11 Due date: 20 Oct 2025 at 23:00	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

WRIT1001 uses cumulative assessment to work through the writing process for an academic essay. SWT1, our early feedback task, requires you to outline an issue. SWT2, SWT3, and SWT4 are all short tasks where we check-in on your progress via a proposal, draft analysis, and bibliography. The Final Essay is the culmination of your writing process. The final task - an 'interactive oral' - asks you to consider what you might do with your essay once it is completed. For eg, you might rework it, publish it, or talk about it online.

In all tasks, Generative AI is allowed provided that submitted work is substantially your own and you include an acknowledgement of the tools you used and how you used them. We will also support you in using GenAI tools to extend your learning in this unit. You can, of course, complete WRIT1001 without the use of GenAI tools - the choice is yours!

Assessment criteria

INTERPRETATION OF GRADES

Marking rubrics will be provided for each task and you will receive specific feedback on all assessments completed in WRIT1001. As a general rule, the following text describes the broad standards for work in each grade category:

85%+ (High Distinction)

a deep understanding of material; nuanced analysis of focal texts or issues;
indicates awareness of complexities and qualifications in argumentation;
demonstrates careful thought about an argument’s critical or historical context;
provides properly referenced evidence of wide-ranging scholarly reading.

The writing is characterized by creativity, clarity, and independent insight. A HD is distinguished from a D by an awareness of subtleties, nuances, and qualifications.

75-84% (Distinction)

an sophisticated understanding of material; analyses issues appositely;
presents a well-argued, coherent case;
careful thought about an argument’s critical or historical context;
provides referenced evidence of reading beyond what is strictly required for the task.

The writing is characterized by clarity and independent insight. A D is distinguished from a C by theoretical understanding and a range of intellectual enquiry.

65-74% (Credit)

evidence of independent reading and thinking about issues and their contexts;
clear understanding of relevant critical considerations and conceptual issues;
quotes and summarises to support analysis;
attempts a clear and referenced critical or theoretical argument.

A C is distinguished from a P by independent discussion, clarity of writing and an attempt at critical argument.

50-64% (Pass)

evidence of having read and thought about relevant texts or issues;
there may be errors, tangents, or a lack of clarity about the argument;
may present simplistic comment or unsubstantiated assertions;
may contain some referencing errors.

Below 50% (Fail)

Work may fail for any of the following reasons:

no evidence of having read course material or assessment instruction closely;
sloppy, inconsistent presentation; excessive generality in answering a question;
inappropriate expression; writing style that is difficult to understand; incoherent general structure; inadequate referencing.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Week 1: Welcome, Intro to rhetoric	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Week 1: Our journeys to Sydney	Independent study (1 hr)
Week 02	Week 2: Classical rhetoric	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 2: Rhetorical traditions	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 2: Welcome, what is rhetoric?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Week 3: Cultural rhetorics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 3 (bonus): AI, rhetoric, and learning	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 3: Proposing an essay topic	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 3: What is worth arguing about? (SWT2)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Week 4: Rhetorical analysis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 4 (bonus): Rhetorical appeals	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 4: Rhetorical canons	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 4: Proposing an essay - research questions and methods	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Week 5: Critical thinking	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 5 (bonus): Rhetorical fallacies	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 5: Practising rhetorical analysis	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 5: Interpreting arguments using rhetorical concepts (SWT3)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Week 6: Research and rhetoric	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 6 (bonus): AI, rhetoric, and research	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 6: Evaluating research/sources	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 6: Interpreting arguments using research	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Week 7: Politics of citation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 7: Narrative bibliographies	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 7: Writing a narrative bibliography (SWT 4)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Week 8: Essay outlines	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 8: Toulminian and Rogerian argumentation	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 8: Structuring an essay	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Week 9: Argument statements	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 9: Paragraph structures	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 9: Writing a thesis statement	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Week 10: Rhetorical style	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 10: Ethical writing	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 10: Style and sentences	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Week 11: What is an 'Interactive Oral' assessment?	Lecture (1 hr)
	Week 11: Rewriting for diverse audiences	Independent study (1 hr)
	Week 11: 'Interactive Oral' assessment practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Week 12: Interactive oral assessments (attend a 10min appointment in either week 12 or 13)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Week 13: Interactive oral assessments (attend a 10min appointment in either week 12 or 13)	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance/Participation: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to participate in 90% of their classes. If you participate in less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately two hours study and attendance for each credit point a unit accredits. Eg, for a 6cp unit, students should spend approximately 12 hours working on content and assignments for each day of tutorial activities. For this unit, the best preparation for each tutorial, in addition to completing lectures and online activities, is completing readings from the reading list.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed via Canvas.

You must complete a minimum of 12 readings during the semester. You will also need to refer to scholarly articles about rhetoric (from the reading list and your own independent research) to complete the assessments in this unit.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. communicate competently and confidently in writing across a range of modalities and contexts
LO2. demonstrate an increased awareness of how to produce effective arguments
LO3. understand more about essay conventions in academic contexts
LO4. construct written arguments appropriate for multicultural audiences
LO5. edit your own work and the work of others effectively and consistently.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The unit of study has been redesigned in 2025. Unit material and activities have been designed to balance traditional and contemporary approaches to rhetoric. Additional material on GenAI and writing has been included. The schedule has been adapted to provide more content early in the unit and less in later weeks.

Additional information

As a writing unit student, you will find excellent support via the Writing Studies Drop-in Service. You can book free, one-on-one sessions with a student writing mentor via the following site:

https://sydney.edu.au/students/arts-and-social-sciences-writing-support.html

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

WRIT1001: Writing and Rhetoric: Academic Essays

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links