Composition Skills

Course Details

Course Number: 2113  Section Number: 103

Fall 2011

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 205

Days & Times:

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30-1:50

Course Attachments

Schedule  English 2113 Schedule Fall 2011 LB Wkbk TR-20120402-151647.rtf

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Becky Green   
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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

8 Grammar Quizzes (20% of final grade)

4 Writing Assignments (40% of final grade)

Final Grammar Test (20% of final grade)

Final Essay Exam (20% of final grade)

Those students who complete all homework during the semester receive 2 points added to their final grade.

 

Some homework assignments and practice exercises are at http://writingreview.pbworks.com/FrontPage.

 

The Grammar Final will be Thursday, December 2, 2010 during class.


Grading Standards

Your grades in this class are based on this scale: A = 100-90%; B = 89-80%; C = 79-70%; D = 69-60%; F = 59-0%.  In order to receive the grade average earned in class, students must earn at least a D/60 on the Grammar Final and a C/70 on the Writing Final.  Students who fail either of these finals earn a final grade of F and must repeat the course.


Final Exam12/9/2010  10:30-12:30

Submission Format Policy

All writing assignments must follow MLA format.  You can complete In-class assignments in pen or pencil.  You must type all out-of-class writing assignments.  Submit all writing assignments in a composition folder that contains both pockets and brads.



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

 

The policy for submitting late work is as follows:  Late homework is not accepted.  A missed quiz or in-class writing assignment may be taken before the quiz or essay is returned in class, which is usually the following class day.  Therefore, if you miss a quiz or writing on Tuesday, you must take the quiz or complete the writing assignment before class time on Thursday.  Work not completed in this time frame receives a grade of zero.  All make-up work will be done in my office (BW 233). 


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

 

Attendance in this class is profitable.  Students who come to class obtain necessary class work and homework to prepare for the eight quizzes and four writing assignments.  Those students who miss class excessively (defined by MSU as more than twice in a TR class) are unprepared, find earning passing grades difficult, and lose the opportunity to gain the 2 point bonus. 


Other Policies

 

All cell phones and other electronic devices must be silenced and put away during class.  You may not leave class to answer your phone, and you may not “text” during class. 

 

Practice courtesy.  When I am speaking to the class, do not walk in front of me; wait for my invitation.  When another student is speaking, listen.  When a thought comes to mind, don’t blurt out your words; instead, wait for me to recognize you so that all students may hear your thought.  Disruptive behavior is grounds for being asked to leave the room and being counted absent.  Continued disruption can result in my dropping you from the class with a grade of F.

Use the restroom, get a drink of water, and eat before coming to class.  Food is not allowed in the classroom.  Leave the room if you become ill.


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.