Composition Skills

Course Details

Course Number: 2113 Section Number: 401

Summer II 2011

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 201

Days & Times:

Monday through Thursday, 8:00-10:00 am (except for Week 1--July 5-8: Tuesday-Friday)

Course Attachments

Schedule English 2113 Schedule MTWR Summer II 2011-20120402-151243.rtf

Textbooks

The Little, Brown Handbook, 11th edition
Each student needs a three-ring binder to hold this workbook which is plastic wrapped.
ISBN: 10:0-205-68582-X

MSU Faculty Member

Becky Green
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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 proficient use of Standard Written English

Course Expectations

8 Grammar Quizzes (20% of final grade)

4 Writing Assignments (40% of final grade)

Final Grammar Test (20% of final grade)

Final Essay Exam (20% of final grade)

A student who attends class and completes homework during the semester receives 2 points added to his or her grade for the course.

Each student needs, in addition to the textbook, notebook paper, pens/pencils, a highlighter, a non-electronic dictionary, an email account containing his or her first and last name, a bluebook for the writing final, and a composition folder with brads and pockets.

Some homework assignments and practice exercises are at chompchomp.com.

The Grammar Final will be Wednesday, August 2, 2011 during class.

Grading Standards

A = 100-90%; B = 89-80%; C = 79-70%; D = 69-60%; F = 59-0%. In order to receive the grade average earned in class, a student must earn at least a D/60 on the Grammar Final and a C/70 on the Writing Final. A student who fails the Writing Final but has earned a course grade average of 60 or above may retake this final. A student who has an overall average below 60 does not retake the writing final, receives a grade of F, and must retake the course.

Final Exam8/2/2011 10:30-12:30

Submission Format Policy

All writing assignments must follow MLA format. Each student will complete In-class assignments in pen or pencil. All out-of-class writing assignments must be typed. Each student will submit all writing assignments in his or her own composition folder.

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

The policy for submitting late work is as follows: Late homework is not accepted. A missed quiz or in-class writing assignment may be taken before the quiz or essay is returned, which is usually the following class day. Therefore, if a student misses a quiz or writing assignment on Tuesday, he or she must take the quiz or complete the writing assignment at 7:30 am on Wednesday. Work not completed in this time frame receives a grade of zero. All make-up work will be done in my office (BW 233).

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 in this class is profitable. Each student who comes to class obtains necessary class work and homework to prepare for the eight quizzes and four writing assignments. A student who misses class is unprepared, finds earning passing grades difficult, and loses the opportunity to gain the 2 point bonus.

Other Policies

All cell phones and other electronic devices must be silenced and put away during class.

Each student should practice courtesy. When I am speaking to the class, a student should not walk in front of me; he or she should wait for my invitation. When another student is speaking, others should listen. When a thought comes to mind, a student should wait to be recognized so that all students may hear his or her thought. Disruptive behavior is grounds for being asked to leave the room and being counted absent. Continued disruption can result in being dropped from the class with a grade of F.

A student does not need permission to leave the room if necessary; however, he or she should wait until I or another student is not speaking. I will be giving a ten minute break during each class, excluding final exam days.

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.