Rhetoric and Composition

Course Details

Course Number: ENG 1113 Section Number: 101

Fall 2011

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 205

Days & Times:

MWF

8-850 AM

Course Attachments

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member

Vickie West Starr
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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

4 In-class Essays (including final) (10% each) 40%

4 Formal, Revised Essays (10% each) 40%

Free-writing Journal 5%

Class Participation and Preparedness 5%

Class writing 5%

Quizzes 5%

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%.

IMPORTANT: For freshmen or transfer students entering Midwestern in the fall of 2011 or later, a grade of C or 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 Exam12/7/2011 8-10 AM

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

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

Late work will not be accepted. If you are absent on an assignment due date, then the assignment must be e-mailed to me (vickie.starr@mwsu.edu) prior to the beginning of the class period. Students are welcome to turn in their work early if they know that they are going to miss a class.

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

Policy Regular attendance is both encouraged and expected. Roll will be taken at the beginning of every class. If you miss or have more than 9 absences, excused or not, you will fail the class. Please note, however, this is not an invitation to miss class.

Because of the leniency of the absentee policy, tardys and leaving class early will be counted as an absence. Any student who arrives after roll has been taken will be marked as absent, and any student that leaves before class dismissal will be counted as absent for that day.

Please note that being absent does not excuse you from turning in required work on time.

Students should contact the instructor as soon as possible if there are extenuating circumstances.

Other Policies

CELL PHONES will be turned off and out of sight during all class time. If your phone rings during class or the instructor spots or suspects cell phone use during class, then you will be asked to leave class and counted as absent for the day.

This policy also applies to any electronic device that is not medically necessary, or deemed necessary for the student to learn or participate in class.

The English Department number should be given out as an emergency contact number for you during class time.

Please Note: Use of any electronic device during any graded effort will be awarded a zero.

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.