Bedford Handbook Reading Assignments

L. Hall

English Department

Angelina College

 

Notes on your Bedford Handbook

 

The Bedford Handbook is a resource, not a sequence of lessons.  Consider carefully the outlines inside the covers, the table of contents, and the index for the bits of knowledge you need for improving your writing as the term progresses.  Do not buy any CDs or electronic access codes sold by the publisher or anyone else; you won’t need them for this class.  This book will be a useful resource throughout college and in your career; I recommend you keep it on your desk along with your other professional resources.

 

The page references will vary if you are using an older edition:

 

1.   You have an absolute need to read about research writing, pp. 437-620.  Begin now, read a few pages a day, and you will be well-prepared.

2.   We will learn the MLA format; however, be aware that there are other formats for different academic, medical, and business disciplines.  Nursing, medicine, and psychology employ the APA format, which is covered in your book.  I am not going to teach it, but if you are majoring in one of those sciences you are welcome to submit your research paper in the APA format.

3.   Academic writing is a matter of formal discourse; pp. 85-140 will be very useful.