ENGL 1101 – English Composition I

Course Syllabus – Fall 2009

English 1101            CRN 86371   MWF   11:00-11:50 a.m.     G114

                                CRN 86378   MWF     2:00- 2:50 p.m.     T217

Instructor                 Dr. Benie Colvin

Office hours:            3:00-5:00 p.m. MW and 9:00-10:00 a.m. F

                                Other conference times available by appointment

Office:                      A/S-210N

Email:                       beniecolvin@clayton.edu

Webpage:                 http://a-s.clayton.edu/bcolvin/    

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

English 1101

Catalog Description:

            ENGL 1101 English Composition I (3-0-3) 3 semester credit hours. A composition course focusing on skills required for effective writing in a variety of contexts, with emphasis on exposition, analysis, and argumentation, and also including introductory use of a variety of research skills.  Prerequisites: Learning Support students who are required to take ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 must exit the requirement(s) before they can enroll in this course.  For all students, a grade of C or better (or K) is required in ENGL 1101 prior to enrollment in ENGL 1102.  Grades of D in ENGL 1101 will not count toward graduation in any degree program.   This course is part of the core curriculum (Area A) and will enhance students’ ability to think critically and communicate effectively.

Clayton State’s Emphasis:

At Clayton State, English 1101 is designed to increase students’ ability to construct academic written essays. The course offers instruction in writing processes, collaborative writing strategies, methods of organization, research skills, discourse conventions of Standard Written English, rhetorical strategies, computer-based writing, and the production of expository academic essays. Readings consider issues of contemporary and cultural concern. In addition, some sections are part of the freshman experience.  

Outcome 1: Writing Process

Students will understand and engage in writing as a process.

            Related Objectives:

• consider audience and conduct audience analysis
• use effective annotation of essays and note-taking strategies
• engage in brainstorming, outlining, and drafting strategies
• write multiple drafts
• revise, edit, and proofread drafts
• evaluate their writing processes

Outcome 2: Collaboration

Students will engage in the collaborative, social aspects of writing.

            Related Objectives

• effectively engage in group writing and projects
• respond constructively to peers’ papers
• critique their own and others’ work in written and oral formats
• seek and use feedback from instructors and writing tutors
• engage in writing-to-learn activities

Outcome 3: Purpose/Audience Awareness

Students will write clearly for a specified audience and purpose.

            Related Objectives

• read a variety of texts and analyze their rhetorical situations (i.e. context, audience, and aims)
• write papers with a clearly developed thesis and support designed to appeal to various audiences and contexts
• read for various purposes

Outcome 4: Rhetorical Strategies

Students will read and write a variety of nonfiction expository and argumentative genres.

            Related Objectives

• summarize, analyze, respond to, and evaluate print and digital texts
• compare and contrast various genres, including essays (academic and popular), literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, proposals, blogs, websites, and reports
• identify and use various methods of developing paragraphs
• identify and use various organizational strategies
• distinguish types of evidence used in essays (i.e. anecdotes, logical reasoning, studies, reports, statistics, interviews, academic or popular essays, etc.)
• recognize fact, opinion, inference, and bias in texts

Outcome 5: Discourse Conventions and Effective Style

Students will produce coherent, organized, effective, readable academic writing for a variety of rhetorical situations, both print and digital.

            Related Objectives

• understand the conventions of common academic writing (such as reading responses, blogs, listservs, message boards, academic arguments, rhetorical analyses, synthesis essays, and reviews)
• analyze discourse conventions in professional and civic contexts
• select evidence appropriate to the context to develop a claim and support
• organize papers effectively
• practice grammatical revision to produce readable, effective Standard Written English (SWE)

Outcome 6: Citation Formats

Students will learn basic citation formatting in academic writing.

            Related Objectives

• understand that different disciplines use different style manuals
• understand the difference between in-text quotations, block quotations, and proper formatting for each
• use MLA to format papers and cite information
• summarize, paraphrase, and quote sources accurately to support claims

Outcome 7: Writing Aids and Technologies

Students will effectively use writing aids, such as handbooks, dictionaries, online aids and resources, and tutors to research ideas and improve their writing.

            Related Objectives

• provide constructive feedback on others’ writing
• name and use one writing handbook and OWL
• name and use an authoritative online or print dictionary
• solicit constructive feedback from tutors in the Writers’ Studio
• use word processing software to effectively draft, revise, and edit papers
• use online databases to search for scholarly and popular articles
• use the Clayton State library resources to locate sources for papers

 “A man has perished and his body has become earth. All his relatives have crumbled to dust. It is writing that makes him remembered.”

