Rhetoric and Composition I

Course Details

Course Number: 1113  Section Number: 115, 116

Fall 2011

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 343, 175

Days & Times:

115:TR  8:00-9:20 A in DB 343

116:TR  9:30-10:50 A in DB 175

Course Attachments

Class Schedule  schedblock1113Fall11-20120403-145756.pdf

Textbooks

L. B. Brief
Handbook
  ISBN: 978-0-205-75155-6

Reading Critically, Writing Well
"A Reader and Guide"
  ISBN: 978-0-312-67685-8
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Robert Johnson III   
view Profile »

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

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


Course Expectations

 

Assignments                                                                               

Minimum of 4 In-Class Essays (350-word min. each)

Minimum of 4 Formal, Revised Essays (750-word min. each).

 

Writing assignments should require students to produce approximately 5000 words of graded writing and count for at least 80% of the final grade.

 

Specific Requirements, Sections 115, 116

 

ENGL 1113 is a writing class; the base for the final mark (80%) will be the average of the writing grades.  Note: In addition to the regularly assigned compositions, members will write four in-class essays, against the clock, as a way of practicing to perform well on essay exams.  The last of these will be written during finals week.  An additional percentage of the final grade (15%) will be determined by quizzes.  Unless arrangements have been made, please do not ask to make up missed quizzes.  The final portion (5%) of the grade will be created by participation—see Log, due on the final class day.


Grading Standards

 

In this class, the following numerical equivalents for final grades are used: A = 100-90%; B = 89-80%; C = 79-70%; D = 69-60%; F = 59-0%.

IMPORTANT:  For first-year or transfer students entering Midwestern in the fall of 2011 or later, a grade of C of higher in ENGL 1113 is a prerequisite for enrolling in ENGL 1123, and a grade of C or higher in 1123 is required for graduation from Midwestern. 


Final Exam12/3/2011  10:30 A

Submission Format Policy

 

Final and intermediate drafts of written work completed out of class must be typed.   Each assignment will indicate precise formatting and composing requirements.  All typed essays will be submitted in MLA form.

By enrolling in this class, the student expressly grants MSU a “limited right” to all intellectual property created by the student for the purpose of this course.  The “limited right” shall include but shall not be limited to the right to reproduce the student’s work product in order to verify originality and authenticity, and for educational purposes.

Note: Without explicit written permission in advance , a student may not submit  for a grade in this class a paper that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another 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

Unless specific arrangements have been made, I cannot accept late work.


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

Regular class attendance will be expected.  Roll will be taken at every class.  After the first cut, each additional two can lower the final grade one letter mark.  Two late arrivals equal one cut.  A late arrival will be defined as an arrival after I have taken roll.  Students who arrive while I am taking roll, or after I take roll, must make sure I know they are present.  "Authorized Absences" (see Catalog) will not be counted in the cuts total.  Such absences, though, DO NOT excuse students from turning in required work on time.  Please be aware that instructors may drop students from class rolls for lack of appropriate participation (see Catalog).  Thus, students should keep track of attendance.  Any student asked twice in the same class to turn off electronic equipment (e.g., a cell phone) will be counted absent for that day.


Other Policies

Please see "Being Old-Fashioned" sheet discussed in class, first day.


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.