MWF 10:00-10:50
Additional information about course objectives can be found on the department webpage, http://libarts.mwsu.edu/english/.
Assignments % of Grade
4 In-Class Essays (350-word min. each)
5%(ICE 1) + 10%(ICE 2) + 10%(ICE 3) + 15%(ICE 4) = 40%
4 Formal, Revised Essays (750-word min. each)
5%(FE 1) +10%(FE 2) + 10%(FE 3) + 15%(FE 4) = 40%
Quizzes and Participation
10%(Qs) + 10 %(Participation) = 20%
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%. Grades on individual assignments will be calculated using the following pattern: A+ = 99%; A = 96%; A- =93%; etc.
IMPORTANT! (New student as of this semester—NOT for repeating students):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.
All Formal Essays must be submitted typed in MLA format with stamped topics, pre-writing, rehearsal drills, and required drafts in a folder containing all previous Formal Essay assignments. 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: 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.
Plagiarism
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 quotation, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not. Plagiarism is a serious offense and a betrayal of trust. Drafts will accompany all Formal Essays, so students should save all drafts. If after a conference and informal investigation, students are found to have committed plagiarism, they will be referred to the Dean of Students, as outlined by the “Academic Misconduct” policy in the Student Handbook.
No late work will be accepted unless arrangements have been made with the instructor. In the event of “Authorized Absences,” arrangements should be made to turn in work early. If work is missed, students should meet with the instructor to determine what can be made up. Missing work will receive a grade of zero.
Regular class attendance is expected. Roll will be taken at every class. Students may miss a week’s classes without repercussion; however, after the first three absences, students will have three points deducted from their final averages for each unexcused absence. After one late arrival (a freebie), three late arrivals will count as one unexcused absence. “Authorized Absences,” as defined by the MSU Catalog, will not be counted as unexcused. Students may be dropped from class for excessive absences.
For definition, arrival after the instructor has begun the lecture constitutes a late arrival.
This University is part of the academic community in which certain standards of behavior are upheld. In addition, a university education is expensive and part of the responsibility of the instructor is to ensure that each student has an equal opportunity to receive that education. Thus, certain guidelines will be observed during class:
No electronic devices should be turned on or visible during class. Any student seen with such a device out during class will be asked to put it away. Any student who must be asked twice to put the device away or any student whose device has gone off twice during class will be asked to leave and be marked absent. If the instructor sees any device in use during a quiz or exam, the student’s paper will be picked up and receive zero credit. A student may also have a cell phone on vibrate in an emergency situation, but the instructor must be informed before class, and the student must sit so he or she is able to leave class with minimal disruption.
In addition, in accordance with university policy, students are not permitted to eat or drink during class.
Students are expected to come to class prepared. Students must ensure that they have read the assigned reading, as per the schedule. Each assignment is due on the date it appears on the syllabus, unless otherwise noted.
Any student behaving in a disruptive manner will be asked once to stop the behavior. If the disruption continues, the student will be asked to leave and marked absent for the class. If a student is consistently disruptive in class, he or she will be reported to the Dean of Students and potentially dropped from the course.
Safe Zone
The instructor 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. Disrespect in any fashion will not be tolerated; it is the professor’s expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.
Writing Center
Students are encouraged to begin drafting papers as early as possible and to take advantage of the MSU Writing Labs located in 224 Bea Wood and the Moffett Library lounge on the first floor. Writing tutors will not edit your papers for you, but they will provide you with specific suggestions for improving your writing. The Writing lab hours are 9-4 Monday-Thursday in BW 224 and 6-9 in the Moffett Library Lounge 6-9 on Tues, Thurs, and Sun evenings.