Composition Skills

Course Details

Course Number: 2113 Section Number: 102

Fall 2011

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 317

Days & Times:

TR 9:30-10:50

Course Attachments

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member

Susan Henson
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Course Objectives

ENGL 2113, Composition Skills, is designed to build skill in clear and forceful composition and in standard usage.

Course Objectives include

Critical thinking about a timely issue or debatable topic
Knowledge of the conventions of a thesis-based essay
Proficient use of Standard Written American English.

Course Expectations

Assignment % of Grade

8 quizzes 20

4 writing assignments 40

Final Grammar Exam 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

The grade requirement for passing this course is a minimum of 60 on the Final Grammar Exam and a minimum of 70 on the Final Essay Exam. Two points are added to your final grade average for effective participation and completion of homework.

Final Exam12/6/2011 8:00-10:00am

Submission Format Policy

You will be working through several revisions of writing assignments including prewriting or brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising. Save all of your writing in a portfolio to turn in at the end of the semester.

When using a word processor, use double-spacing and a size 12 font and include in the upper left-hand corner your name, section number, date, and name of the assignment. Additional pages must include your last name and page number in the upper right-hand corner. Some writing will be done in class and some in the Computer Writing Lab. You will be instructed how to name files and submit work electronically.

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

Late work will be accepted late only in exceptional cases. If a problem arises preventing you from submitting an assignment on time, contact me before the due date explaining the problem and requesting an extension. If you have not made these arrangements, the assignment grade will be reduced by a half grade per day (A becomes an A-; B- minus becomes a C+). The greatest incentive for submitting assignments on time, however, is that this class moves quickly. Late work inevitably leads to more problems down the line.

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 being prepared with the day’s assignments and participating in class discussions. Excessive absences (more than 3) will lower your grade. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, you must arrange for someone to submit the assignment for you or risk a late penalty (see section above).

Several in-class writings and weekly quizzes are required to complete this course. If you miss one of these sessions, you must contact me before the following class to arrange to make up the work during my office hours. Quizzes must be made up before the scores are returned (usually the following class period).

Other Policies

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. Please follow these guidelines:

Use your MSU email account so that you are identified by name in the email address
Use only the email provided in this syllabus: hensonmsu@gmail.com. I have reserved this gmail account for student use only so that I do not lose track of your messages.
Always include in the subject line the course and section number (Engl 2113 –102).

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.