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WR 123: Written Reasoning in the Context of Research

Resources for all sections of Writing 123 College Composition III courses at the University of Oregon

About Writing 123: Written Reasoning in the Context of Research

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Engaging with Research

UO Libraries supports the course learning objectives for WR 123 by aligning them with Information Literacy learning outcomes. For questions, contact Nancy Cunningham.

 

 

Photo by Jordan Hile on Unsplash  

Course Description

WR 123 shares the aims of WR122, with the added requirement that students develop their arguments in response to independent research into the questions at issue that they are addressing in their argumentative essays. WR 123 is structured into two academic papers, each revised.  Each first version and revision comprises an essay cycle, and each essay cycle involves the integration of peer and teacher feedback.

WR 123 addresses the problems of controlling the structures and strategies of writing that makes appropriate use of information, arguments, and counter-arguments found in relevant sources. As such, its objectives parallel those of WR 122, which focuses on argumentative writing based on the logical development of an adequate thesis, generated in response to critical reading and discussion.

Course Materials

Course materials vary by instructor and course theme. Your readings will be listed on your syllabus and you may have to purchase some through the Duck Store. Please contact your WR 123 instructor with questions.

Research is a Process (Infographic)

Research is an iterative process, meaning it's repetitive but you learn as you move forward and make changes. It's more cyclical than straightforward or linear. Use the guide navigation to learn about each of the steps of the process, and don't be afraid to jump around between steps.

The "Research is a Process" infographic: Follow the "long description" infographic link for a web accessible description.

Long description of "Research is a process" infographic for web accessibility

Thanks to IUPUI University Library for allowing remix of this graphic under a Creative Commons license.

Learn about the Scholarly Conversation

Comic Strip: "When academics argue" showing two people sitting at an outdoor cafe each saying "Something I read..." over and over to each other

"When academics argue" by Wulff & Morgenthaler, Used for educational purposes only.

What is the Scholarly Conversation?

"Communities of scholars, researchers, or professionals engage in sustained discourse with new insights and discoveries occurring over time as a result of varied perspectives and interpretations. Research in scholarly and professional fields is a discursive practice in which ideas are formulated, debated, and weighed against one another over extended periods of time."

"Instead of seeking discrete answers to complex problems, experts understand that a given issue may be characterized by several competing perspectives as part of an ongoing conversation in which information users and creators come together and negotiate meaning." Depending on your discipline, this scholarly conversation usually occurs primarily in journals, although books also play a role.

As students, you are invited to enter into this scholarly conversation. Your research provides an entry point for you to engage with a community of scholars in your field. You do this by reading the works of others, building upon their ideas, attributing credit when necessary, and perhaps even publishing your own work.

Check out this tutorial from Fairfield University to learn more:

Other Useful Guides from UO Libraries