Egyptian Scribe 2000 BC

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  THE FUN PART

Welcome to English 1101!  We are embarking on a 16-week journey together.  I may be the leader, but each of you is an important member of the crew.  We’ll be doing a lot of reading and writing this semester with a focus on analysis and criticism, writing styles that you will need to navigate your collegiate journey.  I want to be sure that you have all the tools you need to be successful both in this class and after you leave.  That’s my job. 

I love teaching writing, and I hope I can share my enthusiasm with each of you.  I want to unlock some of the mysteries of academic “college” writing and to help you see a place for writing and reading beyond this classroom. Reading is an integral part of this course, and good readers make good writers.  Both of these skills will broader your ability to think critically, make good decisions, and communicate them to others. Your job will be to join in this partnership, read the material, initiate and add to class discussion, and be willing to write and rewrite and edit so that your finished product represents your very best work.  I hope you’ll grow to think of writing and reading as your gift to yourself. 

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR THIS CLASS:  THE EQUIPMENT PART

Books:

Axelrod, Rise B., Charles R. Cooper, and Alison M. Warriner.  Reading Critically/Writing Well:  A Reader and Guide.  Boston:  Bedford/St. Martin's, 2009.  ISBN:  0-312-46382-0.

Blakesley, David and Jeffrey L. Hoogeveen.  Writing:  A Manual for the Digital Age.  Clayton State University ed.  Mason, OH:  Cengage Learning, 2009.

            ISBN-13:  978-1-4266-3317-1.

Supplies:

§  Four 2-pocket folders, blue/black pens, 5 different colors of highlighters, and 2 exam “blue” books. 

Other Required Materials/Expenses:

• Costs for printing and photocopying multiple copies of drafts of papers
• A CSU student email account that you check daily for changes, handouts, and announcements
• Daily, reliable access to Internet, my webpage, and possibly WebCT Vista

 Computer Requirement:  Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty- approved hardware and software requirements for the student’s academic program.  Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU’s Official Notebook Computer Policy please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skills Prerequisites:

• Ability to use the Windows operating system
• Ability to use Microsoft Word processing
• Ability to send and receive email using Outlook or Outlook Express
• Ability to attach and retrieve attached files via email
• Ability to use a web browser

In-class Use of Notebook Computers:  Notebook computers will be required as an integral part of our daily class activities throughout the semester.  Use your schedule as your guide for the days to bring your computer.  Days designated for “workshops” or “peer review” will always require the use of a computer in class.  Although some in-class writing may be handwritten, the final exam will require a notebook computer for all students. The scheduled library workshop will also require a computer.   In addition, computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor. 

THE RULES:  THE TOUGH PART

ATTENDANCE

University Policy:  Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting.  Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi.  Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses.  The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Course Policy:  This is a participatory class, and your attendance is most important. Class will begin promptly each day, and roll will be taken during the first few minutes. Tardy arrivals or early departures are disruptive and unacceptable.   Students who enter after the roll is taken or leave before class is over must sign the tardy sheet.  Three tardy entries will convert to one absence.  The Clayton State University attendance policy states that “Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting . . . . Students who have poor class attendance records often do poorly in our courses.” 

In accordance with this policy, I shall expect to see you in class.  Perfect attendance merits 1 extra point added to your final grade.  However, should you have an emergency or illness, I shall expect an email prior to the beginning of class on the day you are absent.  Students who fulfill this requirement may be permitted to make up class work missed.  Regardless of the reasons for absences, points for each absence will be deducted from the attendance percentage of your class work grade, and students with more than nine absences from a MWF class (20% of semester) may be subject to an institutional withdrawal.

Missed Work: Should you have an emergency or illness, I shall expect an email prior to the beginning of class on the day you are absent.  Students who fulfill this requirement may be permitted to make up class work missed unless it is an in-class writing, a timed essay, or an unannounced class activity or quiz.  Students who miss class will be responsible for the assigned work during the time they are absent and should be prepared for class on the day they return.  A complete schedule is posted on my web page with all homework assignments. Absence is not an excuse for late work or a late essay. The work or the essay is still due on the due date.  (See late option below.)   

