Composition Skills

Course Details

Course Number: 2113 Section Number: 203

Spring 2012

Location: Bea Wood Hall

Classroom Number: 210

Days & Times:

TR 9:30-10:50

Course Attachments

syllabus 2113syll_Spring2012-20120312-104216.doc

Textbooks

The Little Brown Workbook, 11th ed. Author: Gorre ISBN: 978-0-205-68582-0

MSU Faculty Member

Susan Henson
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Course Objectives

Write thesis-based essays that provide strong support and specific details
Engage in a writing process that includes invention, drafting, and revision
Demonstrate critical and creative thinking about a timely issue or debatable topic
Demonstrate proficient use of Standard Written English

Course Expectations

Assignment % of Grade

8 -10 quizzes 20

4 writing assignments 40

Final Grammar Test 20

Final Essay Exam 20

Grading Standards

This class will use the following grading system for essays:

A 90-100

B 80-89

C 70-79

D 60-69

F 0-59

Final Exam5/8/2012 8:00-10:00am

Submission Format Policy

Each writing assignment includes prewriting or brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising. For electronic submissions, name files carefully as instructed and save all of your writing in a portfolio. Follow MLA formatting, including these conventions:

· use double-spacing and a size 12 font

· include in the upper left-hand corner your name, course and section number, date, and both the name and version of the assignment (draft, revision)

· for additional pages, include your last name and page number in the upper right-hand corner.

Late papers are not accepted.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s thoughts, words, or ideas in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end of the borrowed material and a listing in "Works Cited")–whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not. Penalties for plagiarized papers, depending on the severity, range from a grade of 0 on the assignment to failing the course.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

No late papers are accepted.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance is required and includes arriving on time, being prepared with the day’s assignments, and participating in class discussions. Excessive absences (more than 3) will lower your grade. If you have more than 6 absences (the equivalent of 3 weeks of class), excused or not, you fail the class. In the unfortunate event that you accrue 7 or more absences before the last day to withdraw, you have the responsibility of withdrawing from the class. Please don’t feel you have to explain or justify any absences to me; I respect your privacy, but you must accept the consequences. Notify me in advance via email if you will not be able to make class. If you must miss class on a due date for an assignment, email it as an attachment or it will lose points.

Other Policies

Instructor Contact Information Email guidelines	You can expect me to be available as a resource from which to draw and to obtain feedback. I encourage you to schedule an appointment with me during my office hours to discuss your progress in the class. I am also very responsive to email questions as long as I know who the email is from and you have provided all information necessary for me to provide a complete answer. Therefore, please use your MSU email account so that you are identified by name in the email address and please follow these guidelines: Use only the email provided in this syllabus: hensonmsu@gmail.com. I have reserved this gmail account for student use only so that I can more efficiently track your messages. Always include in the subject line the course and section number (Engl 2113-203 or -204). What you cannot expect of me is to be available 24/7. While I do check my email and voicemail regularly, including weekends (if I am in town), I do not necessarily check them more than once a day or late in the evenings. Therefore, if you procrastinate on an assignment, you may not have the information you need to complete the assignment appropriately. Please plan your time accordingly to maximize the probability that you will receive a response in time for it to be useful.
Safe Zones Statement	The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being – regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor’s expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.
Students with Disabilities	Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The English Program at Midwestern State University complies with the ADA in making reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. If you have an established disability as defined in the ADA and would like to request accommodations, please see the instructor as soon as possible.
Additional Information	The Bea Wood and Moffett Library Writing Labs will open Monday, January 23 and will observe the following schedule through the last regular week of classes: · 9-4 Monday through Thursday in 224 Bea Wood · 6-9 Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday in Moffett Library Lounge · Information about the labs and how to prepare for a session can be found at the Writing Center website: www.mwsu.edu/writingcenter

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.