Composition Skills

Course Details

Course Number: 2113  Section Number: 117 and 105

Fall 2011

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 209 for 117 and DB 343 for 105

Days & Times:

section 105 meets TR 9:30-10:50 and section 117 meets MW 5:30-6:50

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Emily McBroom   
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Course Objectives

ENGL 2113, Composition Skills, is designed to build skill in clear and forceful composition and in standard usage.  Successful completion of this course, which fulfills MSU’s Writing Proficiency requirement, requires that students demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking and effective writing by  passing a final test in usage and writing a satisfactory final essay graded by the same standards as the Examination.

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. 

    Additional information about course objectives can be found on the department webpage, .

Course Expectations

Assignment                                                                              % of Grade

Essays:

  • 2 In-Class Essays                                                                     25%  
  • 2 Formal, Revised Essays                                                        25%
  • Quizzes                                                                                    25%         
  • Homework and participation                                                   15%  
  • Writing journal                                                                        10%

 

 

 


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  0-60. 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.  


Submission Format Policy

All documents will be submitted in MLA format



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

No late work will be accepted.


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

In order to successfully complete this course, attendance is imperative. MSU allows two absences for TR or MW classes. After two absences, each additional absence will result a 2.5 point deduction from you final average. Tardiness to class is disruptive and disrespectful to both the professor and your fellow classmates. I will count every two late arrivals as being equal to one absence and will deduct from your final average according to my absence policy. If you arrive any time after class begins, you will be considered tardy; furthermore, if you are ten minutes late or more, you will be counted absent.


Other Policies
  Cell phones and other such gadgets are not to be used during class time. Sleeping and chatting with your friends will not be tolerated during class. If this behavior persists after I have spoken to you about it, you will be asked to leave the classroom and can possibly result in a referral to the dean of students. Disruptive behavior effects the education of your colleagues who have paid to attend this class; they, and I, deserve respect and the prospect of a “mature” classroom environment.

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.