Attendance counts as about
one tenth of your semester grade. The grade is figured as follows:
A = 0-1 classes
missed B = 2-4 C = 5-7 D = 8-9 F
= 10+
Essays: The standard length for an ENGL 1101 essay is 1.5 - 2.5 pages, typed and double-spaced. There will be at least five of these, cumulatively worth nearly one half of your total grade. Ratings are assigned in line with the CCSU Writing Criteria as follows:
A = 41 points or higher with no score under 5
B = 37-40 points with no
score under 5
C = 32-36 points with no
score under 4
D = 28-31 points and/or
only one score as low as 3
F = under 28 points; two
or more scores of 3; or any score of 2 or 1
The Research-Based Argument: This essay is 3.5-5 pages in length and offers students the opportunity to synthesize research to bolster an argument on a topic of their choice. It is graded according to the same rating scale as above, but it is double-weighted due to its length.
Other major grades for the semester include assignments at several phases in the research process, an annotated bibliography for the research project, a mid-term grammar test, the final exam, and any other assignments as designated.
All grades are expressed as ABCs. At the end of the semester, these are converted to grade point averages, added up, and then divided by the total number of assignments (including attendance) for the semester. In order to provide a competitive edge, "plus" grades are converted at half a point higher. The conversion is as follows:
A = 4.0
B+ = 3.5
B = 3.0
C+ = 2.5
C = 2.0
D = 1.5
D+ = 1.0
F = .5
not submitted = 0
Students are also aware of a departmental policy that states that students must pass with a C or higher at least one of two in-class writings: the practice Regents test and the final exam. Failure to do so automatically results in a grade of D for the semester and an obligation to repeat ENGL 1101. See the departmental syllabus for exact wording.
İFlo Walsh, 2008