Rhetoric and Composition

Course Details

Course Number: 1113 Section Number: 107

Fall 2012

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 317

Days & Times:

MWF 11:00-11:50

Course Attachments

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member

Poney S. Thompson
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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

Additional information about course objectives can be found on the department webpage, http://libarts.mwsu.edu/english/.

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%.

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, Weekly Writing Assignments, and Participation = 20%

Submission Format Policy

All Formal Essays must be submitted typed in MLA format with stamped topics, pre-writing, rehearsal drills, and required drafts.

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.

Late Paper Policy

For each day (not class day or weekday, day) an essay is late, that essay’s grade will be lowered by one letter grade (ten points). Essays handed in on the due date, but after class, will lose five points. Missing work will receive a grade of zero.

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

Come to class! Regular attendance is expected. I will take roll at the beginning of every class. If you know you will have to miss a class, notify me in advance (have a good reason). If you miss more than nine (9) classes (without university approval), you will receive an F for the course.

Other Policies

Put away your cell phones during class. If you use a cell phone during a quiz or an exam, you will not receive credit for the assignment.

Come to class prepared. Make sure you have read any assigned readings (that’s why they are assigned).

Don’t be disruptive. A student behaving in a disruptive manner will be asked to leave the class and will be marked absent. Any student who is consistently disruptive will be reported to the Dean of Students and potentially dropped from the course.

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.