ASSIGNMENT POLICIES

Essays:  Final papers, drafts for peer review, and all out-of-class writing should be typed on a word processor, double-spaced with standard margins and font, and follow MLA guidelines.  All assigned drafts, essays, and projects are due at the beginning of the class period on the scheduled due date.  You are allowed one late final essay submission.  It will be due without penalty by the beginning of the class period following the due date.  If your late essay is turned in after this grace period, I will deduct 10 points per day from the earned grade.  (The clock begins when class begins.)  Additional late essays will be penalized 10 points per day, beginning with the due date.  This extension does not apply to the final research project.  I do not accept emailed or faxed papers for any final submission. 

Turnitin:  Students are required to submit all assigned essays and projects to Turnitin.com., a plagiarism detection software leased by CSU for faculty use.  Students will have access to their Turnitin reports.  In an effort to protect the integrity of a student’s original work, all assigned class essays must be submitted to www.turnitin.com. before an essay grade can be given.  Credit for successful submission is factored into the class work portion of the student’s academic evaluation. Failure to submit on time will result in a loss of 10 points from the Turnitin percentage of the class work grade. Information on submission can be found on my website and instruction will be given in class prior to the deadline for the first essay.

Quizzes:  English 1101 is primarily a writing class.  Quizzes may be given at my discretion, but tests, including the final exam, will always be in essay format.

Extra Credit: In order to encourage participation in English related campus activities, I offer extra credit for attendance at the Visiting Writers’ Series and for CSU theater productions on campus.  Instructions for receiving this credit can be found on my website. This extra credit (2 points per activity) is added to the class work component of the student’s academic evaluation.  Students who sign up for and complete the MAPP (see below) will also have 2 points added to their class work grade. In addition, I offer extra credit for perfect attendance and for receiving an “A” on the final exam.  This extra credit (1 point each) is added to your final course grade.

EVALUATION

Rubric for Papers in First-Year Writing:

                               High Proficiency   Good Proficiency Adequate Proficiency   Non-proficiency

                                 (20-18 points)       (17-16)                  (15-14)                   (13-0)

Course Weight:           Essay 1                                                     10%

                                                Individual essay

                                                Collaborative revision

                                   Essay 2                                                     20%

                                   Research Project                                        20%

                                   Journal                                                       20%

     Class work, Quizzes, Attendance                 10%                           

     Final Exam                                                  20%                                                                   

 I use a standard ten-point scale for grading:     A   90-100      D   60-69

                                                                      B   80-89        F   below 60

                                                                                 C   70-79                                                                 

Grades reflect my best and fairest judgment of the overall quality of your work, taking into account how well it fulfills the assignment and its purpose; how focused and organized it is; how effectively it uses evidence; how effectively it communicates with its audience; to what extent it engages its reader’s imagination and understanding; how easily it can be read and comprehended (reading ease is affected by factors such as unity and coherence, grammatical correctness, and the physical appearance of the manuscript).  I’ll give you more specific guidelines for each assignment.  A more detailed explanation of my holistic grading can be found on my website.

Additional Requirement:  Students in this course are to take part in the University’s Measure of Academic Proficiency and Progress Test (MAPP) (an important component of the SACS reaffirmation document) in the Testing Center.  Information on the test arrangements is located at the web-site:

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/testingcenter/MAPP.htm   Students should choose from the list of dates and times on the web-site at the link above and call  (678) 466-4495 or go by the Testing Center to reserve a session—first come, first served.  Extra credit in this course will be given for your participation (See Extra credit section above).

Midterm Grades:  During the week of Oct 5-9, I will provide you with a midterm average based on your graded work to date. This will be the same grade I submit to DUCK.   According to the posted schedule for this class, this grade will reflect your scores on 1 essay and 4 journal entries or 20% of your semester requirements. The midterm grade will reflect the average of these two scores.  No class work grades or accrued extra credit points are included in the midterm assessment.  Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of “W.”  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, or withdraw on-line using the Swan by mid-term, which occurs on October 9. 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Class Schedule:  A complete copy of assignments and due dates can be found on my web page.  As the semester progresses, changes to the schedule may be necessary.  However, a current schedule will always be posted on my webpage, and I will announce any changes in class.                      

Class Work:  You must be prepared for the assignment and the discussion of the day.  This is a participatory class and your input is important.  The assignments will require more than one reading, so allow enough time to prepare for each class period.  A good rule of thumb for outside preparation is a minimum of two times the class time.  For a fifty-minute class, you should plan for between one and two hours of preparation for each class period and for a seventy-five-minute class, two to three hours.

 Email:  Check your CSU email each morning before class.  That is the most efficient way for me to communicate with you.  Please remember that you must use your CSU email account to communicate with any CSU instructor.  This protects your privacy and offers some protection against viruses/problems for both of us. 

