John M. Spartz, PhD

Current Courses

Below, please find a list of courses I currently teach, along with their descriptions. Also, feel free to click on the course names to visit the course websites and see what students have been doing this semester.

English 227: Elements of Linguistics

Offered through the English Department at Purdue University, this course is the introductory linguistics course for students typically pursuing degrees in English, English Education, Elementary Education, or a variety of others in the liberal arts; thus, the core curriculum is a synthesis of what is known about human language, its structure, its universality, and its diversity—with specific focus on language in its social setting, as well as language in relation to other aspects of human inquiry and knowledge. In my specific sections of the course, the objectives are two-fold: to help students discover the applicability of linguistics to their future careers and to heighten their sensitivity to and understanding and awareness of language and its function in society at large. The primary langauge of focus for this course is English. Finally, in line with my philosophy of education, students are asked to access course materials, comment on course questions and concepts, and engage one another in academic and productive conversations through the course website.

English 420: Business Writing

English 420 introduces advanced undergraduates from a variety of majors (e.g., management, agriculture, organizational leadership and supervision, and several others in the liberal arts) to the principles and practices necessary from successful and ethical business communication. Students are introduced to rhetorical principles indispensable for making choices that lead to the successful planning, research, and creation of numerous types of texts. Students draft employment documents, white papers, and complete a public document (service learning) project for a community or campus organization. All projects stress the quantity and quality of communication—both written and oral—expected in the professional world, as well as collaboration and audience awareness.

English 420E: Business Writing for Entrepreneurs

As an option course for the Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in association with the Burton D. Morgan Center in Discovery Park at Purdue University, English 420E endeavors to teach students the rhetorical principles and writing practices useful for launching and nurturing successful entrepreneurial ventures. The curriculum, which I was responsible for developing, is guided by the practices of business, industry, and society at large, as well as the needs of Purdue students; it emphasizes the importance of research, writing, and communication in entrepreneurship and innovation throughout an array of business, industry, and social contexts, focusing on the rhetorical practices necessary to shape business communication ethically, for multiple audiences, in a variety of professional and entrepreneurial situations.

Teaching Evaluations

Below, please find evaluations of my teaching as it relates to my current courses. Clicking on the course names, you will find quantitative evaluations from the Center for Academic Excellence at Purdue University. Also, I have included two letters from former students who wanted to give their "two-cents-worth" regarding my teaching.

English 227: Elements of Lingusitics

Student Letter 1

This Letter was written by David Windmiller, a student in my spring 2007 English 227 class. David is currently a junior in the school of science and is looking at medical schools following graduation.

English 420: Business Writing

Student Letter 2

This second letter was written by Kristina (Renee) Catt, a senior and December graduate of Purdue University. Renee who was an outstanding member of my spring 2007 English 420 class.

English 420E: Business Writing for Entrepreneurs

 

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