English 1113: Rhetoric and Composition

Course Details

Course Number: 20914 Section Number: 280

Fall 2011

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: PY205

Days & Times:

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:50 p.m.

Course Attachments

Class Schedule Schedule-2011-20120403-152405.pdf

Textbooks

Writing With a Thesis ISBN: 978-1-4282-9001-3

Little Brown Brief ISBN: 978-0-205-75155-6

MSU Faculty Member

Christian McPhate
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Course Objectives

ENGL 1113 is the first half of the Rhetoric and Composition sequence of study that offers “training in skills involved in the writing process through the composition of short essays and the reading of prose selections,” as specified by the MSU Catalog (2008-10). ENGL 1113 presents students the opportunity to acquire skills in writing and critical thinking that are valuable in their major fields of study and careers. Some of the central skills that will be developed are critical curiosity, knowledge of function and structure of language, improved writing skills, and strengthening of creative thought and intellectual precision.

Course Expectations

ENGL 1113 is a writing class; the base for your final mark (70%) will be the average of your writing grades. In addition to the regularly assigned compositions, you will write three in-class essays, against the clock, as a way of preparing for essay exams in your major classes. The last of these will be written during finals week. An additional percentage of one’s final grade (25%) will be determined by quizzes. The final portion of your grade (5%) will be created by participation in class discussions and journal entries.

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 ENGL 1123 is required for graduation from Midwestern.

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%.

Final Exam5/7/2011

Submission Format Policy

You will need access to a good dictionary, standard white paper (8.5 x 11), and a computer, as well as a “USB <span class="scayt-misspell" data-scayt_word="stick." "="" data-scaytid="3">stick.” Given that society as steered away from hand-written correspondence, final drafts of written work must be typed.

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 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: 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

In the event that you must miss class, for whatever reason, you assume the responsibility for contacting the instructor for missed work and assignments that are due. If you are going to be absent, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor and obtain copies of any handouts. Tentative assignment due dates are listed on the course schedule. Late work will not be accepted unless you make arrangements with the instructor.

Due Dates: No late work will be accepted unless arrangements have been made with the instructor. If you miss work, it is your responsibility to find out what was missed and if you can make it up. Missing work will earn you a zero grade for that assignment. In addition, once quizzes have been returned, they cannot be made up.

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 your final grade one letter mark. Two late arrivals equal one cut. “Authorized Absences” (see Catalog) will not be counted in this total. Such absences DO NOT excuse you from turning required work on time. In addition, please understand that instructors may drop students from class for lack of appropriate participation (see Catalog).

Other Policies

Cheating and Plagiarism: By enrolling in this course, the student expressly grants MSU a “limited right” in all intellectual property created 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 authenticity and for educational purposes.

Plagiarism is a serious offense and break in trust. All written work will be turned in accompanied by drafts. So, be sure to save all drafts. If the student is found cheating or practicing plagiarism, he or she will be referred to the office of the Dean of Students.

Note: No work shall be based on secondary sources. If I suspect that secondary sources were used and not properly accredited, then you must come to my office and demonstrate your writing procedure. Note: The MSU “Academic Misconduct” policy is available in the Student Handbook.

Americans With Disabilities Act: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statue that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. If you require special arrangements in order to meet course requirements, you should contact the Office of Disability as soon as possible to make necessary accommodations.

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.