Copies:  Always keep copies of all important work—including print copies of electronic files—until after you receive your final grade in the course.  As your instructor, I will retain your final exam, and may retain the originals or copies of your other papers, but the responsibility for document preservation (for grade appeals or other reasons) is yours.

Surveys or Testing:  From time to time, students in any educational institution may be asked to participate in surveys or testing whose primary purpose is to gather information relevant to measuring and increasing the quality of education.  If your class is selected for such surveying or testing, your participation is required. (See MAPP test information above.)

Regents’ Test:  Students who have not taken the Regents’ Test should sign up for testing during this semester.  Testing dates TBA. The Testing Center, located in the lower level of CSU’s Library, administers the Regents’ Test. Students are required to register for the Regents’ Test and to follow the Testing Center’s procedures for taking the test.  Information about Regents’ Test registration and testing for Fall Semester 2009 is at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/testingcenter/Regents.htm.

HELP FOR STUDENTS:

Accommodations:  Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255 phone at 678-466-5445 or via email at disabilityservices@clayton.edu.

Writers’ Studio (Room 224, Arts and Sciences, 678-466-4728 and Learning Support (First Floor of the Library Bldg):  I encourage students to seek additional personal instruction and tutoring at the Writing Studio, located in Room 224 Arts and Science Bldg., and Learning Support, housed on the first floor of the Library.  The staff of both the studio and the center can assist you with all stages of the writing process, from invention to organization to revising.  They will not, however, edit your papers or correct all your grammatical mistakes.  If you seek help with a specific grammatical quandary or troublesome stylistic tendency, they can show you strategies for overcoming these problems.  The service is free; you may drop-in and wait for a tutor or sign up for a regular appointment.  Remember, however, that you, not your tutor, are ultimately responsible for the quality and content of the papers you submit.

 CLAYTON STATE POLICIES:

 Handbook Policy:  Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

Disruption of the Learning Environment:  Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF. A more detailed description of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at

http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm.

Classroom Conduct:  All students at Clayton State are expected to behave in accordance with the regulations in the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities, found in the university’s online Academic Catalog, and the Student Code of Conduct. The links,

http://a-s.clayton.edu/BasicUndergraduateStudentResponsibilites.htm, and http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentaffairs/StudentHandbook/Academic Guide.DOC make it easy for you to familiarize yourself with your responsibilities and abide by the regulations. 

Classroom Policies:  In this class certain behaviors are particularly distracting and, therefore, are totally unacceptable. Please follow the following behavioral guides.  This is your only warning.  While you are in my classroom, I expect your full attention.  Distractive talking/activity when someone else has the floor is unacceptable.  In the classroom community, it is imperative that students respect the opinions and ideas of other students and that the class environment be conducive to open discussion and writing/reading exploration.  Writing is hard work.  Be respectful of your fellow students.  Computer screens must be down during any discussion period or during a lecture or presentation.  Cell phones and pagers must be silenced or on vibrate.  Students may not text, Twitter, make, or receive calls during class.  Food is not permitted in the classroom, but closed drink containers are permitted (until we have a spill).  Then drinks will be limited to bottled water only.  Visitors, especially children, regardless of their age or good behavior, are not permitted to come to class with you.  This is a strict department policy.

Academic Misconduct:  All students will follow the “Student code of Conduct” section of the online Student Handbook, available at

http://a-s.clayton.edu/langlit/L&L%20Plagiarism%20Policy.htm.  Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct.  The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial affairs.  Judicial procedures are described at  http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial.  

 Plagiarism:  It is the responsibility of each student to do his or her own work.  Although peer evaluation and feedback are encouraged for good writing, shared or recycled work is not permitted.  Both the student who shares and the student who receives are equally responsible and will be equally penalized.  The paper in question will receive a zero. Students will receive instruction on recognizing plagiarism and will be fully informed about the school’s firm plagiarism policy.  Students will also be required to sign a plagiarism contract.

In an effort to protect the integrity of a student’s original work, all assigned class essays must be submitted to www.turnitin.com.  before an essay grade can be given.  Failure to submit on time will result in a loss of 10 points from the Turnitin percentage of the class work grade.  (See additional information about Turnitin above.)   

Important Dates for Fall 2009:

August 17                 First Day of Class

September 7             Labor Day

October 9                 Last Day to Withdraw Without Penalty

November 25-29       Thanksgiving

December 7-11         Final Exams