Intro to Composition

Course Details

Course Number: 1003  Section Number: 301

Summer I 2011

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 205

Days & Times:

M-R 8:00-10:00

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Emily McBroom   
view Profile »

Course Objectives

 

  • Write paragraphs and thesis-based essays that provide strong support and specific details
  • Engage in a writing process that includes invention, drafting, and revision
  • Demonstrate proficient use of Standard Written English

Additional information about course objectives can be found on the department webpage, http://libarts.mwsu.edu/english/.


Course Expectations

 

Assignment                                                                              % of Grade

4 In-Class Writings (150-word min. each)                                  40

3 Formal, Revised Essays (400-word min. each)                        30

Grammar Quizzes and Homework                                              30   

 

Writing assignments should require students to produce approximately 3500 words and count for at least 60% of the final grade: 30% in-class writings and 30% formal, revised essays.


Grading Standards

This class will not use the plus/minus grading system. In this class, the following numerical equivalents for grades are used: A = 100-90%; B = 89-80%; C = 79-70%; D = 69-60%; F = 59-0%. 


Submission Format Policy

 

All in-class work must be written on standard white lined paper in pen. All outside class work must be typed, printed, and submitted according to current MLA requirements.

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.


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

 

All assigned work will be due on dates assigned at the beginning of the class. I do not accept late work. Any assignment that you do not hand in on the due date will receive a zero—no exceptions. DO NOT make the mistake of missing an assignment.


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

 

In order to successfully complete this course, attendance is imperative. I will allow one absence consequence-free; however, after one, each subsequent absence will result a 2.5 point deduction from you final average.

 

Tardiness to class is disruptive and disrespectful to both the professor and your fellow classmates. I will count every two late arrivals as being equal to one absence and will deduct from your final average according to my absence policy. If you arrive any time after class begins, you will be considered tardy; however, if you are ten minutes late or more, you will be counted absent.


Other Policies

There will be no "misbehaving" in the classroom: Cell phones use is prohibited as well as talking and any other disruptive behavior. I will give one warning, but If the behavior persists after a warning, you may be asked to leave the class and receive an absence for that day.  Sleeping and chatting with your friends will not be tolerated during class. If this behavior persists after I have spoken to you about it, you will be asked to leave the classroom.  Any case of disruptive behavior can possibly result in a referral to the dean of students. Disruptive behavior effects the education of your colleagues who have paid to attend this class; they, and I, deserve respect and the prospect of a “mature” classroom environment.


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.