TR 11:00-12:20
In this section of English 1113 we will read a divers array of texts exploring the relationships between humankind and “Nature,” as well as the numerous relationships between readers and writers. Using environmental writing (personal, fictional, descriptive, scientific, historical) as a catalyst for improving our own critical reading and writing skills, we will also explore how language affects the construction and shaping of our concepts of place, identity, ideology, culture, and the environment. By the end of your first semester at MSU you will have a more sophisticated understanding of the complex web of social, personal, and rhetorical processes that make up written discourse.
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.
Additional information about course objectives can be found on the department webpage, http://libarts.mwsu.edu/english/.
You will write frequently in 1113, both in and out of the classroom. In-class writings will include quizzes and various other responses to prompts on topics relevant to that day’s readings or things recently covered. These writing activities will be graded on a plus/check/minus scale: a plus for doing a thorough job (100%), a check for completing the work in an acceptable fashion (70%), and a minus for not completing the work or for obvious lack of effort (0%). Some assignments, depending on length and difficulty, will count for more than one daily grade. You cannot make up in-class writing or homework. This portion of your course work can easily make or break your overall grade, so be sure to keep up with the daily work.
To succeed on your daily writing you must show that you’ve closely read, have at least a cursory understanding of the material, and address, to the best of your ability, the writing prompts. I do not expect you to remember exact quotations, but examples from the work always help get the point across. It is also good to try to tie in any relevant terminology or critical concepts from class discussions. In-class writing assignments are generally given at the beginning of class. Keep up with the readings, take good class notes, review them before the next class period, and you will do fine.
In-class Writing / Homework / Participation 15%
In-class Response Essay on A Sand County Almanac 5%
In-class Response Essay on Unit 5 essays 5%
Assignment 1: Personal Essay 10%
Assignment 2: Rainy Mountain Project 10%
Assignment 3: Homeland Cause and Effect Essay 15%
Assignment 4: Literary Analysis Paper 20%
Final Exam 10%
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 quotation, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not. I have a zero tolerance for any type of plagiarism. All incidents of plagiarism will be penalized (the paper will receive an automatic F), reported, and kept on file. The second incident of plagiarism in class by the same student will result in the student receiving an F for the course.
All out-of-class assignments must be typed in Times New Roman 12-point black font with one inch margins using MLA format.
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.
Unless arrangements are made in advance for extenuating circumstances, you will automatically lose a letter grade for each day a paper is late, including weekends. A paper that is more than a week late will automatically receive an F, regardless of the quality of work. You will not be able to make up daily work and there is no extra credit.
Because this is a writing and discussion course and the work we do in class is designed to help you understand the reading and improve your writing skills, you must attend class to do well. Although I do not take daily role, your in-class writing and participation grades should ensure your attendance and preparedness. By not attending regularly you will not understand the critical terminology and concepts necessary to successfully complete the daily writing assignments and larger papers. You are in college; come to class.
Cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devises must be turned off during class. If a student is caught using an electronic device during a quiz or test they will receive a zero on it. Other disruptive behavior, including coming in late on a regular basis, chatting with classmates during class discussion or tests, sleeping, or any other behavior not conducive to a mature learning environment, will first receive a warning; if the behavior continues, an instructor drop will be initiated.
Use staples, not paper clips, binder clips, or dog ears.
Assignments will not be accepted by email or on disk (although I will happily look at email drafts).
If you can't make it to class on the day a major assignment it due, email me in advance and hand it in either during my office hours or into the main English office (216 Bea Wood Hall) by 5:00 the day the paper is due to avoid losing a letter grade for a late paper.